Moynalvey's spell in the senior grade came to an end. But the potential is there to ensure a quick return. There were times during Moynalvey's early days in the senior ranks when the possibility of a Keegan Cup success was mooted and even as recently as last May, a Meath Chronicle headline concurred with the notion; "Inspirational Moynalvey sound a championship warning". That the headline was a little over the top was proved within five months when instead of figuring in the championship shake-up, Moynalvey were relegated to the Intermediate ranks as a result of a comprehensive play-off defeat by Gaeil Colmcille in Walterstown. In their 17 year spell at senior level, the Maroons gave as good as they got without convincing the football fraternity that the were there to stay and the introduction of the relegation system in 1999 saw them installed as future relegation candidates. There is absolutely no shame in that. After all, it is only twenty years ago since the club was struggling to make an impact at Junior 'B' level! And then came the glory days...a Junior championship success in 1981 was followed by a memorable Intermediate triumph in 1983 and the GAA's Centenary Year was appropriately celebrated with an historic first appearance in the senior grade. The Moynalvey players of the early 1980's were a remarkably talented group...many were also involved in Kiltale's SHC successes of 1982 and '83. As well as being multi-talented, they also knew how to win games and their collective determination was a hallmark. Their's was one of the finest success stories in the history of Meath clubs. Liam Harnan was a key figure on the Moynalvey team of that era...he went on to become one of the most effective defenders in the game and was a key figure on Meath's All-Ireland-winning teams of 1987 and '88. There are many who believe that his absence through injury cost Meath the All-Ireland final of 1990. It was always unlikely that Moynalvey would find adequate replacements for Harnan and his colleagues and it can certainly be argued that a 17 year spell in the top flight was quite an achievement in it's own right. It would certainly have been beyond the wildest dreams of the club's founders. As would the Feis Cup and Under-21 Championship successes of 1993. Unfortunately, those triumphs of seven years ago failed to inspire a sustained challenge for the SFC title and there wasn't a great deal of optimism in the club as the new Millennium dawned. The championship draw provided little cause for joy...it was certainly going to be difficult to qualify for the knock-outs. Seneschalstown, Kilmainhamwood, Walterstown and Summerhill would all have realistic prospects and Moynalvey would have to produce something special to figure in the shake-up. They had a bye in the opening round before facing Seneschalstown at Skryne. The Furze men had defeated Walterstown in their opener but, with Graham Geraghty serving a suspension, they had no answers to a rampant Moynalvey side. PJ Walsh showed his colleagues the way in the early stages and with John Donohoe starring at centre-field, Moynalvey gained control. They led by 0-6 to 0-3 at half-time and although they looked the better team, they had to rely on goalie Derek Bannon to come to their rescue on a few occasions. Early second half-points from Ciaran Collins and Willie Byrne put them firmly in the driving seat and they went on to win convincingly on a 0-11 to 0-5 scoreline. It was this performance that inspired the already mentioned headline but despite the encouraging start to the campaign, it was all downhill from this point. Kilmainhamwood, who had lost to Summerhill in the opening round, provided the opposition in the third round at Walterstown. It was an occasion when one man stood head and shoulders above his colleagues and opponents alike. Ray Magee was at his best, scoring seven of the 'Wood's eleven points and tormenting the Moynalvey defence throughout. Jackie Ennis, who had excelled against Seneschalstown, battled bravely to curtail Magee but to no avail. Kilmainhamwood were first out of the traps and had three points on the board before Moynalvey registered. But the prospect of a second victory increased when the maroon and whites hit something of a purple patch, taking the lead with points from Robert Quinlan (2), John Donohoe and Willie Byrne. Magee restored the 'Wood's lead but Moynalvey received a further boost when Derek Bannon made a superb save from the county man's penalty. Bannon's save inspired his team to a 0-6 to 0-5 interval lead. Kilmainhamwood went back in front early in the second half but Moynalvey were still in contention when Jeremy Ennis was sent off. Any prospects of victory went with him as the 'Wood made their numerical advantage count in the closing stages as they held out for a two point victory, 0-11 to 0-9. On reflection, it was this defeat more than any other, that led to the drop to the Intermediate ranks. A short trip to Summerhill to face Walterstown followed, and, on a totally forgettable occasion, Moynalvey slumped to an eight point defeat to a largely unimpressive Black's outfit. Although they were still very much in contention, Moynalvey appeared to be affected by the Kilmainhamwood defeat and they produced a bitterly disappointing display as evidenced by the fact that Walterston registered thirteen wides and still scored fifteen points. Conditions were difficult but only Derek Bannon, John and Myles Byrne played to anything like their potential. Supporters knew at this stage that it would require a dramatic turnaround if relegation was to be avoided. As in the game against Kilmainhamwood, a sending off did little to help Moynalvey's chances against Summerhill in the final round at Dunsany. Denis O Shea incurred the wrath of the referee in the first half and Moynalvey were always fighting an uphill battle subsequently. They looked well capable of causing an upset in the early stages when Ciaran Collins found the Summerhill net and they were still two points to the good at the half-way stage, 1-5 to 1-3. Summerhill had a livelier approach in the second half and Billy Shaw capitalised on his team's sustained pressure by firing over a succession of points from frees. Moynalvey had every reason to regret O Shea' dismissal...it was the 'extra man' that contributed most to their 1-13 to 1-8 defeat. It was back to Dunsany in early September for the Group relegation play-off against Seneschalstown, who had also won only one of their four games. Disappointment was once more the lot of Moynalvey supporters who saw their team go under by 2-11 to 0-11. The south county men were always chasing the game and never looked likely to repeat their earlier victory over the same opponents. Gaeil Colmcille now stood between Moynalvey and relegation. The crunch game took place at Walterstown and there were no 'ifs or doubts' about the outcome. Gaeil Colmcille won it comfortably on a 2-14 to 1-4 scoreline. The Kellsmen were more 'up' for it and should have been further ahead at half-time. At that stage it was 0-7 to 1-2 with Moynalvey's goal from Willie Byrne being in the 'lucky' category. Rory Maughan's departure through injury was a setback but it didn't account for a thirteen point defeat. It looked as if the Moynalvey players were resigned to their fate...not a good sign. The task will be to raise themselves for a serious attempt to win next year's Intermediate championship but as Slane and Carnaross discovered this year, the Intermediate title is a difficult one to win. Neither of last year's relegated teams managed to qualify for the Intermediate semi-finals. Moynalvey might be a little better equipped and although they will struggle to repeat the heroics of their 1980's predecessors, they are expected to figure in the shake-up. Tweet

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