WESTMEATH YEARBOOK ARTICLES
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| Athlone |
|
2008
|
Athlone's
wait
It's now 10 years since Athlone last won the Flanagan Cup
for the 20th time, making them the standard-bearers in Westmeath club football.
It's been a tough decade for them as they watched neighbours Garrycastle
win titles and, indeed, Castledaly reach county finals, while they were
forced to concentrate on development. By Damien Maher. |
|
2007
|
Aiming
to bridge the gap
Come 2008, it will be 10 years since Athlone last won the
Flanagan Cup and, not surprisingly, there is a strong desire in the south
Westmeath stronghold to end that losing streak. Maroon and White spoke to
Chairman, Niall Lynch, about 2006 and the challenges that lie ahead. |
|
2006
|
Shannonsiders
get double boost
Athlone are looking forward to the new playing season with
plenty of optimism after winning both the under 21 championship and the
All-County League Division 2 titles, according to new chairman Niall Lynch. |
|
2005
|
Still
searching for winning formula
Without a county title since 1998, Athlone supporters are
becoming increasingly frustrated at their side's failure to win back the
Flanagan Cup. For the famine to end, however, star forward Seamus Mitchell
believes there must be greater cohesion in the team. |
|
2004
|
Back
on track
Athlone may have lost the county final to The Downs, but
according to senior manager John Foley, the year was still laden with positives.
|
|
2003
|
Defence
needs to be the best form of attack for Athlone
The unavailability of several key players contributed greatly
to Athlone's senior football championship demise, according to club chairman
Martin Flynn. |
|
2002
|
Improvement
on Shannonside
Despite their capitulation to Tyrrellspass in the SFC semi-final
replay and their demotion to Division 2 of the league, Athlone were a much
improved outfit last season. Goalkeeper and captain Richie Daly shares his
recollections on an eventful year. |
back to top
| Ballinagore |
|
2008
|
Third
time lucky for Ôgore
A decade on from their defeats to Ballynacargy and Garrycastle
in their only previous intermediate football championship final appearances,
Ballinagore finally got their hands on the coveted Peter Geraghty Cup
last October following their victory over Shandonagh last October. Here,
we take a look back at a magnificent year for the Pairc Bhodhrain outfit. |
|
2007
|
Ballinagore
building nicely
Given their historic Leinster success two years ago,
2006 was always going to be a difficult one for Ballinagore. Back in
the intermediate ranks again, they were looking to build on the fantastic
achievement of becoming the first Westmeath club to win a Leinster club
title, albeit at junior level. Loyal club man, Martin McCann, who has
retired from Secretary after 10 years, reviews the year with Maroon
and White.
|
|
2006
|
County
and Provincial Junior champions
Ballinagore may have suffered the indignity of being relegated
at the end of the 2004 intermediate campaign, but the club bounced back
at the first time of asking. Not alone are they the junior champions of
Westmeath but Leinster as well. |
|
2005
|
Aiming
to bounce back
After 10 years in the intermediate grade, Ballinagore were
relegated back to the junior ranks at the end of last year. However, outgoing
manager Liam McDaniel remains upbeat about the future and is convinced
that they have what it takes to bounce back in the coming season. |
|
2004
|
Building
for the future
Ballinagore's failure to reach the knock-out stages of
last year's intermediate football championship can be put down to a
combination of injuries and team rebuilding according to teak tough
defender Enda McCann.
|
|
2003
|
Ballinagore
show improvement
A much-improved team last year, Ballinagore are determined
to maintain their progress in the coming season, as half forward Cathal
Ennis explains.
|
|
2002
|
Keeper
of the faith
Ballinagore net minder Martin Seery reveals the benefits
of trading an outfield jersey for the No 1 slot. |
back to top
| Ballycomoyle |
|
2008
|
Ambitious
as ever
Another year has passed without Ballycomoyle making any
significant impact on the Junior Football Championship in Westmeath. The
small, North Westmeath club remains as ambitious as ever, though, and
there's a genuine feeling that remaining focused on developing underage
players will reap its reward in the not too distant future. Damien Maher
spoke to club PRO, Ray Farrelly, about Ballycomoyle's year. |
|
2007
|
Blues
ready to take the next step
The Westmeath junior football championship is considered
the toughest grade to get out of as many teams are on an equal par. Ballycomoyle
have been plying their trade at this level for the best part of 15 years
and although they have produced some excellent results over the years,
they have always fallen short of their ultimate goal. |
|
2006
|
Bal'
on the way back
After failing to register a win in the 2004 junior football
championship, things could only get better for Ballycomoyle last year
and they did Ð a lot better, in fact. Experienced defender and team captain
Enda Kiernan was pleased with the team's improvement and is confident
that further progress can be made in 2006. |
|
2005
|
Bal'
take heart from St. Michael's success
In a year when their junior team proved a major disappointment,
Ballycomoyle had the consolation of seeing St. Michael's and Inny Gaels
sweep the boards at under 16 level. Ballycomoyle clubman Pat Lynch was
a selector with St. Michael's and took great encouragement from their
success. |
|
2004
|
Quarter-final
defeat still hurts
North Westmeath outfit Ballycomoyle are one of the top
junior sides in the county, having consistently made it at worst to the
last eight of the championship. |
|
2003
|
Back
to the drawing board for Ballycomoyle
In recent years, Ballycomoyle have failed to reach their
true potential, but long serving player, Seamus Lynch feels it may not
be too long before the Bal are back battling for honours. |
|
2002
|
Rare
underage triumph for Ballycomoyle
Ballycomoyle celebrated a rare underage success last October
when they captured the under 14 ‘C' football championship crown.
This success, coupled with those of Inny Gaels, should ensure a bright
future for the north county club according to under 14 joint-manager John
‘Snow' Fitzsimons. |
back to top
| Ballymore |
|
2008
|
Ballymore
drive forward
Ballymore will look back on 2007 with mixed emotion. After
a positive showing in the group stages of the intermediate football championship,
they qualified for the quarter final, where they established a seven points
lead against Tang and seemed set for victory. |
|
2007
|
Ballymore
keen to bounce back
It's just two years since Ballymore have been competing
in the higher echelons of Westmeath football and they're keen to return
there. Failing to qualify for the knockout stages of the intermediate
football championship in 2006 has made them re-focus and, backed by a
thriving underage structure, Ballymore plan to be major players in the
season ahead, as Maroon and White found out from club Secretary, Seamus
McDermott. |
|
2006
|
Underage
success spurs Ballymore
In recent years Ballymore have bounced between the senior and intermediate
grade and the 2006 campaign will see the South Westmeath side compete
in the middle tier championship once again following their relegation
from the top flight. |
|
2005
|
Ballymore
hold their own
Ballymore achieved what they set out to achieve at the
start of last year by retaining their senior status. Having survived their
first year back in the top flight, they will be setting their sights higher
in the coming season as midfielder Derek Molloy explains. |
|
2004
|
Back
in the big time
Despite being a senior club as recently as 1999, Ballymore
were not among the favourites for intermediate football glory at the outset
of last year. But, as has so often been the case in the past, they proved
their doubters wrong. |
|
2003
|
Ballymore
seek improvement
Ballymore endured a most disappointing 2002, with a poor
championship campaign being followed by relegation from Division 1. Not
surprisingly, goalkeeper and club PRO Ciaran McCormack is expecting a
big improvement in the coming season. |
|
2002
|
League
promotion for Ballymore
While the intermediate football championship was the title
they sought most, Ballymore were content to finish the year as Division
2 champions. Freetaker Louis Meares looks back on what was a satisfactory
year for the green and golds. |
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| Ballynacargy |
|
2008
|
League
consolation for Bal'
It was a year that promised much for Ballynacargy, but,
in the end, they were forced to settle for promotion to Division 1 of
the All County League as their championship campaign flopped dramatically.
Here, Damien Maher reviews their year. |
|
2007
|
Bal'
U14s steal the show
Despite much promise, Ballynacargy failed to make the knock-out
stages of the intermediate football championship in 2006 and, inevitably,
there are question marks over their resolve. However, there is a clear
determination to get back to the business end this year, while Bal's underage
system appears to be thriving. Here, Maroon and White reviews their year. |
|
2006
|
Heartache
for 'Bal
The 2005 Westmeath intermediate football championship was
one of the most competitive in years. There were a number of teams with
a genuine chance of landing the Peter Geraghty Cup. Ballynacargy made
it to the final, but as Maroon and White tells, there was to be no fairy
tale ending for the club. |
|
2005
|
Relegation
scare to spur Bal'
A senior club as recently as 2002, Ballynacargy found themselves
fighting for their intermediate survival last year. Needless to say, corner
back Derek Wallace is hoping for a major improvement in the coming season. |
|
2004
|
Complacency
cost dearly
Ballynacargy paid a costly price for not taking last year's
intermediate football championship seriously enough claims long-serving
midfielder Paddy Jordan. |
|
2003
|
Bal'
slip back
After three years in the top flight, Ballynacargy slipped
back to the intermediate grade last September. Despite their relegation,
star forward Ger Heduvan is far from despondent about the future. |
|
2002
|
Under
16 joy for Bal'
In a year when the Ballynacargy senior side failed to set
the championship alight, it was left to the club's under 16 team to bring
home the bacon. Club secretary and under 16 manager Damien Maher recalls
an eventful year. |
back to top
| Brownstown |
|
2008
|
Underage
success gives hope
Silverware at underage level has been a rare commodity
for Brownstown hurling club in recent years. However, success in the under-12
and under-14 grades has given a new lease of life to the Archerstown Blues. |
|
2007
|
Back
in the big time
Two years after they suffered the bitter disappointment
of relegation, Brownstown regained their senior status in 2006 following
their defeat of neighbours Delvin in the intermediate hurling championship
final. Here, we chart their return to the top flight. |
|
2006
|
Youth
policy reaps rewards
For so long Brownstown were regarded as the top hurling
team in the county. However, the old phrase that 'every dog has it's day'
has seen the North Westmeath side bow out of the limelight at adult level,
although the blueprint for a return to the glory days is well in place.
By Stephen Reilly. |
|
2005
|
Brownstown
suffer relegation blues
Brownstown hurling club have one of the strongest traditions
within the county having won 15 senior hurling championships since their
formation in 1922. The Archerstown Blues still sit proudly on top of the
roll of honour list with their most successful era coming between 1977
and 1993 when the Westmeath Examiner Cup returned to the parish on ten
occasions. |
|
2004
|
Blues
avoid the drop ... again
Since the Westmeath senior hurling championship became
a two-group format, Brownstown have failed to make an impact. They have
struggled to avoid relegation on almost an annual basis, which was the
case once again in 2003. But their victory over an emerging Oliver Plunkett's
side was the biggest shock of the year. By Stephen Reilly. |
|
2003
|
Henry
recalls class of Ô52
In 1952 Brownstown hurling club won their sixth championship
in their 27 year history after having also annexed the title in 1938,
43, 46, 47 and 1948. The beat Rickardstown in the final 4-5 to 3-7 and
playing at right half forward that day was nineteen year old Sean Henry
in his first county final. He reflects on that glorious day. |
|
2002
|
Brownstown
cling onto senior status
For the third successive year, Brownstown narrowly avoided
relegation to the intermediate grade. Club chairman Paddy Melligan believes
that things can only improve in the year ahead. |
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| Bunbrosna |
|
2008
|
Not
out of place
After displaying massive potential for years, Bunbrosna
finally made the breakthrough in 2006 when they landed the Intermediate
football title. Their first sojourn into senior football proved they have
the qualities to mix it with the leading teams in the county and, having
came close to making the knock-out stages of the championship, this year
they're back as a senior club. Damien Maher caught up with dashing wing
back, Finian Newman, to reflect on Bunbrosna's year. |
|
2007
|
Bun
make the ascent
Brilliant Bunbrosna ended a 35-year wait for intermediate
football championship honours last November when they defeated Maryland
after a replay. And after losing the 2004 final to St. Mary's, the victory
was a source of immense satisfaction for their supporters who are eagerly
looking forward to Bun's participation in this year's senior championship.
|
|
2006
|
Not
to be written off
Progressive is a word that best sums up the Bunbrosna club.
After bowing out of the intermediate football championship somewhat prematurely
in 2005, following an extra-time defeat to Maryland in a play-off, some
are questioning their real potential, but to discount them would be perilous.
|
|
2005
|
Bun'
are buzzing
Despite their defeat to St. Mary's in the intermediate
championship final, 2004 will still be remembered as one of Bunbrosna's
most successful years. However, they will not feel contented until senior
status is achieved according to star forward Peter Tormey. |
|
2004
|
League
promotion for ÔBun'
Promotion from Division 4 of the All-County League proved
to be the highlight of Bunbrosna's year according to ace marksman and
county under 21 panellist Aidan Finnan. |
|
2003
|
Bun'
happy to consolidate position
For Bunbrosna, last year was all about consolidating their
position in the intermediate ranks. Having achieved that, they will be
in a slightly more ambitious frame of mind this season according to goalkeeper
Damien McCormack. |
|
2002
|
Bun'
banish the blues
Intermediate football beckons for Bunbrosna following their
junior championship final replay victory over Caulry last October. Here,
we look back on a campaign which will long be remembered by supporters
of the blue and white. |
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| Castledaly |
|
2008
|
Castledaly
aim to impress
By now it must be a major source of frustration to Castledaly
folk that their senior team has failed to win the Flanagan Cup, despite
the great promise they've shown. In 2007 they failed to reproduce the
form that took them to the senior final the previous year and had to settle
for a quarter final berth. Here, Damien Maher reviews their year. |
|
2007
|
Castledaly
aim to bounce back
Castledaly have been coming closer by the year to lifting
the Flanagan Cup, although they could be forgiven if the players were
disheartened after losing another county final. However, that is certainly
not the case as secretary Ciaran Henson stresses that they are more determined
than ever to win that elusive county senior title. |
|
2006
|
Castledaly
seek that little bit extra
Castledaly are in danger of becoming the Ônearly men' of
the senior football championship after faltering in the latter stages
once again last year. But according to vice-chairman and PRO Kieran Galvin,
there is no reason for supporters to lose patience just yet. |
|
2005
|
Dream
double narrowly eludes Castledaly
Despite being the most consistent team in the county last year, senior
championship honours once again eluded Castledaly. But they did have the
consolation of lifting the All-County League Division 1 title for the
first time. |
|
2004
|
Depleted
Castledaly disappoint
Castledaly's failure to qualify for the knock-out stages
of last year's senior football championship was due largely to the absence
of so many key players, according to PRO Kieran Galvin. |
|
2003
|
Castledaly
make further progress
Despite their senior championship final collapse against
Garrycastle, 2002 was the most successful year in Castledaly's history
to date. |
|
2002
|
Can
do better
Arguably the biggest underachievers of last year's senior
football championship were Castledaly. Their failure to progress beyond
the group stages was a source of huge disappointment to supporters but
new club chairman Denis Fanning is hopeful that they can make amends in
the coming campaign. |
back to top
| Castlepollard |
|
2008
|
ÔPollard
bounce back
Twelve months after their shock demotion to the intermediate
ranks, Castlepollard regained their senior status with a comfortable victory
over Delvin in last season's intermediate hurling decider. Here, we take
a look back at how the Adrian Murray Cup was won. |
|
2007
|
McCormack
sounds battle cry
Arguably one of the biggest shocks ever to occur in Westmeath
club hurling happened last year when defending senior hurling champions
Castlepollard succumbed to the unexpected and were relegated to the intermediate
ranks for the 2007 campaign. |
|
2006
|
Magic
14th for ÔPollard
Castlepollard claimed their 14th senior hurling title in
2005 following a tough campaign that resulted in a replay final win over
neighbours and bitter rivals Lough Lene Gaels. Here ÔMaroon and White'
takes a look at how the men from the 'Town' achieved their success. |
|
2005
|
Crucial
year for ÔPollard
Last year's championship saw Castlepollard relinquish
their title at the semi final stage in what can only be described as
a poor display by the defending champions. Now the club find themselves
in the unusual predicament of being underdogs going into the 2005 campaign.
|
|
2004
|
ÔPollard
defy the odds
Castlepollard were crowned the 2003 senior hurling champions
following their dramatic win over Clonkill in the final as they claimed
their 13th title in total, which was all the more significant as it came
in their Centenary Year. |
|
2003
|
Underage
success keeps the ÔPollard flag flying
Castlepollard's under 12 and 14 hurlers celebrated success
in their respective age levels last year and gave a hint that the future
is looking good for the Town. Manager Jody Murray explains how the wins
were achieved. |
|
2002
|
Centenary
celebrations
Castlepollard hurling club is 100 years old this year.
What better way to celebrate the centenary year than with a 13th senior
championship success, suggests chairman Ned Flynn. |
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| Castletown-Geoghegan |
|
2008
|
Stars
in the making
Every now and again a club can boast of a promising underage
side, but few can lay claim to a team as talented as Castletown-Geoghegan's
All-Ireland Feile winning combination. By Stephen Reilly. |
|
2007
|
Under-14's
raise the bar
Castletown-Geoghegan suffered defeat in the senior and
junior finals during the course of 2006, and although club stalwart Finbarr
Clarke admits that it was disappointing to lose the two adult finals,
the club's under-14 team demonstrated a lot of hope for the future. |
|
2006
|
Underage
treble for black and ambers
Castletown-Geoghegan may have relinquished their grip on
the Examiner Cup in 2005, but it was still a hugely successful year for
the club with under 21, under 14 and under 12 championship titles coming
their way. |
|
2005
|
Castletown
end long wait
Castletown-Geoghegan ended a 14-year barren spell in the
2004 senior hurling championship when the black and ambers snatched victory
from the jaws of defeat against favourites Lough Lene Gaels in the final.
Here Maroon and White takes a look at a remarkable year for the black
and ambers. |
|
2004
|
Castletown
do it the hard way
If Castletown-Geoghegan are not one of the front runners
for the 2003 Club of the Year award, then the selection process will most
definitely have to be reviewed as their haul of six titles in all grades
will hardly be surpassed by any club. Here ÔMaroon and White' takes a
look back at a magnificent year for the black and amber. |
|
2003
|
Underage
consolation for unlucky Castletown
While memories of their agonising senior final defeat continue
to haunt Castletown-Geoghegan, the year was by no means a failure with
the success of the under 16 and minor teams providing plenty of hope for
the future. |
|
2002
|
Underage
treble for black and ambers
Castletown-Geoghegan enjoyed its most successful year ever
at underage level, claiming championship honours in the under 12, under
14 and under 16 grades. Long-serving secretary Christy Hickey is greatly
encouraged by the young talent at the club's disposal. |
back to top
| Castletown-Finea-Coole-Whitehall |
|
2008
|
Historic
win for Finea
Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall were crowned Intermediate
Cup winners for the first time following a landslide victory over championship
winners Ballinagore last December. Not surprisingly, corner back and club
PRO Ray Sheridan is hoping the north county outfit can build on that success
in the season ahead. |
|
2007
|
Finea
fade after early promise
After three rounds of last year's intermediate football
championship, Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall looked to be well on their
way to securing a place in the knock-out stages. But then it suddenly
all went wrong as full back Colin Farrell ruefully reflects. |
|
2006
|
Time
to deliver
Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall have been touted as potential winners
of the intermediate football championship for some time now, but on last
season's form, they have a lot of improving to do. Highly-rated corner
forward Ryan Plunkett admits to being frustrated at the club's apparent
lack of progress and is calling for a greater effort in 2006. |
|
2005
|
Finea
back on track
After a disappointing 2003, Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall
showed a welcome return to form last year when achieving league promotion
and also reaching the knock-out stages of the intermediate championship.
There was also noteworthy successes at underage level which were a source
of great encouragement to county player Daniel McDermott. |
|
2004
|
Ray
of light for Finea?
A number of factors conspired against Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall
making their presence felt in last year's intermediate football championship,
according to tigerish wing back Ray Sheridan. |
|
2003
|
Castletown-Finea
on the right track
One of the most improved teams in last year's intermediate
football championship was Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall. Team manager
Jim Mahon is confident that further progress can be made in the coming
season. |
|
2002
|
First
minor title for Castletown-Finea
In a year when Inny Gaels retained the minor ‘premier'
championship, one of the clubs involved in the amalgamation, Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall,
triumphed in the minor ‘A' championship. Jim Plunkett, who was involved
in the coaching of both teams, reflects on a hugely satisfying season
for the green and golds. |
back to top
| Caulry |
|
2008
|
Under
16s steal the limelight
Caulry boasts one of the strongest underage structures
in the county and this was reflected in the success of the Mount Temple-based
club's under 10 and 16 teams last year. Kerry native Pat Canty has coached
many of the talented under 16 side since they were under 7s and is delighted
with their progress. |
|
2007
|
Caulry
bounce back
Caulry made an instant return to the intermediate ranks
by capturing their second junior football championship in four years last
October. And just as in 2002, there was no shortage of drama along the
way. |
|
2006
|
Caulry
under 14s steal the limelight
In a year when Caulry were relegated back to the junior
ranks, the spotlight fell on the club's outstanding under 14 team which
won the Feile Shield, and also came tantalizingly close to reaping league
and championship honours. Here, team mentor Noel Ryan reflects on an eventful
12 months for the Mount Temple young guns. |
|
2005
|
Division
3 honours for Caulry
Caulry's capture of the All-County League Division 3 title
last year augers well for the coming season according to club chairman
Paddy McMenamin. |
|
2004
|
Junior
'B' success
Caulry's capture of the junior ÔB' football crown helped
to erase the memories of a disappointing intermediate championship campaign
according to Peter Rigney, who was a selector with both teams.
|
|
2003
|
Caulry
make amends
After their Houdini-like escape in the semi-final, Caulry
were never going to slip up in the final against St. Joseph's. Here, we
chart their return to the intermediate ranks. |
|
2002
|
Heartbreak
for Caulry
Caulry will not look back on 2001 with much satisfaction,
as they were defeated in the junior, junior ‘B', junior Cup and Division
3 finals. To compound matters, both championship losses occurred after
replays. Team manager John Madden recalls a frustrating 12 months for
the Mount Temple outfit. |
back to top
| Clann
Gaels |
|
2008
|
Clann
Gaels ladies football
Building on the success of our underage teams of recent
years, Clann Gaels are looking forward with confidence to 2008. |
|
2007
|
A
great year for Clann Gaels
Ladies football continues to go from strength to strength
in North Westmeath (Multyfarnham, Bunbrosna, and Streete). The Clann Gaels
membership has once again increased and on the back of this we look forward
with confidence to the 2007 season. |
|
2006
|
Clann
Gaels excel as ever
While no major honours were achieved in 2005, Clann Gaels fielded at all
levels. |
|
2004
|
Gaels
Club review
Hot on the heels of the first ever championship success
of our U12 team last year, our junior team created history when they captured
their first county championship title at adult level in 2003. |
|
|
|
back to top
| Clonkill |
|
2008
|
Clonkill
make hurling history
Clonkill are the toast of Westmeath following their magnificent
triumph in the All-Ireland intermediate club hurling championship final.
Here, we take a look back at a memorable campaign which culminated in
a famous Croke Park victory for Pat O'Toole's charges. |
|
2007
|
More
success for Clonkill
Clonkill senior hurlers are something of an enigma in Westmeath
GAA circles, as despite the fact that the club possesses some of the best
players in the county, they have only won one senior title since the current's
side re-emergence in 2001. |
|
2006
|
Clonkill
minors end long wait
The highlight of another successful year for Clonkill at
underage level was the club's capture of the minor hurling championship
for the first time since 1969. The Loughegar outfit also retained the
under 16 championship with club stalwart Kit Austin overseeing both successes.
|
|
2005
|
More
success for Clonkill
Clonkill have been one of the most successful clubs in Westmeath hurling
for the past five years and although they have only claimed one championship
title in that time, the Loughegar side have rarely ended a year without
any silverware in recent times. |
|
2004
|
Clonkill
put final heartbreak behind them
Despite losing the senior final to Castlepollard in heartbreaking
circumstances, the year was by no means a failure for Clonkill who ended
2003 as Feis Cup, under 21 Ôpremier' and under 16 ÔA' champions. |
|
2003
|
Six
of the best
Was there a more successful club in 2002 than Clonkill?
Hardly, considering that a whopping six championship titles found their
home in the bulging Loughegar silverware cabinet. |
|
2002
|
32-year
wait ends
Just when it seemed the Examiner Cup had become the exclusive
property of Lough Lene Gaels, Clonkill awoke from their slumber to end
a 32-year wait last September. Here, we review their march to glory. |
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| Coralstown/Kinnegad |
|
2008
|
Under
16s steal the show
Clear signs of a strong Coralstown/Kinnegad revival were
evident in 2007 when the club reached the semi-final of the senior football
championship for the first time in a number of years. But even that achievement
was surpassed by the success of the under 16 side who savoured championship
glory for the second year-in-a-row. |
|
2007
|
Under
16 joy for Kinnegad
2006 may have been a disappointing year for the Coralstown/Kinnegad
senior side, but at underage level the club celebrated noteworthy successes
in the under 14 and under 16 grades. Under 16 manager and new club chairman
Eamonn Mooney was understandably proud of his team's achievements. |
|
2006
|
Kinnegad
not far off
Ten years after their thrilling win over Moate All Whites in the Westmeath
showcase, Coralstown/Kinnegad have their sights set on another tilt at
the Flanagan Cup. And after their disappointing showing against St. Malachy's
in last year's quarter final, the vastly experienced Jack Cooney is keen
to take things a step further. By Damian Maher. |
|
2005
|
Reds
seek improvement
Coralstown/Kinnegad's failure to reach the knock-out stages
of last year's senior football championship was a source of great disappointment
to midfielder Fergal Dardis who, nevertheless, is looking forward to 2005
with renewed optimism following the appointment of Larry Giles as manager.
|
|
2004
|
Reds
end year on a high
Coralstown/Kinnegad's feat in capturing the Feis Cup, under
21 ÔB' and under 16 ÔB' championships as well as an under 14 league title
was a source of great encouragement for club chairman Joe Bracken. |
|
2003
|
League
consolation for ÔKinnegad
Having faltered to St. Loman's in the senior football championship
quarter-final, Coralstown/Kinnegad had to be content with an All-County
League Division 2 title last season. Star half back Derek Griffin was
appreciative of it nevertheless
|
|
2002
|
Only
way is up
Injuries and a general lack of commitment combined to make
it a most unsatisfactory year for Coralstown/Kinnegad. Talented forward
Emmet McDonnell was one of those who was struck by the injury jinx and
is of the opinion that things can only improve in the season ahead. |
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| Crookedwood |
|
2008
|
Onward
and upward
Having consolidated senior status following their tremendous
success at intermediate level in 2005, Crookedwood found the going tough
in senior hurling last year. Although they recorded a great win over Brownstown
in the opening round, the winners' section presented some mighty challenges
against the leading teams in Westmeath. While success proved elusive,
Crookedwood continued to make progress at underage level. Here, Damien
Maher reflects on Crookedwood's season in the company of some of the hard
working underage mentors. |
|
2007
|
ÔWood
keen to take next step
The 2006 Westmeath senior hurling championship proved to
be a very unpredictable campaign with many of the top sides not faring
as well as expected, but one side that can hold their heads up high is
Crookedwood, who achieved their goal of surviving in the top flight after
the club's first year in the grade. |
|
2006
|
History
makers
Crookedwood finally reached their Holy Grail last year
when they annexed the Intermediate hurling championship for the first
time in the history of the club. Maroon and White takes a look at how
this remarkable success was achieved. |
|
2005
|
ÔWood
fall at final hurdle yet again
Crookedwood intermediate hurlers are attracting the unwanted
tag of always being the bridesmaid and never the bride as they once again
narrowly failed to make the senior grade. However, the club did not finish
the year empty handed as Maroon and White reflects on their progress in
2004. |
|
2004
|
ÔWood
to bounce back
Despite failing to figure at the business-end of last year's
intermediate hurling championship, Crookedwood will still be a force to
be reckoned with this season according to the club's Irish Language Officer
Tom Connell. |
|
2003
|
One
step closer
Crookedwood contested their first intermediate hurling
final this year against Ringtown, only to lose after a replay. Captain
Enda Murray is confident that it will not be too long before the club
is battling for senior honours. |
|
2002
|
Time
to deliver
Success in the Intermediate Cup proved to be the highlight
of Crookedwood's year. While it was warmly welcomed, club secretary Val
Brennan believes the time has come for the ‘Wood to deliver in the
intermediate championship. |
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| Cullion |
|
2008
|
Cullion
aiming to pick up again
Not that many years ago - in 2005 to be exact - Cullion
were challenging for intermediate hurling honours when they reached the
final, only to be defeated by Crookedwood. However, the last two years
has saw their form dip dramatically and, in 2007, they managed just one
win in the intermediate championship. |
|
2007
|
Glory
years yearning
The 2006 campaign will be one that the Cullion club and
in particular their intermediate hurlers will want to put behind them,
while the focus this year will be to make a serious challenge for championship
honours and make a return to the senior ranks. |
|
2006
|
Cullion
look to youth
Cullion suffered a set back in this year's intermediate
championship when they lost to neighbours Crookedwood in the final. Although
their minor side also failed in the decider, the future looks bright for
the maroon and whites according to club chairman Pat Gaffney. |
|
2005
|
Junior
ÔB' success for Cullion
Cullion hurlers had plenty of reason to celebrate in 2004.
Although their main priority was to make a return to the senior ranks,
a win in the junior B championship gave the club a boost ahead of this
year's campaign in which they will be once again be the main contenders
for the intermediate title. |
|
2004
|
Cullion
look to the future
2003 was a year to forget for Cullion intermediate hurlers
as they failed to regain their senior status, although long serving player
and dedicated clubman Gerry Gillen points out that success in the Under-14
B championship was a major bonus for the club. |
|
2003
|
What
a difference a year makes
In 2001 Cullion reached their first ever senior hurling
final only to lose to Clonkill, twelve months later the club were relegated
from the senior ranks. Club secretary and county star Frank Shaw tells
us what happened. |
|
2002
|
The
surprise packets
Despite winning the 1998 under 21 hurling championship,
Cullion's progression to last year's senior championship final took everybody
by surprise. Star forward Colin Whyte admits that a county final appearance
was beyond his wildest dreams at the outset of the year. |
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| Delvin |
|
2008
|
Underage
work reaps rewards for Delvin
The emphasis on building a good underage structure has
never been so important in GAA clubs and Delvin are no exception as
the influx of new residents in the area has seen the number of youngsters
playing hurling and football swell considerably.
|
|
2007
|
Valleymen
ready for another assault
Delvin entered last year's intermediate championship as
favourites for the title, but as in the case in all sports that did not
give them the right to win. However, club chairman Martin Newman is confident
that the maroon and whites will be back to their best in 2007. |
|
2006
|
Valley
men on a mission
Delvin hurlers will face into the 2006 campaign in the
intermediate ranks following their relegation from the top flight. However,
club secretary and midfielder Kevin Williams believes the club must look
at the positives as they aim to bounce straight back up to senior.
|
|
2005
|
Job
done for Delvin
Delvin hurlers exceeded all expectations during the course
of the 2004 senior hurling championship, as not only did the Valleymen
secure their status among the senior ranks for this year's campaign but
they made it into the quarter-finals, much to the surprise of many neutrals.
|
|
2004
|
Delvin
hurlers come of age
Delvin last contested the senior hurling championship final
in 1969 when Clonkill defeated them in the decider and relegation to the
junior ranks was soon to follow. 2003 saw a return to the senior grade
after their win in the intermediate hurling decider over favourites Cullion. |
|
2003
|
Youth
is the key
Delvin intermediate hurlers earned themselves the reputation
of nearly men during the nineties - reaching four county finals only to
lose them all. The trend continued this year as the were second best in
three finals, but club secretary Andy Gaffney is confident that success
is not far away. |
|
2002
|
Young
guns bring home the bacon
In a year when Delvin managed just one victory in the intermediate hurling
championship, it was left to the club's underage teams to bring home the
silverware. Pat Farrelly had a strong involvement with the successful
minor and under 21 sides. |
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| Fr
Dalton's |
|
2008
|
Welcome
back, Fr Dalton's
Adult hurling returns to Ballymore after a nine-year lapse
this season when Fr Dalton's take part in the junior ÔB' championship.
And following the historic victory by Southern Gaels/Fr Dalton's in last
year's minor Ôpremier' championship, the timing couldn't be better according
to Fr Dalton's president Mick Kincaid. |
|
2007
|
Fr.
Dalton's target 2008 return
Fr Dalton's hope to be in a position to enter a team into
next year's junior hurling championship. Before then, however, club stalwart
Donie Glynn would love to see the Fr. Dalton's/Southern Gaels underage
amalgam win a Ôpremier' championship. |
|
2006
|
Hugely
successful year for Fr Dalton's
The prospect of adult hurling returning to Ballymore continues
to increase thanks to the success of the Fr Dalton's/Southern Gaels underage
amalgam. |
|
2005
|
Underage
making great strides
The prospect of Fr. Dalton's fielding at adult level again continues to
increase thanks to the success of the club's underage alliance with Southern
Gaels. |
|