McVeigh contracts supports St Louis all the way

St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel in County Down have really made a name for themselves in schools football over the past 18 months and team sponsor Joseph McVeigh tells Hogan Stand what it means for the newcomers to have a successful football team.

Since entering the colleges football competition eight years ago, St Louis have made a major impact especially in the last year, when in 2004 they won the All-Ireland ’B’ championship by defeating Portlaoise CBS by 1-11 to 1-8 to land their first ever national title.

That win saw the school make the progression to this year’s McRory Cup final, one of college football’s better known competitions. Having received a bye in the first round the Co. Down school was handed a tie against St MaCartan’s College, Monaghan and the new kids on the block were far from over awed in making their debut.

St Louis showed the true measure of their pedigree by producing a wonderful display of football to earn a place in the semi final where they met an experienced St Patrick’s Armagh, but following their display in the last eight, the Down side had nothing to fear.

The Kilkeel side got into their stride right from the start, showing a lot of fluidity, especially in their half forward line where James Cunningham and Down minor Martin Clarke took the game to their Monaghan opponents with the latter creating some well taken scores.

A Peter Fitzpatrick goal midway through the first half helped St Louis to a one point lead at the interval, 1-4 to 0-6 while points from Clarke (3) and Christopher Morgan completed their scoring in the opening 30 minutes. Kilkeel looked the more experienced side even though they were making their debut in the competition.

The second half saw the Monaghan side come more into the game as the equalised almost immediately, but the St Louis defence was well marshalled by full back Luke Howard and they weathered the storm as second half nerves began to settle.

Full forward Richie Annett slotted over a free to restore parity and the Down side would not lose the lead for the remainder of the match as they began to dominate in every area of the pitch. A probing run by Martin Clarke ended up in the talented forward dispatching a fierce shot to the net to put the game firmly in St Louis’ control.

Joseph Ireland and James Colgan covered acres of space to keep the pressure on St McCartan’s and although the Monaghan side closed the scoring with a point, the Kilkeel side had won their first ever match in the McRory Cup at the first attempt. The final whistle signalled euphoric scenes among the St Louis supporters, which were reminiscent of last year’s win in the All-Ireland ’B’ championship.

"Last year’s performance was just amazing and I suppose there wasn’t that much expected of the lads this year, even though they had a fairly strong side," said Joseph. "The game against the Monaghan side was a brilliant match and the standard of football produced was exceptional.

"There are a great bunch of lads and deserve great credit for what they have achieved in the past few years. Hopefully they can go on to greater things. All this success is good for the whole county and not just the parish of Kilkeel," adding Joseph.

Ironically, the St Louis School was opened originally as a girls school, but in 1970 it went co-ed when boys were enrolled for the first time. The school first made an impact on the GAA playing fields during the early seventies when they contested two All-Ireland camogie finals.

But it was not until 1998 that a senior football side was entered into the McLarnon Cup due to there being a lack of numbers in previous years. St Louis’ early campaign yielded little success as three semi final and one quarter final appearance were the highlight of their achievements.

2004 changed their history forever as under the guidance of Peader McLoughlin and Cathal Murray (former Down star), they began their long journey to All-Ireland glory that ended when Portlaoise were defeated in Pairc Tailteann, Navan last May.

This year is the first time that Joseph McVeigh contracts t/a McVeigh Brothers has sponsored the school, but the connections between the parties go a lot deeper than just sponsorship as Joseph explains.

"I have been doing maintenance work in the school for the past 14 or 15 years, while I also have completed some contract work there in the past. Also my kids went to school there and I also have a daughter still attending, so when I was asked about sponsoring the football team, I had no hesitation in doing so," added Joseph.

McVeigh Brothers have been involved in the renovation of the school Dining Hall and the construction of the CIT block. The building firm also run a successful plant hire business and have worked on commercial projects in the area down through the years.

"Cathal (Murray) and Peader have done great work with the footballers in the school and a good few of them have gone on to play with Down in the Ulster championship, which is a good reflection on the school. Despite only having a small number to pick from, they really have worked wonders in the last few years," he said.

The builder has been a long time in his trade and established his own company as far back as 1982. The Building contractor specialises in one off houses and concentrates mainly on the private sector. Most of his employment is subbed out and he employs many tradesmen mostly from the Kilkeel area.

"We pride ourselves on good workmanship. It’s mainly houses that we do but we also have done renovation work on the local church that was a big project. Thankfully we have plenty of work on the horizon at the moment. My two sons are currently working with me and the future looks bright," revealed Joseph.

If the win over St MaCartan’s in the first round was a cause for joy, then the two point win over St Pat’s Armagh was even more of a delight for the school. St Pat’s were always going to start this match as favourites, but the men from Mourne had other ideas and were keen to show that their crowning as All-Ireland Senior B champions last year was a testament to the quality of players in their ranks.

Despite starting the match slowly, St Louis made the first real breakthrough when Martin Clarke scored from the penalty spot after only 12 minutes. A second goal by James Cunningham helped Kilkeel to a half time lead of 2-5 to 0-8. The second half saw St Louis introduced Paul Sherry in the full back line and he tightened the defence up. Scores were tit-for-tat but the Mourne men held on for an historic win.

In the final Omagh CBS were the opponents on St Patrick’s Day. Once again St Louis were slight underdogs going into the match but this did not dent their confidence at all. The sides were evenly matched throughout the contest but it looked as if Omagh had done enough on the day. However a draw was the fairest outcome and the replay was fixed for Easter Saturday.

Kilkeel got off to a great start in the second match and were two points in front after one minute as Joe Ireland and Martin Clarke pointed. The Tyrone side hit back with a goal and began to take control of the match. The sides were level seven times during the first half as Omagh lead at the interval.

A second goal ten minutes into the second half put Omagh in a commanding position. Kilkeel rallied but found it hard to break down a resolute Omagh defence and four points separated the sides at the final whistle. Omagh CBS 2-9 St Louis, Kilkeel 0-11.

For the record the St Louis team that played in the replay was: C Curran, P Sherry, L Howard, H Magee, E McConville, G McCartan, J Ireland, J Colgan, J Cunningham, M Clarke, P Fitzpatrick, C Morgan, R Annett, R McManus. Subs: L Byrne for P Sherry, L Toner for Cunningham, K Quinn for C Morgan.

The pride in the school’s performances on the football field is evident by the large numbers that turn out for each match to support and cheer on the Kilkeel side and with success now part of their curriculum, it will not be too long before St Louis are raising some silverware.