The year 2000 will see Drumbaragh Emmetts grace the Junior A championship, a fitting reward for their dedicated efforts.Drumbaragh are Meath Junior B champions for 1999 and there will be no better winners than the emerging north Meath outfit. Their never-say-die brand of football brought them many new admirers, while an enthusiastic following decked in the traditional green and red were as vociferous as any group that appeared in Pairc Tailteann during 1999. Certainly the noise emanating from the stand had a major bearing on events during a nail biting climax to a 1-7 to 0-7 final win over Walterstown. The Blacks, who appeared down and out for long stages, clawed themselves back into the game and were only a point, 1-5 to 0-7 in arrears with five minutes and a considerable amount of overtime to go. A number of astute changes had at last, directed things in Walterstown's way and it seemed only a matter of time before they not alone equalised, but ran out comfortable winners. The ball bobbled around the 'Drums' goal line on a couple of occasions, but like all true champions, Drumbaragh dug deep and fought for every inch of territory. It was during this spell that the full back line of Paul Flanagan, Martin Luddy and Jonathan Arkins were seen at their best, pushing back numerous Walterstown offensives. Nor was keeper Shane Roche going to be beaten behind this trio. Drumbaragh eventually worked the ball up the field and points from a James Connolly free kick and a fine score from the boot of captain Adrian Corcoran in injury time, sealed an historic success. Without a doubt John Smith was Drumbaragh's (as in previous seasons) most impressive performer right through the campaign. However, an injury to the classy leader of the attack just after the break, severely curtailed the losers attacking options. Earlier Smith had notched three points all from placed balls, but his touch was behind most of Drumbaragh's better attacks. Matters were of the even variety right through the opening period. Corcoran, his side's only scorer from play, got things off the mark and thereafter, the champions were never headed. Drumbaragh supporters will point to the outstanding stopping ability of opposing number one Jack Gordon for preventing at least one goal during this period, and with the 30 minutes up the red and green brigade had pieced together a 0-3 to 0-2 advantage. Corcoran's early point was added to by a brace of Smith efforts. But it was the injury time allowed by match official Donal McKay which proved crucial. Not alone did Smith register a 45 during this spell, but moments later the man on the forty set up Adrian Corcoran and a 'Corky' drop kick special flew past Gordon. McKay's whistle left the champions elect 1-4 to 0-2 in front. Walterstown reduced this to 1-4 to 0-4 on the resumption. A Connolly point provided some breathing space but for long periods thereafter, a Smith-less Drumbaragh were put on the rack. Rivalling John Smith over the year as his side's main performer was half forward Adrian Corcoran. And the left half forward choose Pairc Tailteann on Sunday evening, September 12th as a platform to exhibit his numerous skills. His work rate up and down the left flank and sometimes cutting into the middle was from the top drawer. Behind him brother Noel offered steady support from the left half back berth. Coincidentally John Smith's brother Mark also operated on the half back line and shored the middle sector of his defence. Making up the rear was young Trevor Lynch in the number five jersey. He too had an outstanding final and his surges forward had Walterstown in retreat. Big Patrick O'Higgins and Sean Forde made a formidable midfield partnership and supplied the bullets for the like of the Connollys, James, David and Brian (the latter two made final appearances as substitutes). Andy Arkins was a lively number ten while inside him, full forward Denis Roche and Joe Lee of the left foot caused a number of problems for the Walterstown rearguard. Amazingly this was Drumbaragh's first ever championship trophy and a fitting reward for long serving officials like Frankie Lynch and Johnny Connolly. Amazingly no Carry featured on the starting selection, a rare occurance for any Drumbaragh team to be without a member of a famous clan who have served the club well. Hugh Clarke, Tommy Carry and Peter O'Higgins acted as selectors, while another long serving and loyal official cum player, the 40-something Damien Mulvany took his place on the substitute bench. Cutting his teeth in the managerial world was former Navan O'Mahonys and Meath star Finian Murtagh. 'Fino' left a huge impression and another long and successful career appears to be on the horizon for the popular Navan man. As the Drumbaragh hordes descended onto the sacred Pairc Tailteann sod amidst the darkening shower filled sky, all that was left was for another Drumbaragh man, County Board Chairman Fintan Ginnety, to hand over the Junior B trophy. Fintan, in his pre match message, made no secret of his Drumbaragh background and praised the work of local primary teacher Basil Jordan, who put football in this area of the county on a solid footing in the middle part of the century. The heroics and deeds of Drumbaragh during 1999 would not be fitting without mention of their semi final meeting with fellow parishioners, Kilmainham, a Saturday evening game which had the crowds flocking to Kells. Again Drumbaragh's fighting spirit was the key element. Junior B champions, an excellent pitch and facilities, some good young talent and a growing population as Kells expands - all point to an exciting future and more of the red and green on big days at Pairc Tailteann. Adrian Corcoran hit 1-2 in the final, John Smith 0-3 and James Connolly 0-2. The winning Drumbaragh selection was: S Roche; P Flanagan, M Luddy, J Arkins; T Lynch, M Smith, N Corcoran; P O'Higgins, S Forde; A Arkins, J Smith, A Corcoran; J Lee, D Roche, J Connolly. Subs - D Connolly and B Connolly. Other substitutes included: Dermot Monaghan, JB Dunne, Gary McCormack, John Duffy, Stephen Duffy, Barry Monaghan and Damien Mulvany. Tweet

Most Read Stories