In what could only be described as a topsy turvey season in 2005, Belturbet Rory O'Moores will look back with some satisfaction on the progress that was made at underage and junior levels. While their senior counterparts exited from the championship to former Cavan kingpins, Gowna, at the quarter-final stage by a mere point, their junior team made it to the semi-final of their respective championship where they went under to a very strong and experienced Kingscourt Stars side by just two points, with the decisive score for the victors coming in the dying minutes of the game. A good run at under-16 level in the league was also a bonus while their minor team made good progress in reaching the league semi-final only to lose out a well drilled Lavey team. As with most clubs, the expectations at the beginning of the season sadly were not matched with the results throughout the league and championship. The acquisition of Tony Dunne as team manager seemed like an added asset to help push the Belturbet senior side that extra few yards needed to win some silverware but this was not to be the case. A good start to the league campaign was surrendered as the middle section of a rather topsy turvey league fixture saw the Rory's having to field minus many of their regular side. Much of the panel was involved in third level exams and with three members of the squad on county duty, the choice of the team management restricted. Once again the Rory's showed that they are the only team in the county that has defeated kingpins Cavan Gaels when they edged out the champions by two points in an exciting league tie played in Belturbet early in the season. Having got off to a bright opening with a victory away to Bailieboro in the first round of the new league season the club only dropped one point in their opening four league games. Wins against Bailieboro, Drumgoon, Cavan Gaels and a draw against Crosserlough seemed to have the club focused on a possible placing for a good league run. However, a reversal of fortunes at the hands of Cuchullains, where a defeat by two points could easily have been a victory but for poor finishing was to see the team slip into a topsy-turvey spiral of narrow defeats. A great league performance against Gowna was not rewarded when the former champions were fortunate to edge out the homeside after having been outplayed for the most part. Wins against Ramor Utd just prior to the championship seemed to steady the side and with the East Cavan team the first hurdle in the senior championship things were looking good for the Rorys. Junior Team This was the team that provided the thrills and a good feel factor for the Belturbet club as the young guns of the side provided entertaining and skillful football. Under the guidance of team manager Tony Dunne, this side proved to be a shining ray of hope for the Rory's as many of the squad when assembled were members of the minor and U-16 teams. The guidance of 'veteran' players, Don McDonald, Justin McDonald, Mal O'Keeffe, Cormac Rudden, Ferghal Rudden and team captain, Ian Gorby proved to be catalyst to guide the youthful charges through their championship and league run. With the club failing to field a Junior 1A team for the greater part of the season, it fell to the younger members of the club to fill a gap that is devoid of playing members. Enthusiastic work by PRO Benny Corby and selector/player, Don McDonald helped ensure that the squad of U-16 and minors were available for inclusion when both sides exited from their respective competitions. The enthusiastic approach from such a group of young players provided a impetus and good feel factor for the Rory's. Throughout their run in the latter stages of the league and championship, the youthful, Peter Shannon, Johnny Klushe, Brendan 'Bud' Fitzpatrick, Brianagh O'Reilly, Enda Henry, Don Magee, Pierce Deevey, Pauric Rudden, Mark Teevan and goalkeeper, Danny Anscombe showed that football came naturally to them. They manner in which they took on their more experienced opponents belied their youth and their commitment and passion deserved more than a semi-final placing in the championship. Minor Squad The great work carried out by the minor team management of Declan O'Reilly, Jimmy Cohen and Patsy Teevan was to prove to be of tremendous importance for the club. A good league run saw a talented minor squad lose out at the semi-final stage to Lavey and an unexpected exit in the first round of the championship put an end to the hopes of the Rorys. The blooding of many of this squad by the minor team management allowed their senior counterparts the 'luxury' of using the talents of Damien O'Reilly who made his senior debut against Crosserlough in the league with a vibrant display and a wonder goal. Other players to make their mark on the senior side as the league progressed were Peter Shannon, Johnny Klushe, Brendan 'Bud' Fitzpatrick while many others made their impact with the junior team in what was to a great run in the championship. In a well focused minor team management selector Declan O'Reilly said: "It would be the aim of the team management to try and keep as many of this squad together, so that we can create a platform for entry into the senior ranks. It is important that at underage level, that all players be given the chance to play and hopefully not be exposed too much at senior level until they are ready for that step-up". U-16 This was the side that showed all the touches and expression of skilful football. The guidance of such a talented squad was well nurtured by long time serving officer and current club PRO, Benny Corby, and county senior footballer, Jason O'Reilly. A great run in the U-16 league saw this team register some notable results before going under to amalgamated side from Cornafean/Killeshandra in the final. The championship opener saw them produce a spirited performance which ensured victory over Sherock. The second round provided a much sterner test when they came up against a very strong Redhills team. A spirited performance from the Rory's youngsters saw them hit the woodwork on a number of occasions which could have been the difference of progressing to the latter stages but failure to capitalise on their chances allowed Redhills to run out eventual winners. According to selector and club PRO Benny Corby: "This is an exceptional bunch of talented players. We were unfortunate not have won the league this year after producing some great performances against Shercock and Killygarry. We had our chances against a very strong Redhills team in the championship and as is the case in all games, if we had to have that little bit of luck, we hit the woodwork on a number of occasions, we might have got past the best team in the championship. Redhills went on to win the championship. We have a number of very talented players among this group and hopefully we can create the situation that they will help bring future success to our club." Scor The success of Scor at the Rory O'Moore's G.F.C. would now seem to be a foregone conclusion as the club made it a hat-trick of victories when they scooped 'Best Overall Club' at the Cavan County Scor na nOg finals which were held in Killeshandra prior to Christmas. The club's Irish Officer, John McDonald, was presented with a plaque for their achievement of having registered the highest marks in the first round which earned them the title of "Best Overall Club". Having won the title for the third successive year, Sonia Leonard was presented with the old Christy Kelly Memorial trophy for the club to keep. History Maker The club saw itself linked to a piece of Cavan GAA history with the appointment of long-time clubman Liam McCabe as the new County GAA Administrative manager. Liam who is a past player and officer with the club, held a number of positions at County Board level over the years and proved to be an efficient and courteous member of the County Board. A pragmatist, with a cool and level approach to all matters, he will certainly stamp his mark on the new position. Liam will be responsible for the establishment of a County Office at Breffni Park, which will be a base for Liam himself and the coaching managers. The unflappable Liam was a popular choice for the position and when asked for his response to his new appointment the answer was typically Liam: "I will have more time on my hands to do my work. This is something close to my heart and I will endeavour to give of my utmost for football within the county". Liam's duties will include liaison within the county and higher GAA bodies. He will be expected to provide administrative support to the GAC and act as Secretary to the County Finance Committee. Liam will also have to work with County Officers to generate additional income through sponsorship and commercial activity, act as Secretary to County Coaching Games Development Committee. Further, he will also be required to provide administrative support to the County Coaching Officer. "I will also be responsible for the coaching staff - in fact I will be manager of the coaching staff and I will also be expected to organise the annual county Convention," stated Liam. Now that he is acting in a full-time capacity, he will be available to clubs at all times, seeking information or advice. New Team Manager The club have appointed a new manager for the coming season and have entrusted the job to former player, Mark Lawlor. This will be Mark's second stint having in the meantime took charge of Kildallan before taking up a position as a selector with the county team under the managership of Eamon Coleman. Mark will be looking for an added commitment from players of the calibre of Jason Reilly, Aaron Donohoe, Rory Donohoe, Conor Walsh, Declan Crushell, Benny Mulvanney, Gareth McDonald, Gareth Fitzpatrick, Ronan O'Reilly, Ollie Donohoe, Eoghan McGuigan and the Murphy brothers, Paul, Stuart and J. J. He will also be looking at the progress of the younger set of players, like Cormac Rudden, Eamon Corby, Damien O'Reilly and Peter Shannon. We wish him well in his endeavours in the coming season. Tweet

Most Read Stories