Team manager Vincent Ryan put together a very talented Ballinlough under 16 combination in 2000. Young players like Smith, Geraghty, Gaynor, Fagan, Muldoon, McEnroe and Farrell will surely backbone the club's premier xv in ten years time. Every successful rural team needs them, requires for their very lifeblood a good underage side to spring forth every so often. Ballinlough certainly had at their disposal a talented under 16 bunch in 2000. They might have been operating in the Division 3 ranks but were certainly possessors of a higher skill factor than a number of those operating in the supposedly two top grades. Regardless of their status when it came to team preparation, Ballinlough enjoyed a near professional approach in the spring and summer gone. Vinny Ryan, an All-Ireland minor and under 21 medal winner back in the early '90's was placed in charge and the senior club defender approached his new role with both a commitment and drive rarely seen at this level. Numerous challenges were organised and tournaments won. A strict training schedule was put in place. Indeed, this particular team were never beaten right up until semi-final day. Then St Marys played exceptional football but the large Ballinlough support present will point to a couple of terrible refereeing decisions which changed the entire trend of the match. The big hallmark of Vinny Ryan's young side was their ability to put the ball between the posts. Some adventurous attacking play saw a total of 31-114 registered over the campaign, while 11-43 was conceded. Assisting the team manager were selectors Aidan Finlay and Paddy Muldoon. Basil Balfe A very alert keeper, bossed his area and was continually keeping his five backs on their toes. An excellent shot stopper, enjoyed an outstanding semi-final. Michael Briody A very strong corner back, Michael is one of the most improved players on the team, a whole hearted defender and a bit of a character. Benjy Smith Eligible again in 2001 and should be a county U16 player. Father Brendan was a very talented player and young Benjy appears to have inherited these traits. James O'Keeffe His family were on holidays but James stayed loyal and in Ireland until that championship exit. A gutsy half back. Niall Geraghty A number of people will remember his late father Tommy as an outstanding performer with the now defunct Killallon. Big brother Michael was a Westmeath senior hurler for years and Niall looks another outstanding prospect. Gerard Smith A first cousin of Benjy and a speedy half back. Father Pat was a big strong midfielder circa late '60s early '70s with the club. Conor Maguire Will still be able to wear that under 16 jersey in 2001. A big talented midfielder, father Padraig played adult football with Moylagh. Michael Gaynor A real leader in the middle of the field. Michael was one of the top players in the competition and his high fielding ability won the admiration of all. Terry Fagan The team's most talented player, should have been on Meath under 16 squad but never got the call. Father Terry was a fine dual player while uncles Jack and Jimmy were vital parts of Meath senior set up around mid 60s. Padraig Muldoon The attack leader who roamed all over the place. Could take a score as well. Father Paddy had stints with Killallon, Ballinlough and was Kilskyre's netminder for decades. David McEnroe The brightest prospect around Ballinlough, big and strong. David was a regular with this year's Meath under 14 team. Rich Cavan GAA lineage behind him and one to look out for. John Farrell Started the campaign rather quietly but was a real shooting star come the quarter and semi finals. A cousin of Padraig Muldoon. Nicholas Finlay With young Benjy, Maguire and McEnroe, Nicholas is eligible again. Father Aidan was a selector along with Paddy Muldoon. Nicholas himself got many vital scores over the summer. Derek 'Rasher' Muldoon An under 14 star and a brother of Padraig. A very promising full back. Chris Geraghty A first cousin of Niall's and a son of Padraig, a Killallon star back in the '60s. One of the most committed and dedicated players. Barry Farrell A younger brother of John. One of the characters on the panel. Paul Tully Father Hughie was an outstanding player for Kilskyre and Ballinlough in the 60s and 70s. Uncles all played and young Paul is maintaining the family name in the famous Red. Andrew Reilly Last but by no means least, Andrew was an under 15 player in 2000. Father John has been involved with Ballinlough committees for years. Reds Under 16 Championship Trail Ballinlough 6-23 Slane 2-6 Ballinlough 5-15 O'Mahonys B 2-6 Ballinlough 2-11 Moylagh 1-7 Ballinlough 6-21 St Vincents 2-5 Ballinlough 5-18 Dunderry 1-6 Quarter Final Ballinlough 4-16 Na Fianna 2-8 Semi Final Ballinlough 3-11 St Marys 3-13 B-League win Not a great year for Ballinlough's second string in the championship. They did make it to the preliminary quarter finals but a combination of using 25 players on the club's senior string, injuries, holidays and absentees meant a humiliating defeat at the hands of St Colmcilles. Earlier in the spring, there was compensation in the form of the 1999 AC 'B' FL Div 4 title. Near neighbours Moylagh were outpointed 0-10 to 0-7 in front of a big gate at Gilsenan Park, Oldcastle. Team captain Martin McDonnell was presented with the cup by County Board delegate Barney Allen. McDonnell, with the likes of Raymond Lydon, Michael 'The Vet' Reilly, Derek Lynch, Peadar Byrne and Kevin Devine were Ballinloughs best players on the day. Later on in the senior championship, young players like Peadar Byrne, Ronan McGuinness and Karl O'Reilly were to emerge. The Ballinlough team and scorers was: R Stevens, G Corcoran, B O'Reilly, P Fox,T Fox, K Devine, E O'Reilly, P Byrne 0-4, S Byrne, R McGuinness, M Reilly 0-1, M McDonnell, D Lynch 0-2, R Lydon 0-3, K O'Reilly. Tweet

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