Emyvale success took its toll
December 30, 2010They now found themselves in new and hitherto'unexplored territory' and in a GAA world that they had never experienced before - the All-Ireland Junior Football Championship. The first step in this novel world was against the champions of Britain, a feat they overcame with poise, and then into the All-Ireland semi-final stage, where, unfortunately, they came up against the best from Connacht and had to submit to the Co. Mayo champions, Kiltimagh. And all that was in the month of January, to be followed almost immediately by the commencement of the Monaghan 2010 Intermediate competitions a mere couple of weeks later.
Such activity over the winter months - non-stop throughout November, December and January - would inevitably take its toll, and this would be reflected in most of their performances during the months to follow. Players certainly deserve a rest after a year's activity, but none was forthcoming for Emyvale, and the successes that had brightened up the dark winter days, came at a heavy cost. This price was paid mainly through serious injuries, some of them of the 'long term' variety, which would keep several leading players completely out of the game for the year ahead. Most notable in this respect were the severe injuries to our most prominent forward and leader of attack, Robbie McHugh, and to 'Junior Player of the Year for 2009' and rock-centre of defence, Sean McMeel, the former not being able to take his place on the team for as much as one single game during the 2010 competitions.
Add to these, lengthy injuries that kept players of the calibre of Michael Flannery, John Thomas Treanor, Colm McKenna, Martin McAree, Shane McKenna and so many others, out of the game for long periods, and one will immediately see that the job of team selection turned out to be an almost un-surmountable hurdle. These problems were compounded by the loss of a couple of leading members who transferred out of the county, and it is a miracle that Emyvale was able to field a full squad for all their fixtures during 2010, despite being so severely weakened.
As an example, for one important home game against one of the two top teams of the league, Emyvale had to field without eleven of their 'first team' players. A miracle is about the only way to describe their achievement in so doing. But 'field' they did, and their courage, determination, club loyalty, love of the jersey, and sheer tenacity, are all attributes much to be admired. They certainly have endeared themselves to their legions of followers, as they are, each and every one of them, a credit both to themselves, to their families, to their club and to their parish. We are all extremely proud of them despite the unfortunate end-result which became more or less inevitable towards the close of the playing year.
Their Christmas dinners had hardly time to be digested when the players were back on the training field and preparing for the All-Ireland JF Club Championship quarter-final. This pitted them against the champions of Britain, Dunedin from Edinburgh. A huge crowd followed Emyvale to Pairc Esler in Newry for this particular clash on the 24th January, and they were not to be disappointed. Emyvale duly completed their task, successfully defeating the Scottish side (made up mainly of university students - many of them county players from Ireland), and won by 3-7 to 0-8. Emyvale were never headed as they took the lead from the very first minute with a brilliant goal from Gavin McKernan.
Games were coming thick and fast at this early stage and, with only a week to catch their breath, Emyvale were travelling again on Sunday 31st January - this time to play Kiltimagh of Mayo, the Connacht champions, in the All-Ireland JF semi-final. Another long trip, this time to Pearse Park, Longford, but the quick-fire series was beginning to tell, and Emyvale came a cropper against the Westerners, losing by 1-10 to 1-5. Emyvale, who made a number of changes for this one, mainly because of injuries, had their total compiled by Gareth McQuaid (1-0), Daniel McMahon (0-3) and Robbie McHugh (0-2), and lined out: Gerard McCaffrey, Ciaran Connolly, Shane McKenna, Sean McMeel, Brendan Askin, John Flannery, Brendan O'Brien, Patrick J. McKenna, Brendan McKenna, Gareth McQuaid, Martin McAree, Robbie McHugh, Daniel McMahon, Gavin McKernan and John Thomas Treanor. Subs: Patrick McCarron, Jonathan Morrough, Michael Flannery, Gregory Devlin and Darren McKernan.
With the All-Ireland series now out of the way, despite failing to qualify for the All-Ireland Final, Emyvale players still got little respite, as the county competitions were quickly appearing on the horizon, but it was evident, even at this early stage, that the exploits of the winter period had already taken its toll, with some leading players spending most of the following months as spectators. The leadership of Robbie McHugh was sadly missed, and this would prove a major handicap in the weeks ahead. Reserve teams were first into action but the premier side had three games in April as the Intermediate League got under way.
Dealing with the championship first, Emyvale made an early exit when they lost their first round game to Tyholland at St. Mellan's Park, Truagh, going under by 1-16 to 2-6, despite giving a very brave showing against their close neighbours and red-hot favourites. Emyvale's tally was made up by Patrick McCarron (2-0), Martin McAree (0-3), Seamus Downey, Patrick J. McKenna and Gareth McQuiad (0-1 each), and they lined out: Gerard McCaffrey, Ciaran Connolly, Shane McKenna, Sean McMeel, Gregory Devlin, Brendan O'Brien, Killian McKenna, Patk. J. McKenna, James Bellew, Seamus Downey, Martin McAree, Gareth McQuaid, Daniel McMahon, Darren McKernan and Patrick McCarron. Subs: Paul McCarron and Stephen McAree.
The 'back door' system now beckoned but, with so many leading players absent, they again fell by the wayside, losing by 0-14 to 0-10 to Rockcorry at Gavan Duffy Park, Monaghan. They lined out: Gerard McCaffrey, Brendan O'Brien, Ciaran Connolly, Ryan McGee, Killian McKenna, Shane McKenna, Brendan Askin, Brendan McKenna, Paddy J. McKenna, Paddy McCarron, Daniel McMahon, Martin McAree, Gareth McQuaid, James Bellew and Adrian McGee. Subs: Gregory Devlin, Darren McKernan, Seamus Downey, Gavin McKernan and Paul McCarron.
The points came from Martin McAree (4), PJ McKenna (2), Gregory Devlin (2), P.McCarron (1) and D.McKernan (1).
The Intermediate League began with a defeat away to Eire Og, but this was cancelled by a good home win against Aughnamullen, to be followed by another two valuable points from their away game to Aghabog. The fifth game saw them draw with old rivals Inniskeen, to leave them sitting nicely at third place on the League Table with five points from four games. But then began the inevitable downward slide and a loss to Rockcorry was followed by yet another defeat, this time to Donaghmoyne. Further defeats to Tyholland and Doohamlet saw the slide continue - an obvious indication that Emyvale were heading in the wrong direction. Currin added to Emyvale's woes and they were now in third place from the bottom of the League Table. At the half-way point they still had only five points from nine games.
The second half of the competition saw them open with a draw against Eire Og. This along with wins over Aghabog and Inniskeen, however, was as good as it got during the remainder of the League campaign. Amazingly, their finest performance of the entire season was their 0-16 to 0-7 victory over Inniskeen at Inniskeen - Emyvale's first ever senior win at that particular South Monaghan venue. Had they played like that all through the season they certainly would never have been relegated. The team lined out: G. McCaffrey, C. Connolly, S. McKenna, S. McMeel, K. McKenna, G. Devlin, S.Downey, PJ McKenna (0-2), B. McKenna (0-2), Paul McCarron, M. McAree (0-4), G. McQuaid, D. McMahon (0-5), James Bellew, Paddy McCarron (0-2). Subs: D. McKernan (0-1) and David Bellew.
The final nail was driven in the coffin with an away defeat to Aughnamullen and Emyvale now found themselves back where they started at the beginning of the previous year. Relegated to Junior ranks for the second time in three years is not something to boast about but, on this occasion, there has been a genuine excuse. Few clubs could even have fielded teams under the circumstances, with the loss of so many leading players for the 2010 competitions. Thankfully, the majority of the serious injuries have now cleared up and, with a very welcome 'break' in prospect over the next number of weeks, Emyvale will be a very different proposition in 2011 from what they were some months back. The only way now is up, and, with a new spirit looming recently, we look forward to a season of success and the return of Emyvale to their proper status in Co. Monaghan football.
Emyvale Ladies Report 2010
2010 has been a great success for the Emyvale ladies. At the beginning of the year our aim was to strengthen our underage structure by trying to get more involved with the underage teams. A committee was set up to put these structures in place. We were extremely fortunate that a number of parents offered to help out and management teams were put in place for all our teams.
Our U12 team managed by Barney McNally, Niall Hughes, Sean Hughes, Peter McQuaid, Erin O Neill and Michelle Curley had an excellent run in the 15 a side league reaching the semi final stages. Here they were narrowly beaten by Scotstown who they had already beaten earlier in the league. It was a case of hard luck on the day, but this team has great potential and will be a force to be reckoned with in years to come.
Our U14 team under the management of Barney McNally, Martina Flood, Sorcha McKenna and Brenda McAnespie took part in the 13 a side competition. They reached the final where their opponents were Killanny. Having drew with Killanny in an earlier round this was always going to be a tough encounter and what a game it turned out to be. It was end to end action throughout but in the end Emyvale held out to win by a single point. It had been quite some years since Emyvale had won a title at underage level so to see Aoife Treanor lift the cup was tremendous and just the lift the club needed. Following our success in the league we qualified for the 15 a side championship. We put up some excellent performances only to be beaten by the eventual winners Donaghmoyne in the semi final
Next we had our U16s under the management of Francis Mc Quaid, Paul Mc Donald, Dwaine Mc Carey and Sinead O Brien. What a year for them too, reaching the final of the 11 a side competition. Their opponents were Carrickmacross and another excellent display saw more silverware brought back to the club and indeed to the Treanor household, with Louise Treanor lifting the cup,
Our minor team finished off what was an excellent year for the underage teams winning the 13 a side competition. Under the management of Niall Hughes, Dwaine Mc Carey, Vincent Mc Anespie and Martina Flood this team made up for 3 years disappointments with Ciara Mc Quaid bringing back more silverware.
Winning three titles out of four was an excellent achievement and on behalf of the club we would like to thank all those who helped out and made this possible.
A number of our underage players represented us on our county teams. At U14 level we were represented by Aoife Treanor and Emily O Donohue and Holly Mc Kenna. At U16 level we were represented by Louise Treanor, Micheala Mc Quaid and Alana O'Donohue.
At minor level we were represented by Orla McKenna, Claire O'Brien and Ciara McQuaid.
Under 13 county development squads were set up this year and a number of our girls took part - Ciara McCarron, Ellen O'Brien, Verity O'Connor, Ellen Mulligan, Eimear McAnespie, Dolores Hughes and Rebecca Hughes. An Ulster blitz took place at the end of November with a number of these girls putting on a county jersey for the first time. Hopefully the first of many.
Our senior teams also brought success to the club. Once again we entered two teams. Our A team under the new management of Peter Clarke, Adam Mc Kenna, Paul McCormack and Francis McAree had a very successful year. In the championship we were drawn against Donaghmoyne reigning All Ireland champions. What a game this turned out to be. With the game going into injury time it looked as if we were going to knock out the reigning champions, but a last kick equaliser by Catriona McConnell saved the day for Donaghmoyne. The replay the following week in Donaghmoyne didn't go Emyvale's way but we can only look at how close we came and as a neutral spectator said of the game in Emyvale, he witnessed two of the best teams in the country in action. There was bitter disappointment all round but the girls picked themselves up for the league. And once again it was the league that brought success. Finishing top of Division 1 unbeaten, we then progressed into a Div 1 A section which was made up of the top four teams. Once again we remained unbeaten qualifying for the final against champions Donaghmoyne. Cremartin hosted this game and it definitely wasn't a game for the faint hearted, Donaghmoyne were champions for the past 6 years and they weren't going to give their title up too easy, but this bunch of girls fought out to the very end and hung on to a famous victory, capturing the Senior league title, the first in the clubs history. We also captured the Abbey Fanning 7 a side tournament for the first time. Once again we entered the All Ireland 7 a side competition having won it last year. We had a great run winning out what was a very tough section. We went on to win the quarter final and semi final, but the semi final win was somewhat overshadowed by a serious injury to Grainne McNally. This was a big blow going into the final but the girls fought right to the end only to lose out by a single point. However being runners up in an All Ireland is a great achievement so well done to all. Our B team also entered the junior section but were unsuccessful but entering two teams at this level shows just as a club how far we have come on.
Our second team under the management of Damien McDonald, Adam McKenna and Eddie Askin had a great run in Division 2 finishing joint top in the league with Scotstown and Truagh. The final stages of this league however were held back due to Scotstown and Truaghs involvement in Ulster. This delay didn't help our girls as they went weeks without games. In the end they were beaten by Scotstown in the play off to go into the final. Truagh went on to win the league and it is worth noting that Emyale had beaten Truagh twice already in the league. Thanks to all who helped out and to Dwaine and Niall who came in the final stages to lend a hand.
Our girls also reached the final of the reserve league which was a league set up for non county players. We were unfortunately beaten by Donaghmoyne in this final.
All in all our seniors followed in the footsteps of our juveniles bringing success to our club.
As with our underage teams our senior girls were well represented on the county team who won the Ulster championship. Therese Mc Nally, Grainne Mc Nally, Hanna Bowe, Nicola Fahy and Aoife and Ciara Mc Anespie all played their parts.
Therese Mc Nally, Nicola Fahy, Aoife and Ciara Mc Anespie were part of the Ulster team which won the interprovincial title.
Therese Mc Nally was nominated for an All Star award for her excellent performances all year.
At college levels our club girls are playing a major part with their teams. Grainne McNally - Queens , Nicola Fahy, Hanna Hughes and Laura Sherry St Pats with Nicola Fahy being the captain, Aoife and Ciara McAnespie DCU. We wish all these girls the very best of luck in their respective competitions.
Once again we ran the Gloria Corrigan Memorial Tournament which was an excellent success for everyone. The arrival of Tommy Bowe added to what was a great day.
Our annual Kevin Donnelly tournament had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances but it is hoped to run this tournament early March/April.
Away from the football scene the committee were very busy all year with our major fundraiser being the Fashion Show. Thanks to all who helped out and in particular thanks to Lorraine McAlister for giving us the opportunity to have it. Thanks also to those who helped out with our annual Easter Draw and to Francis McAree for her table quiz. Our chairperson Paudge Colleran had to take some time out during the year as his daughter in law Lorraine had a serious accident. On behalf of the club we wish Lorraine the very best and hope to see Paudge back to the forefront of things very soon. Thanks to Niall for stepping in when needed.
Congrats to Patricia Feely and Marie McCarron on the births of their new babies and to Brenda McNally who got married earlier in the year. We wish them all the best.
Finally on behalf of the ladies club we would like to thank the men's club for the continued use of their excellent facilities all year and for their continued support and to all those who suffered bereavements during the year we offer our deepest sympathy Tweet
