With players of the caliber of Peter and Larry Reilly, Raphael Rodgers, Ronan Keaskin and John Tierney aligned with some very experienced players; it is not beyond reason to think that they would post a serious challenge for the Cavan Intermediate championship title. Over the previous number of seasons, Knockbride had played their championship football in the top flight and always proved to be tough advisories for any team.
However the ambitions of the East Cavan club of winning this title took a fatal blow at the quarter final stages where they exited from the competition at the hands of neighbours, Cootehill. This defeat was a bitter disappointment as their opponents on the day, Cootehill, had already been put to the sword in the group stages earlier in the competition. Indeed, Knockbride had topped their three man group but that old bear bug that seems to inflict so many teams, 'a down day', was to inexplicably see their quest for championship honours fade out. Their league campaign also fell short of expectations as they tantalizingly saw their hopes of making it into the top four slip away in the final few games. With just three games remaining and on 14 points it would take victory in all the remaining games and results to go in their favour to force them into a play-off position for promotion. It was not to be so the club will now look to the incoming season to regroup and make a fresh challenge for promotion prospects.
However, while the senior club may look at their season as short on progress the same cannot be said for the exploits of their underage section. Indeed, their aspiring stalwarts set the club apart from others in their division with some excellent performances in all age groups. A minor league title in Division 3, a final place in the minor league Division 2, and a U16 Division 3 shield final can all only offer hope for the future of the east Cavan club.
With a number of the more experienced senior players now heading into the twilight of their careers, the urgency of developing players from their winning minor team has now become paramount.
The senior team management of Hugo O'Reilly and selectors Michael Sheanon and Tom Traynor proved to be combination of strength and inspiration to the club. Their dedication and commitment was matched by the efforts of all the players and while they did not secure any silverware they did however foster a bond of unity and determination to succeed. With some very talented minors now coming on stream the team management can now look to the future with hope. This new talent at their disposal and the experiences of the 'older' players could prove to be a combination that will be hard to overcome.
Knockbride's second team who played their football in Division 4 found themselves at season's end taking the dreaded drop to Division 5 having just registered six points in eleven games. It was a bitter pill for the club's second team who had blazed a trail of glory in 2008 gaining promotion from Division 5 to 4. The extra step up proved to be a step too far for a gallant and valiant second team who try as they did never really got up to the pace of the game in a higher Division. No doubt they will once again be a force in Division 5 and if they can secure promotion next season will be better equipped to handle the pressures. Championship fortune was just as abysmal as their league run. Drumalee provided the opposition and proved to be that bit too strong. An early exit from this competition did little to help revitalise a struggling league run.

Underage provides
excitement and hope
While members of Knockbride may have felt that their senior aspirations did not fulfill expectations, the same could not be said about their underage teams. Definite signs of progress could be seen as their U-13, U-16 and minor teams all gracing final days of their respective competitions.
Club PRO John Clarke said that the work being put in by all at the club at this level, especially by John Joe Rodgers, Michael Donohoe, Philip Smith, Raphael Rodgers at U14 level and Terence McCabe, Michael Sheanon, Jimmy Maguire and Larry Reilly at U16 and minor level deserved the results that they got. It is a section of the club that is particularly vibrant and one which is excellently run. All of the above mentioned are ably assisted by a hard working secretary in Karen Nulty. The ground work put in by Gerry Sheanon at U10 and 8 levels has proved to be invaluable in helping to foster the skills and determination to bring these young players onto the next level.
The club's minor team proved to be an inspirational side throughout the season. A classy display from a committed team proved too much for title rivals, Killinkere as they overwhelmed their opponents 3-14 to 1-9 in the Division Three league final. In a devastating forward division led by Niall McCabe and Adam Traynor, Knockbride were to provide a constant threat to the Killinkere defence throughout the entire game.
Club PRO John Clarke was high in his praise of this young side. "On the night they provided an excellent team performance and produced a classy display of controlled attacking football. Knockbride showed their intent right from the start with a determination that left the opposition in no doubt that they were intent in securing this league crown. Powered on by a collective drive Knockbride had jumped into a 1-9 to 0-5 lead by the interval. Their commanding first half performance saw them end the half with a seven point lead 1-9 to 0-5. This lead aligned to Knockbride's superiority left Killinkere with a mountain to climb in the second half. In fairness to Killinkere they did try to make a fight of it but a goal for Knocbride in the twenty fourth minute sealed this final as contest. The relentless power driven Knockbride side took complete control and ran out comfortable winners in the end," stated the club's PRO.
Knockbride: Darren McCabe, Sean Rodgers, Gary Kiernan, Enda Nulty, Nigel Farrelly, Kevin Traynor, Brian O'Reilly, Liam McCabe, Patrick Carolan, Larry Maguire, Hugo O'Reilly, David Clarke, Nial McCabe, Adam Traynor, Raymond O'Brien.
By virtue of their Division 3 minor league final victory, the club found themselves competing in a division higher when they began their championship campaign. Undaunted by their inclusion in Division 2 the 'young guns' of Knockbride acquitted themselves with distinction. Their progress in this competition culminated in a tilt for honours when they took on Lavey in the final. In an exciting and tense game, Lavey just had that little bit more experience at this level and edged out the challenge of the East Cavan club. It was a tremendous achievement for Knockbride lads, who showed that they could indeed compete with the best in Division 2. All in all it was a pretty successful year for the minor side and augurs well for the future of the club with players of this caliber about to come on stream.
While the minor team were etching out their own piece of club history, their junior counterparts at U16 were also proving ably adapt at winning as they made their way to the final of the Division 3 Shield final. In an exciting final, Ballinagh proved to be that bit too strong on the day. No doubt, these young players will have gained experience from having played in a final which should be of great benefit to them as they progress into minor football.
Club PRO John Clarke points out that a great deal of time and effort is devoted to the club by all those involved. "We have a small pick and I feel we have over the years provided some real talent to the football arena of Cavan. Our small club has in its own way contributed, I feel, richly to the tapestry of Cavan GAA folklore. The players involved at all levels have been tremendous with their commitment and time. This has been matched by the officials and coaches who put in so much time and have displayed a level of dedication that I feel is unmatched. We have also been blessed with great support from the entire parish in our efforts at development and redevelopment at our headquarters.
"The amount of voluntary labour in building our new dressing rooms and new stand substantially reduced the financial cost to us. It is hard to express in words the spirit of those volunteers who showed up in all kinds of conditions. I suppose you could say that they were true supporters of their parish team and have helped to ensure that the facilities now in place for present and next generation is of the highest standards," stated the club PRO.

Death of Knockbride stalwart
The club PRO said that it would only be fitting to mention the passing of a former Knockbride stalwart, Jack Lynch who passed away in August 2009. "Jack was a former chairman of Knockbride and also acted as the club's delegate to the county board. He was also very active in the community and was chairman of Bailieboro Co-op during its golden years."

Knockbride ladies spirited effort
Knockbride, who have been a constant force in Cavan Ladies football, once again found themselves facing the challenge of a very strong and determined Lacken in the Cavan Ladies Division 1 final. Played in difficult conditions at the excellent Killinkere venue, Knockbride faced a stern test from a talented Lacken side. Knockbride approached this final with confidence and in a positive manner. They were quick off the mark registering their first point within two minutes when Tina Reilly shot over a magnificent point. Aishling Traynor increased her side's lead with a point from a free but as it appeared that Knockbride were settling into their rhythm Lacken struck back with two quick points to level the game. A goal from Lacken on ten minutes rocked the Knockbride side with a well taken goal which gave goalkeeper, Maria Dolan little chance. Two converted frees from Aishling Traynor seemed to have gotten the Knockbride challenge back on train. This resurgence was short lived as Lacken struck for their second goal. To their credit, Knockbride showed great battling qualities as they exchanged points with the eventual winners. With the half time score registering 2-6 to 1-5 in favour of Lacken this game as a contest was all to be played for.
A whirlwind start to the second half by Lacken left Knockbride looking at a ten point margin and a mountain to climb. This early second half dominance only managed to infuse a confidence into the Lacken who never allowed Knockbride get any sort of cohesion throughout the entire second half. While they ran out eventual winners 5-14 to 1-5 it does little to show the battling qualities of the Knockbride ladies. This was a tough defeat for the east Cavan side but with quality players and a strong pedigree in this grade of football they will no doubt be back looking to reverse this defeat next season.
Knockbride: Maria Dolan, Denise Smith, Pamela Keaskin, Nicole Clarke, Lisa McCabe, Arlene Clarke, Elaine O'Connor (0-1), Edel Farrelly, Grace Reilly (1-0), Aggie Clarke, Aishling Traynor (0-3), Tina Reilly (0-1), Daena Clerkin, Amy Rooney, Emma Shannon. Subs: Emily Meehan, Sarah Hutchinson, Aisling Reilly, Danika McIntyre, Katie Rehill. Tweet

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