On a beautiful Sunday afternoon late in November, Donaghmoyne provided the facilities, for the final clash of the Owen Ward Cup (senior football league decider) between Magheracloone Mitchells and Clontibret O'Neills, in what was billed to be a 'mouth-watering' contest. As I drove to the game, my mind flashed over the previous nine months of my tenure in charge of the South Monaghan side and what had been my ambitions and hopes, with a cool calculating insight of what I had really achieved. The knawing feeling of not having taken the championship, was still burning deep inside my football heart and while the winning of the Ward Cup would be a compensation, I had no doubt that that was all it was, compensation, writes Tony Dunne. The hour long journey allowed me reflect on what I had contributed to the club and how my style of management went down. This is quite a difficult assessment as it is usually subjective and success is viewed with trophies won, but not what you may have achieved in building a formidable force for the future. In trophies won this season, under-21 championship, junior championship and senior league titles may seem impressive but the real gold nugget of senior championship success was missing, hence the void not just for me but for the fervent football followers of Magheracloone G.F.C.  To understand this missing piece is quite easy once you have aligned your football self with the football expectations of the South Monaghan club. Football to them is totally passionate, consuming and not just a topic but a burning pride and desire to achieve. It is a parish way of life, contributed by strong commitments from families over many years, with fathers still playing the game through the eyes of their offspring. The commitment of families like the Freemans, Jones, McCauls, Kindlons, Finnegans and Doogans is stuff that legends are made of, with the sons, carrying on the traditions of the past. This present side it must be said has the expectations of the whole parish riding on its shoulders and with all its shortcomings astutely analysed after every game. The commitment over many years of club members to the juvenile structures has produced a plethora of talent that is presently at the disposal of the club management. However, the jump from juvenile to senior takes time, and cannot be achieved overnight.  Magheracloone, have at this present time probably one of the youngest teams in Monaghan with an average age of 20. This in itself, I was aware, creates its own problems, but with belief and trust in their ability, and with positive guidance then you have the makings of what promises to be one of the most exciting teams that I have had the pleasure of working with.  Starting back as early as late January, the Chairman, Tom Freeman felt that an early start would be of vital importance as it was rumoured that the Monaghan senior league would have an earlier throw-in than usual. Cold frosty nights did little to deter the enthusiasm of the players as they turned up for training in large numbers. The aspirations of winning a championship were clearly evident on the first night as the talk in the dressing room was of making the break-through that year and with the championship taking on a league format everyone was hopeful that this could be achieved. My goal to the players at this early stage was to try to win all the trophies in whatever competitions they participated and this in hindsight was nearly achieved. While absent the presence of the county players at these early sessions, senior players of the calibre of Padraig Kelly, Paul Jones, Francie Jones, Bernard Freeman, Gerry Jones, Jessie Kearns were unified in their drive and commitment, which was infectious to the younger players, with their desire to win the elusive senior championship.  Training was short lived as the season was temporarily interrupted with the nationwide crisis of Foot and Mouth disease. South Monaghan, was particularly vigilant as it is primarily a farming community and any infection would be devastating for the whole community. This hiccup only seemed to strengthen the resolve of the players as on the resumption of training three weeks later, the dressing atmosphere was indeed positive, charged and raring to go.  The senior league started early in March with an away game against Emyvale on a typically wet March Sunday. The outcome, a draw was probably a fair result with Magheracloone never reaching any rhythm or cohesion in what was a truly tough and bruising encounter. The hot exchanges and quick movement of play was more indicative of a championship encounter than a league outing. This game made me aware that the first piece of remedial work to be done was ensuring that the defence became just that, a defence, where no "easy" goals would be leaked, allowing teams into games. As the year progressed, this was a sector, which proved to the best rearguard in all the senior league, conceding very little at the back where it was superbly marshalled by the outstanding Padraig Kelly at fullback. The abrasive Kelly, when he put his mind to playing football, was consistently outstanding. The league was to run to eighteen games, which the Mitchells were to lose only three games, against Truagh, Latton and Donaghmoyne. Probably, the most worrying was the loss to Latton. In this encounter, while short a number of regulars, Magheracloone were playing outstanding football and clearly in the driving seat throughout, with Tommy Freeman, Damien Freeman, Fintan Kindlon and Paul Jones causing many problems in the attack and in defence Frankie Doogan, playing at centre-half back was superb ably supported by debutant, Mark Gilsenan in the corner, the threat of the homeside seemed to be contained. Alarm bells sounded when deep in injury time, Magheracloone conceded two goals and a point in just under a minute to allow Latton to steal the game by one point.  With the championship just a week away, remedial work had to be done on the effect of two late goals in a defence which was otherwise sound. Three training sessions later, Magheracloone defence was once again acting like a tight knit unit which saw them easily discard the challenge of Inniskeen in the championship without conceding a goal. In this championship encounter, the early exchanges were close and uncompromising but with county player, Colin McCaul, producing a dominating display at midfield, the Mitchells had the ingredients of success with a plentiful supply of the ball, where the Freeman brothers, Tommy and Damien were in devastating form. Paul Jones, Gerry Jones, Padraig Kelly and Eddie McCabe were easily containing the threat from the Inniskeen forward line and when minor star, Fintan Kindlon netted with fifteen minutes remaining, this game had gone out of the reach of the Inniskeen side.  This left the Mitchells, for the first time in the history of the club, in the quarter-finals against county champions, Castleblayney Faughs. This was always going to be tough, Blayney are the past masters of winning championship games and as I had previously worked with them just two years prior, I knew the enormity of the task in hand for the Mitchells. On my way from the game, I was convinced that if Mitchells could produce their form throughout the entire game then we could take the famed Blayney Faughs.  The eagerly awaited tie arrived and Carrickmacross provided a fitting venue. Right from the start, the Mitchells struggled in the most vital sector of midfield, where Paul O'Connor and Dermot Duffy managed to spoil any advantage that the Mitchells would have in this area. Adrian Irwin playing on the forty won most of the breaking ball, thus giving his side an abundance of possession. Good defence, while under severe pressure, by Jones, Kelly and Kindlon in the fullback line curtailed the talented Blayney side to long range scores. The Freeman brothers were starved of possession with only scraps making their way into the full-forward line. With five minutes of the half remaining the game took a turn with the moving of Frankie Doogan back to centre-half back where he immediately consolidated this sector with his strong play and winning good possession around the middle of the park. Blayney finished the half clearly in front on the scoreboard. The second-half was to produce a pulsating tie with the Mitchells now taking control with Doogan at centre half back forcing the rhythm of the game which saw the Freeman brothers taking more control and causing Blayney many problems. A penalty awarded when Damien Freeman was taken down was duly converted to reduce the arrears and three quick points in succession narrowed the gap to just one point. Doogan had tightened the defence and was unlucky not to have scored a spectacular goal when his driving shot was somehow saved by Blayney keeper, Derek Sullivan.  Blayney used all their championship experience to fashion a one point victory and that was the end of the Mitchell's run for championship glory. While disappointed, I was also aware that experience is gained through time and that this young side had just gained a valuable lesson in what championship football was all about. It is a lesson that only time will tell if they have absorbed the value of.  As always the exit from a championship has a major downside for clubs, but such was the enthusiasm of this club, that the following night, the under 21 side had to take on Clontibret in the championship final. The Mitchells showed that they indeed had learned and having suffered a seven point deficit early in the first half, they came storming back, led by Paul Farnan, Gerard Finnegan, Eddie McCabe, Frankie Doogan, Mark Gilsenan, Mickey Jones, Shane Duffy, Peter Tuite and captain, Tommy Freeman to take their first title of the season after having played six games in this competition.  The junior side who were displaying a superb brand of football were riding high in their respective league and making great strides through their championship campaign. Working with a small panel, the fixture glut was causing problems with players out through injury and was a major factor in seeing the side just loose out in winning their league. However, the side which was ably captained by John Marren was totally focused on their championship run and with James Hanratty, Mark Gilsenan, Raymond Duffy, Fergal Monaghan, Gerard Finnegan, Noel Tuite, Peter Tuite, Fintan Kindlon, Paudie Finnegan, Mickey Jones, and Pat Farnan all displaying the heart and ability to win this tournament things were looking good. With home advantage, the Mitchells easily disposed of Blayney in the semi-final to take their place against Donaghmoyne, the favourites.  With three weeks to the run-up of this final, disaster struck the South Monaghan club, with Gerard Finnegan, breaking his ankle while with the county under-21s, Pat Farnan, Peter Tuite and Raymond Duffy suffering long term injuries and to add to this tale of woe, team captain, John Marren on the morning of the game had to cancel his participation due to the death of his nephew.  Things looked bleak, but with a positive team management of Tony Kelly, P. J. Lambe and chairman, Tom Freeman, the onus was placed on many of the younger players in the club. Minor stars, Fintan Kindlon, Paudie Finnegan and John McMahon were outstanding as were Paul Farnan, Noel Tuite, Mark Gilsenan, Gerard McCaul, Ciaran McCaul, Peter Tuite and the injured Pat Farnan when he made his introduction were instrumental in deservedly winning this trophy.  It was now down to the senior side and with my journey now fast approaching Donaghmoyne, I mulled over what we had worked hard at all year and how we had planned to defeat the once glorious Clontibret O'Neills. Training had been intense, playing football and how we would implement our style of play against Clontibret in this final. Holding my nerve throughout my tenure in Magheracloone was something I had done, and now I had one more decision to make, firmly placing, what I thought would be a winning move and the basis of the Mitchells being not just a good side but a great one, Frankie Doogan at centre-half back.  Well as the history books will show, we won, playing and dictating the pace of the game. The centre-field pairing of Colin McCaul and Fergal Monaghan were outstanding, and the defence, well four points against them speaks for itself. Once again, the Freeman brothers, were outstanding, with young Paudie Finnegan and Keith Gilsenan in great support. The work-rate of Paul Jones and Fintan Kindlan was a major contributing factor in this victory, but the display of Doogan at centre-half back was outstanding.  Three trophies and the joy on the faces of people like Kathleen Tuite, secretary, Ann Kindlan (treasurer), Fiona Kindlan, (physio), Brendan McCaul, Gerry Boyle, Jimmy Martin, Jim McMahon and Gene McCaul made it all worthwhile. As I drove my way home I thought of the kindness displayed by many of the people I had encountered in the club, the commitment and dedication of the players, the raw enthusiasm and consuming passion to win a championship and the honesty of all involved. I thought of the great work done by the Chairman, Tom Freeman, fellow selectors, Tony Kelly and the quiet gentleman, P. J. Lambe and I knew that it had been two years well spent. My sojourn with Magheracloone G.F.C. has been a great experience, we have developed together, as team manager and team, along the way we had our ups and downs, but one thing that has really developed, has been a mutual respect for each others commitment and dedication. Hopefully the good work achieved in my time will lead to greater glory in the future! O'Duffy Cup heads Magheracloone's way If consistency is the hallmark of a quality team, then Magheracloone's O'Duffy Cup squad must rank up there with the best of them if the evidence of their hugely successful campaign in 2001 is anything to go by. Displaying the sort of hunger and commitment common to all champions, Magheracloone made all the running at the Killanny venue last November to lift the O'Duffy Cup at the expense of near-neighbours Donaghmoyne in an entertaining encounter, albeit in somewhat difficult conditions. Magheracloone were full value for their victory and led from pillar to post as two early points in as many minutes put them on their way. With a firm grip on the midfield exchanges, Magheracloone extended their early lead through Fintan Kindlon's brace of frees in the seventh and 10th minutes, the second of which came from an acute angle out right. Donaghmoyne proved worthy finalists though and pointed in the 12th minute to keep their opponents on their toes. That said, Magheracloone continued to force the pace and a further point from the aforementioned Kindlon and a fine effort from Paraic Finnegan left the would-be winners 0-6 to 0-2 to the good as the conclusion of the first half drew near. Donaghmoyne stepped up a gear entering the final five minutes of the first half and two points in quick succession narrowed Magheracloone's lead to just two points at the interval. The second half was equally as fiercely fought. A minute after the resumption another point for the Fontenoys left just the minimum between the sides. Faced with a stiffening breeze, Magheracloone were forced to continue to dig hard. In this respect, the Magheracloone defence showed their worth to the team, thus paving the way for their colleagues up front, John McMahon, Paraic Finnegan and Fintan Kindlon to lead the charge with a point apiece. With both sides exchanging points, four points remained between the sides approaching the end of the third quarter. It was still all to play for as both teams pressed forward with intent. Donaghmoyne were next to raise the white flag but in a swift repost, substitute Pat Farnan replied for the champions-elect to maintain his side's four point cushioned lead. In a frenetic final five minutes, Donaghmoyne threw everything at their opponents but the winners' defence held firm and as the final minutes ticked by, Magheracloone proved themselves worthy winners. Final score; Magheracloone 0-12 Donaghmoyne 0-8 The following is the Magheracloone team, and scorers, which featured in the O'Duffy Cup final: James Hanratty, Mark Gilsenan, Paul Farnan, Rory Duffy, Pat Carroll, Noel Tuite, John McMahon (0-1), Fergal Monaghan, Fintan Kindlon (0-7), Gerard McCaul, Ciaran McCaul (0-1), Michael Jones, Peter Tuite, Paraic Finnegan (0-2), Bart Kindlon. Subs; Pat Farnan (0-1). Magheracloone Minors 2001 So near and yet so far This squad had high hopes of glory in 2001, but alas, it did not turn out as planned. In the championship we played Clontibret in the County semi final at Donaghmoyne, and after a rip roaring encounter we finished all square. In the replay we led right up until injury time, only to be let in an a last minute goal. Clontibret went on to lift the county title, which left us dreaming of what might have being. In the league we also reached the semi final only to lose out to Enniskeen in Carrickmacross on a scoreline of 0-11 to 0-9. This was a great display, because we were short team captain Finton Kindloan who was on holidays. This was the difference in winning and losing on the day as we lost the midfield battle. This year we had three players on the county minor panel, namely Finton Kindlon, Paudie Finnegan and John McMahon. The last two being available next year again. Although beaten in the Ulster final these lads proved they are as good as is in Ulster not alone Monaghan. So a good future looks on the cards for the Mitchells in the years ahead. Our panel for 2000 was, Jack Farnan, Peter Maxwell, Gerard Byrne, Niall Busby, Gavin Burns, John McMahon, Niall Babbington, Finton Kindlon (capt), Gerard McCaul, Gary McMahon, Shane Martin, John Babbington, James Ward, Paudie Finnegan, Paul Byrne, Daniel Reilly, Darren Doogan, Ronan McDermott, Peter Ward. This was Niall Busbys' first year with us and he has a great future in the colours ahead of him. All bar Finton Kindlon, Gerard McCaul and Gerard Byrne are available next year, so here's hoping? Team management was Brian McMahon, Peter Ward and Philip Kelly. We thank all the panel for there efforts in 2001 and wish them well in the year ahead. - Magheracloone GFC Tweet

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