ROYAL COUNTY YEARBOOK ARTICLES
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COUNTY
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| An
Gaeltacht |
|
2002
|
A
treasured 25-years
It was the year Elvis died, Red Rum won the Aintree Grand
National for the third time, Cork won the All-Ireland hurling title and
Dublin won the Sam Maguire cup. It was also the year An Gaeltacht were formed
and Sean Mac Donncha was elected club treasurer. |
|
2001
|
An
Gaeltacht seek improvement
It was another disappointing year for An Gaeltacht with only
one championship win to show for their efforts. Former All-Ireland medalist
Barry Ferguson was player/manager in 2001 and feels that the club didn't
do itself justice. |
|
2000
|
The
Handy man
Jim Timmons and An Gaeltacht football club have a long association.
Since An Gaeltacht was formed in 1976 (the club began competing the following
year), Jim Timmons has filled many positions and played many parts to help
make An Gaeltacht the club it now is. |
|
1999
|
Cathal's
settled Scor
Cathal Seoige enjoys his work as Irish Officer on the Co.
Board executive. He also enjoyed his playing days with Martinstown-Athboy
and An Gaeltacht. Here he talks to Royal County about his lifelong involvement
in the GAA. |
|
1998
|
Ghaeilgóirí
an Mhí
Tá an réiguín ins an Ghaeltacht, Rath
Cairn cáillithe do alán rudaí ach go háirithe
an pheil, thar gach rud eile. Anois chuireann Padraig O'Baoighill a shúil
thar iarrachtaí na fir ó Rath Cairn. |
| |
|
| Athboy |
|
2002
|
Young
guns take centre stage
Athboy - Rathcairn's under 14 team came tantalisingly close
to pulling off a league and championship football double this year. Juvenile
chairman Stephen Mangan reviewed an exciting year for the club's young guns. |
|
2001
|
Back
where they belong
While two clubs, Trim and Kilmessan, are running neck and
neck at the head of the Meath senior hurling roll of honour, Athboy are
in third place with nine outright triumphs. However, they have not celebrated
with the Jubilee Cup since the spring of 1973. |
|
2000
|
Differing
fortunes
While their hurlers were relegated, Athboy's footballers
were making soild progress. Royal County contrasts the differing fortunes
of both sides. |
|
1999
|
Athboy's
loss was Wexford's gain
The Wexford minors brought Meath's participation in this
year's championship to an end. Athboy native Eddie Mahon trained the winning
team. Shane O'Brien asked him to explain himself. |
|
1998
|
Lots
of toil, little success
When Christy Kelly came onto the Athboy hurling side, success
seemed inevitable. 24 years later he retired with five senior final defeats
as his lot. Royal Meath discovers a man who still feels that he gained a
lot from his association with the game. |
| |
|
| Baconstown |
|
1999
|
Underage
success boosts Baconstown's future prospects
Baconstown underage coach Vincent Dargan reflects on two
underage wins for the club this year and how the adult section of the club
fared out these past twelve months. |
|
1998
|
Deacon's
Blues
Ok, that's a more irristable than factually correct heading.
The truth is Donie Flynn is as enthusiastic as ever for the Baconstown cause
as Royal County found out. |
| |
|
back to top
| Ballinabrackey |
|
2007
|
The
rise and rise of Chris O'Connor
Chris O'Connor enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks
in 2007, culminating in his first championship start for Meath in the memorable
All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Tyrone at Croke Park. His elevation
to Colm Coyle's squad has seen him join an elite group of Ballinabrackey
players who have represented their county at the highest level. |
|
2006
|
Itching
to get back
The long wait gets longer for Ballinabrackey as the gap back
to their last Junior Football Championship success lengthens with each passing
year. It's now 21 years since the Offaly-border club last tasted success
in the grade, but the desire to do so once again remains strong and they
are a team that nobody will take for granted in the 2007 campaign. By Paul
Clarke. |
|
2005
|
Not
far off the pace
It doesn't seem like two decades have passed since Ballinabrackey
last won the Meath Junior Football Championship title. But it is and as
time goes steadily by the club's loyal supporters must be starting to wonder
if the Offaly-border side will ever reach such heights again. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2004
|
Not
far off
It's fast approaching two decades since Ballinabrackey last
won the Meath Junior Football Championship and the Offaly-border club possesses
a burning desire to lift some important silverware and start to move up
the footballing ladder. |
|
2003
|
Hot
stuff!
As John Curry looks back on the summer of 2003 he will have
a certain degree of ‘we under achieved yet again' from a club point
of view, but reflections on the inter-county scene will bring nothing but
immense satisfaction and a sense of achievement. |
|
2002
|
The
Bracks are back
Ballinabrackey full-back Trevor Bannon put it best. "It
was a good year. We got promoted in the league and that was our aim. As
for the championship, we were unlucky against Nobber in the semi-final but
we are getting closer, every year that bit closer." |
|
2001
|
Four
decades of service
Forty years after he first donned the Ballinabrackey jersey,
Tommy O'Connor remains as involved in the club as ever. Randal Scally spoke
to Tommy about his lifelong association with the Offaly-border outfit as
well as his hopes for the future. |
|
2000
|
The
Rare Old Times
Royal County talks to Seamus Fox whose allegiance to the
Ballinabrackey club stretches back to the 1940s. |
|
1999
|
Ballinabrackey
start them young
With the Ballinabrackey junior side failing to make an impact
in the year just past, it was up to the club's under 12s to bring glory
to the Offaly-border parish. Here, club stalwart Jim Cooney outlines the
great strides that are being made at underage level. |
|
1998
|
Meath
and proud of it
Have you ever heard of Father Callary? Perhaps not. He was
Parish Priest of Ballinabrackey back in the 1940s -50s and he was instrumental
in having something approved by Leinster Council GAA which has been of major
significance. |
back to top
| Ballinlough |
|
2007
|
It
finally happened
Ballinlough's 16 years in the top flight came to an
end on the first Saturday of October in 2007 when survival specialists Kilmainhamwood
defeated them decisively in the Senior Football Championship relegation
final at Kells to send them back to the intermediate ranks. |
|
2006
|
Underage
revival
2006 was a successful year for Ballinlough at juvenile level,
with the under 12s capturing a league title and the under 14s only losing
to St. Vincent's after a replay in their championship final. Michael Geraghty
has been a driving force behind the club's recent underage revival and,
not surprisingly, took great satisfaction from this year's achievements. |
|
2005
|
Survivors
Ballinlough have had better years. Two-thousand-and-five
descended into a real struggle for the north Meath club, who found themselves
fighting relegation battles on both league and championship fronts. The
form displayed over the course of the year wasn't the strain of consistency
manager Gary McDonnell demanded, and it was all hands to the pump as Ballinlough's
senior survival hung by a thread in late autumn. However, they pulled it
out of the fire with a dramatic play-off victory over Dunderry at Athboy
on Sunday October 23. Experienced campaigner Dan McCartan, who missed much
of the season through injury, is hoping for a major upturn in fortunes in
2006. |
|
2004
|
Team
spirit the key for Ballinlough
Ballinlough may not have the same playing resources as some
of their rivals, but they more than make up for this with their tremendous
team spirit as veteran forward Francis Tunney explains. |
|
2003
|
Minors
make history
By clinching their first-ever minor trophy in September,
Ballinlough proved that there's plenty of life in their neck of the woods.
The MFL Div. 3 success provided the club with a welcome boost and the signs
are encouraging that there could be plenty more where that came from. |
|
2002
|
Ray
of light
It is highly unlikely that Blackhall Gaels will receive any
Christmas cards from GAA folk in Ballinlough this winter. Not once, but
twice in the 2002 senior football championship the North Meath club found
themselves on the receiving end of a Blackhall victory. |
|
2001
|
Big
Tom and Ballinlough
Grit and determination marked Ballinlough's year at underage
level in 2001. Defeats in two finals during the year was hard to take. Later
on in the year the north Meath club gained under 17 honours but the club's
under 14 players showed tremendous courage also to make little of their
travails and lift the North League Division 4 crown as mentor Tom Brady
reminds us.. |
|
2000
|
Red
alert
Team manager Vincent Ryan put together a very talented Ballinlough
under 16 combination in 2000. Young players like Smith, Geraghty, Gaynor,
Fagan, Muldoon, McEnroe and Farrell will surely backbone the club's premier
xv in ten years time |
|
1999
|
League
specialists
After acute championship disappointment, the men from North
Meath found the perfect remedy in the form of the Division 1 League title. |
|
1998
|
A
patient man's reward
Not noted for their underage success, Ballinlough had reason
to celebrate in 1998. U12 and U13 honours were garnered and a delighted
Sean Smith talks to Royal County. |
| |
|
back to top
| Ballivor |
|
2007
|
Ballivor
won't give in
Ballivor GFC can look back on a tough year but also one which
galvanised the club and ultimately showed a gritty spirit to remain in the
Intermediate Football Championship as they overcame all the obstacles that
were placed in their way to avoid the drop down to junior. By Paul Cantwell.
|
|
2006
|
Nothing
comes easy
Ballivor can remember vividly what it's like to win the Intermediate
Football Championship and they can also remember very clearly what it's
like to lose your top flight status before you have a chance to find your
feet in the senior grade. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2005
|
A
good start isn't half the battle!
Ballivor made an atrocious start to their Intermediate Football
Championship campaign, but they somehow managed to recover sufficiently
to make it through to the quarter-finals where they were eliminated by Syddan.
By Paul Clarke |
|
2004
|
Back
on song
Under the watchful eye of Westmeath favourite Larry Giles,
the 2002 intermediate champions rediscovered their winning touch to clinch
promotion to Division Two of the ACFL. |
|
2003
|
Fighting
finish
Looking back, it's hard not to see the irony in it all. Besides,
September is the month of change. And just as the leaves fluttered to the
ground this September, Ballivor's footballers tumbled out of the top flight.
Damn September. Damn irony. |
|
2002
|
Ballivor
at last
It is often said that you have to lose a final before winning
one and that is often the case in the Meath Intermediate Football Championship.
Dunderry and St Patrick's both suffered their share of disappointments before
collecting the title and Ballivor finished second in two deciders before
making it ‘third time lucky' with that dramatic 2-5 to 0-10 victory
over Navan O'Mahonys last October. |
|
2001
|
Third
time lucky?
Ballivor tasted Intermediate football final defeat for the
second successive year, this time at the hands of Blackhall Gaels who snatched
victory with a last gasp penalty. It has to be third time lucky next year. |
|
2000
|
Ballivor
fall at final hurdle
When a place in the senior ranks was up for grabs Ballivor
choose the wrong time to give one of their poorest performances of the year.
But they needn't worry, as they will be back. |
|
1999
|
A
tireless worker
The Intermediate title eluded Ballivor in 1999 but with people
like Caroline Burke involved at administrative level, no stone will be left
unturned in their bid to capture the Mattie McDonnell Cup. |
|
1998
|
Good
times beckon for Ballivor
Championship triumph proved elusive but it was nevertheless
a very good year for Ballivor GFC. Royal County spoke to their manager Willie
Keegan and suddenly found himself indulging in a bit of nostalgia. |
| |
|
back to top
| Bective |
|
2007
|
Plenty
of promise and potential
Having to field an under-strength team in the early stages
of the Junior Football Championship proved a heavy burden for Bective and
defeats in their opening three divisional matches put an end to their hopes
of making it through to the knockout stages. |
|
2006
|
Talented
u14's steal the show
Top teams are built on a different type of determination
and never-say-die spirit. When it comes to the crunch the best team always
stand up in the last ten minutes. Rarely is an underage side made up of
these qualities, but this was the case when it came to the Bective U14 team
in 2006. By Marcus Brennan. |
|
2005
|
A
marked improvement
Despite a superb run comprising four straight wins in Division
C of the 2005 Meath junior football championship, Bective narrowly missed
out on a place in the knockout stage of the competition Ð but they were
not to be denied their first piece of adult silverware in eight years. Playing
better football than they had done in quite some time, they finished the
season in style, claiming the Division Five league crown with a 1-6 to 1-5
defeat of Clann na Gael at Bohermeen on Saturday October 1. Ruairi Russell
believes there's plenty more where that came from. |
|
2004
|
The
kids are all right
At juvenile level, 2004 was a truly historic year for Bective,
who struck on two fronts, capturing the U14 Division Two Football Championship
and the U15 Division Four title. |
|
2003
|
Historic
triumph for Bective minors
Bective enjoyed one of their finest hours this year. Amidst
the hype surrounding Navan O'Mahony's and Simonstown, Bective refused to
be eclipsed in Meath's chief town. |
|
2002
|
What's
another year?
Sean Moran and his beleaguered Bective colleagues hung their
heads in despair. The final whistle had sounded and the game was all over.
Sportingly they shook the hands of the opposing, victorious, Wolfe Tones
players who had just annihilated them 2-11 to 0-6. It was only mid-June
but Bective's junior championship ambitions were already over for another
year. |
|
2001
|
Looking
to regain the winning touch
After surprising many within the county by reaching the semi-finals
of the Intermediate championship in 1999, two bad years has pushed Bective
back from whence they came: languishing in the junior grade. Their long
serving forward, John Sheehan, believes that all is not lost, however, and
that the club can make a concerted push towards the junior championship
in 2002. |
|
2000
|
Under
14's create history
The club's adults might have had a year to forget, but the
Bective under 14s managed to preserve some level of pride by completing
a league and championship double, in the process becoming the first Bective
side to win an underage championship. Roscommon native Manus Tiernan was
one of five men over the side, and he was delighted by the success. |
|
1999
|
Mister
Versatile
Standing at 5' 7”, he wouldn't be most people's idea
of the perfect goalkeeper. But when Bective were short of one this year,
Davy Cahill agreed to stand between the sticks. He speaks about a long run
in the intermediate championship, and an even longer one in football. |
|
1998
|
Perseverance
brings success
The rags to riches story of the Bective Club should act as
an inspiration to others throughout the Royal County. And now that they've
sampled the sweet taste of success they're hungry for more as Royal County
discovered when we talked to Juvenile Committee Chairman Dessie O'Brien. |
| |
|
back to top
| Bellewstown |
|
2007
|
Bellewstown
won't give up the race
As the club continued to struggle with falling playing numbers,
Bellewstown GFC endured another difficult year in both the Junior B Football
championship and the Division 5 FL, but the Gaels of the club continue to
work at the coalface. |
|
2006
|
The
good fight
This time 20 years ago Bellewstown GFC was living the high
life as players, officials and its passionate band of supporters shortened
the winter months of 1986 with glorious memories of a fabulous championship
triumph. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2005
|
Commitment
the key
With one of the smallest picks in the county, Bellewstown
have found the going tough these past few years. But despite their difficulties,
team manager Martin McEnteggart is convinced that the black and ambers can
begin the climb back up the Meath footballing ladder, starting with a junior
ÔB' championship win next year. |
|
2004
|
How
fortunes change
Bellewstown's ambition to start their climb back up the Meath
footballing ladder met with further disappointment in 2004 when they failed
to reach the business end of the battle for the junior ‘B' Football
Championship. |
|
2003
|
Boys
from the hill
Perhaps the players knew it themselves. St Vincent's had
just beaten them in the first round of the junior B championship, and there
was that haunting feeling of inevitability hanging in the Bellewstown dressing-room.
|
|
2002
|
B
for Bellewstown
Bellewstown, to say the very least, endured a difficult and
unsuccessful year in 2002 which saw them relegated in both the championship
and league and the hope for next year will be that things can only get better. |
|
2001
|
Making
headway
P.J. Cudden made his bow as a football coach in 2001. Training
and managing his native Bellewstown was a real learning experience, he admits.
We recently rolled the tape back in his company. |
|
2000
|
Girl
Power
Finally Bellewstown ladies collected the Junior championship
title. The Royal county talked to the man who helped make it all possible,
Mick Collins. |
|
1999
|
A
jewel in the Bellewstown crown
Bellewstown's Eimear McAuley has blazed an impressive trail
since breaking onto the Meath senior team two years ago. Royal County talked
to the 18 year old about life on the Meath senior team and the progress
being made by the Bellewstown ladies. |
|
1998
|
Pride
in the Parish
Bellewstown's Alex Collins talks to Royal County about the
ongoing struggles facing a small rural club and his own personal loyalty
to the cause. |
| |
|
back to top
| Blackhall
Gaels |
|
2007
|
Injuries
hamper the gaels
For the first time since winning the title in 2003, Blackhall
Gaels failed to make it through to the closing stages of the Meath SFC this
year with injuries to key players considerably weakening them. |
|
2006
|
League
is more than just compensation
There were high expectation in Blackhall Gaels at the start
of the year that the championship could be brought back to the parish, but
at the end of the season those involved with the club had to be content
with the ACFL Division 2 trophy. |
|
2005
|
Intermediate
glory at small ball game
Blackhall Gaels joined a small and elite club on the fourth
Sunday of October when they pounced late to defeat Na Fianna in a highly
entertaining Intermediate Hurling Championship final at Trim. |
|
2004
|
Minors
put hurling in the limelight
Football stole the limelight in Blackhall Gaels during 2003
but twelve months later hurling was the toast of the parish. |
|
2003
|
Rags
to riches tale of Gaels
Mol an Oige agus Tiocfaidh Siad- Start them young and they
will flourish. The above statement is one, which has clearly been the motto
around Batterstown, and Kilcloon and it bore fruit on September 21st. |
|
2002
|
Blackhall
on the brink
Blackhall Gaels' premier adult football team has certainly
had an up and down existence since the club was formed in 1995 and the happenings
of last season added another exciting chapter to the short lifespan. |
|
2001
|
Gaels
force their way back up
Many felt Blackhall Gaels were rather unfortunate to drop
down from senior ranks last year when going down thanks to a last minute
point by O'Mahonys. As Brendan Boylan reports however, they wiped out those
painful memories in the best way possible when dishing out a similar fate
to Ballivor. |
|
2000
|
Down
but not out
Blackhall Gaels' luck deserted them in the relegation play-off
matches against O'Mahonys. Royal County takes a look at the season that
saw them drop a grade. |
|
1999
|
A
Minor miracle
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. |
|
1998
|
The
Gaels blow into Senior
Blackhall Gaels are in existence only four short years. The
amalgamation between Kilcoon and Batterstown had its doubting Thomases.
But, as Royal County finds out, 1998 and an intermediate title success,
proved the doubters wrong. |
| |
|
back to top
| Boardsmill
|
|
2007
|
TJ
Reilly and those decades of service
Over three decades ago a highly committed hurler from the
Boardsmill club helped Meath to a very significant victory over Kildare
in the Walsh Cup at Trim. The Lilywhites were highly regarded in the small
ball code in those days, turning in some superb performances against the
top counties. |
|
2006
|
Moving
forward
The gap to Boardsmill's last annexation of the Jubilee Cup stretches back
over three decades to the year they completed a fabulous three in-a-row
in 1975 and their hopes of regaining the title this year appeared to be
enhanced considerably when they beat Trim in a play-off, but they then bowed
out against Dunboyne. |
|
2005
|
Boardsmill
land their prize
Some years ago Boardsmill were the kingpins of Meath hurling
but in more recent times football seems to have taken over as the main focus
in the club with two championship titles gained and notable progress being
made in the big ball game. |
|
2004
|
Dicing
with danger
For a club like Boardsmill, with a proud tradition in the
Senior Hurling Championship, holding onto your standing in the top grade
is highly important. And that's how it turned out for the south Meath side
in 2004 as they diced with death before securing their survival in the last
chance saloon. |
|
2003
|
Out
of luck!
After being better known as a hurling club over the last
few decades, Boardsmill have been carving a football niche for themselves
over the past couple of years. The junior C success of 2002 was their first
championship triumph in the big ball game and then they came tantalisingly
close to adding the junior B title last September. |
|
2002
|
Champions
Sometimes it just means more! Boardsmill's footballers have
trudged along in relative anonymity since the start of time, but over the
last few years they have started to make an impact at underage level. |
|
2001
|
The
Mill grind out minor success
2001 marked only the second time that Boardsmill fielded
a football team at minor level. However, such is the talent being nurtured
at underage level within the club that many more landmark achievements -
like the club's minor title success - are doubtless just around the corner. |
|
2000
|
Through
the ‘Mill
The disappointment of the Boardsmill players, mentors and
supporters at suffering relegation from the senior hurling ranks in 1999
was erased this year when they bounced right back to claim the Intermediate
title. It was an expected victory for the south Meath club but one that
was savoured nonetheless. |
|
1999
|
A
true Gael
A native of Cuil-Aodha in west Cork, Peadar O Liathain arrived
in Boardsmill on the 3rd November 1951 to take up a teaching post in the
local National School. Cork's loss has been Boardsmill's gain. |
|
1998
|
The
Future is bright
A great year indeed for the Boardsmill club as various titles
were captured in both codes. Welcome success for one of the county's smallest
football clubs as Boardsmill U13's best in thrilling final against Clan
na Gael |
| |
|
back to top
| Carnaross
|
|
2007
|
Carnaross
show big improvement
After a near disastrous 2006, Carnaross showed a welcome
return to form this year by reaching the knock-out stages of the intermediate
football championship. Club secretary Brendan O'Reilly was pleased with
the team's much-improved displays and is hopeful that they can mount a serious
title challenge in 2008. |
|
2006
|
Injuries
prove insurmountable
It was as nondescript and unexpected a place as possible
for it all to end. Right at the outset, before it had even started. By Gordan
Manning |
|
2005
|
Surprised
at the death
Carnaross will probably win the award for comeback of the
year, but that will be of little consolation to the club as they look back
on 2005 and an Intermediate Football Championship campaign that appeared
to promise quite a lot in the divisional stages, but came to an end when
they were eliminated by surprise packets St. Colmcille's after extra-time
in the quarter-finals. |
|
2004
|
Slow
start catches up with Carnaross
Carnaross will have to wait another year for a tilt at Intermediate
Football Championship honours following their semi-final defeat at the hands
of east Meath outfit Duleek at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday September 19. Royal
County asked club chairman Malachy Plunkett: what happened the likely lads? |
|
2003
|
Good
year despite final performance
What have the following teams got in common? Navan O'Mahonys,
Ballivor, Blackhall Gaels and St Patricks? They have won the last four intermediate
championships having been beaten in the previous year's final! And what
about Dunderry? They were beaten in three successive finals before winning
it at the fourth time of asking in 1990! |
|
2002
|
Three
times and out
Carnaross could be forgiven for having nightmares at the
prospect of facing Slane in the Intermediate Football Championship. They
have lost to them three times in the competition in the last two years,
including twice in the 2002 season, and that second play-off defeat ended
their hopes of winning the championship for the first time since 1993 and
bouncing back to senior football. |
|
2001
|
Aidan
Gillic's refereeing years
There's not many referees, past or present, who can say that
every minute of their time in black has been enjoyable and well worth living
out. Former top-notch whistler from Carnaross, Aidan Gillic, says the business
of refereeing was the best thing he ever did on the GAA front. |
|
2000
|
The
more things change ...
In an interview with Royal County, Carnaross GFC President
Jack Smith recalls his own playing days and assesses the current state of
his beloved club. |
|
1999
|
A
mixed bag
Nineteen-ninety-nine was a strange year for Carnaross, a
season tatooed by ups and downs. First of all, their star player Ollie Murphy
inspired Meath to their seventh All-Ireland; then they lost their senior
status; finally, they bounced back to finish the year on a high note by
winning the Division Two league title. |
|
1998
|
The
Murphy legacy
As a player, Benny Murphy seemed to go on forever. Carnaross
are keeping their fingers crossed that he'll do likewise as a valuable member
of their backroom team. Royal County meets the man in question. |
| |
|
back to top
| Castletown
|
|
2007
|
Final
heartbreak for Castletown
If Castletown thought it was painful last year, it must have
hurt a great deal more in 2007 when they came up short in a highly entertaining
Intermediate Football Championship final at Pairc Tailteann on the third
Sunday of October. |
|
2006
|
Plenty
of promise
Three decades have passed since Castletown last won the Intermediate
Football Championship title and the search goes on after a 2006 campaign
that promised much but failed to deliver as Sean Barry's team exited the
race for the Mattie McDonnell Cup at the semi-final stage against neighbours
Rathkenny. |
|
2005
|
Aiming
to break the quarter-final jinx
When Castletown defeated Wolfe Tones after a replay in the
All-County A League Div. 2 final late last year they must have really started
to believe that 2005 would be their year and that an eagerly-awaited Intermediate
Football Championship title was just around the corner. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2004
|
Castletown
finish on a high
While Wolfe Tones enjoyed a wonderful 2004, adding the Meath
Intermediate Football Championship to the county, provincial and national
junior successes of the previous year, neighbours Castletown also had cause
for celebrations, after a thrilling triumph in the Division 2 FL. |
|
2003
|
Castletown
stun by five goal salvo
Castletown's dream of winning the Intermediate Football Championship
was shattered on a damp August evening in Moynalty when Carnaross finished
strongly to eliminate Liam Clarke's side at the quarter-final stage. But
three underage titles auger well for the future. |
|
2002
|
Castletown
look to next year
One thing immediately strikes you about Liam Clarke; his
utter belief in the Castletown team he captained this year is thoroughly
unquenchable. The north Meath club failed to make an impact on the 2002
Intermediate Football Championship, but Liam is adamant that a breakthrough
to the senior ranks is within reach. |
|
2001
|
‘Town
but not out
Castletown's angst at missing out on a place in the blue
riband intermediate football decider in the past year and on promotion from
division two to boot is made bearable for the likes of stalwart clubman
Johnny Duffy by a swift analysis of the potential that's inherent in the
club. |
|
2000
|
King
of the Castle
A disappointing championship year for Castletown was salvaged
when the club went on to gain promotion to Division Two. Captain James McConnell
hopes the higher standard of league football will provide the springboard
for a stronger challenge on the championship front. |
|
1999
|
Kings
of the Castle
After a lacklustre summer for the club's intermediate side,
there was some consolation for Castletown Gaels when the Under 16s claimed
the Division 3 title with a victory over Clann na Gael in July. A selector
on that team was Colm Smyth, who speaks about the club's year. |
|
1998
|
The
future beckons
Royal County charts Castletown's impressive run in the 1997
U21 special competition which culminated in a final victory over Kilmainhamwood. |
| |
|
back to top
| Clann
na nGael |
|
2007
|
Junior
champions
When Clann na nGael captured the Meath JFC title on the first
Sunday of October last, the success was only the third for a team from the
Athboy parish. Fifty years earlier the name Athboy went on the championship
roll of honour and in 1969 Martinstown won outright honours. |
|
2006
|
On
both fronts
Clann na nGael footballers have established themselves as
a decent junior ÔA' team and as this year's results in the championship
prove, they are not to far away from competing at the business end of the
campaign. |
|
2005
|
Hurlers
achieve their goal
Clann na nGael hurlers set out with the aim of maintaining
their senior status during the course of the 2005 SHC and experienced player
Eamon Clancy admitted that their performances during the campaign came about
due to hard work and determination. |
|
2004
|
Return
to senior ranks
Following the disappointment and surprise of losing the 2003
Intermediate hurling final, Clann na nGael made no mistake in returning
to the senior ranks for next year with a well earned win over Gaeil Colmcille
in this year's decider. |
|
2003
|
A
new beginning
A new club was born in the Royal County in 2003 when An Gaeltacht
(Rath Cairn) joined forces with Athboy to give rise to Clann na nGael. It
was an historic development and the club set about its tasks accordingly. |
back to top
| Clonard |
|
2007
|
Quarter-final
exit for Clonard
After a highly progressive year in 2006, Clonard must have
been more than hopeful that '07 would bring silverware in the shape of the
Larry Kearns Memorial Cup that goes to the winners of the Junior B Football
Championship. |
|
2006
|
So
close
While disappointed to lose out to St. Brigid's in the junior
ÔB' championship decider, Clonard can still take a great deal of encouragement
from their progress this year according to club stalwart and selector Leonard
Farrell. |
|
2005
|
Clonard
juveniles come of age
Clonard are celebrating one of their greatest years, following
an unprecedented run of success at juvenile level. By mid-summer, three
juvenile titles had already been garnered in the form of U14 league Division
Four, U14 championship Division Three and U12 league Division Four Ð a hefty
harvest by any standards and, fingers crossed, the beginning of a brave
new era for this proud Meath GAA outpost. |
|
2004
|
It's
‘ard at times
Clonard missed out on a quarter-final slot in the Junior
‘B' Football Championship by the slenderest of margins, going out on
scoring difference to St. Paul's. Frank Hevey reviewed the year.
|
|
2003
|
Recalling
the big days
Back in the winter of 1993 Niall Walsh's mind was surely
still tuned in to an amazing year that culminated in a never to be forgotten
appearance in an All-Ireland Minor Football Championship final with Meath
on the hallowed turf of Croke Park. |
|
2002
|
Unlucky
year for Clonard
Gaelic football folk in Clonard will tell you that the game
can be very cruel sometimes, and to be honest, you'd find it hard to disagree
with them. Three championship wins in succession, only one defeat and still
they failed to make the junior B play-offs in 2002. Sometimes football just
has a way of kicking you in the teeth. Managing them this year was Ray Brennan,
and he hated every minute of walking along the Clonard sideline. |
|
2001
|
Underage
evolution in Clonard
For the first time in nearly a decade, Clonard fielded under
10 and under 12 teams last season. Declan Twomey, who was junior ‘B'
team player/manager, gives the lowdown on happenings in the south county
club |
|
2000
|
Work
hard, Play hard, Clonard
The working hard and the playing hard are qualities that
Clonard don't lack but that combination still wasn't enough to see Junior
‘B' football glory head to the small south Meath club. Chairman Joe
Gannon and his fellow club members haven't given up the fight just yet though. |
|
1999
|
Clonard
keep their heads up
Clonard's bid to land the elusive Junior ‘B' Football
Championship crown faltered at the penultimate round stage last season.
Disappointment was once again the club's lot but, according to team centre
forward Mark Gannon, the quest for glory will continue in 2000. . |
|
1998
|
A
faller at the final hurdle
Once again the gaels of Clonard were forced to endure final
defeat heartbreak. Royal County talks to Manager Gerry Flanagan about the
year gone by. |
| |
|
back to top
| Cortown |
|
2007
|
No
double drop for Cortown
The almost unthinkable must have been going through the minds
of everybody associated with the Cortown club as they made their way to
Bective on the fourth Saturday of September this year - one more defeat
and they had lost another life in their struggle to avoid a second championship
relegation in the space of a year. |
|
2006
|
Relegation
heartache
For the last decade, Cortown have defied their critics and
maintained their status in the senior ranks, however that all came to an
end after defeat to Kilmainhamwood in this year's relegation play-off. |
|
2005
|
Coyne
proves his worth
Having scaled the heights of a SFC quarter-final against
Skryne in 2004, Cortown experienced contrasting fortunes in '05. This time
around, they failed to make an impact in the premier knockout competition,
plummeting into a relegation play-off before retaining their senior status
courtesy of a comfortable victory over Ballinlough. Centre back and captain
David ÔSkipper' Coyne - a steadying influence all year Ð reflects on a topsy-turvy
year for the boys in green. |
|
2004
|
Cortown
just won't give up
For a club representing a small area in the west end of
Bohermeen parish, Cortown have done remarkably well since making their
debut in the Meath Senior Football Championship in 1997.
|
|
2003
|
Fighting
to the last
Just what it means to hold onto your hard-earned senior status
was glaringly apparent at Pairc Tailteann in mid-August when Cortown secured
the precious point that guaranteed their survival in the premier grade.
|
|
2002
|
Bubbling
under
Cortown endured a Jekyll and Hyde season in 2002. They came
within a whisker of regaining their division one league status, yet found
themselves embroiled in senior championship relegation trouble at the tail
end of the season. Club secretary Pat Keane attempts to unravel the enigma.
|
|
2001
|
Smitten
by all things Cortown
The world and his mother know that Cortown are a coming outfit.
However, the problem for 40-something club stalwart Francis Smyth is that
the talked-about blue riband success for the one-time division five club
can't come quickly enough. |
|
2000
|
Life
is a rollercoaster
It's been an eventful five years for Cortown and Gordon Codd,
as Royal County reports. Cortown are about as predictable as the weather
... you just never know what's coming next. Just when you think you've got
them sussed, they carpetbomb all rationale with a bewildering move, rendering
the bemused onlooker dizzy, speechless and sometimes hurt. |
|
1999
|
Optimism
in Cortown
Expectations have heightened so much in Cortown that last
season's senior championship exit at the quarter-final stage was considered
a disappointment. Confident that further improvements will be made in the
coming year is stalwart defender Liam Rennicks. |
|
1998
|
Cortown's
Meehan with destiny
Johnny Meehan, an All-Ireland medal winner in 1949, a founder
member of Cortown and as good an interviewee as our man Royal County has
come across. |
| |
|
back to top
| Curraha |
|
2007
|
A
real buzz in Curraha
After going close to reaching the business end of the Junior
Football Championship last year Curraha probably had grounds for optimism
as they prepared for the start of the battle for the Matthew Ginnity Cup
in 2007. |
|
2006
|
Crisp
football
Five years after their exciting victory in the Meath Junior Football Championship,
Curraha celebrated a more modest triumph last October when taking Division
5 FL title with a final win over Drumree at Dunshaughlin. |
|
2005
|
Youth
the key at Curraha
Curraha set their stall out to steady the ship after being
relegated from the Intermediate Football Championship and losing their Div.
3 League status in 2004. Club secretary Paul O'Connor reviewed the year.
|
|
2004
|
Mood
is good
Curraha might have suffered relegation from the intermediate
ranks in 2004, but the mood in the club remains upbeat and positive as they
look to the future, happy in the knowledge that they have good under-age
structures in place which should sustain them in the years ahead. |
|
2003
|
Curraha's
juvenile fairytale continues
There are many success stories contained in Royal County
2003, but few can match that of Curraha, whose exploits at juvenile level
are nothing short of phenomenal. |
|
2002
|
Carroll
on regardless
Eoin Carroll played a primary role in bringing the junior
championship to Curraha in 2001. This year he and his teammates made the
treacherous step up to intermediate football and survived. |
|
2001
|
Curraha's
best
Making the most of your resources is what every club strives
to achieve. In this respect, the gaels of Curraha set the standard in 2001
by maximising their potential and winning the junior football championship
title. We look back on their campaign. |
|
2000
|
Curraha's
man from the Kingdom
With Brian Stafford staying on for his second season as trainer,
Curraha named a new manager to work alongside him at the beginning of last
season. He was Pat Moriarty, a Kerry man who's been involved with the club
since 1995 having moved up from the Kingdom. In Kerry Pat played with Templenoe,
the club of the Spillane brothers, Pat, Tom and Mick |
|
1999
|
McManus
of Curraha is ‘Special'
Ian McManus has represented the county at minor, U21, junior
and senior levels. Needless to say the Curraha club are proud of his achievements
to date. It's players like him who provide much optimism for the club's
future. |
|
1998
|
Climbing
the ladder
After a glorious Junior B triumph 12 months ago, the season
past can be looked upon as the calm after the storm for Curraha. We reflect
on the present and future of the club, and one of the characters that make
it. |
| |
|
back to top
| Donaghmore/Ashbourne |
|
2007
|
Breakthrough
made
For the first time in 48 years we have finally put our name
in the hat with the big boys in Meath GAA. And what a year we had, as we
claimed the Mattie McDonnell Cup and the Division 3A league all within six
days of each other. In addition to this our Minor team reclaimed the minor
championship for the second year in a row and off the field we are only
weeks away from moving into our new complex in Killegland. Things are going
from strength to strength for Donaghmore Ashbourne and our season's review
is as follows: |
|
2006
|
Ladies
Football
Although we did not manage to bring home as much silverware as in previous
years, 2006 saw our ladies football section continues to go from strength
to strength. Almost all of our teams were still in action when it came
to semi final and final stages and the season overview went as follows:
Hurling
The adult hurling team had a great start to the season
as their first official outing of the year saw them bring home their first
silverware since 1994. The St Patrick's weekend saw them play Blackhall
Gaels in the 2005 Grade 1 Hurling league final in Ratoath.
On
the march
Although our early season targets had to be raised higher
mid way through the season our adult football season ended in a disappointing
manner over two consecutive weekends at Seneschalstown.
|
|
2005
|
Donaghmore
land Junior C honours
A club representing one of the largest population bases in
the Royal County ended a long wait for an adult football championship title
when Donaghmore/Ashbourne captured outright honours in the Junior C FC on
the last Sunday of August with an emphatic 3-13 to 0-4 final victory over
St Colmcille's at Pairc Tailteann.
Club
Review
Every January, clubs throughout the Country are filled with
high expectations as they look forward to the coming GAA season.
Underage
Football
At underage level the club continues to go from strength
to strength. |
|
2004
|
The
promise of Killegland West
Anybody returning to the Ashbourne area these days after
a reasonably prolonged period away would undoubtedly be astonished at the
vast amount of house-building that has taken place in a region that, not
that very long ago, would have been termed no more than a small town. |
|
2003
|
U14
‘a' championship for Donaghmore/Ashbourne
On the many occasions that Derry, Tyrone, Armagh, Louth and
Donegal supporters passed through the village of Ashbourne, some would have
wondered if there was a football team in the area. |
|
2002
|
Plenty
of apples in the basket
Donaghmore/Ashbourne GAA Club certainly aren't lacking in
ambition | |