Just three points separated Mullahoran and champions Cavan Gaels at the final whistle of the 2005 SFC decider, 0-12 to 1-6. While it was deja vous again for the Dreadnoughts, this time they can take comfort from the fact that they had the clearer goal chances to clinch this tie but failure to do so allowed the champions the time needed to regroup and go on to take their third title in as many years. Words will give little sympathy to a club that had their sights on taking this year's senior football title in an effort to help overcome the disappointment of losing out last year. When they review the club's activities they can do so in the knowledge that they are now a serious challenge to the Gaels and with a little perseverance will take that much coveted senior football title. Mullahoran's main objective at the beginning of this season was to return to Kingspan Breffni Park to eradicate the disappointment of last year's championship loss and return to the parish as county champions. Focused and committed they proved to be and their path to the final, while not smooth, helped mould them into a unit that would and could give the champions many problems. According to team manager, Paul Bealin: "Compared to last year, we were a far better outfit this time around and we could have won it. We had enough chances to get in front and stay there but we didn't take them.We didn't win enough ball around midfield in the second half to get the forwards into the game but I'd have to say that our tackling was very good but some important frees went against us which was disappointing." Path to the final Mullahoran got their championship season off to a great start when they accounted for Killygarry in convincing fashion on a scoreline of: Mullahoran 3-11 Killygarry 1-12. Still in the group stages, the second game was to prove to be a lot closer, with Denn proving to be a tough obstacle to overcome. Inspite of a determined Denn challenge, Mullahoran showed their championship mettle winning with just one point to spare: Mullahoran 0-9 Denn 0-8. Next up was old rivals and joint group leaders, Gowna. As was expected these close neighbours showed once again that the only a handful scores would separate them at the final whistle. Having put Gowna out at the semi-final stage last year, the Lakesiders were determined not to be caught on this occasion and came out on top by four points: Mullahoran 1-11 Gowna 1-15. Taking second place in the group stages, Mullahoran were set-up for a clash with surprise packages, Knockbride. The game as a spectacle failed to sparkle but Mullahoran, who never really got into their stride, never looked like losing this game. They had more firepower than their opponents and were worth their two point winning margin: Mullahoran 0-13 Knockbride 0-11. This left them set-up for a semi-final clash for what many in the county expected to be one of the games of the championship. Gowna, who had already accounted for them in the group stages, went into this semi-final with a slight advantage. In a tense affair, the sides ended level Mullahoran 1-9 Gowna 0-12. The replay which was to prove less competitive provided some good snatches of open football with both sides having the opportunity to make the decisive and telling score. However, it was left to the enigmatic and versatile Mullahoran full-forward, Eddie O'Reilly, who seized on a late opportunity to convert the final score to put Mullahoran on a scoreline of 0-9 to 0-8, into their second successive county final and another tilt at the reigning county champions, Cavan Gaels. Final Day When Mullahoran look back on this 2005 county final they will do so with the knowledge that they had the title at their fingertips but failed to utilise their three goal chances. Corner forward, Philip 'the Gunner' Brady, had the first opportunity when he outfielded the Gaels' corner back, Gearoid Collins, only to find his shot stopped on the line by the Gaels' keeper, Eoghan Elliott. It was fitting that it was the same player who got a second bite at putting his side ahead when he once again won possession from a high ball but was deemed to have been pulled down on the square as he side-stepped a number of defenders. The resulting penalty, which was coolly converted by his brother, Danny, put the Dreadnoughts in the driving seat with a two point lead 1-2 to 0-3. Having been put under severe pressure at the start of the game, Mullahoran regained their composure to battle back and had the upperhand by the end of the first half. Mullahoran started this half against a strong breeze but had the opening score a point from full-forward, Eddie Reilly. Points from Lyng and Anthony Forde had the sides level by the 40th minute. Once again, a pumped-up Eddie Reilly had his side ahead again by the forty-third minute with point. This lead was short-lived as Mickey Graham levelled matters just one minute later 1-5 to 0-8. The game was to prove a see-saw affair right up to the final whistle whistle as the Gaels held a slender lead, but Mullahoran will rue the missed opportunity when a lack of experience saw a speculative shot easily saved by the Gael's keeper, when a point would have levelled the game and possibly sent it to a replay. The Gaels eased the pressure with a point and the same player Seanie Johnston had the final score to give the champions a three point win, Cavan Gaels 0-12 Mullahoran 1-6. While there is little comfort in words when defeat at this stage of a competition occurs, Mullahoran can feel proud of their effort. The entire Mullahoran squad worked extremely hard to fashion a victory but they will be first to say that their missed opportunities cost them a title. Mullahoran - Eamonn Brady; Seanie Smith, Ciaran Shiels, Norbert Smith; Thomas Nannery, Dan Mel Reilly, Dermot Sheridan; Ciaran Briody, Christy Shiels; Ciaran O'Reilly, Danny Brady (1-2), Brendan Reilly; Paul Brady, Eddie Reilly (0-4), Philip Brady. Subs. Paddy Brady for Brendan Reilly (28), Tom Maguire for Ciaran Shiels (37), Fergal Brady for Norbert Smith (44), Paul Lynch for Ciaran O'Reilly (49). Bealin praises his charges Commenting on the final Mullahoran team-manager Paul Bealin said: "Compared to last year, we were a far better outfit this time around and we could have won it. We had the clearer opportunities and goal chances but did not avail of them. They (the Gaels) didn't have one clear goal opportunity in the entire game. With six minutes to go we had a chance to level matters but failed to take the opportunity and the rest is history." According to the club's genial and competent PRO: Raymond Brady: "I feel that as a football club we are heading in the right direction inspite of having lost the final against the Gaels. However, we are much more that a football club and cater for all facets of sport under the GAA umbrella. The ethos in this club is that whatever you choose to participate in it is all about enjoying yourself and giving your best." Development In 2005 Mullahoran has undertaken an ambitious E1.3 million redevelopment of the grounds. Having successful concluded a fundraising draw the club have already put in place a number of improvements. They can boast one of the best traditional sod surfaces in the country and with the addition of floodlights are now set to play some of their league games at night. The first competitive league game took place against Gowna at the end of October this year and looks set to be a runner for future events. Former player and local publican, Mickey Fagan, rowed in with sponsorship for the electronic scoreboard. It is envisaged that the club will commence the construction of their new clubrooms earlier next year at an estimated cost of over €1million. It will include an indoor playing area, complete with four changing rooms, meeting rooms, gymnasium, and kitchen. The wooden floor will facilitate various sports like basketball, badminton, and indoor soccer. There will also be a track laid around the outside of the pitch. This will benefit the community at large who will be able to walk around the outside of field instead of using the already dangerous roads in the area. This ambitious project has been spearheaded by club chairman, Noel O'Reilly and is ably assisted by a hard working committee of Kathleen Donohoe, (club secretary), Maureen Fagan (club treasurer), Pauric Reilly, Tony Lynch and V.C. and PRO Raymond Brady. Mullahoran St Josephs Hurling club 2005 was another historic year, as the club yet again stamped their authority to claim their 12th championship title. Under the guidance of manager Vincent Dolan they continue to set the standard for the other hurling clubs in the county. The 2005 victory was fashioned with a side that was composed entirely from players within the parish. Nine members of the Mullahoran side were on the Cavan U-21 side that competed in the Ulster Shield with eight of them actually in the starting line-up. Six members of the club are presently members of the senior county panel. For one particular family, hurling has proven to be a tremendous honour. Mention the name Sheridan and straight away it is associated with hurling in Mullahoran. This year Paul Sheridan, county hurler of the year for 2003 and 2004, has been nominated for an all star award for his contribution with Cavan in the Nicky Rickard Cup. With his brother Darren in goals and younger brother Anthony in the backs he has ample support on the field of play. His father Thomas has held the position of county chairman in the past and is an active supporter of the game. The winning team of 2005 were: Darren Sheridan, Anthony Sheridan, John Fitzsimons, Sean Og Brady, Stephen Brady, Ronan Fitzsimons, Barry Dalton, Dominic Crudden, Martin McArdle, Ronan O'Hagan, Philip Brady, Dermot Sheridan, Gerard Clerkin, Micheal O'Connell, Jonathon Dalton, Alan, Lonegan, James Briody, Peter Paul Galligan, Sean Farrell, Joseph Donohoe, Edward Dalton. Ladies Football 1974 saw the introduction of ladies' football to the club and it did not take long for the ladies of the parish to stamp their authority on football in the county when winning the first ever All Ireland club champions in 1976. The club was to become dormant during the '80s but was revived again in the '90s. During that period, the club contested ten intermediate titles winning seven of them and making once again a major force in Cavan ladies football. 2005 was to prove to be an historic occasion for the ladies of the parish as they once again won the intermediate title beating Erne Gaels (Belturbet/Drumlane) and now will play senior football next season. There was no senior ladies grade until 2002. According to manager, Fergal Brady: "This year's final was probably one of the best finals ever played at any grade in the ladies competition. Credit must go to the losers who helped contribute to such a wonderful spectacle. Next year, I feel that this present crop of players are quite capable of making an impact at senior level." This year's intermediate final was a family affair. Monica Sheridan was corner back while her daughters Mona played at half back and Louise played at corner forward. Monica also has three nieces playing. Una and Catherine Brady were in the forward line and Julie Ann Sheridan played along side Monica at full back. Monica's husband is former county star Gerry Sheridan who is chairman of the Ladies football and part of the management. They also amalgamated with neighbours Gowna to contest the senior championship this year where they defeated Lurgan in the final to win their first ever senior championship title. Behind by four points, Erne Valley powered through the last five minutes of the game to score 2-02 to win the game. At national school level the girls football won the Cumann na Mbunscol title for the sixth time in seven years and went on to retain the mini 7's competition they won last year. Three of those girls appeared in Croke Park during the semi finals this year. They were Sile Reilly, Geraldine Sheridan and Kerry Byrne. And to top off a brilliant year and bring some glamour to the world of ladies football, Julie Ann Sheridan was crowned the first ever Cavan Rose of Tralee in June. The players involved are: Patricia Beglan, Monica Sheridan, Julie Ann Sheridan, Niamh Reilly, Sabrina Dalton, Niamh Brennan, Mona Sheridan, Emer Reilly, Lisa O'Reilly, Breda Smith, Julie Ann Brady, Aine Brady, Catherine Brady, Una Brady, Louise Sheridan , Lindsey Reilly, Brid Dolan, Ciara Brady, Geraldine Dalton, Yvonne Brady, Aileen Brady, Breda Nannery, Kylie McGahern, Ann Marie Baxter, Caroline Baxter, Lisa Thompson, Roseleen Reilly, Denise Sheridan Rounders While not the most popular sport around the country, rounder's continues to grow and in Mullahoran, the local team Erne Eagles is to the forefront of the game. In 2005 the sport received a major boost when an All Ireland panel of two teams was selected to play in Croke Park before the Ulster football final of Tyrone and Armagh. Mullahoran were represented that day by, Gary Reilly, Oliver Fitzsimons, Gerard Clerkin, Damien McArdle and Dympna Reilly. This year has seen four All Ireland titles come Erne Eagles way. The senior men won their 8th All Ireland this year while the senior mixed team was also successful. The senior men's team are Gary Reilly, Sean Hughes, Sean Og Brady, Gerard Clerkin, Oliver Fitzsimons, Owen Roe Reilly, Jim Reilly, Davis Reilly, James Anderson, and Damien McArdle. The Mixed senior team is made up of Rosaleen Reilly, Dympna Reilly, Ann Marie Donohoe, Aisling Smith, Aine Brady, Patricia Beglan, Gary Reilly, James Anderson, Oliver Fitzsimons, Sean Hughes, Jim Reilly, and David Reilly. The rounders association also concentrates on the youth of the parish. They were also successful at underage this year when the U-16 mixed team won at the All Ireland Feile while the U13 girls won out the shield competition. The U-16 team was Julie Ann Brady, Kylie McGahern, Rachel McKiernan, Denise Sheridan, Louise Sheridan, Hugh Briody, Thomas Reilly, Barry McArdle, Jason Donohoe and Larry Cadden. The U-13 girls team is Amy Sheilds, Geraldine Sheridan, Kerrie Byrne, Aisling Reilly, Amanda Brady, Karen Dolan, Gemma Reilly, Nicole Wilson, Clodagh Comaskey, and Melissa Comaskey Overall a very successful time for the rounders teams with the prospect looking good for 2006 Handball Carrying the flag for Mullahoran in handball is household name Paul Brady. Once again in 2005 Brady created history in the international scene as the world champion picked up the US open title earlier this year. Brady became not only the first Irishman to scoop the title but also the first ever non American to win the prestigious prize in the 55 year history of the event. On the national scene Brady continued to be one of Ireland's top handballers when he won the FBD Irish Nationals this year held in Kingscourt. He defeated Dubliner Eoin Kennedy in two games to claim the title for the first time and in the process halt Kennedy's bid to win the title for a fourth consecutive time. Brady continues to be one of Cavan's best defenders on the county football team and the sales representative took time out from his handball schedule to concentrate on Cavan's championship ambitions. Eddie Reilly It would not fitting to end this article without a mention of Eddie Reilly. To those of us who watched the Cavan senior championship and while we will agree that the title went back to the town, it was Eddie Reilly who set the competition alight. His total commitment, passion, and no shortage of skill helped set him apart from any other player in this year's competition. Indeed his passion and energy deserved more than another final defeat. However, having watched this enigmatic character play, he will no doubt be looking to reverse the emotion of this year's defeat with an even greater display of passion and skill next season. Dolan out the plaudits Vincent Dolan is chairman of Mullahoran St. Josephs but insists that hurling matters is far from being a one-man show Vincent Dolan is in the business of spreading the gospel of hurling in his native of Mullahoran and, by all accounts, he's doing an exceptionally good job. The sort of people in the world of sport who's clearly identified with a cause, there's no ambiguity about Vincent's passion or commitment to the cause of the Gaelic game. As chairman of Mullahoran St. Joseph's during the past year, he had the pleasure of presiding over a whole raft of triumphs which served to cement his club's hurling profile. The kind of administrator who leaves practically no stone unturned in his attempts at getting the right result on and off the field of play, Vincent is a pretty happy clubman. "2005 was another good year for us and on a par with some of our best years to date," the one-time average player turned excellent administrator delights in telling us. "To win the league and championship at senior level and another couple of underage titles was very nice and really pleasing which augurs well for the future," he adds. There is a touch about the inevitable in Cavan hurling circles and Mullahoran's scattering of triumphs wouldn't have surprised too many observers in the county last year. And, though he mightn't readily admit it, Vincent's review of his club's success over the past 12 months has a touch of the 'we want more of the same' about it. "We fancied our chances at senior level for a start and especially with the Gaels not taking part, we would have been very disappointed had we not won the championship. "The gap between us and the rest of the clubs is closing but we were still confident of doing the business although we probably got it a bit harder than we had expected. "The fact that the Gaels pulled out definitely made it easier for us though and it's crucial for Cavan hurling that they get up and running again." Though the absence of Cavan Gaels from the 2005 blue riband competition made life easier for the defending champions, Vincent - a plain hurling fan - wasn't best pleased. "To be honest, it was disappointing that the Gaels weren't entered and it's hard to understand how a club with nine senior county players couldn't get a team together. "Cavan hurling needs to have a team in the county town if it is to develop and get stronger and hopefully that situation will change this year with the Gaels re-entering." Still, Vincent reckons the standard of competition at senior level last year showed an improvement on that experienced by the county kingpins in previous years. He says Ballymachugh's achievement in reaching their first premier county senior hurling decider was a breath of fresh air and was one of the more positive things in '05. Vincent was also impressed by the effort put in by Woodford Gaels in attempting to upset the apple cart and confesses that the west Cavan men gave Mullahoran a fright. "Woodford ran us to a couple of points in the league final and I'm sure they were very disappointed that they didn't win it because they played out of their skins. "In fairness, we got in for a pretty controversial goal in the first half which helped swing it our way and it (the goal) gave us a cushion that helped us over the line." Vincent and his hard-working committee at St. Josephs have been careering over the finishing line in pole position more times now than the rest of the clubs combined. And even though the club went 'solo' in 2003, the glittering prizes continued to meander their way towards base at Lady of Lourdes Park, to the delight of Vincent and co. "Going it alone was the best thing that happened hurling in Mullahoran and the same would probably be said by the Ballymachugh boys because they've done well since. "While the overall strength or quality of the hurlers in Mullahoran mightn't just be as good as it was when we had players from other areas playing for us, the spirit is better. "The more clubs there is in the county, the better for hurling in Cavan and the more players will get the opportunity to play the game," the Mullahoran stalwart opined. Anxious to talk-up hurling in his native county at the drop of a hat, Vincent accepts St. Joseph's are firmly placed at the summit of the game in Cavan right now. However he disputes the suggestion that the Longford-border hurlers are the number one team in the county by a distance: "I don't think the gap is as big as somebody think and I think last year's results and the closeness of the matches would back me up on that point," Vincent insists. "Right now we're up on a pedestal but there are others queuing up to knock us off that pedestal with the likes of Ballymachugh and Woodford well capable of doing that. "Definitely the way things stand at the minute, both of those teams would be fit to beat us on a bad day but it's up to us not to have that bad day." As things stand on the cusp of a new season, there are very few hurling enthusiasts in Cavan who would bet on the Saints losing their pre-eminent position in the county. But, as Vincent is quick to point out, things can change pretty quickly in terms of the pecking order for it's not that long ago when Mullahoran struggled to field a team. The current chairman says that when Sean Farrell and Michael Fegan set about establishing hurling in Mullahoran some 15 years ago, it was a brave but tough struggle. "Fair play to the lads for getting the game up and running here because there was no hurling tradition in the area back then and it took a lot of hard work to set it up. "It's the same for Ballymachugh because they're only up and running a couple of years and yet they ran us very close in last year's championship final. "It was a typical local derby and only we got the goal and they had a man sent off, who knows but it could've been us that were left wondering about winning this year." But there was the suggestion Mullahoran played in the 2005 decider like a side convinced that they were going to triumph and that complacency marked their display? "I wouldn't say we were complacent in the championship final but maybe we were in the league final against Woodford Gaels even though we hadn't a lot of training done. "It would help everyone though if there was a masters fixtures plan that could be drawn up and kept to because the lads need to be playing on a consistent basis. "Our fitness levels went down between the championship final and the league final and nearly paid the penalty because we were hanging on at the end of the league final" Of course, Mullahoran St. Joseph's have a lot of work to do if they are to be a credible force in Ulster and Vincent says that that is the next target for the club. Last year the Saints received a harsh lesson from Monaghan champions Castleblayney Faughs when they met in the provincial club championship. "We got a bit of a drubbing but we had to play the match without something like six of our players because they were involved with the football team in the championship. "We understood the football club's position but it was unfortunate and it didn't help us that the game was fixed for Kingscourt which was like a home game for 'Blayney. "We were very disappointed that we weren't able to put up a better show against 'Blayney but with a full squad we'd have definitely have done a lot better. "In 2004 we played in the Monaghan senior league and held our own with all the teams and even beat Clontibret who had won the Monaghan double the previous year." Vincent is fulsome in his praise for mentors at underage level in the club and delighted to witness the club's under 14 and under 16 county winning teams reach the top. He is convinced that the Mullahoran St. Joseph's club was never in as healthy position as it is right now. "The club has been growing stronger and stronger over the last 16 years and there's a few great fellas doing a lot of work. "We're happy with the progress we're making and the hope is that we'll not alone continue to do well in Cavan but we can push on and acquit ourselves well in Ulster." Our Year While Mullahoran were once again defeated by Cavan Gaels in the senior championships decider, 2005 was a successful year for the club both on and off the field. The senior team was managed once again this year by former Dublin star Paul Bealin. The players and management put in serious effort and showed great commitment and dedication throughout the season. Sadly they were defeated in the championship final by Cavan Gaels and in the League Semi-Final by old rivals Gowna. Off the field, Mullahoran embarked on an ambitious re-development programme during the year. Floodlights were installed, a new perimeter fence was erected, the viewing area was resurfaced and work commenced on a running track and sports complex. In May the club had a very successful prize-draw to help raise funds for the re-development. The club is extremely thankful to all those who bought and sold tickets both at home and abroad for this draw. The hurling club had success with a senior championship and league double being achieved. The Under 16 hurlers also won their championship. Paul Sheridan from the club picked up an allstar award for his efforts in the Nicky Rackard Cup competition for Cavan. The Mullahoran Ladies won the intermediate championship, beating Erne Gaels in the final. They also won the senior championship in an amalgamation with Gowna. Once again our World Champion Handballer Paul Brady was in top form and he won the FBD Irish National Title in Kingscourt during 2005. He also became the first ever non American to win the 55th annual U.S National title. - Supplied by Mullahoran GAC The Great Mullahoran by Collette McGahern In the month of October on a wet and windy day We'll leave the Glann Bar and make our own way To Breffni Park with our colours well worn To show our support for the great Mullahoran Who will forget the last day in the Park When our Eddie Reilly stepped up to the mark Injury time was the time the last minute scorin And Gowna were bet by the great Mullahoran The "Experts" give us no chance, you know, To stop the Gaels and their three-in-a-row But let me just give them some friendly advice Don't count out the dreadnots for being too nice So when Danny Brady leads out his fifteen Take a look at our proud football team New legends of Cavan are about to be born And this is the year for the great Mullahoran Now here we stand we're all very mellow As we cheer on the boys in the blue and the yellow Win lose or draw this is the plan With a pint at 3euro we all head for the Glann. 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