There was certainly no shortage of activity within Wolfe Tones GFC in 2004, with the club fielding impressively at all levels. While it may have been a year to forget for the junior team, there were many positives to report elsewhere. A number of young players stood up to be counted and demonstrated remarkable maturity, providing a definite source of encouragement as Drogheda's second oldest club prepares for the stiff battles that lie ahead. Wolfe Tones GFC can look back on the 2004 season with much fondness. Granted, the club's first team didn't exactly enjoy a fairytale year, but some of the other outfits representing the Tones covered themselves in glory at various times over the course of the year. There were many good times, numerous thrills and spills, and it was all for the love of the game. The Tones continued to participate and compete admirably at juvenile level, giving rise to the belief that the woes currently besetting the junior side could come to an end sooner rather than later. While they won't claim to have set the world on fire, Wolfe Tones GFC certainly made a telling contribution to the overall welfare of Wee County GAA 2004. Highlights of the year included the club's May Day U9 and U12 Blitz, a competition which continues to go from strength to strength. The overall performances and general discipline of many of the Tones' younger players was also extremely encouraging, with the club reaching finals at U11, U12 and U14 levels. The interest, commitment and talent of these youngsters has generated tremendous hope and augurs well for the future. Elsewhere, the Navy & Golds have been revitalised by the recruitment of several new, ultra-committed mentors and committee men, not to mention the coming on stream of several good young footballers, in whom they are placing a great deal of hope. Of course, given the plight the club is facing and the disappointing performances in Division 3 and the junior championship in 2004, there isn't going to be any quick fix or an easy solution. But, while obvious problems remain, the challenges are being met head on and systematically overcome. In '04, the U9 team provided very young kids in the area with a vital outlet. This crop competed very enjoyably in all Drogheda U9 blitzes, meeting with a considerable degree of success along the way. At U10 level, Wolfe Tones entered a team in the Drogheda U10 league. This team, managed by Colm Keenan and David Smith, reached the semi-final of the Shield, only to lose narrowly to Emmet Og. The U11s, meanwhile, fared even better. They qualified for the final of the Drogheda U11 league and were decidedly unfortunate to lose therein. They pushed Naomh Mairtin all the way in the decider, before losing after a replay at Monasterboice. All, in all, however, this team did exceptionally well and their display was one of the undoubted highlights of Wolfe Tones' year. Demonstrating great hunger and a complete lack of fear, they accounted for none other than Newtown Blues at the quarter-final stage before disposing of Oliver Plunketts by a point in a semi-final replay. These were wonderful victories and prove that the Tones can mix it with their more illustrious neighbours around the town. The superb under 11s were capably managed by Paul Sewell and Niall Byrne. Which brings us on the U12s and yet another success story: this group also reached the final of the Drogheda league, but they were edged out by St Fechins at the last hurdle in Termonfeckin. There was no shame whatsoever in this defeat, however, and once more the lads have proven that the club has a great future. Michael Kelly and John Gallagher coached the U12 side. The U13s, managed by Michael Kelly, also competed in the Drogheda league. Again, there was no shortage of commitment and the players tried very hard but failed to reach a final. The U14s did brilliantly. Their season started slowly enough but, thanks largely to the tireless work of Paddy Fanning and Mick O'Reilly on the line, they improved enough to force their way through to the all-county 'B' championship final. This is the second successive year that the Tones have made it to the final stage of this particular competition. Niall Smith, who was with the Louth Development Squad, was especially effective for the U14 team. Wolfe Tones' U15s competed in Section B of the all-county league, winning three of their six games, despite relying heavily on the U14 panel. Martin Smith and Paddy Fanning did an excellent job with this bunch and Tones should be in a position to field a much strong U15 team in 2005. The U16 team was managed by Michael Kelly and Mick O'Reilly. This side never quite got into its stride and they were distinctly unlucky to come up against a very strong Clan na Gael outfit in the U16 'A' championship in Dundalk. In general, however, they held their own against strong clubs and amalgamations and are looking forward to a good 2005. At minor level, Wolfe Tones were again unfortunate to bow out of championship contention early on. Despite competing in Division Three of the minor league, Tones were placed much higher in the premier competition - in the 'A' minor championship. Eoin Murtagh managed a team containing many potential stars of the future. The hope in the club is that a large number of these minors will go on to play for the Tones with distinction for many years to come. At junior level, it was a bitterly disappointing year. Wolfe Tones were in Group A of the junior football championship and were well beaten in their three outings, losing to Glen Emmets, John Mitchells and Dundalk Young Irelands. They also failed to get off the mark in the league. While injuries certainly didn't help the situation, the upside was the courage and commitment of several minors who stepped into the fray and represented the club with distinction. The spirit remains strong. Wolfe Tones are here to stay. Tweet

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