LOUTH YEARBOOK ARTICLES
this page will be continually
updated
click on requested club
| Annaghminnon
Rovers |
|
2007
|
National
recognition for Rovers driving force
Annaghminnon Rovers may not have enjoyed much success on the field of play
in 2007, but the club had cause to celebrate when their founding committee
member Pat Holland was honoured with a President's Award at Croke Park in
March. Pat has given a lifetime of service to the club and nobody is more
deserving of such a high honour. |
|
2006
|
Rover
and rout
For Annaghminnon, the 2006 Louth JFC was a tale of two routs. They opened
their campaign with a thumping victory over Wolfe Tones but departed the
equation when going down heavily to group winners Westerns. In between,
the Rovers produced a credible display against champions-elect St Kevins,
a performance that suggests they can hold their own against the best junior
outfits in the Wee County. That's what David Kellett Ð who doubles up as
a player and committee member - is hoping for anyway. |
|
2005
|
One
to watch
Annaghminnon Rovers may not have set the Wee County's playing fields alight
during the 2005 season, yet midfielder and captain for the year Aidan Kerr
saw enough to convince him that the club will book a return to intermediate
ranks within the next two years. The decision to field a second team proved
an inspired move and Aidan expects the Red & Whites to reap the benefits
in the not-too-distant future. |
|
2004
|
Championship
derby brought best out of Rovers
Annaghminnon Rovers didn't exactly have an outstanding 2004. However, there
were some flashes of brilliance over the course of the year, no more so
than in the drawn JFC clash with neighbours and keen rivals St Mochtas in
mid-June. The villagers went on to gain promotion, proving that Annaghminnon
aren't too far off the mark. |
|
2003
|
Rovers
return has no silver lining
Tony Martin chipped in with five points when Annaghminnon beat Glen Emmets
in the 2000 JFC final to capture their first piece of silverware in 36 years.
Speaking to Gerry Robinson, he admits that Rovers' return to junior ranks
in '03 was less memorable. |
|
2002
|
2B
or not 2B; that was the question
Annaghminnon Rovers' 2002 season gradually descended into a relegation dogfight
before they lucklessly surrendered their Division 2B status right at the
death. Team captain Niall Matthews reflects on an eventful term for the
club and looks forward to a quick return to the middle grade. |
|
2001
|
Rovers
don't return
Many predicted that Annaghminnon Rovers would suffer an immediate demotion
to the junior ranks they fled in such spectacular JFC-winning fashion in
the summer of 2000 but they silenced their critics by gathering enough points
to stay in Division 2B, much to the obvious delight of long-serving player
Colm Martin who doubles up as club Secretary. Words: Gerry Robinson. |
back to top
| Clan
na Gael |
|
2007
|
Clan
na Gael's year
Clan's first season outside the Senior grade since 1954 proved to be another
year of disappointment to follow the previous two, with no trophies to
display for their efforts at adult level writes Peter Brannigan. |
|
2006
|
90
years young
For Clans this year heralds the club's 90th year in existence, founded
in 1916, the years since have brought much success and also a show of
disappointments. By Peter Brannigan. |
|
2005
|
A
drop down
A 1-12 to 0-7 defeat against St. Josephs on Sunday 23rd October sealed
Clans senior teams fate for the 2006 season writes Peter Brannigan. |
|
2004
|
Clan
loyal
Young forward Mark McGeown was on top form as Clan na Gael narrowly missed
out on reaching the 2004 Louth SFC final. With some impressive displays
in the premier competition, the Clans announced their return as genuine
Joe Ward Cup contenders. They were just two points shy of defending champions
St Patricks at the semi-final stage Ð and could well go even closer next
year. They also figured prominently in the shake-up for honours in the
Cardinal O'Donnell and Paddy Sheelan Cups. |
|
2003
|
Bringing
through a fresh batch
Clan na Gael enjoyed the most successful period in their history during
the 1990s. The undoubted kingpins of Louth football they were seen by
most of their senior rivals as the team to beat. By Eunan Whyte. |
|
2002
|
Switching
codes
At the beginning of this year, one of Louth's best known coaches, Tommy
Connolly, surprised many when he announced that he was ending his 36-year
association with Dundalk Football Club. |
|
2001
|
No
joy for Clans in 2001
All in all, it was a disappointing year for Clan na Gael, as Peter Brannigan
reflects. |
back to top
| Cooley
Kickhams |
|
2007
|
Cruelly
Kickhams
It seems that there is no end to Cooley Kickhams' pain. In 2007, the
men from Fr McEvoy Park once more came agonisingly close to capturing
the Joe Ward Cup but, yet again, they had to give second best to their
deadly rivals St Patricks on county final day. Knowing that they were
the second-best team in the '07 SFC offered no consolation to the Kickhams
as their peninsula rivals celebrated a third senior championship triumph
in five years.
|
|
2006
|
Cooley
retain MFC
With a devastating dismantling of a fancied Dreadnots/St Fechins side
in the decider, Cooley Kickhams completed back-to-back minor football
championship victories in 2006. For the second successive year, Jason
Long registered two goals on county final day, but the modest youngster
insists it was a team effort that worked the oracle for Cooley's magnificent
U18s. |
|
2005
|
Plenty
of kick here
Cooley Kickhams set out at the start of the year to end their 15-year
wait for the Joe Ward Cup and after coming so close last season, were
determined to go one better this time around. By Eunan Whyte. |
|
2004
|
The
final countdown
Cooley's 2004 season was all about finals. The Kickhams enjoyed an extraordinary
year, qualifying for all three senior County Board deciders (the senior
championship, the Paddy Sheelan Cup and the Cardinal O'Donnell Cup), winning
two. Pete McGrath also unearthed a real gem in young Brian White, Top
Scorer in the 2004 Louth SFC. On the evidence of what we witnessed in
'04, it is surely only a matter of time before the Joe Ward Cup makes
its long-overdue return to Fr McEvoy Park. |
|
2003
|
Thornton
inspires as senior trophy famine ends
While Cooley's inopportune 2003 SFC exit was heartbreaking (to put it
mildly), they did collect their first piece of senior silverware in eight
long years. David Thornton's seven-point contribution was integral to
the Kickhams' ACC Cup final defeat of St Marys in Dundalk during the second
weekend of May. |
|
2002
|
Cooley
spreading their wings
Even the least observant visitors to Fr McEvoy Park in 2002 will have
noticed a lot of activity therein, as arguably the Wee County's busiest
club undertakes an ambitious three-phase redevelopment that will enable
it to cater adequately for its burgeoning numbers. Gerry Robinson gets
the latest news from club chairman Adrian Sheelan. |
|
2001
|
Cool(ey)
kids
Gerry Robinson reports on how the Cooley juveniles came close to wiping
the board in 2001. He also gets the thoughts of Gerry Sheelan, who managed
the club's U16 county championship winning side. |
| |
|
back to top
| Cuchullainn
Gaels |
|
2007
|
Getting
there
It was a fairly good year for Louth's youngest GAA club. Though 2007 was
only their second season to field teams, Cuchulainn Gaels broke new ground
on two significant fronts: they captured their first ever county title
and also earned county representation for the first time. Things are picking
up nicely for the Carlingford/Omeath outfit. |
| Dowdallshill |
|
2007
|
Injuries
prove crucial
Having won the Junior Championship on each of their previous two seasons
in the grade, Dowdallshill were hoping to make it a hat-trick of Christy
Bellew titles when they started their preparations for the 2007 season. |
|
2006
|
Facilities
to be proud of
Over the past number of years, Dowdallshill GF & AC has hit the headlines
for their exploits on the field of play. However, the 2006 season will
be remembered for a major event off the field of play. By Eunan Whyte. |
|
2005
|
Junior
glory
Dowdallshill paid the most fitting tribute possible to late Brendan Leggett
by dedicating their junior championship success to the player who died
tragically just four weeks before the final. By Eunan Whyte |
|
2004
|
Something
new for the Dowdallers in '04
Two-thousand-and-four was a landmark year for Dowdallshill GFC, who had
the distinction of playing intermediate football for the first time in
their 108-year history. Though things may not have gone quite according
to plan, it was certainly a taste of something new. Attacking talisman
Gerry McShane is hopeful that it was a glimpse of things to come for the
Red & GreenÉ |
|
2003
|
'02
disappointment banished
Dowdallshill emphatically put the heartache of losing the previous year's
junior decider behind them by capturing the 2003 Louth junior football
championship. And boy did they do it in style! The St Brigids Park outfit
then went on to complete a clean sweep of junior trophies by adding the
Division Three league and Kevin Mullen Shield titles to round off a truly
remarkable year. |
|
2002
|
One
'Hill of an effort
Dowdallshill came agonisingly close to capturing the Louth junior football
championship in 2002. However, they were decidedly unfortunate to finish
the season empty-handed. |
|
2001
|
Giving
youth its chance
After being on the receiving end of some harsh treatment for countless
years, Junior football in Louth seems to be hitting back after undergoing
a transformation in recent times, writes Eunan Whyte. |
back to top
| Dreadnots |
|
2007
|
Within
a whisker of bouncing back
Dreadnots GFC went into the 2007 season with the aim of making up for
the disappointment of relegation to the Intermediate ranks at the end
of the previous campaign. |
|
2006
|
Young
guns fired
Not many clubs in the Wee County can claim to have as much exiting young
talent at their disposal as Dreadnots. The Clogherhead outfit had three
men on the county minor team in '06 and also reached the county MFC decider
(amalgamated with St Fechins). Little wonder club chairman Padraig Califf
is looking on the bright side of life, despite the obvious disappointment
of the club's luckless demotion to intermediate level. |
|
2005
|
Safe
and sound
Dreadnots' target at the start of the 2005 campaign was to retain their
senior status. Nothing overly ambitious. Though it proved to be yet another
protracted affair, spilling over into late autumn, the 2004 intermediate
champions achieved their pre-season goal with some spirited displays in
Division 1B of the all-county league. It's a competitive league at the
best of times, so midfield stalwart Paddy McGuigan was pleased with the
way things worked out for the Clogherhead men. By Gerry Robinson |
|
2004
|
Dreadnots
are back
After a two-year absence, Dreadnots reclaimed their place in senior football
by winning the 2004 Louth intermediate football championship. And they
did it the hard way. The triumphant campaign went right down to the wire
before the Clogherhead men carved out a one-point victory over O'Raghallaighs
in the final at Dunleer on Sunday October 3. |
|
2003
|
Home
Malone
One-time St Nicholas player Darren Malone is very much at home in the
Dreadnots colours. Now part of the Dreadnots furniture, the industrious
midfielder captained the Clogherhead men in 2003, as the Black & Reds
once more flattered to deceive... |
|
2002
|
Dreadnots'
drive catches the eye
Dreadnots took no prisoners in 2002 as they stormed inexorably towards
an instant return to senior football. They fell marginally short in the
intermediate championship but set the pace all year at the top of Division
2A. At the time of going to press, the Clogherhead men had one hand on
the Toner Cup and were long odds-on to return to the top grade. |
|
2001
|
Dread
the 'nots
Dreadnots came a long way in the course of three short seasons. They may
not have realised their incredible dream of capturing junior, intermediate
and senior championships in successive years (instead suffering relegation
back to intermediate ranks) but, as Gerry Robinson points out, they certainly
didn't shame themselves during the course of five appearances in the Wee
County's 2001 SFC. |
back to top
| Dundalk
Gaels |
|
2007
|
Double
champions
Dundalk Gaels have enjoyed their fair share of success in recent years
and the 2007 season will go down in the club's history as one to treasure.
|
|
2006
|
Two
trophies out of three
In comparison to other seasons, the 2006 campaign may not have been the
most successful for Dundalk Gaels as they failed to secure promotion back
to senior ranks, but The Ramparts club did managed to land both the Grogan
Cup and the Division 2A title, so they have many reasons to look back
on the year with satisfaction. |
|
2005
|
An
eye on the future
It's usually on the football field that a club makes its mark. And the
more significant the mark the better the season. Like, for instance, a
championship or league win, or, for the Joe Ward Cup winners a decent
run in the provincial series. There's also reason to celebrate if relegation,
seemingly inevitable at one point, is avoided. It that case there can
be reason to look back on the twelve months with a degree of relief if
not satisfaction. By Joe Carroll. |
|
2004
|
Gaels
ruled Leinster in January
The New Year was barely up and running when Dundalk Gaels became Louth's
first big winners of 2004 by capturing the inaugural Leinster intermediate
club championship. League and championship double winners in the Wee County's
intermediate grade in 2003, the Gaels brought a first ever provincial
club title to Louth when defeating highly-rated Laois outfit Arles/Killeen
by 2-5 to 0-7 at Pairc na nGaeil on Saturday January 10. |
|
2003
|
Guess
who's back?
Dundalk Gaels efficiently completed an instant return to senior ranks
by winning the 2003 Louth intermediate football championship, beating
Oliver Plunketts in the final at The Grove on Sunday October 5th. Guess
who's back, back again, guess who's back, guess who's back, guess who's
back, guess who's back... |
|
2002
|
Na
Gaeil U16s reign supreme!
Na Gaeil were the toast of Dundalk and the entire Wee County when they
defeated fellow town side Clan Na Gael by 1-8 to 0-8 at Dowdallshill on
Sunday September 29th to capture the 2002 Louth U16 football championship.
Gerry Robinson catches up with Niall Lambert who managed the winning team
in conjunction with Andrew McQuaid. |
|
2001
|
Gaels
keep on blowing
Dundalk Gaels weren't setting a precedent when they appointed Leslie Toal
as senior team manager at the beginning of the season, writes Joe Carroll. |
back to top
| Geraldines |
|
2007
|
Major
minor achievement
The undoubted highlight of Geraldines' year occurred at Dowdallshill on
the afternoon of Sunday September 23 when the club claimed a historic
2007 Louth Minor Football Championship final victory over Dundalk Young
Irelands. The superb 1-12 to 1-7 win completed an astonishing streak of
success for this particular crop of players, underlining the Haggardstown/Blackrock
outfit's reputation as the Wee County's most progressive club. |
|
2006
|
Gers
juveniles clean up
As one of the Wee County's oldest clubs, Geraldines are certainly displaying
no signs of old age. In 2006, the Gers enjoyed a year of unprecedented
success at juvenile level, helping themselves to five championships and
three league titles. Thus, to suggest that the Haggardstown/Blackrock
outfit have a bright future could be construed as an understatement. |
|
2005
|
An
astounding year
Two-thousand-and-five will long be remembered as a truly momentous year
for Geraldines. The Haggardstown/Blackrock club excelled on all fronts,
returning to senior football by virtue of a spectacular IFC success and
also celebrating numerous notable juvenile victories. The glory days are
back. |
|
2004
|
Fursey
noise
The St Furseys U14s made plenty of noise in 2004, winning a league and
championship double as well as competing impressively in the All-Ireland
Feile competition in Tyrone in July. The club also won a third successive
county U13 league title. With players of such high calibre in the Haggardstown/Blackrock
pipeline, the future of Geraldines appears to be in safe hands. Wee County
2004 reflects on a memorable year through the eyes of former Monaghan
footballer and proud Furseys juvenile mentor Eamon McEneaney. |
|
2003
|
Smells
like team spirit
The strong sense of camaraderie and team spirit that permeates Geraldines
GFC has been a huge source of comfort to Brian Farrell during the most
trying period of his life. As goalkeeper, Brian has served the Gers magnificently
for the past two decades. Here, he tells Gerry Robinson how, in turn,
the club was there for him in his darkest hour. |
|
2002
|
Within
a whisker ...
Geraldines came tantalising close to earning a return to senior ranks
in 2002 but a narrow intermediate championship final defeat meant their
year petered out in an anti-climactic whimper. |
|
2001
|
Remember
'82?
Gerry Robinson recalls Geraldines' brilliant Joe Ward Cup heist of 19
years ago. Ah, them was the days... |
back to top
| Glen
Emmets |
|
2007
|
A
rollercoaster
Glen Emmets' 2007 season could probably be described as a rollercoaster
ride as the Tullyallen club's campaign was a mixture of hot and cold results
in the championship and the league with the only real consistency coming
in the winning of the Kevin Mullen Shield, and the march to the Division
4B final. |
|
2006
|
Things
are looking up
Glen Emmets enjoyed a busy and relatively successful 2006. Making impressive
strides on and off the field of play, the Tullyallen club is in safe hands.
Committee member and first-team player Derrick Johnson insists the Green
& Reds are moving in the right direction. |
|
2005
|
Breaking
new ground
The year most recently hijacked by the sands of time was an exceptional
one for Glen Emmets GFC. The Tullyallen club comfortably retained its
hard-earned intermediate status, generating an unprecedented enthusiasm
in the clubhouse. On all fronts, the Emmets are making enormous strides.
Never before in the history of the club has there been such cause for
optimism. By Gerry Robinson |
|
2004
|
Promotion
was thoroughly deserved
Despite the disappointment of being edged out on junior championship final
day, Glen Emmets retained their focus brilliantly to earn promotion to
intermediate ranks via the league. This was no more than the Tullyallen
men deserved for a wonderful effort over the course of the year. County
attacker David Bracken spoke to 'Wee County 2004' about an eventful season
on all fronts. |
|
2003
|
Emmets
were to the fore
Glen Emmets were prominent in all three junior competitions and were decidedly
unfortunate to finish 2003 empty-handed. But their performances are a
source of encouragement ... |
|
2002
|
A
secretary's role
Want to hear someone talk up the job of GAA club secretary? Cue Glen Emmet's
officer Patricia O'Brien. |
|
2001
|
ÒDon't
write us off yetÓ
Glen Emmets Chairman Mannix Carolan remains optimistic about the club's
future but feels that structures in the county discriminate against junior
clubs. Speaking to Gerry Robinson, he calls for a major re-think at County
Board level. |
| |
|
back to top
| Glyde
Rangers |
|
2007
|
Glyde
have the promise
Glyde Rangers had every reason to start the 2007 season in a positive
frame of mind. The Tallanstown men had turned in consistent performances
over the past number of years in both league and championship and proved
that they could, on their day, compete with the best in the county. |
|
2006
|
Striving
for that title
Ten years ago, Glyde Rangers were playing junior football, but in the
decade since they have established themselves as one of the most consistent
senior clubs in the county. |
|
2005
|
The
face of adversity
Two-thousand-and-five was a testing year for Glyde Rangers. The club was
rocked by tragedy and the entire Tallanstown community plunged into a
state of shock when key player John O'Brien lost his life in a motorcycle
accident. In the face of terrible adversity, the team soldiered on, determined
to do John's memory proud. Conor Sheridan reflects on a campaign that
Glyde emerged from with great credit and dignity, writes Gerry Robinson. |
|
2004
|
Progression
on Glydeside
Glyde Rangers were the most progressive senior team in the Wee County
in 2004. The Tallanstown men set the pace at the top of Division 1A for
virtually the entire season and qualified for the final of the Cardinal
O'Donnell Cup. They also came within a kick of the ball of a SFC semi-final
place. David Devaney, who represented the club with distinction on the
Louth senior football team, discusses the minutiae of an eventful year
with 'Wee County 2004'. |
|
2003
|
Glyde's
minor miracle
Glyde Rangers gave a good account of themselves over five SFC matches
(including two play-offs!) in 2003, but didn't quite make it through to
the knock-out stages of the race for Joe Ward. Still, all those championship
outings were decidedly close-fought affairs and eye-catching county minor
Trevor O'Brien is confident that the Tallanstown club is moving in the
right direction. |
|
2002
|
Glyde
homing in on senior glory
It was a very rewarding year for Glyde Rangers. The Tallanstown men consolidated
their senior status - only narrowly missing out on promotion to Division
1A (for the second consecutive year) - and gave as good as they got in
three championship outings. Senior team selector Pat Moran looks back
upon the 2002 season with more than a degree of satisfaction. |
|
2001
|
Baile
Talun strike gold
Gerry Robinson reports on how Baile Talun bridged a 32-year gap by deservedly
clinching the 2001 Louth Minor Football Championship. |
| |
|
back to top
| Hunterstown
Rovers |
|
2007
|
Proud
of their standing
Hunterstown Rovers have enjoyed their fair share of success in recent
years and although there was no major silverware won in 2007, the club
is very much looking to a promising future. |
|
2006
|
Still
in intermediate hunt
Hunterstown Rovers will be in the chase for the 2007 Louth IFC following
a successful Division 2B campaign in '06. The Reds had to take the 2B
title to be guaranteed intermediate football next term and they duly obliged,
claiming the McGahon Cup. Midfielder Robert Martin was influential as
Rovers captured their first piece of silverware in five years. |
|
2005
|
Still
in the hunt
Down but not out. Hunterstown Rovers may have slipped a division but they'll
still contest the intermediate football championship in 2006. Thus, no
real harm has been done. Ciaran Carrie is adamant that the Red & Whites
are capable of regrouping and rebounding with a bang in the coming season.
He's convinced that the ground lost during the '05 campaign can be regained
with a slight improvement in attitude and application. |
|
2004
|
Topped
group but slipped in 'semi'
Hunterstown Rovers' 2004 intermediate championship bid appeared on track
when they finished top of Group B and qualified for the semi-final stage
of the competition. However, a narrow defeat to O'Raghallaighs at Dunleer
on Sunday September 12 put paid to their promotion prospects for another
year. Still, there's a decent crop of young talent emerging in the club
at present and the Rovers should reclaim their senior status (again!)
sooner rather than later. |
|
2003
|
Rovers
looking to the future
Hunterstown Rovers have plenty of cause for optimism going into the 2004
season. The mid-Louth club has a smattering of exciting new talent at
its disposal, including Padraig Mathews, a young player who made a big
impression in '03. |
|
2002
|
The
captain's log
Niall Lynch was captain of Hunterstown Rovers in 2002. Sadly, unlike the
previous year, he failed to make his acquaintance with any silverware.
Kevin Carney reports |
|
2001
|
Levins
above!
By virtue of a convincing Division 2A league campaign, Hunterstown Rovers
have booked their return passage to senior ranks and ace attacker John
Levins is of the opinion that they're better equipped than ever to secure
a prolonged stay in the top flight. |
| |
|
back to top
| John
Mitchells |
|
2007
|
The
golden boys
John Mitchells may not have garnered any silverware to mark 2007 but they
still struck gold during the course of the year thanks to some memorable
50th anniversary celebrations. The Ballybailie club has come a long way
since its genesis in 1957, which was a special year for Wee County GAA
in more ways than oneÉ |
|
2006
|
Mitchells
failed to fire
With one last chance to escape junior ranks before the lower grade becomes
congested once more, John Mitchells probably fancied their chances of
making an impression in 2006. However, the Ballybailie men lost both their
JFC outings and are faced with the prospect of an even more difficult
'07 season. Looking on the bright side, club captain Alan Mackin insists
that the experience of playing against a higher calibre of opposition
can only work in the Whites' favour. |
|
2005
|
Pipped
at the post
John Mitchells' dream of a return to intermediate football ended in double
disappointment in 2005. With a semi-final place beckoning, the Ballybailie
battlers lost a group play-off in the JFC before being edged into second
place in Division Three of the all-county league. Thus, after challenging
on both fronts, the Mitchells finished the year empty-handed and will
have to make do with junior football once more in '06. |
|
2004
|
No
final for Mitchells
John Mitchells were on the verge of a junior championship final appearance
for most of the 2004 season. But somehow fate conspired against them to
deny them a shot at promotion. Speaking to 'Wee County 2004', the club's
'04 captain Niall McCartney reflects on a frustrating year. |
|
2003
|
Battling
group displays not enough
John Mitchells demonstrated their true worth in the group stages of the
2003 Louth junior football championship. But a lacklustre semi-final performance
in mid-August put paid to their promotion hopes. Club chairman James Sweeney
reflects on the ups and downs of another year in the life of the Mitchells. |
|
2002
|
Sparkle
but no gold
While they may have failed (narrowly) to realise their prime objective
of promotion, John Mitchells certainly turned the corner in 2002. |
|
2001
|
Halpenny
bridge over troubled waters
John Mitchells have been going through lean times
since hitting the junior jackpot in 1998, but Des Halpenny is helping
them weather the storm. |
| |
|
back to top
| Kilkerley
Emmets |
|
2007
|
Halfway
there
Kilkerley Emmets made a great start to their 2007 SFC campaign with two
wins from as many outings in Group B. Unfortunately, they failed to pick
up another point from their remaining three matches and narrowly missed
out on a quarter-final spot. Goalkeeper Killian Quigley was left frustrated
and disappointed but nonetheless confident that the Blue & Yellows can
challenge for major honours in '08. |
|
2006
|
No
surrender
Shane Lennon has been playing senior football for Kilkerley for so long
now that many people could be forgiven for considering him a veteran,
but despite being a regular fixture in the starting team for a number
of years, Shane is still very much in the infancy of his career at the
age of just 21. |
|
2005
|
Kilkerley's
rising man in black
Kilkerley referee Paul Kneel has quickly established himself as one of
the most respected officials in the Wee County. Though Paul was in huge
demand to take charge of matches all over Louth and beyond throughout
2005, he still found time to have a chat with Gerry Robinson about his
career to date in the black jersey. |
|
2004
|
Colin
all the heroes
The 2004 season never quite took off for Kilkerley Emmets, but Colin McGuinness
flew the blue and yellow flag high by figuring on the county senior panel
all season. Wee County 2004 talks to the Kilkerley and Louth midfielder
about the events of '04. |
|
2003
|
Kilkerley
hope for more of the Shane
Kilkerley Emmets made light of the step-up to senior grade in 2003 by
storming to the knock-out stages of the SFC. It was a year when Shane
Lennon clearly marked himself out as a big star for the future, making
a massive impact at both club and county level (with the minors and U21s!).
Gerry Robinson caught up with the brilliant young Kilkerley attacker,
whose contribution to Louth GAA in 2003 went way above and beyond the
call of duty... |
|
2002
|
So
near, but yet ...
Losing a semi-final is always a bitter pill to swallow. But there are
no adjectives to describe the devastating range of emotions that go hand
in hand with losing an IFC semi-final after a second replay. Such cruel
fate befell luckless Kilkerley Emmets as they sought an instant return
to senior fare in 2002. Gerry Robinson reports. |
|
2001
|
Leaders
of change
When the history of Louth football is updated in years to come, the season
2001 is sure to get more than a few paragraphs, writes Eunan Whyte. Kilkerley
Emmets had a big part to play in formulating the new-look senior championship. |
| |
|
back to top
| Knockbridge |
|
2007
|
Three
in-a-row
When you're at the very top sometimes there is only one way you can go.
Knockbridge know this more than most with all of the other hurling clubs
in Louth setting their crosshairs on the village outfit at the start of
the year but they overcame injuries to end the year as still number one.
By James Rogers. |
|
2006
|
Knockbridge
leinster march
Congratulations to all who helped make 2006 a very successful year for
the club. The senior team made history by reaching the Leinster junior
club hurling final by beating Ballinamere of Offaly, Laois intermediate
champions Ballyfin, and Our Lady's Island of Wexford. |
|
2005
|
A
very successful year
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. |
|
2004
|
Another
successful year
Congratulations to all who helped make 2004 a very successful year for
Knockbridge Hurling Club. Winning the senior hurling league for the fourth
time with a very young team was the highlight of the year and a tremendous
achievement for the club. Great credit must go to the hard-working players
and mentors. The club finished third in Division One of the Armagh senior
hurling league, with 19 points, having topped the division for most of
the year. Cnoc Brid also made it five U14 Feile titles in a row and secured
the U11 and U12 championships. Furthermore, at the time of going to press,
Knockbridge were in both the U16 and minor championship finals. |
|
2003
|
Knockbridge
regain their mantle
While the Joe Ward Cup for the senior football championship has yet to
be claimed by the St. Brides footballers, the hurlers from Knockbridge
are getting increasingly familiar with the Paddy Kelly Cup for the senior
hurling championship. Their county final victory over Wolfe Tones in August
was their third in total and the club has only been in existence for five
years. Later in the year, the senior league title was added for good measure.
By Brendan Cummins |
|
2002
|
Knockbridge
keep up the pressure
While there was rare disappointment on the SHC front for Knockbridge in
2002, the village club did win a commendable third successive county minor
hurling championship as well as annexing the senior hurling league crown
for the third time in four years. There were a number of other worthwhile
successes to record too. |
|
2001
|
Business
as usual for Knockbridge
The trophies continue to fly into Knockbridge at lightning pace. In 2001,
the Wee County's youngest hurling club once again performed like seasoned
veterans in the winning stakes, dominating the Louth hurling scene. |
| |
|
back to top
| Lannleire |
|
2007
|
All
go in Lannleire
Lannleire GFC began the 2007 season back down in the junior ranks and
like many who had suffered due to the restructuring of the leagues, began
the year with high hopes of making an immediate return to the intermediate
grade. |
|
2006
|
Remembering
patsy
The introduction of the new league structures for the 2007 season meant
that for many clubs this year's performance in the league was vital for
their immediate future.Lannleire began the season Division 2B which meant
that a big effort was needed if they were to achieve their initial aim
of staying in the intermediate grade. By Eunan Whyte. |
|
2005
|
Lannleire
live to fight another day
Lannleire flirted with the unthinkable in 2005. At one stage, it looked
as if the Dunleer club might suffer the ignominy of demotion to junior
football but they managed to consolidate their intermediate status and
will be hoping to push for a return to senior ranks during the forthcoming
season. Carlos Lambe, who acted as club captain for 2005, insists that
Lannleire are far from a spent force. By Gerry Robinson |
|
2004
|
A
good start, but ...
Lannleire made an encouraging start to the 2004 season but lost the plot
around the midway point, failing to escape intermediate ranks and suffering
relegation to Division 2B. The good news from the Dunleer camp was that
they recorded their first championship win in four years and enjoyed a
decent year at juvenile level. |
|
2003
|
Dunleer
at Boylan point!
Red-hot Lannleire surprised most observers when they snatched a point
off Cooley Kickhams in their first Group C outing in the 2003 Louth SFC.
Unfortunately, the Dunleer men couldn't sustain that level of performance,
losing their next two championship games and ultimately suffering relegation
to intermediate ranks. Vice-captain John Boylan reflects on a season of
ups and downs. |
|
2002
|
Martin
is no doubting Thomas
Lannleire's veteran campaigner Thomas Martin readily admits that his club
have been off song in recent seasons, '02 being a case in point. But he
insists that the Dunleer side still has plenty to offer and warns that
they intend to return with a vengeance next term. |
|
2001
|
Lannleire
... and yet so far
About three or four years ago, the smart money in the Wee County was on
Lannleire winning a senior county championship sooner rather than later.
The Dunleer club had made the tricky ascension from junior to senior status
in double-quick time and, with a fountain of prodigious youth at their
disposal, played a brand of football that even had opposition supporters
licking their lips in admiration. |
| |
|
back to top
| Mattock
Rangers |
|
2007
|
Still
a force to be reckoned with
The emergence of Mattock Rangers as a major force in Louth football has
been one of the big stories of the decade. The Collon side have been consistently
among the challengers for the top honours over the past seven years and
in 2002 and 2005 claimed the Joe Ward Cup. |
|
2006
|
Championship
exit was a shock
Their bid to retain the SFC in 2006 was derailed when Mattock Rangers
surprisingly fell to St Josephs at the quarter-final stage in late July.
Fancied by many observers to win the Joe Ward Cup for a third time in
five years, Collon never quite got going in the '06 knockout as the exertions
of a glorious 2005 season seemed to catch up with them. |
|
2005
|
A
tale of three trophies
Mattock Rangers proved emphatically that they are no one-hit wonder by
storming to an unprecedented treble in 2005. The Collon men claimed the
Joe Ward Cup for the second time in four years, silencing their critics
and emphasising their status as a real force in the game. Just for good
measure, they added the inaugural Leinster senior league and the McShane
Cup (Division 1B), spelling the most successful season in the club's 53-year
history. By Gerry Robinson |
|
2004
|
Close
but not close enough
Despite never firing on all cylinders, Mattock Rangers still came close
to claiming a second Louth SFC. The Collon men made it as far as the semi-final
stage, before losing to Cooley by three points. It could all have been
so different had as many as three good goalscoring opportunities not gone
a begging at Knockbridge that fateful mid-August evening. Centre forward
Mark Brennan makes no excuses, however, conceding that ultimately Mattock
got what they deserved. |
|
2003
|
The
calm after the storm
Given the astonishing heroics of 2002 and the resultant hangover, everyone
associated with Mattock needed a breather in '03. Cue an uneventful season
on the playing front. However, Donal Geraghty, who famously captained
the club to glory in '02, promises we'll see the real Mattock Rangers
again in 2004. |
|
2002
|
A
year to remember
Gerry Robinson reflects on how, in 2002, Mattock Rangers captured the
Louth senior football championship for the first time ever, an achievement
that was as meritorious as it was notable. The Collon men were the best
in the Wee County all year . . . never before has the Joe Ward Cup found
a more suitable home! |
|
2001
|
The
known rangers
Gerry Robinson charts how Mattock put their name on the map with a series
of top class displays which brought them all the way to the 2001 SFC final.
|
| |
|
back to top
| Na
Piarsaigh |
|
2007
|
Stronger
than ever
Na Piarsaigh may not have fulfilled their prime objective of securing
promotion to senior football for the first time, but their 25th-anniversary
year was nonetheless a significant one for Dundalk's youngest club. The
Black and Amber narrowly missed out on claiming the 2007 IFC and they
now know they are good enough to progress to the top flight for the first
time in their short but impressive history. |
|
2006
|
Knockin'
on seniors door
Na Piarsaigh were desperately unlucky not to gain promotion to senior
football for the first time ever in 2005. The Rock Road men didn't come
quite so close in '06 but they at least managed to preserve their intermediate
status amid the County Board restructure and team stalwart Robert Nash
believes the Black & Amber can mount another serious challenge to coincide
with their 25th anniversary celebrations. |
|
2005
|
Committed
to the cause
They say nowadays that football is a young man's game but one man from
Na Piarsaigh is currently proving the exception to that rule. |
|
2004
|
U21s
made history
Na Piarsaigh finished 2003 and started 2004 in magnificent style by capturing
their first ever county U21 football championship. The historic breakthrough
arrived courtesy of a thoroughly deserved 3-10 to 1-8 final defeat of
Mattock/Hunterstown/Emmets at Cluskey Park on Sunday January 25. Midfielder
and captain Ronan McCartney spoke to 'Wee County 2004' about the monumental
victory. |
|
2003
|
Settling
down
Following their exploits on the field of play in
2002 Na Piarsaigh began the season in good spirits. Victory in the Junior
Championship Final meant that the Rock Road club would be back in the
intermediate ranks after just one season. By Eunan Whyte. |
|
2002
|
Na
Piarsaigh: the return
Na Piarsaigh weren't about to stand on ceremony. Not for them the frustration
of getting lost at sea amidst the treacherous waters of junior football.
Instead, the Holy Family parish outfit bounced straight back up to the
intermediate grade by capturing the 2002 Louth JFC - in style! |
|
2001
|
Improving
brick by brick
There is no doubt that the year 2001 will not be remembered for the endeavours
on the field of play, but Na Piarsaigh is a club made of strong stuff
and, rather than allowing their heads to drop, are determined to come
back stronger for the experience, writes Eunan Whyte. |
| |
|
back to top
| Naomh
Fionnbarra |
|
2007
|
Fifty,
not out
Naomh Fionnbarra reached their 50th anniversary in 2007 and the celebratory
night that marked the occasion represented the highlight of the club's
year. Though silverware was conspicuous by its absence, 50 years nonetheless
constitutes a milestone for gaelic football in the Togher/Annagassan area
Ð and something everyone associated with the club can be proud of. |
|
2006
|
Should
I stay or should I go
Two-thousand-and-six was a strange year for Naomh Fionnbarra (to put
it mildly). The Togher men fancied their chances of booking a return
to senior football but a disappointing Group A championship campaign
meant they failed to make the knockout stage of the IFC. Next thing,
they were looking over their shoulders amid a Division 2B dogfight,
with the dreaded drop looming. In the end, they failed to make the Top
Two and slipped down to the bottom grade. Sharpshooter Bernard Osborne
reflects on a season where uncertainty aboundedÉ
|
|
2005
|
Appearances
can be deceiving
A cursory glance at Naomh Fionnbarra's 2005 results would suggest that
the Togher men are in rapid decline. But this is not the case. To the
contrary, the mood in the camp is extremely upbeat as the Green & Golds
face into the challenges of a new season. There were mitigating circumstances
for the blip witnessed in '05 and the Finbarrs are capable of bouncing
back in style in 2006. |
|
2004
|
Promotion
proves elusive
Naomh Fionnbarra missed the promotion boat in 2004. For much of the season,
the Togher outfit appeared on course for a return to senior football,
but the wheels came off the wagon late on. Near misses in the IFC and
Division 2A league mean the Finbarrs will play intermediate football once
more in '05. |
|
2003
|
Fionnbarra
drew first blood
Naomh Fionnbarra opened their 2003 season in excellent fashion when capturing
the Grogan Cup on Sunday May 25th. Mayo native Brendan Healy played a
key role in ensuring that the first County Board trophy of the year went
to Markey Park. |
|
2002
|
Down
but definitely not out
There is nare a trace of doom or gloom to be observed in Togher these
days - despite the fact that Naomh Fionnbarra have been demoted back to
intermediate level. Two-thousand-and-two first team manager Pat Hand is
adamant that the season gone by was a mere blip and expects the Finbarrs
to bounce back stronger than ever in '03.147 |
|
2001
|
Naomh
Fionnbarra clinch senior status
Gerry Robinson reports on how the Seamus Flood Cup was brought home to
Markey Park at the end of an epic 2001 IFC campaign and concludes that
the Finbarrs won through with storming finishes to virtually every game. |
| |
|
back to top
| Naomh
Mairtin |
|
2007
|
50
years young
Naomh Mairtin celebrated an important milestone in the club's history
as 2007 marked the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Monasterboice
club. |
|
2006
|
Within
touching distance
Amid constant talk of a 'Big Four' in Louth football, things are not quite
as clear-cut as some might have us believe. Far removed from the peninsula
axis and slap bang in between the other two perceived Wee County heavyweights,
Naomh Mairtin showed enough in 2006 to suggest that they are capable of
upsetting the recently-installed hierarchy. The Monasterboice men should
have reached a SFC semi-final at least and they are eminently capable
of winning a Joe Ward Cup in the foreseeable future. And, perhaps ominously,
2007 marks their 50th anniversaryÉ |
|
2005
|
Magnificent
run
Naomh Mairtin raised quite a few eyebrows with a magnificent run in the
2005 Louth senior football championship. The Monasterboice men emerged
from their group unbeaten and went as far as the semi-finals before losing
by three points to would-be champions Mattock Rangers at Drogheda in early
September. The Mairtins also pushed hard for a place in Division 1A, making
for a satisfactory year. |
|
2004
|
And
the award for 'unluckiest team of the year' goes to ...
If the powers that be in Louth GAA circles completely lost the run of
themselves and decided to present a special award to the most unlucky
team in the county in 2004, there would be many genuine contenders. Hard
luck stories are the order of the day in the Louth senior football championship
every year Ð and 2004 was no different. Naomh Mairtin were the first club
to receive a two-fingered salute from Lady Fortune, crashing lucklessly
out of the race for the Joe Ward Cup as early as mid-June. |
|
2003
|
McCullough
made big impact
Nineteen-year-old Francis McCullough was arguably Naomh Mairtin's most
potent attacker in 2003. Some achievement considering that county stars
JP Rooney and Nicky McDonnell also ply their trade in the Monasterboice
forward line! |
|
2002
|
Saint
Nicholas
Two-thousand-and-two was certainly an eventful year for Nicky McDonnell.
He established himself as a permanent fixture in the | |