Kiltale make progress
December 31, 2001
Kiltale might not have qualified for the latter stages of the senior hurling championship but it was a satisfactory year nonetheless according to manager Tommy Donoghue.
Nearly 20 years have elapsed since Kiltale last scaled the summit of Meath club hurling. With players of the calibre of Paddy Kelly, Tommy Cummins, Harry Donovan, Ger and Mickey Regan, Richie Melia and the late Robbie Melia, the club won back-to-back senior championships in 1982 and '83 and were Feis Cup winners in '84.
That was easily the most successful period in Kiltale's history but like all good things, it had to come to an end. Since then, the men in maroon and green have remained a senior club without ever really threatening to renew acquaintances with the Jubilee Cup.
This year, Kiltale lost just one game in the championship but still failed to reach the latter stages. Despite the disappointment, team manager Tommy Donoghue regarded it as a satisfactory year for the club.
"Teams have often lost one game and still qualified for the knock-out stages," he says.
"We lost just the one game to Trim but the fact that we drew three other games put us out of the running. We were obviously disappointed not to come out of the group but overall, it wasn't a bad year for us. We did better than most people had expected."
Under the guidance of Tommy and his co-selectors Paddy Walsh (trainer), Brendan Madden and Tommy Cummins, Kiltale's championship record for this year was: won one, drew three and lost one. They couldn't have asked for a more difficult start, facing the reigning champions Trim in the first round.
Kiltale matched their more illustrious opponents stride for stride for 45 minutes but the concession of two late goals eventually undid them. Donoghue recalls that defeat "knocking the stuffing out of them" but they recovered well to beat Boardsmill by a comfortable margin in the next round.
In round three, Kiltale faced what was then a high-flying Kildalkey side. After a tremendous battle, the game finished all-square with John Donoghue's late goal earning Kiltale a share of the spoils. A similar result was achieved against Navan O'Mahony's which left Kiltale needing a win over Dunboyne in their final group game at Dunsany to have any chance of making the knock-out stages.
Played on a wet Tuesday evening in August, the game never soared to any great heights but it was exciting nonetheless. The sides were level after 20 minutes but two points from Shane Reilly gave Kiltale a 0-6 to 0-4 cushion at half-time.
Within eight minutes of the restart, Kiltale had extended their advantage to five points. Dunboyne goalkeeper Stephen Reilly was unable to hold Stephen Reilly's centre and Paul Regan was on hand to blast the sliothar to the back of the net.
That was as good as it good for Kiltale, however. Dunboyne responded by making a number of changes and these soon had the desired effect. The black and ambers had reeled off five points without reply before John Donohue restored Kiltale's lead.
In a tense, closing period, Dunboyne rifled over two points in quick succession to edge themselves in front but Kiltale substitute levelled with a superb long-range point from play. Unfortunately for Kiltale, a draw was not good enough and they found themselves out of the championship race.
Tommy Donoghue was proud of his team's gallant effort but was not happy with the fact that the game was played in mid-week.
"An important game like that should never have been played on a Tuesday night. Fellas shouldn't be expected to go out and play a big championship match after doing a day's work. I'm not using it as an excuse as it was the same for Dunboyne. But I think the people that make the fixtures should give more consideration to the players."
Tommy, who is father of John and Stephen and played football with Moynalvey and Drumree, was delighted with the commitment shown by the Kiltale players throughout the season.
"You couldn't be anything but proud of the lads and the effort they put in. They were extremely committed and showed a never-say-die attitude in a number of their games. Kildalkey, O'Mahony's and Dunboyne could all have beaten them but they never gave up. That has to be a good sign."
Kiltale are unlikely to be among the favourites for senior championship honours next season but Donoghue, for one, isn't prepared to write off their chances.
"The days of Kiltale being happy just to stay up senior are gone," he says.
"After our displays this year, we now know that we're not a million miles away from winning a championship. I have great confidence in this team and I think we have a nice blend of youth and experience.
"The likes of John and Stephen (Donoghue) have played with the county at underage level and so too has Benny Dixon. Paddy Walsh and PJ Kelly provide the experience and that's why I think the blend is right. If we can keep this year's momentum going, we could surprise a few people."
What teams does Donoghue believe will be the toughest to beat in 2002?
"Even though Dunderry reached the final this year, I would have to say that Trim and Kilmessan are that bit ahead of the rest. They have been the two strongest clubs over the past few years and are never easy to beat.
"As for the other clubs, I don't think there is much between any of them. Any one of them could come along next year and push for the championship. Hopefully, that club will be us."
Kiltale's underage section, which is looked after primarily by Paddy Kelly jnr and Ray Kelly, continues to grow stronger. The under 13 team enjoyed a good year, reaching the 'A' championship final. Further progress is expected next year.
During the year, Kiltale received £100,000 in funding from the National Lottery. This will be put towards the expansion of the clubhouse which will incorporate new dressing rooms and meeting rooms. A new floodlighting system is also on the way.
"We might be a small club but we are determined to provide the best of facilities and be successful," Donoghue concludes.
Most Read Stories