It's always nice to be 'in the chair' when silverware is brought home - as was the case with Bailieboro's outgoing chairman Philip McDonald last year. Most members of Bailieboro Shamrocks would confess that they're heartily sick and tired of listening to people go on, ad nauseum, about how the east Cavan club has fallen from grace over the last eight years. The dogs in the streets around the county have been barking the 'what happened the Shamrocks' mantra year on year since 1995 when the club scooped the Cavan blue riband title and, very nearly, the Ulster equivalent. Outgoing Chairman Philip McDonald is one Bailieboro gael who is inclined to become pretty animated when football talk centres on the so-called decline of the former kingpins. He much prefers to talk of the here and now. And, in fairness, he's not allergic to working with the oul proverbial crystal ball when pressed to do so by an irritating hack. For the most part though, the newly-elected club's Insurance Officer is keen to talk-up the club's success over the past 12 months. And considering that the red and whites captured three pieces of prestigious silverware in 2002, one can readily understand just why the Defence Forces employee is only too pleased to reflect on the club's activities last year. In 2002, Bailieboro got to be very well acquainted with the glittering prizes with the Shamrocks capturing the Under 14 Roinn A Cup, the Under 16 Division Two league title and the Reserve Division One league title. As the club's Chairman last year, the popular army physical instructor delighted in seeing his beloved club add to its trophy cabinet with such style and frequency. "The Under 16s started things off by winning the league. That win was all the more satisfying because it was relatively unexpected. "Their win was a great boost to everyone at the club and probably helped inspire all the other players at the club." Philip is at pains to point out that the aforementioned under 16s were, by all accounts, a very easily managed, well-disciplined bunch of players who showed a great hunger and will-to-win. "They were a great bunch. Everyone of them were willing to listen and learn and now that they've established a winning pedigree. "I'm sure they'll go on and win further titles in the years to come, starting hopefully with a minor title in the next year or two." But Philip is the first to admit that the young Shamrocks had to work overtime to see off the challenge of Killygarry in a terrific final last May at Kingspan/Breffni Park. In a game in which the destination of the spoils were in doubt right up to the final whistle, Bailieboro triumphed by 2-10 to 2-8 in what was a great advertisement for underage football in the county. Played throughout in torrential rain, Bailieboro, ironically, were on the backfoot somewhat in the early stage of the match but they had a let-off after just four minutes when Killygarry spurned a penalty kick opportunity. Killygarry continued to hold sway for the next five minutes but gritty defensive work by the Shamrocks' defence frustrated the red and blacks time and time again as the pace of the game visibly increased. Amazingly, Bailieboro's first attack resulted in a shock goal, the marksman Ollie Kellegher putting his chance away like an old hand. Thereafter both sides traded points with man of the match Sean Clerkin particularly inspirational at this juncture for the east Cavan side. Gradually Bailieboro upped the ante in stylish fashion with points by Jeff Martin, Lorcan Duffy and Thomas Duffy and a fabulous 1-1 tally by the in-form Paul Sharkey. Leading now by 2-8 to 0-4, Bailieboro looked comfortable and confident but their opponents proved game finalists and in a seven minute spell got themselves right back in the hunt for the cup by reducing the Shamrocks' lead to just the minimum, 2-8 to 2-7. However, like true champions, Bailieboro dug deep to hit back with interest and points from Lorcan Duffy and Jeff Martin eased the would-be winners back on the victory trail. And although Killygarry tried desperately to nick a match-saving goal, they could only manage a point before the final whistle sounded. The following is Bailieboro's all-conquering under 16 team and subs that featured in the win over Killygarry; A. Clarke; D. Reilly, D. Sheridan, J. Scanlon; S. McMahon, G. Reilly, P. Bird; O. Kellegher, T. Cooney, P. Farrelly, P. Sharkey, S. Clerkin; P. Cullen, J. Martin, L. Duffy. Subs; M. Smith and J. Fulton. Not to be outdone by their under 16 counterparts, the Bailieboro under 14s also romped to county title success. The team proved themselves a class apart in their Roinn A division and their 5-12 to 2-7 victory over Lurgan in the final fairly reflected the team's ability and their superiority over their peers. "There might have been a little pressure on the under 14s to deliver another cup after the under 16s' win but it obviously didn't worry them," opines Philip who was assisted in the running of the Senior Reserve League team by John Rooney. Certainly, there can be little argument about the professionalism with which the team dealt with the various challenges presented to them and, indeed, the way they blew away Lurgan's opposition in the decider itself. Played in mid-July last, the Roinn A final took place in Kingscourt in ideal conditions. Considering that Bailieboro recorded a 5-12 to 2-7 win, surprisingly they had to come from behind to win the title after conceding the opening point courtesy of a free. However Lurgan's lead didn't last long as Killian Sheridan sped up the field, beat two opponents before lashing the ball over the bar from 40 metres. For a short period thereafter, the play was evenly contested with both teams finding their range and scoring points on three occasions each. However a four goal blast by the Shamrocks inside a ten minute period was to turn the contest up on its head. Bailieboro's first goal came from Niall Tierney in deadly fashion. The winners' second major arrived after a long delivery by Killian Sheridan somehow evaded the clutches of the Lurgan 'keeper. The third goal also came from the boot of the aforementioned Sheridan after a terrific move which involved three other players. But the team's fourth goal was the pick of the bunch and came about when John Scanlon fielded a high ball back in defence before playing the ball out to Mark Smith. Young Smith then fed Calvin Daly and from there the ball was played on to Killian Sheridan and finally to Luke Sheridan who blasted the ball to the Lurgan net. The Virginia-based lads tried to rally and did cut the deficit somewhat but nevertheless the Shamrocks were well clear at the interval, leading by 4-5 to 0-5. The second half was a less frenetic affair but an opening point by Killian Sheridan had Bailieboro up and running again A goal by Lurgan shortly afterwards gave them some hope but another great goal by Bailieboro, this time from Damien Reilly, left the issue well and truly beyond doubt. Further points by Bailieboro's two Tierneys and Mark Smith helped put the icing on the cake. The Bailieboro team and subs that lifted the cup in deference to Lurgan's challenge was as follows; P. Reilly, D. Delaney, J. Scanlon, M. Halligan, S. McCabe, K. Reilly, F. Tackney, M. Smith, C. Daly, S. Tierney, K. Sheridan, D. Kennedy, D. Reilly, N. Tierney, L. Sheridan. Subs; M. Sheridan and B. Dooley. "There is a lot thought of those under 14s in the club. They were in a class of their own during the campaign and a lot of people will be very surprised if they don't go close next year to adding an under 16 title to their list of honours," Philip comments. Wind the tape fast forward and the club's end-of-season festivities included victory in the Reserve League Division One after a long and rollercoaster ride to the winners' enclosure. "The lads did very well all year but we decided to change things around a bit for the final couple of games. " We had good competition for places and we decided to put the emphasis on strength and experience for the deciding game of the year. "It was a tough run-in to the end of the year because the team played five games in six months but were then asked to play four games in two weeks," Philip reflects weeks later. The play-off match saw Bailieboro take on Crosserlough who had accumulated the same number of league points and the same scoring average as the red and whites. Earlier in the year the Shamrocks had travelled to Kilnaleck and duly took the spoils on foot of a four points win. "This time at the well-appointed Ramor United ground, the result was unaltered with the Shamrocks propelled forward by the outstanding Michael Murtagh just about holding sway. "I think the lads deserved to win the Reserve League title because they proved themselves to be the most consistent team in the league. "It was good to win the league because it had been six years since the club won it before and on top of the underage success achieved earlier in the year came at just the right time to round off the year." The Bailieboro reserve squad which featured against Crosserlough in the crucial play-off match in Virginia was as follows; Mark Argue; Shane Lynch, David Rooney, Tony Gregory; Robbie Mulhall, Brian Keegan, Paul Cooney jnr; Michael Murtagh, Gareth McCormack; Michael Clinch, Paul Cooney snr, Sean Sullivan; Francis Clarke, Philip Dunne, Declan Sullivan. Subs; Ronan Olwill, Gary Millar. Lucky Shamrocks You don't get euros growing on trees. In a similar vein, not every club is able to call on an efficient PRO like Michael Farrell as Kevin Carney testifies. Whatever else about the Bailieboro Shamrocks club, things around St. Anne's Park are never anything less than exciting. The word static just simply doesn't begin to gain a foothold in or around the east Cavan gaeldom. And that's been the way of things seems even the most ardent observer of the Cavan GAA scene can rightly remember. Even if the Shamrocks have seen the winners' podium elude them more often than they'd like and others could have expected, the red and whites are forever moving forward and making things happen. Back in 1987, for instance, the club underlined its position in the heart of Bailieboro's cultural existence by shelling out a £10,000 interest-free loan to Bailieboro Community School towards the development of a new sports field. "The club has always been conscious of the part it plays in the community. "There's no other organisation as big or as influential as the GAA club and more often than not, the club is at the heart of things which benefit the town and surrounding area," current club officer Michael Farrell enthuses. The outgoing PRO believes that the provision of a running track and accompanying floodlights around the new field development at St. Anne's serves to underpin the Shamrocks' commitment and genuine interest in the local community. Well over 120,000 euros was spent by the gaels of Bailieboro in adding to their facilities at headquarters and Michael, for one, is in no doubt but that all the people of the burgeoning east Cavan town and its environs will come to both use and fully appreciate the brand new facilities. "There's a great emphasis on sport anyway around the town with soccer and athletics featuring strongly over the years. "I've no doubt that the new development will have the park even more full than normal." In this regard, Michael is convinced that Gaelic football is as popular in Bailieboro as ever and enthusiasm amongst the players is as good as anywhere in the county. "There's no question that despite all the work that's being done off the field that the club will take its eye of the ball. "The work will continue to be done to try and win football matches and football titles. It's says a lot that we'll have three adult teams again in action this year and the underage is flying in the club too. "There are some days where with all the players from under 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, you'd hardly get into the park - it's great to see." Michael feels there's a good spirit about the Shamrocks these days, even if none of the faithful are exactly being blinded by the volume of silverware in the club cabinet. Last year's reserve league win was helpful of course. "It's always good to have a cup or two in the club when the season ends and fair play to the reserves and the team-management for delivering a cup at the end of last year," Michael opines. So what about the biggie being hauled next Autumn? "I don't see why not. Everyone at the club is hoping that we can go the distance this year. " I know a few people feel that this might be the year when we need to win the senior championship again too because a few of the lads aren't getting any younger and they might not have the appetite to go again in 2004. " At the very least, those fellas will probably be thinking twice at the end of the year whether to quit the game or not." But there is the question of how do you get around the twin-challenges of Cavan Gaels and Gowna. Most GAA fans in the county, after all, reckon they're that be removed in class from the rest of the chasing bunch. "I don't think there's any big gap between those two clubs and the likes of ourselves. "We're not that far away from them as things stand and I wouldn't agree that there's a big gap between them and most of the teams that'll be competing in this summer's championship," Michael insists. The self-employed tiler is a close observer of club and county football. He played the game for years and has watched the best Cavan has produced in times past and in recent days. On balance, he believes that forwards can make the difference between a team being successful and being an also-ran. "You can't beat having a few scoring forwards. Gowna have always had their fair share (of scoring forwards) and that's one of the reasons why they've lasted so long at the top. "We have the talent up front too. Our forwards are determined and skilful but they don't always produce it consistently. "The same goes for all the players. We've struggled to hit the high notes when it counts. " Some times some of our best players are really on fire but too often the team, as a whole, doesn't gel when it comes to the championship. "The same goes for the team in the league. I've seen Bailieboro beat good teams by eight or nine points but then go out the next day and lose out to a far inferior team that they're just after beating." Rating Gowna, Cavan Gaels and Mullahoran as the three top teams in the county right now, Michael pays particular credit to the men from the seven townlands. "It's a credit to Gowna. They've won so many championships and they're still up there at the top of the pile. "I don't think it's a bad reflection on the rest of the clubs that the same players who were playing for Gowna twelve years ago are still lording it in the championship every year. I'm sure they'd like to have the sort of pool of players that we have too. "Then they'd probably be in a position to dominate the scene even longer." So Gowna's the team to beat in 2003? " No, having said all that, I think that Cavan Gaels might just regain the title this year. "I think they'll have learned from last year and won't be caught on the hop again. Their players have an amazing winning pedigree at underage level and there's a lot more in them than they showed in losing to Gowna in last year's final." And then there's the question of a certain high-profile transfer that went through at the start of this year. "The signing of Anthony Forde is bound to be a hell of a boost to Cavan Gaels. Imagine being able to play him at full-forward. "Once he collects the ball, turns and runs in on the goalkeeper, things are bound to happen. Any team would just love to have him on board. "I don't begrudge him (Forde) his move either. He's entitled to play for who he wants and the best of luck to him." Michael, who hung up his boots as a player just a matter of less than three years ago, says Gowna and Cavan Gaels haven't a monopoly on quality players though in Cavan. In this respect, he's convinced Bailieboro have enough quality to enable the club to regain the blue riband crown they last held in 1995. "There will be a lot of people in the club who will be disappointed if we don't win the championship this year. "The club really needs a big win to complement all the work that's been done in recent years down at the park. "The enthusiasm and keenness is there among the players though, I'm sure of that and everyone will be putting their shoulders to the wheel to make sure that no stone is left unturned in trying to get another crack at the Ulster club title." Ironically, the former under 16 and under 21 county championship medallist (in the company then of such local luminaries as Francis Clarke, Sean Clarke, Michael Murtagh etc) was in New York back in '95 when the Shamrocks weren't so lucky. "I spent seven years in New York and during that time the team won the championship. " I only saw the matches on video but I often wondered how come that team didn't go on and win at least another championship in the immediate years that followed. "The positive thing about what lies ahead of the team this year is that most of that 1995 team are still around and come the championship we'll hopefully see them reproduce their best stuff again." Clearly a man very passionate about his club, Michael has proven himself to be one of the most competent and efficient PROs (as well as courteous) in county Cavan. His motivation for doing the job that 99% of gaels run a mile away from is clearly money then. "If only. It's like almost every club in the county, the job of PRO is the one that's almost always left over 'till the last before it's filled. "No one wants to do it, simple as that. It's the same at every AGM but it's an important job and if it's worth doing at all, it's worth doing well." As a self-employed tradesman who's also building his own house, Michael Farrell is a busy man, all year round, regardless of whether it's high season or not for the GAA. "I'm kept busy at what I do for a living and there's the house of course but I like to be involved with the football club "I get a lot of satisfaction from helping out and I hope to be able to contribute something to the coaching side of things, maybe at underage level, in the years ahead." Lucky Shamrocks. Tweet

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