No club in Cavan can boast as sprawling a history as that of Maghera MacFinns. The blue-and-blacks have been in existence longer than any club in the Breffni County and continued to fly the flag proudly in 2001. Honours accumulated over the course of the year may have been conspicuous in their absence but staunch clubman Martin McGrath is not unduly concerned. Instead of dwelling on past disappointments, the first-team selector opts to focus on future possibilities. Martin McGrath has been involved in the Maghera MacFinns GAA club all his life. He was a key playing member of the last Maghera side to clinch silverware - the outfit that famously attained senior status by capturing back-to-back county junior and intermediate championships in 1973 and '74 - but has of late been prominent as a coach/trainer, particularly at underage level. As a founder member of the GAA in Cavan, Maghera was formed way back in 1886 and won the first Cavan SFC two years later. They added a second senior crown in 1926 but - outside the incredible victories of '1973-74 - have enjoyed little other success besides. Even though the famine continued in 2001, the mood emanating from the MacFinn Pairc clubhouse is one of calm, and quiet contentment. "The club is going quite well at the moment. Obviously, you'd always like to be doing a bit better and to be winning things but, in general, it's going alright and we're happy enough," Martin reveals. Confidence is reasonably high going into the new season, with 2001 being viewed as a step in the right direction. There is a definite feeling in the air that an important corner has been turned: "Last year was a step up from previous years. We had been accustomed to finishing down around the bottom of the league but we put in a big effort and had some success in that we achieved a much more respectable position in the league. "Jim Geraghty was manager for the year and his selectors were Ambrose Tobin, Jim McHugh and myself. We appointed John Mulvaney as team trainer and he worked very well with the players and got a good response from them. There was a good mood within the camp and performances improved considerably on what we'd done in previous years, which was reflected in our league standing. "In the end, we finished around the middle of the table but we could've finished higher, in the top four or five, or maybe even in the top three. With a little bit more application from some of the players, it could've been an even better year." In the junior championship, Maghera almost made an impression. They got off to a great start but their challenge subsequently ran out of steam: "We played Corlough in our first game and beat them without any bother at all," Martin recalls. "We then drew with Butlersbridge, who had beaten Drumgoon in the first round. However, we were well beaten by Drumgoon in our last game. They were clearly a better team and, to be honest, they taught us a bit of a lesson." In many ways, that defeat to Drumgoon was the defining moment in Maghera's season. The question now is whether they will become disillusioned by that result or turn it to their advantage. Martin McGrath is confident that the latter will be the case: "We played good championship football in 2001 and would probably have made the second round had we come up against a lesser team than Drumgoon, who were very good. But we realise that we still wouldn't have been good enough to do anything major. Playing Drumgoon was a lesson for us and it showed us the level we're at right now and how much we have to improve to become genuine challengers. I think that defeat could ultimately work to our benefit. Drumgoon went on to win the junior championship, so we witnessed at first hand exactly what's needed - both mentally and physically - to succeed." Maghera MacFinns have made a positive start in their quest to up the tempo, appointing Patrick McGovern as team manager for the forthcoming campaign. The Killinkere man is sure to prove a valuable asset through the battles that lie ahead. Says Martin: "He's well versed in modern training techniques and is well-known to most of the lads from when he trained the St Killian's under 21 team. If we can make a step-up under Patrick, then I'd expect us to be challenging for honours this year. We have a panel of 30 players here at the moment who are as good as what we've had in many years. It's just a matter of trying to get their full application and commitment. The money is there and the support from committee level . . . it's all geared towards achieving success on the playing field, so hopefully we can get the response we want from the players." Cavan's oldest existing club have been out of the limelight since winning the intermediate championship in 1974. Which is too long. "Some of the players had success at underage level and this may have taken some of the hunger off them. At the end of the day, it all comes down to the players and the bottom line is that they haven't been responding as well as we'd like. A lot of the older players have gradually been replaced by young blood and it's now time for these younger lads to stand up. Some of them are in their mid-twenties now and they should be ready to get knuckled down. They should realise now the level of commitment that's needed - and how important teamwork is. "Last year we were missing Adrian Dunne who was in America and Sean O'Connell who was doing exams, but they're back in the swing of things now and should be a big help in 2002. They're the kind of guys you need." What's a realistic target for the forthcoming year? "We'll be aiming for the Top Four in the league and we'll then take the championship as it comes. Our main priority is to get a foothold in the league. We'll go out to win every game and we'll treat each game on its merit. If we can get into a winning habit in the league, that should stand us in good stead." A distinct lack of young talent coming through is a definite source of concern. "Our youngsters play under the Lurgan banner and there's not a lot coming through," Martin concedes. "But there are a lot of housing developments going up in the area and hopefully we'll benefit from that. "However, I don't see the situation improving drastically for the foreseeable future so we'll be pinning our hopes on the current team. They have a lot resting over their shoulders over the next two or three years but they have the ability. They're all good players and the only thing they can be faulted on in the past is their application. When these lads put their minds to winning a game of football, then they can do it, there's no doubt about that." Gritty Under 13s Lurgan further embellished its underage c.v. in August last when winning the Under 13 Roinn A championship title at the expense of a gritty Bailieboro crew. Lurgan's 3-3 to 2-4 win at a pristine Breffni Park was as deserved as it was hard-fought with both sides showing the sort of talent and determination which marked their meeting in 2000 in the corresponding under 12 league decider. Once again the final meeting of the combattants was wholly entertaining and exciting throughout the hour with both teams giving of their best. Lurgan ended up worthy champions but they did it the hard way as their opponents raced into a 1-2 to 0-1 lead inside the first 15 minutes with Lurgan's single score being registered by Stephen Monaghan. With their backs to the wall, the Lurgan lads showed their true colours and as the second quarter gathered pace the winners-elect began to show their talent in all areas of the field and no more so than around the middle of the field where James Lynch really got to grips with the exchanges. As it was a goal by young Lynch helped greatly in getting Lurgan right back into the match. Lurgan maintained their momentum and another goal by Vincent McCabe and a brace of points by the aforementioned Monaghan suddenly had Bailieboro backpeddling furiously. Bailieboro kept very much in touch with a point and at half-time it was still very much all to play for as Lurgan boasted a 2-4 to 1-3 lead. There were less scores in the second half but the excitement was just as intense as both sides attempted to dictate the pace of the game. As things transpired, a good goal by Bailieboro and another point eventually saw parity being reached. However a fine goal by Darren Monaghan in the third quarter was to make all the difference on the day and with Bailieboro out of luck in front of goal thereafter the cup was destined for Lurgan, especially after Robert Tynan made a great save to deny the Reds. Final score; Lurgan 3-3 Bailieboro 2-4 The following is the Lurgan team, and subs, which lifted the cup; Robert Tynan, John Cole, Damien Barkey, Cillian Lynch, Michael O'Reilly, James McEnroe, Adrian Cole, James Lynch, Darren Costello, Darren Monaghan, Vincent McCabe, Raymond Farrelly, Christopher Shiels, Stephen Monaghan, Paul Queally. Subs; Colm Murphy, Farrell Brady, Adrian McNally. By a head True grit was the name of the game for the Lurgan under 16 squad in late October as they were forced to dig deep into their reserves in order to get the better of a gutsy Templeport side in the division two league decider at Breffni Park. Lurgan's 1-10 to 1-9 win was as hard-earned as it was narrow but there can be no doubt but that the Virginia-based crew fully deserved to take the spoils at the death. Lurgan began the match in determined mode and helped by an early goal by Robert McKeown edged their noses in front against what was a spirited opposition. With Templeport's freetaker punishing any indiscretion by the Lurgan defence, the game was very evenly poised throughout a gripping first half. After 12 minutes of play the would-be winners led by 1-2 to 0-3, having secured valuable points from Peter Monaghan and Lorcan Reilly. Templeport looked dangerous on the counter attack but they were somewhat fortunate not to concede another goal when their 'keeper had to make a brave save to deny Lurgan full-forward Anton O'Reilly a vital major. As the game progressed, it developed into a typical nip and tuck encounter with Lurgan's lead being reduced to a solitary point with eight minutes to play. However, with great determination and showing a tremendous workrate, the Lurgan lads finished the first half in fine fashion with a point each from James Brennan and Peter Monaghan giving the green and whites some breathing space at the interval. Defending a 1-4 to 0-4 lead on the restart, Lurgan should really have put themselves out of sight in the third quarter but a series of missed opportunities offered Templeport some hope of getting back on terms. Lurgan gradually began to fire on all cylinders though and a brace of points from the in-form Anton O'Reilly put added pressure on the west Cavan outfit as the pace of the game remained unrelenting. Templeport were to prove worthy finalists though and they produced a big effort at gaining parity at this juncture, rifling in 1-2 within a six minute spell to give Lurgan a timely reminder of the challenge being afforded them. As the third quarter opened up, the teams strove to edge themselves in front. It was Lurgan who were to nip ahead with points from Martin Rock and Peter Monaghan giving the champions-elect a nice platform to gallop home. It was nearly all over for Templeport just seconds later but Anton O'Reilly was narrowly wide in his attempt to bag a goal in the 53rd minute. Bad luck from a penalty opportuned also foiled Lurgan later on but, still, they held firm and despite a grandstand finish by Templeport, the Virginia-based lads won through by the narrowest of margins. The Lurgan team, scorers and sub, which featured against Templeport was as follows: S. Mulvaney; E. Daly, G. McNamee, S. Gaffney; B. Cullen, P. Clarke, D. Lynch; P. Monaghan (0-5), A. Brady; L. Reilly (0-1), J. Brennan (0-1), M. Rock (0-1); R. McKeown (1-0). A. O'Reilly (0-2), S. Monaghan. Sub used; F. Kerr. Tweet

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