'Football is a funny old game' is a phrase that first originated in soccer, but it certainly can apply to our Gaelic games as all Louth supporters will testify this year.

The 2010 Leinster SFC final will forever be remembered as the one that was robbed from Louth's grasp by a terrible refereeing decision and handed their neighbours and fierce rivals Meath the title.
Shock, hurt, dismay were just a few of the adjectives that could be used to describe the feelings of Louth supporters in the aftermath of the provincial decider.
If ever they do a top 50 on unjust decisions in Gaelic games, well this particular one will be right up there. It will take a long time for that hurt to go away, but they are a proud bunch in the Wee County and already they are looking forward to the 2011 campaign.
One such supporter that is optimistic about next year is lifelong O'Connells supporter George McDonnell, who was one of the many thousands that sat in disbelief at Croke Park that faithful day.
"It was just a feeling total shock; everyone was just looking at each other wondering what had just happened. I think everyone in the stadium knew that it was a free out that is everyone except the referee," stressed George.
"It was a terrible mistake by the referee and for the life of me I don't understand why he didn't consult his umpires. That would have taken the pressure off him. I also feel that Croke Park officials could have taken more responsibility in dealing with the aftermath of the matter.
"Handing the decision to Meath on whether to offer a replay or not was not fair on them. Croke Park should have made the decision and taken it from there.
"It was a cruel blow. Louth had certainly played well enough to win and I felt so sorry for the players and indeed Peter Fitzpatrick who is a gentleman and has done a great job since he took over."
There was a silver lining at the end of the year for Louth as the county was awarded their first ever All-Star when the impressive Paddy Keenan's outstanding displays were recognized at the end of season gala function.
"Paddy had a great year, but he's been doing that for Louth over the last few years now. He is one of the most consistent footballers out there."
George thought he saw it all in this year's Leinster final, but on the club front further heartache was to be recorded in the intermediate football championship semi final.
Entering the final few minutes of the semi final against O'Raghallaigh's, a place in the final looked to have been secured by the Castlebellingham side, who were in the driving seat, leading by 0-10 to 1-2 with just over ten minutes remaining when they were awarded a penalty. County star Stuart Reynolds stepped up to take the kick but drilled his shot wide.
The Drogheda men took heart from that let-off and kicked four successive points to reduce the gap to just one. However, O'Connells looked to have steadied the ship when Paul McKeever pointed to increase the gap to 0-11 to 1-6.
Then came the real drama as Rory Moore sent a free into the square and McEnteggart rose to fist the ball into the net. In a tense last few seconds the O'Connells were unable to create an opportunity to produce the equaliser. O'Connells were devastated at the end as they held sway for much of the game.
"I think they thought they had the game won in the last few minutes and they paid the price. It was a devastating way to lose a game, but you just have to move on."
In his capacity as Factory Director of Standard Brands - he has been with the company for the past 47 years - George always endeavours to support the club in any way he can. Established in 1957 as Kay Brothers, the company changed its name to Reckitt & Colman in 1960 before being taken over by Standard Brands in 2001.
From its modern plant in Castlebellingham, Standard Brands manufactures ZIP firelighters for the Irish and European markets, as well as Canada and the USA. The company also produces ZIP barbeque liquid, which is the company's own branded lighter fluid for barbeques.
Launched in Ireland in 1957, ZIP has grown into the leading home-fire making brand in Europe, Canada and the US for both indoor and outside occasions. With innovative expansion, the ZIP range has extended beyond firelighters to a complete range of safe, reliable, easy-ignition products for all occasions.
ZIP's 50 years of success has made it synonymous with creating real fires at the heart of the home. Standard Brands firmly believe they offer the best home-fire products in the world, and based upon an innovative and entrepreneurial driven approach, are committed to keeping it that way.
Standards Brands is one of the largest employers in the Castlebellingham area with a staff of 102. With winter upon us, this is the busiest time of the year for the company with demand for firelighters at its peak. However, as George points out, there is a year-round demand for their products in Ireland.
"We have recently launched a new fire log, which is manufactured by us using willow, after making initial contact with local willow grower Tony Mc Guinness, Standard Brands has formed a long-term supply agreement with Rural Generation to source the growing volume of dried willow needed and it is the only 100% natural log that is produced in Ireland. It is called 'Croi na Tine' which means heart of the fire." Tweet

Most Read Stories