Congratulations to all who helped to make 2005 a very successful year for the Club. Winning back the Senior Championship was the main aim of the Club for 2005. Great credit must go to the hard working players and mentors, Gerry Dunne, Aidan Kerrigan, Derek Kettle and Aidan Costelloe. The Club this year entered a Junior team for the first time only to be pipped in the championship final by new club Mattock Rangers. Great credit must go to the Junior players and their mentors, Shane Darcy, Derek Kettle, Niall Byrne, and Paddy Murphy. The Club also reached the final of the Louth Senior Hurling League and the Junior League . The Club this year also won five in a row' U-14 Feile titles and also, St. Mary's School, secured the double in the Cumann Na mBunscoil U-13 Championship and INTO/GAA Sevens in both hurling and football (a rare feat! last achieved in 1988). Senior Hurling Championship Congratulations to the Senior hurlers who on Sunday October 29th at Haggardstown won the Louth Senior Championship replay. Trevor Hilliard lifted the Paddy Kelly Cup for the fourth time for the club after a hard earned victory over Pearse Og on score of 2-9 to 0-8. Knockbridge beat Pearse Og in the first round by 2-12 to 0-7 in the Gaels pitch on Monday 29th August. In second round, Knockbridge beat Wolfe Tones by 2-21 to 3-6 on Saturday 24th September in Castlebellingham. In the third round, Knockbridge beat Naomh Moninne in the Gaels by 6-25 to 1-4 on Sunday 9th of October. In the County final, in Haggardstown, on Saturday 22nd of October, Knockbridge and Pearse Og played out a draw 2-9 each when Gerard Smyth sent over a long range free for Pearse Og from the sideline deep into injury time. Senior Hurling Final Replay In the County final replay Sean Byrne gave the village side an early boost with a goal after three minutes. Knockbridge with the advantage of an extra man and playing against the wind went in at half time level, on a score of 1-2 to 0-5. Brian Dunne's wind assisted puck outs were giving the Knockbridge forwards a foothold up front. The decisive score in the second half came when Conal O hUallachain passed to the in-rushing David Dunne who shot low for a second goal. Further points from Sean Byrne, Paul and David Dunne sealed victory. The Knockbridge defence was on top in the second half, holding the Pearse Og to three points. There were excellent performances in defence from Paul Dunne, Dermot Plunkett, Shane Kennedy, Brian Dunne, Kevin Kirk, Ronan and Niall Byrne. At midfield David Dunne and Trevor Hilliard held sway. In the forwards Sean Byrne turned in another fine display of skillful hurling and was top scorer with 1- 6. Other forwards of note included Adrian Wallace, Eddie Quigley, Conal O hUallachain and Shane Fennel. There was a great sense of pride and joy expressed by everyone associated with the Club as County Board Vice Chairman, Jim Thornton presented the Paddy Kelly Cup to team captain,Trevor Hilliard. Trevor went on to thank all who made the victory possible especially all the players on the panel and managers, Gerry Dunne, Aidan Kerrigan, Derek Kettle and Aidan Costelloe. A special word of thanks also to all who helped at the match on the day, Paddy Farrell, John Byrne, Fintan Wynne, Seamus Moore, Niall Byrne, Lorcan O'hUallachain, Paddy Murphy and Padraig Casey. Knockbridge: Brendan McNally, Brian Dunne, Dermot Plunkett, Niall Byrne, Ronan Byrne, Paul Dunne (0-1,65), Shane Kennedy, David Dunne (1-1), Trevor Hilliard (captain), Conal O hUallachain, Kevin Kirk, Shane Fennell, Adrian Wallace, Eddie Quigley (0-1), Sean Byrne,(1-6,5f). Subs: Padraig Kieran for K. Kirk, 38 mins; Brendan Corbett for P Kieran, 47 mins; Gareth Corcoran for S. Kennedy, 60 mins, Paddy Mone, Grame Smyth, Diarmuid Duffy, Oisin Quigley, David Kettle, Kevin Mc Nally. Leinster Club Championship Win The Senior hurlers had only two days to recover after winning the County final before beating the Longford champions Clonguish Gaels by 1-14 to 1-5 on Bank Holiday Monday 31st of October , in Knockbridge. After a quiet first half, Knockbridge led at the break by 0-6 to 0-5. Knockbridge upped the pace in the second half and probably played their best hurling of the year with scores coming from frees and play from all over the pitch. The decisive score came when Kevin Mc Nally's shot rebounded off the Clonguish keeper Eanna Daly only to be finished to the net by the in-rushing Eddie Quigley, who goaled with the aid of the left hand post. Sean Byrne capped off a fine performance with his eighth point of the match before Trevor Hilliard finished the encounter off in style with a point from beyond midfield. The victory set up the Leinster club quarter final clash with Wexford champion Oulart the Ballagh. There were excellent performances from Adrian Wallace, Eddie Quigley, Paddy Mone, Conal O h Uallachain, Dermot Plunkett, Brian Dunne, Ronan Byrne, Paul Dunne, Niall Byrne, David Dunne, and Trevor Hilliard. Knockbridge: Brendan Mc Nally, Brian Dunne, Dermot Plunkett, Niall Byrne, Ronan Byrne, Paul Dunne, Kevin Kirk, David Dunne (0-2), Trevor Hilliard (0-3), Paddy Mone(0-1), Conal O hUallachain, Shane Fennell, Adrian Wallace, Eddie Quigley(1-0), Sean Byrne(0-8,2f). Subs: David Kettle for P. Mone, 47 mins, Kevin Mc Nally for S. Fennel, 47 mins, Diarmuid Duffy for N. Byrne, 60 mins, Garret Corcoran for B. Dunne, 60 mins, Oisin Quigley, Mick Lundon, Graem Smith Knockbridge defeated by Oulart the Ballagh Star studded Wexford champions, Oulart, put an end to the Leinster Club dream with a decisive 6-21 to 0-9 victory in Knockbridge on Sunday 6th November. Knockbridge made a very good start, against the wind, and only trailed by four points after the first quarter. However, Rory Jacob, set Oulart on their way with a goal on 18 minutes and this was followed by a Des Mythen goal hattrick to leave the Wexford champions with a commanding 4-12 to 0-2 lead at half time. On the resumption, to their credit Knockbridge raised their game and outscored their illustrious opponents by six points to one, with scores from David Dunne, and Sean Byrne and Conal O hUallachain. But in the last quarter Oulart reasserted themselves and ran out decisive winners. Knockbridge: Brendan Mc Nally, Brian Dunne, Dermot Plunkett, Niall Byrne, Ronan Byrne (0-1), Paul Dunne (0-1,f), Kevin Kirk, David Dunne (0-1), Trevor Hilliard, Conal O h Uallachain (0-1), Eddie Quigley, Shane Fennell, Adrian Wallace, Shane Darcy, Sean Byrne (0-5, 4f). Subs: Garreth Corcoran for N. Byrne, 53 mins, Diarmuid Duffy for A. Wallace, 58 mins, Mick Lundon for S. Fennell, 59 mins Junior Hurlers Beaten Knockbridge entered a Junior team for the first time this year. The team reached the Championship and League finals. They were beaten by Mattock Rangers by 2-11 to 1-9 in the Championship final in Castlebellingham on Saturday 19th November. The match was evenly poised at half time at 0-4 each; however, two goals by Mattock in the second half put them in a commanding position going into the last quarter. Knockbidge made a determined comeback in the last quarter with a well taken goal from an overhead strike by Aaron Hoey. The accurate free taking of Ray Kelly kept Knockbridge in the hunt but in the end it was not enough to bridge the gap and Mattock Rangers ran out deserving winners. County Board Vice Chairman, Jim Thornton presented the Maurice Murphy Cup to team Captain, Tony Corcoran, who congratulated his team on their first ever adult hurling title for the club after a season of 69 training sessions including Christmas day! Knockbridge: James King, Stephen O Callaghan, Paul Mackin, Ruairi Kelly, Paul Prendergast, Ray Kelly (0-4f), Phillip Mc Govern, Donal Mc Nally (0-1), Colin Mc Nally (0-1), Stephen Hilliard, Aaron Hoey (1-0), Mark Wallace, Brendan Grant, Mick Geraghty (0-2, 1f), Connor Steen: Subs; S Fairman for B.Grant, Peter Brennan for M.Wallace, Liam Woods for C. Steen, Mark Devine for S. O Callaghan Nicky Rackard Cup Congratulations to Louth Senior hurling management and players on reaching the final of the inaugural Nicky Rackard Cup in Croke Park on Sunday 21st August against London. Louth were in the hunt and playing well up to the third quarter with good displays from Trevor Hilliard, Paul and David Dunne, Shane Callan, Aidan Carter, Shane Darcy and Niall Mc Eneaney. Then they gave away two goals and there was no way back as 'the exiles' ran out deserving winners by 6-8 to 1-5. This was a fitting stage and a great occasion for Louth hurling, especially the long serving members of the panel who have given so much to the cause down through the years. Team mentors Kevin Mc Donnell, Paul Callan, Seamus Moore and Gerry O Hare deserve great praise for the fine effort and attention to detail that they put in all year. Our nine inter-county senior hurlers, Paul and David Dunne, Shane Darcy, Adrian Wallace, Conal Byrne, Ronan Byrne, Sean Byrne, Trevor Hilliard and Kevin Kirk are eagerly looking forward to next year. Knockbridge, are hoping to have a bigger representation on the County seniors, and we would encourage a lot more players to make themselves available for training and selection in the coming year. DJ Carey School of Hurling A total of three of the U-14 Knockbridge hurlers were part of the Louth development squad that attended the D J Carey School of Excellence' in St Kierans College, Kilkenny for a week in mid' July. The players received excellent coaching and training from well-known hurlers and managers D J Carey, Peter Barry, Henry Shefflin, Brian Cody and Paudie Butler . Knockbridge players who attended included, Greg Kehoe, Kenneth Thornton, and Gerry Mc Keown. Many thanks to the Louth mentors for the week, Aidan Kerrigan, Tony and Audrey Corcoran, Tom Ryan, Joey Callan and Miceal O Broin, all of whom did a great job looking after the Louth panel for the week. U-14 Feile Champions Congratulations to the U-14 team who won Feile for a historic 'six in a row' for the Club beating Pearse Og by 9-3 to 0-2 at DIT on 12th May. There were great performances from team captain Ken Thornton, also (man of match!), Oisin Kirk, Cathal Bellew, Gerry Mc Keown, Shane Devine, Sean Kearns and Dermot Mone. They travelled to Innishannon in Cork where they were hosted by local side Shannon Rovers, and although failing to win any of their three matches, they proved worthy representatives for their County. The highlight of the National Feile was the very colourful parade through the streets of Cork in beautiful Summer sunshine to the vast expanse of Patrick Street where the crowds were addressed by GAA president Sean Kelly. A special word of thanks to the mentors Derek Kettle, Aidan Kerrigan, Eugene Dean, and Gerry Dunne who helped out over the three days. Knockbridge Feile 2005: Oisin Kirk, Sean Kearns, Cathal Bellew, Aidan Morris, Aidan Mc Nally, Kenneth Thornton, Andrew Kane, Gerry Mc Keown, Dermot Mone, Tiernan Kilcoyne, Cathal Mc Kenna, Alan Meegan, Michael Keane, Daire Mc Kiernan, Stephen Hoey, Laurence Steen, Gareth Hall, Conor Deane, Sean Mc Donnell, Ciaran Duffy, Ricki McKeown. Thanks to all who helped with sponsorship for the trip to Feile Minor and U-16 Hurling This year, thanks mainly to Louth hurling officer J.J. Murphy, Louth minor hurlers took part in a Tier 3 Leinster hurling Championship involving Louth , Longford and Tier 2 sides Wicklow and Kildare. They were unsuccessful in this inaugural year of the competition. Minor mentors Shane Darcy, Tony Melia and J.J. Murphy put in a lot of training sessions in Termonfeckin and are confident that this young squad will improve significantly for next year's competition. Knockbridge players included David Kettle, Kevin Mc Nally, Stephen O Callaghan and Dara Herr The U-16 hurlers took part in the All-Ireland Roinn C championship organised by Ulster Council. They played five games, won three against Cavan and Monaghan (twice) before going down to Armagh in Derrynoose in August. Team mentors included Aidan Kerrigan, Mark Stevenson and Joey Callan. Knockbridge players on the panel included Frank Mc Geeney, Gavin Kerrigan, Sam Fairman, Alan Meegan, James King, Ruairi Kirk, and Peter Brennan U-15 Hurlers The Louth U-15 hurlers took part in the Leinster Blitz in Blackhall Gaels in Batterstown in August. Louth beat Meath by 3-7 to 1-6, and also beat Longford by 5-6 to 1-5, before loosing the final to Kildare by 4-5 to 1-4. Team mentors included Aidan Kerrigan, Joey Callan, Tom Ryan and Tony Corcoran. Knockbridge hurlers on the panel included; Gavin Kerrigan, James King, Frank Mc Geeney, Ruairi Kirk, Peter Brennan, Niall Mackin and David Dean. In the Leinster special league in September, Louth were beaten, away by Carlow on a score of 2-6 to 0-4. Poc Fada Paul Dunne made history being the first Louth man to win the All Ireland Poc Fada na hEireann competition held in Annaverna on August 4th 2003. This year his younger brother, Brian, won the Louth Poc Fada in Castlebellingham on Saturday 28th May defeating James Connolly, Naomh Moninne. Next it was off to the Midlands on a lovely Summers evening Thursday 23rd June, where the Irish army had devised a new course across the wide expanse of the 'Curragh of Kildare'. It is Cooley without the mountains and heather, but at least it's more realistic, a step n the right direction in preparing for Annaverna. Kieran Mulvanney, Kikenny, won in 27 pocs, John Clooney, Laois, was second and Brian Dunne came in fourth with 30 pocs. The reception and hospitality afterwards for the competitors and supporters in the Officers Mess was first class and great credit must go to National Poc Fada committee under the chairmanship of Paddy McMahon for this unique and very enjoyable occasion. The Michael Donnelly All Ireland Poc Fada final took place on Annaverna on Saturday 30th of July. The winner was Albert Shannahan with 58 pocs and just 15 metres better than Damien Fitzhenry also on 58 pocs. U-13 hurlers win in Dublin One of the best and most enjoyable days out for hurlers was the Dublin hurling blitz in Clan Na Gael /Fontenoys in Ringsend in which the Knockbridge U-13 team won outright on Saturday 28th May. The team played very skillful hurling all afternoon and beat Scoil Ui Conaill, Clan Na Gael / Fontenoys and then beat Eire Og, Greystones in the final by 3-4 to 0-3. There were excellent performances from Cathal Mc Kenna, Conor Dean, Aidan McNally, Patrick Reilly, David Mc Donnell, Oisin Kirk, Laurence Steen and Sean McDonnell (Captain). Great credit is due to the players and mentors Derek Kettle and Gerry Dunne for this 'grand slam' in Dublin. INTO / GAA Sevens St Mary's National School Knockbridge won this years sevens with very skillful and determined performances in the final blitz in Knockbridge on Thursday, 5th May. The Knockbridge side were unbeaten for the afternoon and had good wins over St. Joseph's, Rathmullen, Collon and Bay Estate school. The winning St Mary's team was as follows: Oisin Kirk, Laurence Steen, Conor Deane, Cathal Mc Kenna, Aidan Mc Nally, Michael Keane, Stephen Kettle, Patrick Reilly, Gareth Hall, Tom Bonnie, Sean Mc Donnell The exhibition games to see who plays in Croke Park were subsequently held at St. Mary's grounds, Ardee with winning teams from Louth, Armagh, Cavan, Monaghan,and Down taking part. With all county champions playing the skill level was extremely high. Three weeks later it was with absolute delight when news reached Lorcan o h Uallachain that three Knockbridge hurlers had been selected to play in 'Croker' during the All Ireland hurling semi - finals and final. Those selected were: Cathal Mc Kenna, Stephen Kettle and Conor Deane. This was a great honour for themselves and their families, and also for their mentors Derek Kettle, Eugene Dean, Lorcan O hUallachain and Gerry Dunne. The School this year also won a unique double (emulating the previous double of 1988) by also winning the INTO / GAA football sevens. Two players were also selected to play in Croke Park for the football sevens, Patrick Reilly and Michael Keane. The School hurlers also won the Louth hurling championship. The team was as follows St. Marys Knockbridge: Aidan Mc Nally, Padraig Marry, Patrick Reilly, Michael Keane, Cathal Mc Kenna, Oisin Kirk, Gareth Hall, Tom Bonnie, Richard Halpenny, Ricki Mc Keown, Conor Dean, Laurence Steen, James Collins, Robert Wallace, Sean Mc Donnell (captain), David Gernon, Stephen Kettle, Ross Keogh. Sincere Thanks: Finally a sincere word of thanks is due to the following who gave invaluable help to the Club and the various teams during what has been a fabulous year on the playing field. Knockbridge Hurling Club officers and committee would like to thank the St.Brides G.F.C. for all their help, and for the use of their facilities during the year. Also to Glyde Rangers G.F.C, St Pats, Geraldines and Young Ireland. Special thanks to Lorcan O'hUallachain for the invaluable use of the school grounds for training and for all his help with school hurling competitions. Great credit is due to Aidan Kerrigan, Shane Darcy and Derek Kettle who have done a wonderful job in coaching the U-16 and minor squads that are now in the county finals. The use of the refurbished Community Centre for Club meetings is also a bonus, so thanks to Very Rev Father Mc Ginnity P.P and Gene Myers. Thanks to Ronan Mc Nally, Brian Dunne and Noel Fagan for their great work with U-8 and U-10 players. To Derek Kettle and John Byrne for their expert work with hurley repairs and their support with training ; also Niall Byrne for his invaluable help with the first aid; also John Byrne for all his help at County Board level, Club flags, hurleys, glues etc.Thanks to the following for their great help on match days, Paddy Farrell, John Byrne, Fintan Wynne, Aidan Costello, Seamus Moore and Noel, Bendan and Gerry McNally . Thanks also to the many people who helped with fundraising , especially Ann Byrne for her organisation of the annual Poker Classic, to Frank Carney for his Table quiz and Ann Dunne, Bernadette Kettle, Kathleen and Dolores McNally for all their help. Thanks also to Brian Brady and family for the use of their premises for flag days Thanks also to the many sponsors whose invaluable financial help is much appreciated. Thanks to the players for their great loyalty and support throughout the year. The Club is looking forward to the continued support of everyone involved for the coming year in an effort to build on the great success of the last seven years. Supplied by Shane D'Arcy of Knockbridge GAC Tweet

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