It was all go for Castlerahan in 2009. Busy, busy, busy from January through to December, with some stunning performances, remarkable achievements and landmark celebrations along the way. The dream of winning the county SFC didn't quite materialise, but there was plenty in the three rousing Group Two performances to suggest that Castlerahan are genuine contenders.
Some form of consolation was gained with the junior 'B' championship success, while the club's star player Ronan Flanagan had the honour of captaining the Cavan senior football team (as he does again this year). The 1959 team was remembered; the Association's 125 celebrations were marked in style; and all in all the Gaels of Castlerahan did themselves proud throughout the calendar year gone by.
Reflecting on the events of '09, club secretary Raymond Smith points out that one of the first high points was the early-season all county football league defeat of local neighbours Crosserlough (0-12 to 1-5) - the first time in over 50 years that Castlerahan had put one over on their arch rivals and a true moment to savour for all around Fay Park.
Another high point of the year was the appointment of former Meath manager Eamonn Barry to lead the Castlerahan lads into battle throughout 2009. This was a significant move from the club; a real statement of intent.
In Division One of the league, Castlerahan played 13 games, winning eight and unfortunately losing four times. This was enough to ensure involvement in the business end of the competition and they were still in contention to win the league at the time of writing (early January) as the competition descended into near farce amid fears that it might not be completed at all.
The selection of Ronan Flanagan as Cavan senior football captain was a proud moment for Castlerahan GAA club and the player brought further distinction to the club when he featured on the Ulster squad that won the Interprovincial Series. Alongside Flanagan, Cian Mackey and Sean Brady also represented Castlerahan with merit at senior intercounty level in '09. Ronan's younger brother Fergal Flanagan was on the Cavan team that played Antrim in the Ulster MFC, while Cian McEnroe was part of the county U16 Development Squad.
The 2009 SFC was a tale of contrasting fortunes as Castlerahan started purposefully only to see their challenge unravel in the most unexpected, unpredictable way. In the group stage, they laid down a few markers with three superb wins to emerge from their section with a 100% record. They got off to a flying start with a thumping win over another one of their local rivals, beating Ramor United by eleven points, 1-16 to 0-8.
Castlerahan proceeded to play some excellent football against both Gowna (1-14 to 0-10) and Cuchulainns (3-19 to 1-10) to progress into the Last Eight as real contenders. Unfortunately, they made an inglorious exit when surprisingly misfiring to lose to Denn by 1-7 to 0-8 in a poor quarter-final match at Breffni Park. That performance and result was undoubtedly the low point of Castlerahan's season and it is a desire to set the record straight that will put fire in the players' bellies in 2010.
The Castlerahan team that lined out against Denn at the quarter-final stage of the 2009 Cavan SFC was: Charlie Clerkin; Eugene Hill, Barry Cusack, Pauric Cunningham; Dane Smith, Sean Brady (0-1), Ronan Flanagan; John Clarke, Fiachra Cork (0-2); Daniel Lynch, Paul Brady, Cian Mackey; Enda Mulvey (0-1), Caolan McBreen, Oisin O'Connell.
Thus, it was at junior level that the absolute highlight of the year materialised thanks to a wonderful 2-14 to 0-5 victory over Belturbet in the junior 'B' football championship final. This success was achieved by an impressive young side playing a fantastic brand of football, which surely augurs well for the club's future as some of that talent emerges through the ranks to stake claims for places on the first team.
At U21 level, Castlerahan were somewhat unfortunate in that, with a small squad at their disposal to begin with, they had to field without two key players and therefore suffered a 3-4 to 2-4 first-round defeat to a strong Lacken/Ballymachugh amalgamation.
The club's minors raised plenty of eyebrows during the year, exceeding all expectations with a much-better-than-expected showing. In the minor league, they strung together some great results to qualify for the final. In the MFC, the team continued to grow in belief, marching on to the semi-final stage, only to lose out to Knockbride, who went on to play Ramor in the decider.
Meanwhile, the U16s advanced to a championship final only to lose out to a strong Cavan Gaels side on the day. Still, they had acquitted themselves superbly, considering that the core of this side came from the 2008 minor championship-winning team.
Another high point of the year in and around the clubhouse was the commemoration of the 1959 Cavan junior football championship winning team. That championship was won by an amalgamation of Castlerahan and Ballyjamesduff, who subsequently came together the following year, in 1960, to play under the Castlerahan banner. Thus, 2010 is a key year for the current club as they will celebrate their 50th anniversary. What better way to mark this key date in their history than by scooping the Cavan SFC!
Two-thousand-and-nine also saw clubs throughout the country hold a special day to acknowledge the GAA's 125th anniversary. Castlerahan were no exception and on La na gClub they got together to host a number of novel events on Sunday May 10.
The club also ran a highly-successful draw throughout the year, raising funds that exceeded expectation given the current economic climate. These monies will be used to upgrade the match day and training facilities at Fay Park.
All things considered, Castlerahan made steady progress on many fronts in 2009. The goal for 2010 is clear. The club's secretary concludes: "We want to win a senior football championship. It's as simple as that. That's what we're building towards. At the very least, we intend to get to a county final." Tweet

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