At the conclusion of the 2001 football season in the Breffni county, the Cavan Gaels club and their supporters were on a high, having created something of a record by winning five major competitions in the county. They had regained the status of leading senior club in the county by annexing the senior football championship title - the first time since back in 1978, the senior league title (Division 1) - the second in a row; the under-21 championship title (Division 1) also two-in-a -row; the minor 'A' championship title and league 'double' - their fourth minor title on the trot, and to add to this they retained the "Club of the Year'' title for the second year in succession. By PJ Carroll Quite an impressive array of titles, in what is rated by many as the most memorable season in the clubs history. The club approached the 2002 season in a very healthy state player-wise as all the key performers of 2001 were available once again. They had the added but important ingredient of being winners, having created their own reputation as a youthful, but classy team that had the potential to dominate Cavan football at all grades for the coming years. Indeed, the only way they could improve on the 2001 season was to retain their Division 1 league title and senior championship and then go on to make a major impact in the Ulster club championship, hoping to become the first Cavan club side to win that elusive provincial title. Minors make their mark! Sadly for the town side the 'highs' of 2001 were not to be repeated in 2002. For the club the season as a whole turned out to be a frustrating one not alone for their loyal supporters but also for players and management alike. Only one championship title was retained when the minors made it five championship titles in a row defeating a strong Cormore Gaels team (Gowna and Arva combination) in a well-contested decider played at Annalee Park, Ballyhaise late in the season. The final score was 0-9 to 1-3 in favour of the Gaels after they overcame Lurgan in the semi-final by 0-11 to 0-5. The minor team was trained and coached by Finian Farrell and the Gaels county senior player, Mickey Graham and captained by the inspirational Sean Johnston - one of the best prospects to emerge on the football scene in the Breffni County for a long number of years. In the Ulster minor club tournament Cavan Gaels were the Breffni county's representatives in this prestigious competition, which was played towards the end of the season. They were drawn against the Monaghan title-holders Clontibret O'Neills who themselves were impressive winners of the Farney minor county title. The opening round game played at Shaw's Road, Belfast turned out to be a very keenly contested encounter between two talented teams. Cavan Gaels started the game well, and for most of the contest they dominated proceedings and held a narrow lead going into the closing stages of the game. However, Clontibret O'Neill's put in a storming finish to the match and denied the Cavan representatives by a single point. Team-captain Sean Johnston and his county minor colleague Michael Cooke led by example on this occasion with Conor Rabbitte and John Reilly proving to be strong defenders. As in the county final the midfield pairing of Ed O'Hanlon and Alan O'Riordan more than held their own against a strong Clontibret combination, and many of these players will hopefully, go on to represent the club in senior ranks in the years ahead. Clontibret O'Neill went on to win the provincial minor club championship outright outplaying Armagh champions, Armagh Harps in the decider. U-21's - a huge disappointment In the under-21 championship the Cavan Gaels were drawn against Kingscourt Stars in Terry Coyle Park, Cavan and this was a game they were expected to win. The side included many of last season's successful side plus a number of the current senior side, and on paper looked a very strong combination. However, a mixture of complacency, tough luck and a lack of urgency by some key players saw the side lose out to a Kingscourt Stars side who got the 'breaks' on the day, and achieved a memorable success. The final score was close - 2-6 to 0-11 and Kingscourt Stars went on to contest the county final against Cormore Gaels, losing by a narrow margin. Overall, the verdict on the U-21 season was that it was a title literally thrown away. Maybe some key players were still suffering from the senior county final setback against Gowna, but despite this they had enough ability on the side to overcome that, especially playing at home in front of their own supporters. Junior team competed well The clubs 'second team' competed very well in the Cavan J.F.C., and with a little bit of luck on the injury front could well have gone much further in the competition. Crucial injuries to key senior players meant at different times the junior squad was understrength as the senior team got first preference when players were needed. On the 'plus side' playing at this level against good junior clubs brings on young players and prepares them well for the senior ranks. They also had their best year in a long time in the Reserve League finishing in second place. Again this league gave players good competitive action, especially the young players on the fringe of the senior side. A run-down on the junior championship results for the 2002 season are as follows: At Cornafean: Cavan Gaels 4-10, Killeshandra 1-6. At McGrath Park, Redhills: Butlersbridge 0-7, Cavan Gaels 0-6. At Ramor Park, Virginia: Cavan Gaels 0-13, Munterconnacht 2-7. At Ballinagh: Cavan Gaels defeated Crosserlough. At Annalee Park, Ballyhaise: Kildallan 2-8, Cavan Gaels 0-8 - this was a quarter-final game with Kildallan going on to reach the county final only to lose to Butlersbridge. Interestingly, Cavan Gaels played both finalists in the junior championship, and in both games they could count themselves unlucky not to have got something from the games. Cavan Gaels finished second in the Reserve Football League with 8 wins and 3 losses. The wins were achieved against Gowna, Lacken, Ramor Utd., Bailieboro' Shamrocks, Mulla-horan, Killinkere and Denn. Senior boss Joe O'Connor steps down After six years of loyal and dedicated service as Cavan Gaels senior team-manager, Joe O'Connor decided to take a break from the position at the clubs recent annual general meeting. The Ballintubber, Co. Mayo born Joe, a member of the Garda Siochana in Cavan town joined Cavan Gaels in the late 'eighties and was a prominent member of the town clubs senior side in the 'eighties. Indeed, he played corner-back in the 1983 county senior final when the Gaels were defeated by a talented Laragh Utd. side that included players of the calibre of Fionan McDonagh, Jimmy Carroll, Ray Cullivan, Donal Donohoe and Adge King among others. Toward the end of his playing career, Joe decided to go into management. His first introduction to this side of the game was in 1991 when along with former Cavan Gaels and county defender, Jimmy Fay they guided the minors to a league and championship 'double'. That Gaels minor side went on to the final of the Ulster Minor Football tournament only to be defeated by a star-studded Bellaghy side from Co. Derry. In 1996, Joe now deeply involved with the Cavan Gaels club took up the challenge of managing the senior side, and straight away he put his heart and soul into the job. And over a period of six years he was to taste the 'highs and lows' of the management side of things - losing county finals to Mullahoran in 1998 and Gowna in 2000. Despite these setback, the affable Joe had great belief in himself and his players, and his dream was realised in 2001 when the Cavan Gaels side under his guidance were convincing winners of the senior football title at the expense of the holders, Gowna. In this final, the youthful Gaels side gave a tremendous exhibition of top-class football which the champions of the day had no answer to. Going into the season in 2002 Joe and his management team had high hopes of not alone retaining their senior title, but also making a realistic challenge to win the Ulster club senior football title. They were disappointed is an understatement, when after turning in a tremendous display in the semi-final and clearly outplaying a disappointing Mullahoran side, they weren't at the races in the county decider, as Gowna regained the title in style and were clearly the better side. In summing up this defeat, Joe sighted a number of reasons for their lack of success last season. He added there was a lowering of standards in fitness levels, complacency set in especially after their tremendous display in the semi-final against Mullahoran - 1-17 to 0-3; injuries to key players in the run-in to the county final - Shane McGlade, Enda King and Mickey Graham, plus the fact that former Donegal county player Donal Buggy transferred to a club in Wexford. The cause wasn't helped also with the club having to play many of their league games without their county players at all levels - senior, under-21 and minor grades. Joe and his management team tried their best to arrest the situation, but at times the situation was out of their hands. The former Gaels boss was quick to point out that Gowna were worthy champions in 2002. They clearly were the better side in the county final, and showed the necessary character and determination to go on and win the 'senior double' defeating Kingscourt Stars in the senior league final (Division One) late in the season at the Ramor Park, Virginia venue. Senior league results Cavan Gaels opened their ACFL Division One campaign on March 17th when they drew with Kingscourt Stars in Terry Coyle Park. Cavan on a scoreline of 0-9 apiece. The remaining results were - Cavan Gaels 1-15, Bailieboro; Shamrocks 0-8 at Saint Ann's Park, Bailieboro; Cavan Gaels 0-8, Laragh Utd. 1-12 in Terry Coyle Park; Cavan Gaels 0-9, Knockbride 1-10 in Canningstown; Cavan Gaels 0-8, Drung 0-6 in Terry Coyle Park, Cavan; Cavan Gaels 1-13, Mullahoran 0-12 at Mullahoran; Cavan Gaels 0-17, Cuchullains 0-7 at Terry Coyle Park; Cavan Gaels 1-10, Killygarry 0-8; Cavan Gaels 2-7, Gowna 0-14 in Gowna; Cavan Gaels 1-7, Belturbet 0-7 at Belturbet; Cavan Gaels 2-12, Ramor Utd. 0-6, Ramor Park, Virginia; Cavan Gaels 0-18, Drumgoon 0-8 in Terry Coyle Park, Cavan. In the quarter-final of the ACFL (Division 1) Cavan Gaels were convincing winners over a poor Belturbet side on a scoreline of 5-12 to 2-7. This game was played at Terry Coyle Park, Cavan. On the 17th of November, 2001 Cavan Gaels and Kingscourt Stars met in the semi-final at O'Raghallaigh Park, Kingscourt with the home side coming out winners on a scoreline of 1-7 to 0-6. Kingscourt Stars themselves were narrowly defeated by Gowna in the ACFL (Division 1) final played at Ramor Park, Virginia. 2002 S.F.C. campaign Cavan Gaels opened the defence of their Cavan SFC title with a convincing 3-15 to 0-8 win over Castlerahan at Kingspan/Breffni Park, Cavan. Next up was Kingscourt Stars who they defeated 0-15 to 0-7 at O'Reilly Park, Cootehill. They had one of their toughest games to date when defeating a gallant Lacken Celtic side by 2-12 to 1-11 at the Cornafean venue. Their next game was in Kingspan/Breffni Park, Cavan when they proved too strong for Knockbride 3-11 to 1-11. In the quarter-final game played at Kingspan/Breffni Park in wet and windy conditions they defeated Bailieboro' Shamrocks 1-7 to 0-5 in what was a poor game. In the semi-final clash with Mullahoran, Cavan Gaels turned in their best performance of the season by defeating the Dreadnoughts on a scoreline of 1-17 to 0-3. In the final played on the 29th of September they went under to a determined and committed Gowna side on a scoreline of 1-17 to 0-8 in a final played before a large attendance in Kingspan/Breffni Park, Cavan. Paddy Reilly - an outstanding Chairman At the recent club annual general meeting, outgoing Chairman Paddy Reilly did not seek re-election in the position for the 2003 season. Paddy, was an outstanding Chairman of the club over that period which was highlighted by outstanding success for the club on the playing fields especially at underage and senior grades. A member of the Reilly family whose four brothers Michael (Hauley), J. J., Noel and Eugene have all contributed so much to the town club at all levels down the years. They were leading members of the Cavan Gaels sides who dominated Cavan senior football in the 'late seventies when three senior championship titles came back to Cavan town, and the Reilly brothers all played a huge part in these successes. And the Reilly family football tradition continues as sons of Paddy, Michael and Eugene are all now current members of the clubs junior and senior teams, and playing their part to the full in its continued success. Paddy in his time as Club Chairman gave great leadership and was very progressive in his outlook as the town club moved with the times. He was to the forefront of all that has been achieved both on and off the playing fields over the past six years, and follows in the footsteps of many outstanding holders of this office with the Cavan Gaels club since its foundation in 1957. He hands over the reins to his successor Aiden Elliott with the club in a very healthy state both on and off the playing fields. Paddy has a huge love and dedication for the Cavan Gaels club and will continue to be involved in the coming years. He feels he needs a break, although he was quick to point out that he enjoyed his term as Club Chairman and the many challenges it involved. He now hopes to get involved once again at underage coaching level within the club structure when the work of coaching and developing the young players of the future will continue apace in the coming years. A well respected official, he has presided over the most successful period in the Cavan town club, and his outstanding leadership and integrity will be a hard act to follow for future Chairmen, and it is only in years to come that his contribution to the club will be recognised fully. Aiden Elliott looking forward to the challenge Well-known County Cavan Building Contractor, Aiden Elliott is the new Chairman of the Cavan Gaels club for the coming year. Elliott, a former Cavan and Ulster Railway Cup goalkeeper in the 'seventies and a member of the St. Patrick's College, Cavan Hogan Cup winning side in 1972 is looking forward to taking up the challenge of Club Chairman in 2003. A loyal clubman down the years, he was a member of the Cavan Gaels sides that won three senior championship titles in the 'late seventies, and during that time was rated one of the best 'keepers in the province of Ulster. Interestingly his son, Eoin is the current senior goalkeeper with the club - no doubt following in an Elliott tradition! Aiden in his acceptance speech at the annual general meeting was quick to praise the outstanding work and dedication of the outgoing Chairman Paddy Reilly, and the tremendous work he achieved both on and off the playing fields over the past six years. A man not known for long speeches, Aiden Elliott highlighted his two main aims for the coming season - To regain the senior football championship title and the re-development of Terry Coyle Park - the home grounds of Cavan Gaels GFC over the next 2/3 years. He indicated that the cost of this development in improving the playing pitch, and also the player and supporter facilities will be in the region of §400,000. However, when this work is finalised the Cavan town club will have one of the best club grounds in the country and a headquarters worthy of what he hopes will be the premier club in the Breffni county. Aiden said these were challenging times for the club both on and off the playing fields in the coming years, but he was confident there is a will and a way in the club at present to achieve their objectives. He was looking forward to the challenges ahead, and was confident that the club would get the full support of the Cavan town community in their efforts over the next few years. Annual Golf Classic The Cavan Gaels G.F.C. annual golf classic was once again a huge success in 2002. This annual event was honoured to have the President of Cumann LuthChleas Gael, Sean McCague in attendance for the presentations that night. A special word of thanks to J. J. Reilly and his organising committee, and to Outgoing Co. Cavan Club Captain, Terry Smith and his staff at Co. Cavan Golf Club for a very enjoyable occasion. Incidentally, Terry Smith is a former member of the first Cavan Gaels SFC winning side of 1965 captained by Jim McDonnell, and has played a leading role in the successful running of this golf classic over the past few seasons. A special word of thanks to Donal Keogan for his kind sponsorship of the event. Silver Jubilee Celebrations The club celebrated the silver jubilee of its 'seventies senior football championship success-ses, and the winning panels of that era were paraded in Kingspan/Breffni Park, Cavan before the senior football final in which the Cavan Gaels club played Gowna. The Cavan Gaels club hosted its own celebration the night before the county final in The Meadow View Bar and Restaurant which was well attended by all the players and officials of that time. Also present at the function were the surviving members of the founding committee way back in 1957. Among those who made long journey to be in attendance at these celebrations were Noel Reilly who came all the way from the Cayman Islands and John Cullen who travelled from the United States, and like all the rest involved enjoyed this special occasion. Social Occasions THE annual dinner/dance of the Cavan Gaels GFC took place on Saturday, 26th of January in the Hotel Kilmore, Dublin Road, Cavan. Guests of honour on the night included George Cartwright, Chairman of Cavan Co. Board GAA; Philip Smith, Minor Board Chairman, Val Andrews and numerous past officials and players. Presentations on the night were made to George Cartwright, Philip Smith, Val Andrews, Joe O'Connor and Owen McConnon. Eamon Reilly was voted the "player of the year'' by his senior teammates. Medals were presented to the 2001 SFC and League winning panels; 2001 U-21 championship winning panel; 2001 minor league and championship winning panels. Special presentations were made to Philip Smith, Val Andrews (former Cavan senior team-manager), also to newly married couples - Tomas Gormley, Colin Sheridan, Mark Leddy, Barry Hanrahan and Mark Gillick who were all married during the year. This was a very enjoyable evening, well-attended and organised, with music on the night by "Cossie''. A special word of thanks to Owen McConnon who acted as M.C. for the night and added to the occasion with his wit and humour. Congratulations all round OVER the past season many current and former members of the Cavan Gaels club have achieved success at various sports and they include: Tom Walsh, Conor Rabbitte, Kevin Downes and Michael Murphy on their fantastic achievement with the Cavan U-21 hurlers in Ulster. John Reilly (capt.), Joe Dunne and Thomas Kenny on their achievement with St. Pat's on winning the Rannafast Cup title. Also to J. J. Reilly who was a member of the successful management team. Sean Johnston on winning a handball title. Nicholas Walsh on his selection on the Irish Compromise Rules panel. P. J. Carroll, team-manager of St. Loman's GFC, Mullingar who continues to have great managerial success with the County Westmeath club. Brian Crowe who continues to set the standard for refereeing in the county and nationally. Oliver Galligan on his election as Cavan Co. Board delegate to the Ulster Council. Mark Gillick elected Cavan Co. Board Youth Officer and one of the most talented Club Secretaries in the Breffni county. Brian O'Grady, former Cavan Gaels clubman and county player who was elected as an under-21 county selector for Meath in the coming season. He is deeply involved with the Navan O'Mahony's GFC at present, after having great success with them in recent seasons on the playing fields. Dominic Twomey former Cavan Gaels stalwart who was recently appointed as team-manager of the Wexford senior county team. All club players: Who wore the blue jersey of Cavan at various grades throughout the past season. Tweet

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