Turin hurling club may be regarded as one of the smaller clubs in the county following their lack of major success down through the years, but that has not stopped the red and whites from continually making a huge effort on and off the field. Chairman Richie Heffernan tells Maroon and White of the strides they have made in recent times. The 2004 inter-mediate hurling championship saw Turin make the last four where they were well beaten by Crookedwood, although the scoreline somewhat flattered the winners. However, the year was seen as progress and Richie believes that the determination and dedication of the players along with the management skills of Mick Murtagh have helped bring the club forward. "The interest that the lads have is great. We usually get around 20 to 25 lads training on average and for a small club like ours they are huge numbers. Since Mick took over, he has brought a new found sense of belief to the players and you can see this in their attitude towards training and playing," said Richie. Turin began the campaign against St Brigid's and a 5-7 to 2-6 win was the perfect start to the championship. The opening match was played in June, leaving the side with three months training under their belts, while league and challenge matches also helped prepare them for the season ahead. The following week, Murtagh's charges were up against one of the favourites for the intermediate hurling championship, Cullion and as expected they came out on top with a scoreline of 2-11 to 1-6, handing Turin their first defeat of the year. If Cullion were rated as one of the favourites, St Oliver Plunkett's were definitely up there with them and the town team were to be Turin's next opponents. Plunkett's had nine points to spare at the finish and left Turin needing a win against Southern Gaels to have any chance of making the semi finals of the championship. The rural club showed their real character against the Athlone side by recording a 2-14 to 2-8 win and set up a meeting with Crookedwood in the semi final. The semi final was fixed for Clonkill where neighbours Crookedwood and Turin would battle it out for a place in the final. The 'Wood entered the match as slight favourites following their unbeaten run in the group stages but once again local rivalry would make it an even playing field. Turin were first to score when Ray Aughey pointed a free and they then missed a golden opportunity to score a goal, before Johnny Orme equalised after five minutes. The 'Wood then hit three wides in succession before Ger Brennan added another point. Turin were then denied another goal chance after good defending by Finian Newman. Orme added a point before Turin replied with a point of their own. Scores were scarce for the remainder of the half as defences on both sides stood firm, each registering just 0-1 each. An Orme free five minutes into the second half stretched Crookedwood's lead to two points but the gap was narrowed to just one when Aughey pointed a '65m free. Enda Murray fired over an inspirational point from wing back in the 12th minute and this score seemed to give the 'Wood a huge lift. Further points from Stephen Leavy and Orme gave them a four point lead before Noel Yourell scrambled the ball to the net for their first goal of the evening. It was Yourell's last act of the evening as the corner forward was forced off the field through injury but his replacement Frank Brennan wasted little time in getting on the score sheet when he scored the second goal to effectively end the match as a contest. Turin's response was a point with eight minutes remaining but this was to be their last score of the match as Orme registered 1-1 in the closing moments to send the 'Wood through to their second final appearance in three years, much to the delight of their large following. "We didn't do ourselves justice in the semi final. Our performance fell apart in the second half and we were bitterly disappointed to lose by so much. The lads do believe that they can win the championship and will be as determined as ever this year," stressed Richie. "With Mick at the helm once again this year, we are hoping that further strides can be made. Mick is a true and true hurling man. There is a great interest in hurling in this club, even though numbers at underage level have dwindled in recent times." Richie feels that Turin are fighting a losing battle in attracting young talent to the club as they are being lured to neighbouring sides, who have had more success recently. And he is also fearful that if the current circumstances continue, then the future of the club could be in jeopardy. "It is definitely a concern of ours. At underage, we have been forced to amalgamate with Lough Lene Gaels. This has been a huge success in the last few years, but the number of players from this club playing juvenile hurling has dramatically fallen in the last few years," he revealed. Despite such a cloud hanging over the club, it has not stopped them from moving forward plans to develop an under 12 pitch at the grounds in Turin. Other work will see them renovate the dressingrooms and also repair their ball catchers. The red and whites did not go the entire year without silverware and it was left to the camogie team to provide the highlight of the year when they annexed their 18th senior championship title. Indeed the level of success that St Munna's have had far exceeds their rivals and they are without doubt the top team in the county over the last two decades. They have also represented the county with distinction in the Leinster club championship down through the years. Although many feel that rural clubs in general are a dying breed thanks to housing developments being built in the larger towns, clubs like Turin are an example of how the GAA can build even the smallest parishes together. Every year on and off the field they face a battle but to the true Gaels of Turin, it is a passion that they would not be without. One again in 2005 the aim of the club will be to reach their holy grail of winning the intermediate hurling championship. "Every year its our goal to win the championship and there is a group of lads there that are capable of doing so. Mick (Murtagh) is over the team again this year and we are very lucky to have him. Turin have made progress and I feel that we are not too far away from winning the championship," concluded Richie. Having a lifetime of knowledge of hurling, Richie Heffernan is a man to be listened too. So don't be surprised if the red and white ribbons are placed on the championship cup later on this year! Tweet

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