Although many were predicting the demise of Tang in 2005, the south Westmeath club confounded their critics with a much improved championship performance, which took them to within touching distance of a quarter-final. Alas, they failed agonisingly in a play-off with rivals Maryland, in a nail-biting game which went to extra-time, but they're aiming to go one better this year. By Damien Maher. When one considers that Tang narrowly avoided relegation in 2004, this was a fantastic turnaround. Not only that, but they achieved it despite losing the first three games of the championship, while they were forced to field without the inspirational Paul Conway, who broke his leg while playing for Westmeath. While bemoaning the fact that Conway was absent, team manager Christy Flanagan, who remains at the helm this year, is satisfied with Tang's progress in the intermediate championship and believes they can build on their bold showing in 2005. "It was a big improvement from being involved in a relegation battle the previous year and we will be aiming for a quarter final berth again in '06," enthused Christy. "We had a tough start to the year, with games against Rosemount, Kilbeggan and Bunbrosna, but our form wasn't bad. We ran all three teams close and, despite losing, the lads never drooped the heads, which is one of the main reasons why we managed to turn things around." Tang had the toughest possible start to their intermediate campaign when they faced championship favourites Rosemount in Athlone. Paul Conway was slowly recovering from operations on both shoulders, while John Lennon was also unfit, but they batted well and lost by just five points, 1-12 to 1-7. "Rosemount were the team to beat, so we weren't too disappointed at that result," admits Christy. Round two pitted Tang against Kilbeggan Shamrocks. Again, it was a tight affair, with the Maroons demonstrating their battling qualities, but Kilbeggan had four points to spare at the final whistle, 0-14 to 0-10. And things weren't about to get any easier for Flanagan's men. Next up was a tilt with 2004 finalists Bunbrosna. It proved another big test, but Tang were undaunted and, after another plucky display, lost on a 0-10 to 0-7 scoreline. They were now facing a critical juncture in their season, though. Playing Maryland usually brings out the best in Tang and when the sides met in the fourth round it was no exception. Tang conceded a goal, but still had enough in reserve to forge a one-point victory, 0-11 to 1-7, which was sufficient to quell relegation fears. Round five saw the Southerners face Milltown, a team that had beaten them in the Galvin Cup earlier in the season. Tang were a different proposition now and, spurred on by that spirited win over their neighbours, they had four points to spare over the Rathconrath-based side, 1-8 to 0-7. Tang's final group game was against a Milltownpass side that was struggling to hit top form. Played in Hogan Park Moate, it was a game in which Tang demonstrated their fighting spirit once more as they recorded a two-point win, 1-7 to 1-5. Now their year took on a whole new significance as they finished in joint third position in Division 1 of the championship, alongside Maryland and Bunbrosna. The draw was kind to Tang as Maryland faced Bunbrosna, with the winners to meet the Maroons. Maryland caused a shock as they won in extra-time and booked a second meeting with Tang. Scheduled for Tubberclair under lights on Tuesday, August 30, this quarter final play-off attracted great interest. A big crowd descended on the south Westmeath venue to witness the keenest of rivals in action, and they weren't disappointed. Maryland started best and held a five points cushion at the interval, 0-7 to 0-2, but Tang were in no mood to surrender. Two second half goals by wing back Colm Conlon and centre forward, Dermot Bannon gave them a sensational four-point lead with four minutes of normal time remaining, and a place in the last eight beckoned. However, Maryland applied late pressure and four points on the trot sent the contest to extra-time. The first 10-minute period was really tense and Maryland were a point ahead on the change of ends. They added two further points in the second period and Tang's only response was a pointed free by Robert English. Tang almost snatched victory at the death, but English saw his shot on goal blocked down defiantly. "It was a game we should have won in normal time," reflects Christy Flanagan. "But we did as well as could be expected in the championship and it was a clear improvement on the previous year. Kilbeggan only beat us by four points and Bunbrosna, who reached the final in 2004, had only three points to spare, so it was a good campaign." Tang's main disappointment was their relegation from Division three of the All County league. They were knocked out of the intermediate cup at an early stage. "We found it really difficult to get going in the league and it was a real disappointment, overall," admits Christy. "However, we will be aiming at turning that around in the coming season and last year's championship run is a definite boost." Christy will bo joined by selectors Joe Fox and PJ Galvin for the year ahead. Galvin is a former player and Tang will be hoping his contribution can inspire another extended run in the championship. The Tang team which lost in a play-off to Maryland after extra-time was: JJ Leavy; Damien Gill, Padraig Reilly, Greg Carey; Colm Conlon (1-0), Michael Bannon, Alan Murray; James Tormey, Joe Conlon; Eamon Carey, Dermot Bannon (1-1), Mark Tormey; John Lennon (0-2), Denis Bannon, Robbie English (0-4, frees). Subs used: Colm Donoghue, Thomas McCormack, Paddy McCormack (0-1), Shane Fallon, Colm Conlon, Seamus Keenan. Minors land 'A' Championship The amalgamation of Maryland/Tang continued its successful run in 2005, as the minor side landed the 'A' championship title and the U14 side reached both the Feile and championship semi-finals. Good victories over St. Malachy's/Ballinagore and Garrycastle set the Maryland/Tang minors up for a final against Mullingar side, St. Loman's. The final was scheduled for Saturday, December 18, but St. Loman's failed to field and the title was awarded to Maryland/Tang. While they were disappointed not to have won the game in the proper manner, Maryland/Tang are quite rightly delighted with the success. The charges of Tom Flanagan and Ken Egan showed their true potential in their semi-final win over Garrycastle and, regardless of the circumstances, are worthy champions at this level. Maryland/Tang were also part of the Shannon Gaels side (amalgamated with Tubberclair) which contested the U16 Premier Championship final. They have in place a system that's conducive to progress, with Tom Farrell Chairman in 2005 and Margaret Moran Secretary. In another noteworthy achievement, Tang National School captured the 9-a-side Cumann Na mBunscol title last year. It was their fist title at this grade in five years and local man Sean Burke is pleased to have been associated with the victory. "It was a good year for the underage, with the performances of the U14 and minor footballers the main highlight, and we're looking to continue that in the year ahead," said Sean. The Maryland/Tang team which landed the minor 'A' title was: Thomas Moran; Gearoid Cleary, Conor Lynn, John Salmon; Conor Egan, Alan Connaughton, Ciaran Duncan; Robert English (capt.), John Cassells; Gerard Walsh, Niall Bannon, Anthony Reynolds; Thomas McCormack, Colm Mackey, Joshua Flanagan. Subs: Shane Reynolds, Stephen Fagan, Ronan Farrell, David Kincaid, Daniel Claffey, Jude Quigley. Tweet

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