Minors' final run offers real hope
December 31, 2009
Aughnamullen Sarsfields may have ended the season without adding any of the major trophies to their collection, but the general feeling among the club is that 2009 was relatively successful.
There were times, particularly in the first half of the year, when the signs for the Intermediate team were less than encouraging but their stunning form in the latter stages of the league ensured they avoided relegation through a play-off victory.
That form also saw them make an impression in the Intermediate championship as they just missed out on a place in the semi-final when losing to eventual runners-up, Drumhowan.
While there was some sense of disappointment that a poor start scuppered any hopes of league glory, the performances at the back end of the campaign proved that this group of players can compete with the best teams at this level.
As a result there is a sense of optimism at the club that the future is bright and this feeling is significantly enhanced by the performance of the minor team over the past two seasons.
Undoubtedly the highlight of Aughnamullen's season was the Minor team reaching the County Final and although they lost out to a more experienced Scotstown, the campaign is seen as being very successful overall.
Given that his side have been competing with the top sides over the past number of years, Minor team manager, Martin McArdle, always felt that the team could make an impression and was thrilled with the way they performed over the campaign.
"This team started out at U-13 when we won the Division 2 title and since then we have played all our football in Division 1. At times we may have been punching above our weight but every year we set out to try to improve in order to stay with the elite teams such as Donaghmoyne, Blayney, Monaghan Harps and Scotstown.
"Our aim at the start of this year was the same and at a meeting with the players I told them that they needed an extra 20 per cent to get closer to the big boys, and that is exactly how it turned out."
Martin was delighted with the way the players responded as they gave their all in training while the commitment could not be questioned. This attitude gave everyone a great sense of achievement despite falling short in the final.
"I believe that success is not always measured in terms of trophies but to see lads improving over the years and eventually moving on to the adult team, is a great reward because that is the future of the club."
There was not shortage of excitement for the minor team as they began with a much-savoured victory over St Patrick's, a combination of local rivals Ballybay and Drumhowan.
"There is nothing like a win over your neighbours so that really whetted the appetite before the semi-final against Latton. We hadn't beaten this particular team since we were U-12 so the lads not only knew what was facing them, but were determined to come out on top this time.
"It is a game we should have won in normal time as we missed a few chances, but thankfully we came through to win by a point in extra-time. It was a great victory because it was tough, exciting game played in the right spirit," explained the manager.
The reward for that win was a place in the Minor Final for the first time in the club's history, and once again they faced a big challenge against a Scotstown side going for a three-in-a-row in what was their fourth successive final.
All in Aughnamullen knew it was going to be a difficult task and although they failed to topple Scotstown, the only negative for Martin is that the team didn't do themselves justice on the day.
"The most disappointing thing about the final is that we just didn't perform. You can blame the occasion or lots of other things, and it wasn't for the want of effort, but it just didn't go for us.
"We did have a couple of lads out and others who were injured but had to play because we have a small squad, while I believe that the occasion got to some of the lads. It's a pity because I think if we had to play them again if might have been different, but you only get one chance."
Despite missing out on the big prize, Martin was not too disheartened and believes these players have a big future with the club.
"It was a disappointing end to an excellent year as we played with a lot of skill and style, so we are looking forward to the future. The encouraging thing is that nine lads who played minor this year or last year are now in the squad for the senior team.
"There is no doubt that they are still learning and need to be brought on as it is important for the club to bring as many through as possible."
For the intermediate team the season ended on a high note after a very difficult start to the campaign that had them favourites for relegation from Division 2 for a long time.
The form of the adult team at the start was poor and with just one point from their opening seven games they were bottom of the league and looked to be going down.
Their first win of the season came against Cremartin at the end of May and that signalled a revival that saw them lose just three more times in the league, and a remarkable run of form saw them win their last four games to earn a play-off.
"It was a great achievement to win the final four games with the crucial one coming in the last game against Rockcorry. That put us into a play-off against Eire Óg and we really upped our game and deservedly stayed up."
While there was no shortage of drama, Martin is hoping that they will avoid such a scenario next season and make sure they are competing at the top of the table.
That good spell of form coincided with the Intermediate Championship after losing to Tyholland in the first round in June. In the back-door system, Sarsfields defeated Cremartin and Donaghmoyne to earn a meeting with Drumhowan for a place in the semi-final.
It was a game that they eventually lost, but according to Martin it was a chance missed.
"I think we ended up losing that game by seven points, but that didn't reflect the game as we gave away a couple of bad goals and didn't take our chances when they came around, so it was disappointing to go out."
Despite that defeat, Martin believes that there are a lot of positives to be taken from 2009 and if the young players can come through and the intermediate team plays consistently well over the season, Aughnamullen should be among the contenders for honours in 2010.
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