Last line of defence
November 30, 2001
Goalkeeper Derek McCarville did a fine job as Aghabog captain during the course of the 2001 season. Speaking to Gerry Robinson, he looks back on an eventful year that didn't go quite according to plan and assesses his club's chances of a swift return to the senior grade.
The truly compelling thing about gaelic football is its unpredictability. That's what keeps the punter coming back for more. You just never really know what's going to happen from one year to the next . . . as Aghabog's most recent season clearly illustrates.
Having won the Hackett Cup in 1999, Aghabog took their place amongst the county's elite for the 2000 season. Defying all expectations, they stormed to the senior championship semi-final, causing an entire county to sit up, take notice and administer kudos. However, their league form wasn't as captivating and they were relegated back down to Division Two. Which brings us nicely on to 2001...
It was widely predicted in most quarters - including within the club itself - that the Aghabog men would put their 2000 SFC experience to good effect and make an immediate return to the top flight. They had two possible routes to this destination: league and championship.
But it didn't go as planned. They fell to Drumhowan by a solitary point in the semi-final of the league. In the premier competition, they enjoyed even less fortune, Sean McDermotts coming out on top in a play-off for a place in the IFC semi-final after the Aghabog outfit had attempted to gatecrash the intermediate party via the back door (after having lost agonisingly to eventual champions Ballybay in a first round replay).
Derek McCarville, who captained Aghabog throughout the campaign, looks back on a year which promised much but ultimately delivered very little: "We had hoped to make an immediate return to senior football but it just didn't happen. It's frustrating to be looking at another year in intermediate - especially having experienced senior championship football at the highest level - but at least now we have a better idea of what's going to be required to earn a return to the top tier. We know we'll have to do better."
Nothing in football frustrates as much as lack of progress. Stagnancy can suffocate even the most ambitious and vibrant of clubs and it can be difficult for players to shake the notion that they've just wasted a year going nowhere fast. The trick is not to write the year off like some bad debt but rather to log it in the 'futures account' as a sound investment of time - a learning experience, if you like.
But, still, it's not easy to erase the lingering disappointment: "We're very disappointed," Derek continues. "Coming off the back of a senior championship semi-final appearance the previous year, we expected a bit more. Perhaps that was the problem - maybe we were expecting too much.
"When we were senior in 2000, we ended up being relegated despite making the championship semi-final. In fact, the championship games were really the only ones we won all year and, to be honest, we hadn't expected to do so well. That championship run did our confidence the world of good, though, and we really thought we could bounce straight back up again.
"We started training before Christmas and there's a possibility that we burned ourselves out. I think some of the impetus may have been gone before the season even started. We were aiming high. Nothing less than senior football was going to satisfy us. We set ourselves up for a fall and that's exactly what we got."
Aghabog defeated Rockcorry in a play-off to qualify for a Hackett Cup (Division Two) semi-final berth but were pipped therein by Drumhowan, who ran out victors by a mere point. In the championship, there was even less to write home about: "We drew our first game against Ballybay and then lost the replay. We came back through the losers' group but lost a play-off to the Seans with a place in the semi-final at stake," Derek explains.
"We were all deflated at the end of the season because we'd set ourselves the objective of reaching the championship final and returning to senior football, but we weren't good enough," admits the man who tasted Hackett Cup glory in 1994 and '99.
What was it like captaining the local team? "It's a real honour for anybody to be captain of their club. I'm only 24 and I didn't expect such an honour so soon. It's a real close-knit area and everybody associated with the club gets on well together. I've played with Aghabog all my life and I know all the lads well. There's a great bunch of lads here and it's not very difficult to be captain. I really enjoyed it and my only regret is that we didn't manage to win a trophy."
Looking to the future, Derek is a little concerned that perhaps time isn't on Aghabog's side: "We're going to be losing a few of our more senior players over the next couple of years and that's going to be a big blow. Gary McBride, Shane Mulligan and Sean O'Brien are three talented young lads who are getting better all the time and they'll be great players when their time comes, but the likes of Brendan O'Brien, Seanie McPhillips and Eanna Carolan are all very experienced and influential campaigners and they'll be hard to replace when they give it up.
"There are maybe two or three good years left in this present team and it's going to get difficult for us after that. We'll still have a fair bit of experience, but we'll be losing a lot too."
Looking to the more immediate future, how might Aghabog do next year? "Our main aim every year is to win a championship and that will be our target again next year. We have never won a major championship and that's something we're anxious to address. We'll be under new management and there'll be a fresh approach, so hopefully things will work out.
"I think we learned a lot last year. Coming from senior, we thought intermediate football would be easier but the intermediate grade has become a lot tighter and every team in it is capable of winning it outright and also of messing it up and going down junior. Intermediate football in Monaghan is very strong and we know we're not just going to walk over teams.
"There's a lot of local derbies too against the likes of Rockcorry and Sean McDermotts and those are very tough and competitive matches where you have to put in 100% to get a result. There's no such thing as an easy game and every team in the competition deserves the utmost respect."
Of course, Aghabog's cause in 2001 wasn't helped by the fact that two key players - Lorcan Kelly and Declan Cusack - suffered bad long-term injuries which forced them to miss long periods of the season. Sometimes numbers were so short that on a handful of occasions Derek McCarville was asked to forsake his customary goalkeeping duties to play a more active outfield role. An exemplary captain and clubman, his attitude was always 'whatever it takes for the cause'.
Derek is joined on the team by his brother Barry, while mother Una looks after First Aid duties. His father Noel is one of the club's most ardent supporters and young Aoife has just started to line out with the juvenile girls teams. That's Aghabog for ya: one for all and all for one!
The club viewpoint
Whatever other legacy our departed team manager Jim McGuinness has left us with, the one particular one he will be associated with will be our performance in the championships over the last two years. Prior to 2000 the performance of our teams in championship in the nineties was abysmal. The great run in the senior championship of 2000 when we reached the semi final was a prelude to this year's good run in the Intermediate series. While we availed of the back door system the record books will show that we played in six games in the series before bowing out at the quarter final stage. Therefore it it worth recording some of the highlights of these games.
11th May - 1st round - Aghabog 2-8, Ballybay 1-11 at Rockcorry
A fine Aidan Brady point in the closing minutes earned Aghabog a well deserved draw in this very entertaining game. Ballybay had the better of the opening half and got the tonic of a penalty goal from Colin Malone in the first minute of play, the same player and Bryan McCabe added points either side of Barry McCarville opening point from play for Aghabog. Aghabog were right back in the game in the 10th minute when Mark McGlone rifled to the Ballybay net after good work by Lorcan Kelly and Sean Smyth. A free from Barry McCarville brought Aghabog level at 1-2 each on 13 minutes.
With that fine player Paul Finlay now displaying his talents to the fullest with three points, Ballybay edged ahead at the interval by 1-7 to 1-4.
Although Ballybay opened the scoring in the second half with a Barry Duffy point from play, Aghabog with Co minor Gary McBride on for Shane Mulligan carved out an opening which ended with Sean Smyth gaining possession and shooting to the net despite the brave effort of Sean Gorman in the Ballybay goals. Ballybay edged ahead again with a couple of Hugh Malone frees. Declan Smyth was now brought in from the bench and made an immediate impact with two points to narrow the lead to one point 1-10 to 2-6. With five minutes remaining Sean O'Brien finished off a good solo run with the levelling point from play. Ballybay's Paul Finlay put his side back in the lead with a free on the call of time but midfielder Aidan Brady made a superb catch from the kick out, turned and drilled the ball over the bar to tie the scores.
Replay 20th May at Scotstown, Aghabog 0-10, Ballybay 0-11
Like the drawn game, this was another very entertaining game between two well matched teams, the issue in doubt until the final whistle. Aghabog made a great start with points by Francis Dolan, Gary McBride and the outstanding player on view, Sean O'Brien. Unfortunately, Sean was to receive a nasty head injury when the game was in the balance ten minutes from time, from that moment the momentum was lost and Ballybay seized the initiative in the concluding minutes. Getting back to the early stages, Ballybay had points from Philip Farrelly and Hugh Malone with Sean O'Brien edging Aghabog ahead again by a two point margin, 0-4 to 0-2.
A good spell came for Ballybay in the next ten minutes when they had five unanswered points in a row from Stephen Druary, Robin McDonnell, Paul Finlay, Hugh Malone and Philip Farrelly to edge them ahead by 0-7 to 0-4. In the run up to the interval Aghabog came back strongly with a Gary McBride free, Sean O'Brien, from play, and a mighty 55 metre free from goalie Derek McCarville left the interval score, Ballybay 0-8, Aghabog 0-7. Paul Finlay converting a '45' to bring Ballybay's total to 0-8.
The second half was just as exciting with defences getting on top thus restricting the scoring chances of the respective forward lines to 0-3 each. Gary McBride levelled soon into the second half from a free, and forged Aghabog ahead with his fourth point. Emmett McAviney brought Ballybay back on level terms with a point from play as both teams strove to gain the upperhand. With thoughts on the need for extra time to decide the issue the injury to Sean O'Brien in the concluding stages as he was carrying the games to Ballybay was a devastating blow.
Late points from Bryan McCabe and Colin Malone ensured that Ballybay went through despite a late Declan Smyth point.
Losers group, 22nd July at Emyvale. Aghabog 0-10, Monaghan Harps 0-2
The Harps who were ousted by Sean McDermotts on the day we lost to Ballybay in the replay, were out of tune in this scrappy game that never rose above the mediocre.
While Conor McCaughey opened the scoring for the Harps in the 3rd minute they never seriously threatened thereafter as Aghabog picked off five points before half time through Gary McBride, 0-2 frees, Declan Smyth 0-1 free and 0-2 play.
Declan Smyth forced to retire with a leg injury before half time.
Paul Greenan on one of his customary runs from left half back added to Aghabog's score with a point from play nine minutes into the second half. Our two younger players Gary McBride and Shane Mulligan added a point apiece. While Paul Smyth pulled one back for the Harps with ten minutes remaining, Sean O'Brien from play and Gary McBride from a free, ensured that Aghabog were safely through to the next round.
12th August, 2nd Round Aghabog 0-13, Clones 2-7
Despite the inclement weather Aghabog and Clones played an exciting draw at Ballybay. Clones were the sharper team at the outset and found the Aghabog defence in generous mood allowing Darragh Graham to shoot unchallenged to the Aghabog net in the 2nd minute. Declan McKiernan from a free added to Clones score before Brendan O'Brien opened Aghabog's account with a point from play in the 5th minute. Again the Aghabog backs were caught out of position when Fintan Cunningham shot to the Aghabog net after been placed by Declan McKiernan. Two goals down, Aghabog needed a score, this they got through the boot of Declan Smyth from a free. This was followed with a nice point from attacking right half back Paul Greenan in the 15th minute. After an exchange of points from Declan McKiernan and Declan Smyth from frees, hard grafting by Brendan O'Brien and Aidan Brady in the middle of the field yielded further points from Declan Smyth and Barry McCarville to narrow the score to two points, Clones 2-3 to 0-7, with five minutes to go to the interval. This duo were to register again with points in reply to Michael Treanor point for Clones.
The Aghabog defence with Eunan Croarkin and Seamus Gallagher now functioning better as a unit repelled early Clones pressure before Mark McBride came storming through from left half back to pop over the equaliser in the 4th minute. Clones regained the lead briefly when Michael Ryan converted a free after a foul on Declan McKernan on seven minutes. Declan Smyth with two points give Aghabog breathing space but many missed opportunities entering the last quarter to increase the one point advantage left Aghabog vulnerable to a counter attack. This was the case when Declan McKernan shot over the levelling score with four minutes remaining. Declan Smyth did restore Aghabog's lead with a point but again this was short lived as Michael Ryan converted under pressure a free to bring the sides level again.
19th August Replay, Aghabog 2-13, Clones 0-9
Gary McBride converted a free in the 5th minute, Declan McKernan responding in the 6th minute also from a free for Clones. Clones were now calling the shots as first Michael Ryan converted a close in free and Fergal Nugent landed a long range point from play to put the Clones boys ahead by 0-3 to 0-1. In the 13th minute Declan Smyth got a vital point from a free and then also scored from play after good approach work by Paul Greenan.
Clones again moved clear with a point each from play by Declan McKernan and Micheal Ryan. Unlike the drawn game Aghabog got the goals this time around, the first coming in the 15th minute when Barry McCarville's low shot beat Anthony Murphy from a tight angle. Murphy had replaced the regular Clones custodian Manus Quinn shortly after the start due to a foot injury.
While Michael Ryan responded with a point for Clones, Aghabog carried the greater threat, Sean O'Brien, Declan Smyth and Gary McBride twice, all added points to give them a 1-7 to 0-7 interval lead with Declan McKernan completing the Clones tally from a free.
As the second progressed Aghabog largely took control except for a couple of intermitted Clones raids when the Aghabog goals looked in danger of being breached. Gary McBride started where he left off in the first half, a point from a free. Although Michael Ryan had a similar score for Clones, Michael Treanor steered the ball wide of the Aghabog goals when a goal looked on. Moving upfield Aghabog's Declan Smyth scored a point from play, this was followed by a converted '45' from Aghabog goalie Derek McCarville with Declan Smyth again on target by the 15th minute with a point.
The clinching score came from the very impressive Sean O'Brien who found the Clones net in the 17th minute. Gary McBride and the evergreen Seanie McPhillips added points before the end to gain an emphatic win.
25th August, Quarter Final, Aghabog 0-10 Sean McDermotts 1-10
Aghabog opened brightly with two points from Gary McBride in the first five minutes, but as the Seans got a grip in midfield, the speed of the Larkin brothers in attack along with Paddy Kieran at full forward were making life difficult for the Aghabog defence. Gary Larkin and Paul Acheson notched points in quick succession before Colin Murphy found the Aghabog net despite the valiant efforts of Dereck McCarville and Seamus Gallagher. With the usually reliable Declan Smyth off target on a couple of occasions from frees, Declan pointed from play to restore his confidence. This was offset by a point from Paddy Kieran, but Aghabog were coming more into the game and added points from Mark McBride and Declan Smyth twice, to level the scores coming up to half time. However, Paddy Kieran rounded of a good run with a fisted point to leave the half time score, Seans 1-4, Aghabog 0-6.
Lorcan Kelly was introduced for the second half but his participation was short lived as he injured his ankle and had to be replaced by Shane Mulligan. Defences were on top for the first ten minutes and the only scores recorded came from Damian Larkin and Declan Smyth. Aghabog were prone to give away possession going forward, this allowed the Seans to counter attack and punish the mistakes with points from Paddy Kieran and Gary Larkin. While Declan Smyth did pull one back for Aghabog, Paddy Kieran responded in kind. Gary McBride was on target from a free but any idea that the Seans were going to capitulate were answered with a brace of points from the Larkin brothers, Damien and Adrian to leave the score 1-10 to 0-9 in favour of Seans.
Aghabog summoned up enough strength in an extended injury time to really put on the pressure. This was rewarded with a pointed free from Gary McBride with Francis Dolan goal effort just going outside the upright in a last ditch attempt to pull the game out of the fire.
Our panel of players and scorers, who lined out during the championship were as follows: Derek McCarville 0-2, James McMahon, Eunan Croarkin, Eanna Carolan, Paul Greenan 0-2, Kevin Quigley, Seamus Gallagher, Mark McBride 0-2, Aidan Brady 0-1, Seanie McPhillips 0-2, Brendan O'Brien 0-1, Barry McCarville 1-4, Sean O'Brien 1-7, Declan Smyth 0-23, Sean Smyth 1-0, Gary McBride 0-17, Francis Dolan 0-1, Mark McGlone 1-1, Shane Mulligan 0-1, Lorcan Kelly.
Team Manager - Jim McGuinness. Mentors - Joe Kelly, Tony McGorman
- article submitted by John Connolly
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