After fourteen years as chairman of Ballyhaise, Sean Rehill stood down at the end of last year after what he himself described as a thoroughly enjoyable voyage through the annals of the Gaelic Athletic Association in the parish, writes Tony Dunne. While he felt that they may have languished mid-table in the senior football ranks this season, he nevertheless feels that the club is on a sound footing with the great work being done at juvenile level. "It is generally accepted that the success of a club is judged on the performance of the senior team but in his opinion, this occludes the achievements of other sections of the club. Success has been achieved at under 16 level this season, while the minors just failed to clinch the Division 2 Minor title, going down to Ballinagh on a wet and windy Sunday, late in October, by a single point. This was a game that many observers felt that Ballyhaise could win, but a below par performance on the day saw them loose out. Indeed, many neutrals felt that a draw would not have been an unfair outcome to this contest. The management of Louis Lyons and Brian Reilly have brought this side through from winning at under sixteen level, two years ago, when they accounted for Cuchullains in a high scoring contest at Breffni Park".  This side is backboned by the talents of Eamon Costello, Barry Kelly, Fergal Dunne, Brendan Lyons, Shane Watters and Conor Lyons. The final was a close fought contest with the sides level on four occasions in the first half. Ballyhaise were much the lighter of the sides and the wet windy conditions favoured Ballinagh. With twelve minutes of the game remaining, Ballyhaise were down six points and it looked as all hope had evaporated. With the clock running down up stepped Barry Kelly and Fergal Dunne to shoot a goal apiece in the space of two minutes to level matters. The final minutes were played out in hectic fashion with both sides searching for the winner. Two minutes into injury time, Ballyhaise were denied at least a draw when Ballinagh's Colin Gumley converted a free to secure their victory by a single point.  The Ballyhaise team on the day: B. Maguire, K. Costello, A. O'Rourke, S. Fay, B. Dooley, B. Lyons, D. Quinn, C. Lyons (0-1), B. Kelly (1-1), C. Dunne, S. Browne (0-1), S. Watters; F. Dunne (1-2), R. Farrelly, E. Costello (1-1). Sub. J. Boylan for B. Dooley. Dessie Reilly  The senior side he feels, although starting brightly early in the season faltered once again in the final stages of the league to finish fifth for the second year in a row. This does not reflect the hard work put in by the team manager, Dessie Reilly.  Dessie's commitment to the club has been unquestionable. First man there and last man to leave has earned Dessie the respect of all involved. His sincere attitude and deep commitment to football in the parish has not received the rewards of his hard work in the form of winning an Intermediate championship. The team which is backboned by county star, Barry McCrudden, former Offaly star, Adrian Delaney, Barry Lynch, Colm O'Reilly and Mark O'Rourke has the basis of what promises to be an exciting side with the influx of many of the talented minors coming on stream. While it may take a year or two more, Dessie feels that the talent is there and with guidance and proper commitment then the Green and Gold will surely be back in the senior ranks of Cavan football. However, he and his fellow selectors of Sean Rehill and the Enda McGowan, one of Cavan's former great halfbacks gained success with the junior reserve team winning the Division 2A league last year.  The club reached the final again this year with Ballinagh providing the opposition. Despite some valiant displays, especially by Steven Smith, on the forty, James Brady when introduced and full-forward, Gerry McCrudden, victory was to elude them. Ballyhaise had this game for the taking but had to concede defeat in the cruellest manner, when they conceded a goal and a point in injury time. A well struck penalty, levelled the game for Ballinagh and with the last kick of the match, Ballinagh's full-forward, Declan Baird slotted home the winner.  This in his opinion is a great achievement as the club are working from a small pool of players. Despite the village and its surrounds rapidly developing and the influx of new families, it is hoped that in the next five to ten years a much larger of pool of players will be available.  This year they were unlucky in the first round of the championship to go under to the eventual winners, Castlerahan, by a single point in a game that they should have won. This game proved to be an exciting tie, with Ballyhaise loosing out by just one point 1-9 to 0-11. Credit must be given to this team as they bounced back to reach the quarter-finals where they were pitted against their bogey side, Swanlinbar. The West Cavan side emerged victorious ending the club's involvement in the championship for another year. Aidan Watters The run up to the championship was not without its draw-backs, as one of the most influential players, Aidan Watters, had to curtail his involvement with the club due to illness. A player of Aidan's calibre is a great loss to the playing side of club. A former senior Cavan player, his steady influence, calm manner and ability to bring out the best in his team-mates, especially with the younger players, was indeed a hard blow for the club to take. Aidan hopes to be back in the coaching side of things next season where his invaluable knowledge of the game and his dedicated approach to physical fitness will be of great benefit.  Sean instances the fact that Ballyhaise in the past and indeed at present produced many talented individuals that lined out for their county. Players like Hughie Newman, Mike and Steve Duggan, Aidan and Mickey Watters, Enda McGowan, Barry Tierney, Barry, Gerry and Padraic McCrudden, and Barry Lynch. During the seventies and eighties he points out that Ballyhaise were a strong force in senior football and he believes that with this present crop of young players coming on stream, that they will once again be a force in the senior ranks.  Having overseen the club development throughout his fourteen years of involvement, the highlight of the tenure was the opening of the pitch back in 1992 which is regarded by all who have graced it as one of the best in the province. The building of a stand is the next project on the agenda for the incoming chairman. Sean is not slow in attributing credit to the hardworking members of the Lotto Committee under the guidance of treasurer, Pete Reilly, with Tom Reilly and Sean Kane working tirelessly throughout the past number of years selling the lotto. He feels that the health of the club can be gauged by the large voluntary input from parents who are willing to help in the coaching structure and this is clearly visible on Saturday mornings with the playing pitch crowded with future talent. Camogie  Things didn't too good at the start of 2001 season for Castletara Camogie club as team trainer, Pat Tobin had resigned due to work commitments, along with the retirement of several key players. This was further compounded with five of the squad having to take maternity leave. This set of circumstances left the squad pretty depleted.  Undaunted the club started training in May, but kicked off their league season on an indifferent note with a defeat after a poor display against Drumgoon. The arrival in early June of Clareman, Tom Downes, himself an accomplished hurler, as trainer seemed to provide the kick-start the club needed. The no-nonsense approach of Downes had the club buzzing again and a number of the retired players were coaxed to give it one more season.  With training well attended and results proving to be more positive Castletara found themselves in a semi-final clash with Ramor at Breffni Park at the end of June. Ramor were overwhelmed but the experienced club members were well aware that either opponents, Lacken or Crosserlough, from the other semi-final would provide a much sterner test. After a replay, Lacken emerged victorious and now were the fancied side to take the senior championship final which was fixed for Crosskeys on July 7th. Despite having won the senior championship eight times over the last ten years, Castletara were apprehensive about this fixture.  This was a repeat of the previous year's final, and proved to be one of those games that did live up to expectations. End to end excitement, score for score and some excellent skill and fitness all provided for the best game of the season. Castletara who had a blend of youth and experience on the day were totally committed to retaining their champions status. However, it was the seasoned campaigners who provided the winning formula with a goal in the dying minutes to give the Castletara girls their ninth championship victory by a single point.  Castletara: Geraldine Reilly, Ann Marie Fay, Ann McCabe, Edel Quinn, Joey Donlon (capt), Mairead McCabe, Lorraine Crudden, Elaine Prior, Brid Boylan, Agnes Cosgrove, Majella Smith (0-7), Aoife McCabe, Nola O'Hanlon (0-1), Dympna Minagh (2-1), Catherine Rudden and Elaine Reilly (0-1) for Edel Quinn.  The following Sunday, Ballyhaise was the venue for the semi-final of the Ulster Club Championship, where Tyrone champions, Lough Gall proved to be the stronger team on the day. With their championship duties fulfiled, Castletara returned to the league where they once again showed indifferent form and were out of contention long before the season ended. While the senior side failing in their league title quest, the junior team took up the mantle and after some great displays against teams of the calibre of Killeshandra, Ballinagh and Lacken went on to take the Junior League title.  The season ended on a high note when Lorraine Crudden was voted Cavan "Camogie Player of the Year" at the Anglo-Celt - NorthernSound Media Awards. Lorraine received this accolade for her outstanding displays in the halfback line throughout the season. Juvenile Club  Ballyhaise Juvenile Club can look back on the year 2001 with a good deal of satisfaction. This stems primarily from a huge effort by a hard-working committee who ensured that structures were in place for a well-organised and resourced system allowing all the under-age teams to be well prepared in their competitions.  Success was achieved with the under-16s who won the Division Three League in October when they comprehensively defeated Lavey in the final in Breffni Park. The minor team also came very close to victory in the Division Two Championship when after a strong comeback they failed by the minimum margin to a talented Ballinagh side.  The under-14s qualified for the Division Two quarter-final but once again came up against a strong Ballinagh side. Similarly the Under-13 side performed very well and gave a very good account of themselves.  The Under-12s won many admirers and again were only edged out at the quarter-final stage after a replay by Drumlane. Many of this team are under age again next year so a feeling of optimism is strong at this level.  The Under-10s had a great year with coaching and training every Saturday morning under the watchful eye of former UCD Sigerson Cup player Paul McGoldrick and his many helpers.  They also participated in many competitions and finished their year with a memorable trip up north where they took on a Crossmaglen Rangers side.  John (Scotchie) McKiernan; Mullahoran goalkeeper, Eamon Brady (resident in Ballyhaise); Tommy Conaty, Dessie Reilly, Aidan Watters, Sean Prior and Barry Tierney were some who assisted Paul and also shared in the philosophy of skills development at the Under-10 age group.  The Under 12s were capably managed by Hubert Conaty, Martin Rooney and Pat Duggan (all former senior players with Ballyhaise).  Michael Moran, Sean Prior and Pat Fitzpatrick trained the under-14 players. John Farrelly - a former star player with Cuchullains - was part of the Under-16 management team where he was assisted by former Offaly County Senior player and current Ballyhaise star Adrian Delaney and long time mentor, Tony Smith.  Louis Lyons took charge of the minor team with huge input from Brian Reilly and senior player Colm Reilly. This was Louis' seventh successive year in charge of this group and there is no doubt that he has moulded many stars of the not too distant future. So a good year and an enjoyable one with realistic hopes for more to follow. Ladies Football Once again, the ladies were equal to the challenge of their competition when they won the Division 3 Junior League title while the U-14s won the 'B' Championship final. These victories were built on the back of a club that was only formed in 1999 when the club fielded teams at U-14 and U-16. The management team of Dessie Reilly, Christy Dooley and Mick Moran have produced such a wave of enthusiasm that the following year, 2000, three teams were fielded at U-14, U-16 and junior level. On Saturday 20th October 2001, success was achieved when the junior team defeated Lacken by one point in the Division 3 Junior league final at Emmet Park, Butlersbridge in an enthralling encounter. Butlersbridge was to prove to be a "lucky" venue for the Ballyhaise ladies as their U-14 squad defeated St Finbars by three points in the "B' championship. Ballyhaise U-14 panel and mentors was - Niamh Conaty, Tara Smith, Lisa Smith, Orlaith Prior, Elaine Reilly (capt.), Mandy Conaty, Ann Daly, Carmel Fay, Dessie Reilly (selector); Sarah Walshe, Mick Moran (selector), Grace Sheridan, Blaithnaid Dunne, Lorraine Reilly, Louise Tierney, Roisin Greenan, Caoimhe Dunne, Aisling Reilly, Alice Fitzpatrick, Sinead Lyons, Pauline Reilly, Jayne O'Connor, Christy Dooley (selector). Junior Panel: Elaine Reilly, Laura Masterson, Emma Nevin, Mairead McCabe, Aileen Smith, Hazel O'Connor, Elaine Reilly, Louise Reilly, Clare Dooley, Arlene Moran, Melissa West, Yvonne Donohoe, Joanne Reilly, Sarah Pickett, Elaine Donohoe, Evelyn McCaffrey, Aoife Costello, Catherine Rooney, Brenda Lynch, Sinead Brady, Geraldine Smith, Frances Fay, Lorraine Delaney, Jill Masterson, Caroline McDermott, Ailsing Reilly, Roisin Greenan. A class apart The Ballyhaise club posted notice of its intention to make an impact at senior level in the coming years with another tremendously impressive underage title win in 2001 with the local under 16s romping to a classy victory over a luckless Lavey side in the Division 3 Championship final. Ballyhaise's 5-11 to 0-9 win was as entertaining as it was emphatic with some of the football skills exhibited by the winners redolent of adult championship football. In a game which had an air of inevitability over it from early on, Ballyhaise were the dominant team from the early stages of the match, leading from pillar to post and writing their name on the cup from the moment Paul Conaty's goal in the 17th minute had their opponents reaching desperately for a lifeline. Conaty's smashing effort, after great work by colleagues David Quinn, team-captain Ronan Farrelly and Ally Pickett, catapulted the green and yellows into a commanding 1-3 to 0-0 lead. Even at that stage, it was obvious that Lavey were going to need goals to save the day. Unfortunately for the black and whites, a leak-proof Ballyhaise defence weren't for breaching on the day. Lavey showed plenty of spirit but not the creativity or cutting edge to threaten Ballyhaise's ambition. Their opening point by Conor McGee in the 19th minute gave them hope but not much more sadly. For their part, Ballyhaise were in fine, flowing form with the stylish Ally Pickett stretching his side's lead to seven points after 20 minutes. That lead remained at a comfortable eight points by the advent of the half-time break. Ominously though for Lavey, there was to be no let-up in their opponent's will-to-win. Ballyhaise nearly goaled immediately on the restart but good work by the Lavey 'keeper denied an in-rushing Ronan Farrelly. Three points on the trot by Lavey served to remind Ballyhaise that they had worthy opponents to contend with. A breakaway point by Ciaran McGowan steadied the Ballyhaise ship and when Ally Pickett made good an assist from Conor Lyons to find the net, the game began to take a turn for the worst again for Lavey. Led by hard-working midfielder Kevin Brady, Lavey never looked like throwing in the towel but a well taken goal by Ciaran McGowan in the 49th minute all but sealed the issue as Lavey now found themselves trailing by 0-7 to 3-9. Like real thoroughbreds, Ballyhaise finished with a flourish, bagging two more goals in splendid fashion with Conor Lyons and Ronan Farrelly doing the necessary to fairly embellish a well-drilled Ballyhaise's mightily impressive triumph. The all-conquering Ballyhaise squad on duty against Lavey was as follows: P. Prior; G. Smith, F. Slowey, B. Boylan, D. Quinn, C. Dunne, D. Farrelly (0-1), C. Lyons (1-1), M. Costello (0-1), A. Pickett (1-3), R. Farrelly (1-2), C. McGowan (1-3), P. Conaty (1-0). Subs used; H. Murphy, J. Rehill, N. Watters, G. Fay. Tweet

Most Read Stories