The adage that decrees that 'if at first you don't succeed . . .' was never more exemplified than in the success of the Killeshandra-Cornafean minor squad of 2004 Last year Junior McKiernan saw his dreams for the group of Killeshandra/Cornafean underage players he took over four years ago realised. More to the point, he saw those lads fulfill their potential on the double as they scooped the Minor Division Two Championship and Minor Division Three League titles. From a low of having overseen the defeat of his charges in the Under 16 decider to Saint Finbarrs in 2000 to the high of two county titles in 2004, Junior has gone through a whirlwind experience as a mentor. Defeat in the minor decider of 2003 only added to the mix and, one suggests, the sweetness of the success last year. For the former star club footballer, the 2004 triumphs were all the more memorable because while some of the Cornafean members of the amalgam had enjoyed success at underage level in previous years, the Killeshandra contingent were experiencing the heady heights of the top of the winners' podium for the very first time. From an under 12 final which initiated them into the misery common to losers to the aforementioned '03 minor final, the Killeshandra players' resolve, ambition and dedication were sorely tested. Thanks though to Junior and joint-manager Liam Young (Cornafean) all belonging to the Killeshandra-Cornafean squad of players had nothing but good memories to glean from their past 12 months hard slog. The experience of having tried and failed on so many occasions certainly seemed to fuel the players' will-to-win. And in tandem with the maturity that comes with togging out for their clubs at adult level and their schools and colleges and a limited weight programme in 2003, a winning formula was achieved. The only surprise was that the amalgam were allowed make their bed in division three by the county board. But if the powers-that-be possibly hadn't considered the axis as a class apart at division three level, that opinion would certainly change by early-May and, definitely, by the end of September! Right from the middle of February, the emphasis placed in training by Junior and Liam was on quickness of feet and quickness of hands. Speed was to be all-important. Training exercises would be carried out at all times with the ball with work on 'set plays' figuring largely on the menu at each session. And as the minor league got up and running, it became increasingly clear that Killeshandra was the team to beat. Convincing victories over Ballinagh, Belturbet, Templeport and Dernacrieve steered the would-be championship into the semi-final. Lavey were subsequently beaten by a handful of points despite the team showing a touch of nervousness and lack of assurance which only comes with a history of being also-rans. But the Killeshandra-Cornafean troupe were determined that they would bury the tag of also-rans once and for all. And on May 8th they duly did that by romping to a 1-14 to 1-9 Minor League Division Three final win over Killinkere at the Crosskeys venue. In what was a high-quality and high-tempo affair, the destination of the spoils was in doubt right up to the final whistle and, indeed, it looked curtains for the amalgam when their opponents leaped into the lead after scoring a goal three minutes from the end of normal time. However in a dramatic finale to the game, Cornafean-Killeshandra showed their mettle with a goal by Mark Johnson from the penalty spot and a flurry of points thereafter to finish off their gutsy opponents. Killeshandra-Cornafean were thoroughly deserving winners, having led for most of the game, and having responded in true champions style to their opponents' bid to sneak the spoils at the death. "We had done our homework on Killinkere and knew they had a strong spine with some clever players. "At the end of the day, we were delighted we won but relieved too even though we were the best team. "We weren't great on the day, recording 16 wides and struggling to play to our potential. "But the character the lads showed in coming back after they got their goal typified what the team was all about," Junior recalls. The Cornafean-Killeshandra amalgamation that scooped the minor league title was; Raymond Braiden; Cormac Geoghegan, Killian O'Reilly, Kieran Owens, Mark Johnson (1-1), Christopher Reilly, Austin Fitzpatrick, Daniel Luby (0-3), Gordon Morrow (0-2), Liam Duignan (0-3), Andrew Smith (0-2), Sean McKiernan (0-3), Brian Sweeney. Sub; Richard Keith. So how did things turn around in '04? "Sheer will to win and an exceptional level of commitment," Junior says unequivocally. "We had never anything less than 90% turnouts all year from the panel of 22 or so. "We set out our stall at the start of the year and told the lads that we expected them to win the league and championship titles. "I think as time went on and the improved with every game, the players themselves felt that the double was on," joint team-manager Frank says. Things were to get even better though for the double-chasing squad whose camaraderie, pride and passion was redolent of a single unit team of the highest order. A close liaison between the McKiernan/Young management duo and club officers such as P.J. McGlade, Ollie Sheridan and Donagh Reilly continued on all year and the benefits were duly reaped. Any time a player was hurt or needed treatment the teamwork off the field kicked into action. If one of the minor players were injured while playing for their clubs at adult level, the best interests of the player was taken into consideration at all times. Everyone associated with the all-conquering panel were extremely mindful of the 'burn-out' syndrome. Nothing was left to chance by the two clubs as they set about cementing their long-time relationship in boots made of laurel leaves. Of course the players involved were forever reminded of the goals set for them. The winning of the league title was the absolute minimum requirement. The double was the target from day one. Victory over Shercock in the quarter-final of the championship would help in that regard. A brilliant opening 20 minutes display by Killeshandra-Cornafean duly steered them into the last four. A dour struggle then ensued before victory over Saint Finbarrs was clinched in Butlersbridge. "It wasn't a polished display but we showed we could mix it when it was needed. It was our toughest game of the championship campaign but we knew it wasn't going to be easy because we knew them from previous encounters," Junior explains. And so to the final in Killygarry in late September against a fancied Shercock side. The league title win and subsequent championship run had given the Killeshandra and Cornafean much needed confidence and self-assuredness. Their 0-16 to 1-6 victory in the final fairly demonstrated just how much the team had progressed over the years while also reflecting the inherent potential in the squad. Played in Virginia, the game was an exciting affair with Killygarry getting the tie off to a pacy start with a point in the opening couple of minutes. Sadly for the red and blacks that was as good as it got. From there to the half-time break, the champions-elect proceeded to dictate the pace of the game and their 0-8 to 0-2 interval lead was all the cushioned advantage they needed to go on and consolidate their superiority. The amalgam never looked like throwing away their well deserved lead even though the Cavan parish side booted home a goal entering the final quarter. "We went for the double and got it. "What more can you say about the commitment the lads showed and their will-to-win?" Too true Junior. The following are the Killeshandra-Cornafean players who did the business in the championship final against Killygarry; R Braiden; R Keith, C Geoghegan, K O'Reilly, C Owens (0-1), J Johnston (0-1), C O'Reilly, A Fitzpatrick (0-2), D Luby (0-1), G Sheridan, L Duignan (0-7), G Morrow, B Sweeney (0-1), S McKiernan (0-2), A Smith (0-1). Sub; D Barry Tweet

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