With a performance of textbook football Dunshaughlin became the latest name to be put on the Keegan Cup. Royal County looks at their winning year. It is time to re-write 'Black and Amber'! Back in the GAA's Centenary Year of 1984, Jim Gilligan and Patsy McLoughlin produced a marvellous history of the Dunshaughlin club. 'Black and Amber' was a great read, even for people who had little or no interest in the club. There were some notable victories, most of which were in the hurling championship in the early part of the century but there was also the Junior Football successes of 1950 and 1967 as well as the Intermediate success of 1977. And of course there was the memorable three-in-a-row Juvenile successes as St. Martins in 1957, '58 and '59. Dunshaughlin, as a senior force, didn't take up too many pages even though there were two successive semi-final appearances in the early 1950's, both of which ended in defeat at the hands of Skryne. Fast forward to a second edition of 'Black and Amber', which appears a 'must' in the next few years. On the cover will be a photograph of a Dunshaughlin captain being presented with the Keegan Cup! Who would have thought it possible? The answer is not all that difficult. Two names have been mentioned in these columns so far...Jim Gilligan and Patsy McLoughlin...(add in Paddy O' Dwyer) and a deeper look at their contributions to the well-being of Dunshaughlin GFC will provide much of the background to the story behind the club's fabulous breakthrough at senior level. Jim, Patsy and Paddy would be the first to indicate that the club owes much to a succession of hard-working officials, (Stephen Burke and Cyril Creavin are among the latest upholders of the tradition), and indeed to entire families who have remained loyal to the black and amber throughout it's existence. The O' Dwyers, Dowds, O Briens, Gogans, Blakes, Lynams, Morgans, Murrays, Flynns, Dorans, Delaneys, Carberrys and Kennys are names that spring to mind. And now we can add the Kealys! It is important to highlight the fact that Dunshaughlin's Senior success this year was not of the overnight variety. It came pretty quickly following the Intermediate success of 1997 but a great deal of hard work was necessary to blend the team together. A photograph in the County Final programme showed that seven members of the team that won the Keegan Cup were colleagues on the St. Seachnaill's NS team that won the Cumann na mBunscoil Division 2 title in 1991. Fourteen of the starting team in the final were past pupils of the school. The team gradually gelled together and the Intermediate success in 1997 came about after a number of extended championship campaigns. History was made in 1999 when Dunshaughlin made a first ever SFC final appearance. Along the way they had beaten the defending champions St. Peters Dunboyne, Trim, Simonstown Gaels and Dunderry. Hopes were high of a first Keegan Cup success but neighbours Skryne had more experience and made it count against their 'greener' opponents. The game was lost in the first half when Dunshaughlin squandered several good scoring opportunities and teams appearing in their first final simply cannot win in such circumstances. There were those who believed that the 'black and ambers' might turn out to be something of a flash in the pan but shrewder observers felt that they would be back. Their logic was that the team would learn from the mistakes of the '99 final and that Eamon Barry's shrewdness as manager would be of immense benefit in maintaining their focus. And the Championship draw for 2000 was 'generous'. Although four-team groups are somewhat notorious as 'death-traps', it was aways an odds-on bet that Skryne and Dunshaughlin would qualify for the quarter-finals at the expense of Blackhall Gaels and Cortown. Still, with two local derbies, Dunshaughlin could take nothing for granted. The first round match was against neighbours Blackhall Gaels in Skryne where Dunshaughlin quickly established control and romped to a 14 point victory, 0-21 to 0-7. Blackhall Gaels had succeeded the black and ambers as Intermediate champions in 1998 but the contrast in potential was highlighted in a terribly one-sided game. The comfortable victory indicated that Eamon Barry's men had wintered well but it was difficult to judge their Keegan Cup potential. The first real test came against Skryne in a repeat of the 1999 final at Pairc Tailteann when the reward for victory was a place in the quarter-final. Skryne had also registered a facile win over Cortown in the first round and went into the game determined to maintain their superiority over their neighbours. They managed to do so but their winning margin of three points hinted that Dunshaughlin were gaining ground. Many observers felt that, with a little bit of luck, the previous year's runners-up might well have avenged their final defeat. It was all square at 0-4 apiece at the end of the first quarter but Skryne appeared to be in the driving seat when Ciaran Murphy found the net early in the second quarter. Dunshaughlin's reply was swift with Trevor Dowd finding the Skryne net within minutes but by half-time the defending champions had edged into a two-point lead, 1-6 to 1-4. They subsequently went five points clear as Dunshaughlin struggled to play catch-up but Richie Kealy was having a major influence at centre-field and, gradually, Dunshaughlin narrowed the gap. A slip-up in defence led to Skryne's second goal but the black and ambers rallied again and a David Crimmins goal gave them fresh hope. However, the effort to stay in touch had taken it's toll and Skryne held out for a 2-12 to 2-9 victory. While the players were disappointed with the outcome and while the desire to avenge the '99 defeat remained unsated, the possibility of another chance was still very much alive. Despite the loss of two points, the team remained on course for the quarter-finals and a win against Cortown would secure that goal. The perception that Dunshaughlin were continuing to improve was heavily emphasised by the manner of their victory in Trim. Cortown were simply demolished thanks to a fabulous performance from the black and ambers. In the end, their winning margin was an incredible 21 points, 6-11 to 0-8, and the signals were clear...it would take something special to halt the gallop of this team! Amazingly, it was nip and tuck throughout the opening quarter at the end of which it was 0-3 apiece...and Dunshaughlin were playing with the breeze! But from that point onward, it was desperately one-sided as the favourites really went to town. They added 2-2 in the run-up to the interval with the goals coming from Richie Kealy and a penalty by his brother Denis. Trevor Dowd turned on the style in the second half with three goals and although Cortown battled bravely, there was never any doubt about the outcome. The 1999 Intermediate champions Syddan were the surprise quarter-final opponents...their huge win over Simonstown Gaels had been as comprehensive as Dunshaughlin's over Cortown and was more of a surprise. The North county men had their tails up following the win over Simonstown and, in the early stages against Dunshaughlin, they looked capable of causing a surprise. It was 1-3 to 0-2 after 20 minutes but Dunshaughlin then got to grips with the situation and scored six points without reply to lead by 0-8 to 1-3 at the break. An early second-half point from Syddan reduced the deficit to the minimum and hinted at an exciting contest but Dunshaughlin took firm control and ran out comfortable winners on a 0-17 to 1-6 scoreline. Niall Kelly turned in a superb display while Richie Kealy was also in brilliant form scoring a fine total of 0-9. So far, so good. In their four games to date, Dunshaughlin had averaged over 2-14 per game and had not put a foot wrong with the exception of the 'blip' against Skryne. Trim had qualified for the last four by virtue of an impressive win over Summerhill and the semi-final showdown took place on September 2nd at Pairc Tailteann. It turned out to be a real test of Dunshaughlin's character as Trim played some excellent football and looked the better team at times...but only at times. In terms of economy, Dushaughlin had the all-important advantage, registering only six wides to Trim's twelve. After only six minutes, Trim had established a 0-4 to 0-0 lead but Dunshaughlin eventually got into the game when Denis Kealy netted from a penalty which resulted from his team's first real application of pressure. Trevor Dowd sent over the equalising point midway through the first half and a brilliant save by goalie Ronan Gogan provided a further boost to his colleagues. Richie Kealy grabbed the goal that gave Dunshaughlin the narrowest of half-time leads, 2-3 to 0-8. A place in the final was very much up for grabs at this stage but when Trim squandered a handful of good scoring opportunities on the resumption, you sensed that it was not going to be their evening. Three points from Richie Kealy plus one each from Aidan Kealy and David Crimmins opened up a six point gap. Trim rallied in the last quarter and got to within two points, 0-12 to 2-8, but they were unable to gain parity and Dunshaughlin finished with three unanswered points in the dying minutes. It had been a close call but Dunshaughlin had answered most of the questions. Ciaran Byrne was brilliant at corner back, Ronan Gogan was soundness personified between the posts while Denis Kealy gave another outstanding performance. Niall Kelly, Richie and Dermot Kealy also shone in a workmanlike team display. Now for a final showdown with Skryne...or so we thought! On the following afternoon at Pairc Tailteann, prospects of a repeat of the 1999 final were scuppered by unfancied Kilmainhamwood who eliminated the defending champions with a superb 3-12 to 1-13 victory. There was no recent history of Dunshaughlin-Kilmainhamwood clashes...no form to go on....but Dunshaughlin were installed as slight favourites largely on account of their impressive campaign and because of their appearance in the 1999 final. The black and amber bunting went up around the village of Dunshaughlin as well as the 'good luck' messages from the neighbouring clubs. Interest increased when it was confirmed that the game would go out live on TG4. And then there was the County Board's decision to honour Patsy McLoughlin as it's Guest of Honour at the match. Rarely has the honour been so richly deserved. The general opinion was that this would be a close encounter...too close to call. Could yet another new name go on the Keegan Cup after Dunderry, Kilmainhamwood and St. Peters Dunboyne in the previous five years? Persistent rain put something of a dampener on proceedings but Dunshaughlin supporters were not bothered as their team raced into an early lead. Points from Paddy McHale and Richie Kealy were followed by a goal from Graham Dowd. But the 'Wood had no intentions of playing a supporting role and two goals from Ray Magee got them back into contention by the mid-point of the first half. With ten minutes remaining to half-time, it was all square at 1-4 to 2-1. It was at this stage that Dunshaughlin took control, firing over seven points to Kilmainhamwood's one, thus establishing a commanding six point lead at the interval, 1-11 to 2-2. The destination of the Keegan Cup, had been decided in that ten-minute spell before half-time. Appropriate too, as Dunshaughlin's play was of the highest quality and their score-taking was simply superb. Richie Kealy demoralised the opposition with three marvellous points...the others came from David Crimmins, Trevor Dowd, Dermot Kealy and Niall Kelly. To concede two goals and still lead at half-time by six points represented a fabulous display of character and courage and there was little that Kilmainhamwood could do to put a halt to the relentless surge of their opponents. Eamon Barry's men outscored the 'Wood by 0-8 to 0-4 in the second half as Kealy and his colleagues maintained control. Even the setbacks of having Ciaran Byrne sent off at the threequarter stage and Denis Kealy missing a penalty in the closing stages failed to upset the Dunshaughlin men. The final score was 1-19 to 2-6 and the Cup was on it's way to a new home for the fourth time in six years! Captain Dermot Kealy accepted the trophy and delivered an understandably emotional speech in which he paid eloquent tribute to the contribution of Eamon Barry. His brother Richie was named as 'Man of the Match'. Although Richie's class shone throughout, this was essentially a team effort. Dermot excelled at centre-field and Aidan was as solid as a rock at centre-half-back. Niall Kelly also caught the eye with three fine points, as did Paddy McHale whose willingness to work was a key factor. Trevor Dowd (0-4), and David Crimmins gave the Kilmainhamwood defence a torrid time throughout. Graham Dowd's goal came at a vital stage while Denis Kealy and Brendan Kealy also made huge contributions, The full back line of Fergal Gogan, Kenny McTigue and Ciaran Byrne recovered well from the concession of the two goals...likewise goalie Ronan Gogan. And Ronnie Yore was one of the heros of the entire campaign. The achievement of the Kealy family has to be marked with special mention...five brothers started the game and a sixth, Kevin, came on in the closing stages. On the previous day, their sister Maria captained Meath to win the All-Ireland Under-16 title in Ballinasloe! The winning Dunshaughlin team, and scorers, in the county final was; Ronan Gogan, Fergal Gogan, Kenny McTigue, Ciaran Byrne, Denis Kealy, Aidan Kealy, Ronnie Yore, Dermot Kealy (0-2), Graham Dowd (1-0), Niall Kelly (0-3), Paddy McHale (0-1), Brendan Kealy, Richie Kealy (0-7), David Crimmins (0-1) and Trevor Dowd (0-4). Substitutes; Tommy Sullivan, Garvan Blake and Kevin Kealy. The selectors were Eamon Barry, TP Toolin and Brendan Kealy. At the time of going to print, Dunshaughlin were preparing for the third instalment of their epic Leinster club championship clash with Wicklow champions Rathnew. Eamonn even higher A Keegan Cup success was added to Eamonn Barry's ever-burgeoning managerial cv this year. The Dublin based Garda has made a habit out of collecting silverware. Interview: Shane O'Brien. Former Walterstown and Meath star Eamonn Barry was the architect of the proudest moment in Dunshaughlin GFC's long history when the town club overcame Kilmainhamwood to capture the Meath SFC for the first time ever. At the beginning of the year, did the man himself honestly believe that the Keegan Cup would be paraded through the streets of Dunshaughlin come September. "We certainly believed we had a great chance. You can never say for sure but we knew we had the makings of a very good team and that we were definitely in the top four in the county," he replied. "Our main worry was the prospect of losing some of our top players to injury during the year. We never questioned the team's ability but if, at any stage, we had have lost the likes of Richie or Dermot Kealy, for example, we would have struggled to replace them. "Another concern was the fact that we didn't seem to be able to capitalise on all the possession we had in games. In most games, last year and at the beginning of this year we had the majority of possession but weren't making it count on the scoreboard. Thankfully, everything fell into place from the Cortown game on." Cortown was the town team's last group game and having beaten Blackhall Gaels in the opener and lost to Skryne in the second it was a must win game for Barry's charges. They duly obliged and subsequently embarked on a voyage which resulted in Dermot Kealy mounting the steps in Pairc Tailteann to accept Meath football's blue riband prize from Co Board chairman Fintan Ginnity. Senior championship newcomers Syddan were accounted for in the quarter-final and Trim fell by the wayside at the penultimate stage. While Dunshaughlin were quietly going about their business and qualifying for their second county final on the trot with the minimum of fuss, Kilmainhamwood created the shock of the tournament when knocking reigning champions Skryne out in the semi-final. And so the dye was cast, the novel meeting of Dunshaughlin and Kilmainhamwood on Sunday, 17th of September would decide the destination of the Keegan Cup in the first year of the new millennium. Dunshaughlin were raging hot favourites and totally justified that tag when recording a comfortable 1-19 to 2-6 victory. "The only word to describe the team's display in the final is awesome. It was just one of those days that every coach dreams about. All fifteen performed to their full potential on the day and it was a joy to watch. It wouldn't have mattered who we played that day . . . we still would have won. We had the bit of luck too but you need that to win any game." Did the experience of 1999 stand the Dunshaughlin players in goodstead this year? "It obviously helped, made us more determined to do well. "The fact that we were drawn in the same group as Skryne was a big help. That meant we would have an tough game in the early stages of the competition while also guaranteed that if the the two teams were to meet again it wouldn't be until the final. "Skryne beat us in the group by two or three points but that was a very disappointing result as we had plenty of chances to beat them. They have been the best team in the county over the past two years or so and the yardstick by which other teams measure their progress so we weren't too pleased at not beating them when we had the chance. Luckily, though, everything worked out well in the end." Nearly three weeks after clinching the Keegan Cup, Dunshaughlin were on the hunt again for more silverware, this time the Tommy Mooney cup, which is the reward for the winners of the ACFL Division 1 final. Intermediate champions St Patrick's provided the opposition in the final, which was played under lights at Simonstown. Things appeared to be going according to plan for the Black and Ambers when they held a 0-7 to 0-2 advantage at the interval. Inexplicably, however, they succumbed to a second half Stamullen revival and ended up losing by the narrowest of margins, 0-9 to 0-8. "That was a real come back down to earth scenario," admits Eamonn who is the proud holder of five Meath SFC souvenirs won with Walterstown and two Leinster club SFC medals. "But it's just one of those things that you have to accept. "To be five points up at half-time and go out and underperform by so much in the second half is very disappointing though. One minute we were in a comfortable position and the next we were struggling. That's football for you." Dunshaughlin weren't the only team to benefit from Eamonn's managerial wisdom in 2000. Once again he took charge of the Royal County's junior team and having guided them to an All-Ireland final appearance against Waterford twelve months early there was plenty of optimism in the camp as regards going one step forward. Kildare were comfortably overcome in the first round of the Leinster championship but Wexford threw a spanner in the works at the semi-final stage when they defeated Meath by 3-4 to 1-8 at Pairc Tailteann. "That result just goes to show the unpredictable nature of football. I've been involved with the juniors for the past three years and I thought that this year's was the strongest panel, even stronger than the one that reached the All-Ireland final in 1999. It didn't work out that way however." Eamonn, who's a garda based in Dublin and who's also the proprietor of Gaelic Games Equipment, subsequently stepped down as manager of the juniors and has handed the baton over to his brother Martin. Bad news for all other clubs in the county is that that leaves him with more time on his hands to plot Dunshaughlin's bid to retain the Keegan Cup. "Dunshaughlin is a very progressive club. The team that won the championship is still very young while each year there will always be a couple of new players coming up from the underage ranks. They're going to be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come." So what's Eamonn's future ambitions? "Win next year's county championship final." Stupid question! St Martin's win u-14 HC B crown St Martin's collected the u-14 HC B title when they overcame Wolfe Tones with four points to spare in the decider at Kilmessan, on a scoreline of 2-8 to 3-1. The Dushaughlin side led by 0-5 to 0-1 at the break and increased that advantage to ten points at one stage in the second half thanks to goals from Brian McEntee and Fergal Moore. Tones did stage a comeback with a brace of late goals but St Martin's, inspired by Ciaran Kenny, David Wallace, Eoin Reilly, Cormac Delaney and Adrian Toolan, held on to win. Afterwards chairman of the Juvenile Hurling Board John Reilly presented the winning cup to victorious captain Eoin Reilly. St Martin's - J Crosbie; E Reilly, B Coughlan; R Lyons, C Delaney, J Coffey; C Kenny, D Wallace (0-1); A Toolan (0-3), R Cleary, B McEntee (1-0); F Moore (1-4), D Quinn. Subs - A Kelly for Quinn, C Staunton for Kelly. Tweet

Most Read Stories