1998 saw Donaghmore-Ashbourne lift their first adult trophy in 27 years. Our special correspondent reviews the year. Looking back on 1997 Donaghmore/Ashbourne came so close but did not fulfill their target of getting out of Division 4 and breaking through into the knock-out stages of the championship. But 1998 saw the breakthrough needed to enhance prospects of lifting the Mattie McDonnell cup. For the first time since 1971 Donaghmore/Ashbourne won an adult trophy by winning the Division 4 league. Indeed, it started back in the muck and snow of October '97 when Brendan Murray took charge of the Donaghmore brigade. Brendan, who was a past player with Donaghmore and indeed with the Royal county had returned to the club of his youth with one aim (Division 4 League) and that was to capture the Paddy Cooney Cup. The'Moores got off to a good start in the league with good wins over close rivals, Ratoath and Clonard and a draw with Longwood. As an intermediate team it is quite difficult to progress from Division 4 as the 'Moores have found out and indeed St.Ultan and Ballinabrackey can also vouch for that. Junior teams raise their game against the higher graded teams and especially when playing away from home it is essential to get the points. Donaghmore/Ashbourne certainly found difficult opposition away from The Wotton when playing Baconstown, Ballinabrackey and Moylagh, but prevailed in all three. The only hiccup on the way was an away defeat to Drumbaragh but the 'Moores had put enough points on the board to prepare themselves for tough final against Wolfe Tones, whom in a previous round had drawn with Donaghmore on their own turf. During the league campaign there had been many wonderful performances from captain PJ Moran, Murt Sullivan, Sean Smith, Ian Dowd, Fergus Harmon and Timmy O'Regan. Another plus which came from 1998 for Donaghmore/Ashbourne was the younger players coming through. Inspiring displays from Ian Dowd, Martin Lynch, Ross Tormey, Rory Maguire, Sean Harmon and Davy 'Beaver' Dowd certainly added to the success of the Ashbourne squad. Indeed, credit must go to the likes of Denis McElligott, Tommy Flanagan, George Glynn, John Harmon, Tom Bennett and Peter Fitzpatrick who slowly but surely brought these youngsters into the senior ranks. But it was to the final where Donaghmore/Ashbourne looked and indeed under the guidance of Conor Tormey, Myles Prior and Brendan Murray, the Moore's were well prepared for a tough battle. Due to the the suspensions of PJ Moran and James Heavey and illness of goalkeeper Alan Birmingham, Donaghmore/Ashbourne looked upon the youth and a couple of old timers to step in. Pat O'Regan was drafted into goals and indeed justified his selection with some match winning saves. While up front, Rory Maguire, the blond bombshell from Fleenstown was brought in at full forward. At 16 years of age this was Rory's first competitive match at this level but this would not preturb Maguire who along with David and Ian Dowd and Sean Harmon certainly showed that the future is certainly looking good for the Moores. A comfortable win at the end by 5 points, 0-12 to 1-4 gave Davy 'Sparrow' Gaughan the proud task of lifting the Paddy Cooney Cup in Duleek in October, who knows, it might be Navan for the Moores next October. Donaghmore Team: Pat O'Regan, Darren Garry, Murt Sullivan, Davy Gaughan, Martin Lynch, Sean Smith, Mark Warren, Ian Dowd, Mick Beggy (0-1), John Lynch, Ross Tormey, Fergus Harmon (0-5), David Dowd (0-1), Rory Maguire (0-3), Timmy O'Regan (0-2). Subs: Sean Harmon. Subs not used: Niall Battersby, Colm Flanagan, Brian Flanagan, Colm Dogherty and Chris Elliott. Juvenile Football 1998 was a very good year for the U16 team, most of whom were on the 1996 Division 2 winning side. Competing this time in Division one alongside Ballivor, Dunboyne, Duleek, Simonstown, St Colmcilles, Blackhall Gaels and the eventual winners Navan O'Mahonys, only St Colmcilles managed to beat the 'Moores in the league part of the competition and they went on to play in the final. Donaghmore qualified for the semi-final and lost to the eventual winners, Navan O'Mahonys in Duleek. The quality of football played was of a very high standard in this competition by all the teams competing and the level of skill and sportsmanship was a good reflection on each club. Donaghmore are lucky to have such a fine bunch of players to represent the club so well at the highest level in the county. Midfielder Sean Harmon has gone on to become a regular on the Meath U16 team. Paul Dunne, Brendan Murphy, Paddy O'Rourke, Terry Sullivan, Gary O'Rourke and Stephen Brennan and Alan Johnson all performed staring roles at various times through the year. Another feature of this years campaign was the significant development of players such as Ultan Mac Ragnaill, David Long and Ciaran Byrne. Others to make a major contribution were Fergal McManus, Leon Tormey, Eoin Riordan, Declan Mulvey, Eamon McDermott, David Kavanagh, Paul Moore, Rory Gleeson and Ray Broderick. The Under 17 team was made up of many of the above players together with players like Wayne Moss, Johnny Collins, David Dowd, Rory Maguire, Terry Bruton, Darragh Doran, Eoghan Frawley, Enda Sullivan and Kenneth Hannaway. While the ability of Rory Maguire and David Dowd is widely recognised, the growing confidence and contribution of players like Wayne Moss, Enda Sullivan, Terry Bruton and Kenneth Hannaway has pleased many at the club. It won't be the greatest year remembered by Donaghmore/Ashbourne hurling fraternity as the Intermediate team were beaten in every round of the championship this year by Dunboyne, Athboy and Kilskyre. Only four years ago the club were on the verge of becoming senior and certainly the club can offer more on the hurling field with talent like that. With hurlers of the standard of Davey Gaughan, Niall Battersby, Colm Doghery and Darren Garry, the talent is definitely there. Indeed great thanks must go to the management of the team this year, Brendan Aylward, Michael Daly and Harry Randal. In other respects it was a very historic year for Donaghmore/Ashbourne with the introduction of the ladies football team. A huge interest emerged and female football fever hit the Wotton. It is fair to say with the hard work of PJ Durkan and his committee and the guidance of Alan Birmingham and Darren Garry, the ladies found their feet with some very creditable performances during the year and of course not to forget the camogie ladies who again represented the club superbly. With young players such as Lizzy Lynch, Siobhan and Lorna Dervan, the future certainly looks high for the Mooresses. And last but not least, this year is the 75th Anniversary of the club. The club has seen many great football, hurling and camogie greats go through the gates of the Wotton over those 75 years, so finally here's to the next 75! Player Profile Name: Sean Harmon club: Donaghmore/Ashbourne Age: 16 (26-2-82) Favourite Position: Full forward Any Meath Jerseys to date: U-14 in 1996, U16 in 1997, U16 in 1998 Influences on your career: Dad, Mam, brother and George Glynn What about the dad: Coach and under 16 trainer of Donaghmore/Ashbourne, and my biggest inspiration Big brother Fergus tries to play and is not too bad No girlfriends of course: One or two, but currently single Into soccer: In a small way Has to be Liverpool: Man Utd, my favourite player is Ryan Giggs your biggest skill in gaelic football: Scoring and passing Favourite Meath Players: Brendan Reilly, Mark O'Reilly, John McDermott School: Colaiste Mhuire, Parnell Square, Dublin (All Irish) A fluent irish speaker: Yes, which is good for speeches Awards with Donaghmore/ Ashbourne: U12 North West 91, 92, U12 North West Selection '92, Joey Clinton Cup '95, '96, U-14 Division 2 '96, Reserve League '97, Young player of the Year 1997 favourite Music: Listen to anything Boyhood Heroes: Bernard Flynn, Eric Cantona You Love the Dubs: Hate Dublin Football Ambitions: Go senior with Donaghmore, play senior inter-county Tweet

Most Read Stories