Over the past three years Killygarry have shown that they are not too far away from making the breakthrough into that elusive senior football championship final. Consider that throughout that period they have reached the semi-final in 2006 only to lose to Mullahoran in a replay. Mullahoran went on to be crowned champions that same year. The following year they got caught at the quarter final stage but in 2008 showed great character and belief when they once again contested a semi-final berth, this time against neighbours Denn. The manner in which they exited the 2008 championship was a little more difficult to swallow than on previous occasions as they had clearly dominated the first half exchanges to such an extent that most neutrals felt that as a game the final conclusion was already written. Uncharacteristic flaws surfaced as the usually reliable and scoring forward unit failed to convert their first half superiority onto the scoreboard. Credit however, should be accorded to Denn who showed that the real measure of a team is to 'never say die' and for this they were duly rewarded with a one point victory and a place in the final. If Killygarry are to progress then they will have to look at the defeat in a realistic and analytical manner, dissect and assess where they went wrong and how they must progress to make that elusive break through. While this may be thoughts of a neutral observer, you are left in little doubt as to how Killygarry themselves will deal with this setback when you talk to one of the club's most experienced and respected players, Andy McGovern. Throughout the course of the interview, Andy leaves little doubt that as to his passion for the club. The McGovern name has long been associated with Killygarry from the embryonic stages to the present day. As a player, Andy has played all the grades from schoolboy right up to senior level and was captain of the senior team from 2006 to 2007. A former county minor, Andy is currently employed as G.A.A. coach with Cavan Co. Board. As one of the 'older' members of the senior team at 25, Andy made his debut back in 1999 as a 16 year old when he was introduced against Ramor United in the senior football championship quarter-final. Throughout the following nine years, it would be generally recognized that Andy's contribution to the Killygarry club both on and off the field has been selfless and passionate. Andy was appointed senior captain in 2006 when the club experienced both the highs and lows of football. They were defeated in the semi-final in the senior football championship after a replay to eventual champions, Mullahoran, followed by an end of season shattering experience of seeing the senior team relegated to Division 2 after a narrow defeat to Drumalee. "The most galling aspect of the that final league encounter was that we had not played a competitive game from our exit from the championship some nine weeks previously, while Drumalee were just one week away from having captured the intermediate championship. The fact that we lost out having registered eleven points in that campaign was also difficult to take. To their credit, every man on the squad made a commitment on that day, that we would make it a priority to regain our place back in the top flight for the coming season. "I was honoured to be made captain again in 2007 and I can say without hesitation that the effort put in by the entire panel was that of dedication, commitment and belief that we would achieve our objectives. As they say, history has recorded that we won promotion and the Division 2 league title and we all felt that the experience we gathered in our campaign in division 2 would be beneficial to our young squad. The promotion run that brought us back to Division 1 was built on self-belief, commitment and a drive to realize our true potential," said Andy. Andy, along with his brother, Michael and Eoin Smith took time out and travelled to Australia early in 2008. Tragic circumstances, on the sudden death of his father, Andy, who was a former player and life-long supporter of the Killygarry club saw the brothers return in mournful circumstances. "It was a terrible shock and a great loss to our entire family. He would have wanted us to play football and try to achieve our true potential and win a senior championship title," said Andy. "With the return of Eoin Smith who was now fully recovered from injury, it looked like we had strong credentials of giving the senior championship a good challenge. The club had introduced a number of new faces into the squad, with Brendan Murray, and Enda Gallen making big impressions and holding down regular spots. The choice of captain, to me, was an inspired one, as in Donal Thomas we had one of the county's best midfielders, a man of integrity and a true leader. "While the bulk of the team was very young, with many of the senior panel around the 20 year old mark, we had also the benefit of excellent and committed older players. The likes of Damien Keaney, Raymond Galligan and Seanie Maloney were three players who had sojourned for many years with the club and between them had vast experience. Their input to the side is something that I feel, will help mould the younger players into a squad with determination and the will to win," stated Andy. "After an indifferent start in the league we began to settle and registered a string of wins. This was essential in our build-up to the championship as the team could see the championship as a realistic goal. The atmosphere in the dressing room was good and we felt that the draw was something we could live with. The unfortunate circumstances surrounding the controversy of our neighbours Ballinagh, who were down to play in the first round, created a void which left us in a virtual limbo. While the 'legalities' surrounding the suspension of the Ballinagh club took precedent over our group's championship campaign, we found ourselves seeking out challenge games to try and get in some football. Challenge games are just that, and the loss of competitive football, is something, that I think Killygarry find hard to cope with. "We got a bye into the quarter-final where we took on Crosserlough. They were coming off the back of a number of championship games and were taking the field wearing the favourites' tag. Our display on the night, showed just how ring rusty we were but as they failed to capitalize on our lack of game time, we swung into life in the final ten minutes with a flourish of excellent football and superbly taken scores." Killygarry were now back in a senior football championship semi-final for the second time in three years. The general feeling was that they now had enough experience gained over the previous two years and also had the players to take them all the way. The squad was relatively injury free and the mood was positive and determined. Tommy Leonard who had been playing some superb football throughout the league, turned over on his ankle a week before the semi-final and was ruled out. They had to face old rivals and neighbours, Denn, who would be a difficult test. From the start, Killygarry played with great pace, flair and commitment. "We looked like a team that could go on and really challenge the might of Cavan Gaels but an uncharacteristic display of poor finishing left Denn in contention at half-time when we should have been out of sight, "said Andy. "Our forwards were unlucky as they hit the woodwork on a number of occasions and a few very narrow misses kept the scoreline in manageable terms for Denn. The second-half display was something that we would rather forget, but if we are realistic about getting to a final and winning it, then we will have to take a long and hard look at what was the cause of our form dipping in the second half. Not to take away from Denn, whose tremendous spirit and attitude, served them well on the day and also in the final, but the reversal of our form from first half to second half was a tremendous disappointment. "This dip in form was universal and not down to any one player or section of the team. It is something that was endemic to us all. Something similar happened us the previous year, when we looked set to outplay Belturbet in the first ten minutes of the quarter-final of the championship only to lose our focus and drop our standards. With players of the calibre of Martin Reilly, Donal Thomas, Padraig Cahill, Tommy Leonard, Michael McGovern, Raymond Galligan, Damien Keaney, Seanie Maloney, Eoin Smith and Paddy Galligan to mention but a few, I have no doubt that they will not be happy with excuses or near misses. They are the kind of players that want to achieve and I have no doubt that they will be pushing all the younger players, like, Brendan Murray, Enda Gallen, Charlie Conaty, the Crowe brothers, Fergal Clarke, the McHugh brothers, Darryl McKenna, Stephen McGovern, Ronan Fitzpatrick, David Greene and Paddy Lynch to commit for another group attempt at making it to the championship final and winning it," said Andy. "Taking the disappointment of losing out in the championship semi-final out of the equation, we did not have too bad a season. We finished third in the senior league and but for a ropey start, I feel we could have made it into the top two and a place in the final. That is something I think the club should be aiming at, trying to win the league which would be a great stepping stone to going for championship honours. With the recession striking the country, we have been fortunate that the majority of our panel is still at third level, so we should have a strong panel for the incoming season. We lost one of our most consistent defenders, Declan Gallen. Declan has emigrated to Australia and will no doubt be a significant loss. His defensive qualities and driving enthusiasm, both in the dressing-room and on the field will be hard to replace." Second team The staunch clubman feels that while many people focus on the top team in the club, that the work put into both the second and third teams has been of immense value in helping to bring on players for the future. "Our second team has always been able to compete and punch its weight at the top of their league. Over the past three years, this team has lost out in the league final having dominated that competition throughout the season. I think that the lack of competitive game time is a factor in this side not winning outright their league. We lost out this year to Ballinagh in the Division 4 league final by 0-11 to 1-7. The long delay from their last competitive league game and the final is far too great and should be looked at." Committed personnel There is great work being done at the club with committed members working tirelessly at executive level and at coaching and fund-raising. Without these members the club would be that much poorer. Their selfless commitment is something to be admired and respected. At underage level, they have great and dedicated coaches who never flinch at the task in hand. The club has always been in progressive in its outlook. "We were the first to have an all weather running track and for a small club on the outskirts of Cavan Town we have provided facilities second to none. A complex housing a gym, upgraded changing facilities, meeting rooms, tea room, off-road parking and a new second playing field is proof of their progressive outlook. "The club caters for all juvenile age groups and have worked hard in bringing players through to senior level. A vibrant and successful ladies football club is testament to those who run it. The ladies have recorded some great successes and credit to Mark Greaney, Declan Gilsenan who are there year in and year out. They have been assisted by a plethora of great and dedicated mentors and coaches over that period of time," concluded the Killygarry man. Tweet

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