Blackhall Gaels' steady climb up the ladder of Meath GAA continued in 1999 with their Minors surprising many by bringing home the Delaney Cup. Royal County recounts the latest chapter in the club's success story. Nineteen-ninty-four was the year that junior clubs Kilcloon and Batterstown decided to pool their resources and form Blackhall Gaels. Those responsible for the amalgamation would be forgiven for giving themselves a well deserved clap on the back because their foresight has certainly yielded the desired results. The 12 months just nearing a close will occupy a number of chapters in the club's success story; not alone did they make their debut in the county's top flight but their U18s captured the club's first minor title. Blackhall's first appearance in a MFC final proved to be a winning one when they overcame south Meath neighbours Summerhill by 2-10 to 1-4 in the final at Pairc Tailteann in August. The title came to the area three years in a row in 1991, '92 and '93 when the Moynalvey-Kilcloon combination took the honours under the guidance of Noel Farrell and he was once again involved as a selector along with Niall Brosnan and Nicholas Casserly. Current Blackhall senior stars Nigel and Paul Nestor, Dara Canning and Mark Crampton, to name just a few, featured on those winning sides. Meath minors George Beirne and John Callanan were the stars of the class of '99. Others to play prominent roles included Noel O'Hora, Andrew Dalton and Aidan Doyle. Blackhall received a bye at the quarter-final stages after Ballivor were suspended for failing to field against them and they made the most of their good fortune by overcoming a fancied Navan O'Mahonys side at Walterstown by two points in their semi-final, 1-10 to 0-11 was the end scoreline. The sides were level at the interval, 0-5 apiece, but a goal from Tadgh Brosnan in the third quarter proved to be the difference, while George Beirne's six points contribution also had a major say in booking their final ticket. Despite the blue and yellow stripes impressive win over the competition favourites, they were the underdogs entering the decider with the 'Hill. Blackhall never read the script however and they produced another 'surprise' to swipe the Delaney Cup from under Summerhill's noses. The winner's defence, full back O'Hora in particular, laid the foundations for the success. The number 3 earned rave reviews for his performance which incorporated high fielding, blocking and tight marking; basically it was a textbook full back display. His corner men, Sean Casserly and Daniel McCarthy also played their part as did the half back line of John Joyce, Andrew Dalton and Paul Neville. The fact that Summerhill never raised a white flag from play illustrates the miser-like attitude adopted by the Blackhall back six. Aidan Doyle and Beirne shaded affairs at midfield against Brian Rispin and Eammon O'Shea. The free taking showdown between Beirne and his county minor colleague, Rispin, like the result, went in the Blackhall man's favour. He was on target with five placed balls while Rispin registered four. Up front, captain Callanan and Denis Beirne captured the eye. All the forwards made the scoresheet with the exception of Ciaran Kennedy but the centre forward was, nonetheless, one of the chief architects of the success. A George Beirne free, 30 seconds into the game, set the scene for what was to follow. A goal two minutes later, from Stephen McGovern, gave the eventual winner's a comfortable early cushion. Rispin opened the 'Hill's account shortly afterwards but Blackhall extended their advantage courtesy of points from Beirne and a splendid effort from Tadgh Brosnan reaffirmed Blackhall's early superiority. Summerhill did manage to breach the Gaels' defence soon after goalkeeper Johnny O'Brien came to the rescue, albeit illegally. Risipin pointed the resulting free. Denis Beirne established a 1-4 to 0-2 lead before Summerhill were rewarded with a fine goal when Joe Farrell slotted home past a helpless O'Brien following a quick free from Stephen McDonnell. Callanan responded with the best point of the game before Rispin finished the first half scoring to leave his side trailing by 1-3 to 1-5 at the break. Supporters of the Bovale Developments-sponsored outfit suffered an early fright on the resumption when Alan Foley's long range effort found its way to the back of O'Brien's net but, much to their relief, referee Pat Clarke spotted an infringement and the green and white flags were crossed. Emmet Dalton, Callanan and George Beirne compounded Summerhill's woes before Rispin fired over what eventually proved to be their only score of the second half. The Gaels were given the perfect opportunity to put the issue beyond any doubt when George Beirne was awarded a penalty but, uncharacteristically, Callanan failed to deliver and his effort was a poor one which went wide. The full forward made amends, however, when his low shot towards goal received the slightest of touches from Denis Beirne to deflect it into the Summerhill goal. Blackhall were denied more goals in the closing stages by the 'Hill's custodian, Damien Mooney, before Beirne rounded off the scoring with a close range free. The Blackhall Gaels XV which captured the Delaney Cup for the first time was as follows: J. O'Brien; S. Casserly, N. O'Hora, D. McCarthy; J. Joyce, A. Dalton, P. Neville; A. Doyle, G. Beirne (0-5); S. McGovern (1-0), C. Kennedy, D. Beirne (1-1); E. Dalton (0-1), J. Callanan (0-2), T. Brosnan (0-1). Blackhall Gaels on their way to the Feile Blackhall Gaels booked their ticket for next year's Feile competition courtesy of their 5-5 to 2-12 success over Navan O'Mahonys in the U13 Div. 1 decider. The Batterstown/Kilcoon combination have their full forward line of Meyler, O'Brien and Mullally to thank for the win. Between them they registered 4-5. Blackhall Gaels were especially dominant in the first half as two goals from Mullally and one each from Meyler and O'Brien earned them a 4-4 to 0-1 lead at the break. O'Mahonys came out more determined for the second half and had reduced the gap to five points to set up an exciting finish. However, a breakaway goal from Simon Whelan gave Blackhall breathing space and although the Navan side continued to pressurise they held our for a deserved win. Robert Graham and the trio up front particularly stood out for the winners. Blackhall - L. Garvey; M. O'Neill, P. Duffy, C. Burke; R. Graham, D. Dalton, M. Snee; S. Rattigan, D. Keogh; T. Coyle, D. O'Hanlon, S. Whelan (1-0); M. Mullally (2-3), P. O'Brien (1-0), J. Meyler (1-2). Sub - I. Mulried Tweet

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