Eamon Murphy is the manager of Tarpey's SuperValu, located at Lakeland Retail Park, Cavan. The Co. Wexford native is suitably impressed with the standard of football in his adopted county and is looking forward to 2005 with relish. John Loughran reports. Eamon Murphy was born and reared in Wexford Town and played both hurling and football for the local club Clonard up to his early 20s, when he decided to pursue a career in retailing. Since arriving in Cavan in August 2003, he has become imbued in the local club scene and has been impressed by what he has seen to date. "I wasn't surprised at the strength of the club scene in Cavan. I would be a keen supporter of both codes, so I would have been aware of the strength of football in the northern counties in general," he enthused. In 2004 Cavan Gaels set the standard once again, retaining the Senior Football Championship and the League. Their bid to capture the county's first ever Ulster club football title came to an end when they were narrowly beaten by eventual winners Crossmaglen Rangers at Brewster Park, Enniskillen on Sunday November 21. Eamon watched the Cavan kingpins on numerous occasions in 2004, which wasn't surprising given that he is living and working in the heart of Gaels country. The affable retailer missed the Enniskillen match because of work commitments, but believes their time will come in the future. "They were only beaten by a goal, having conceded a goal in the opening minutes. It is all part of the learning experience. They are a young team and I feel they have the potential to win Ulster" However, they will have to negotiate the treacherous waters are the Cavan SFC, before they get another shot at provincial glory. Eamon, whose son Matthew hurls with Cavan Gaels at Minor, Under 21 and Senior level, is backing the town team to make it three-in-a-row. "They will be hard beaten, but teams like Mullahoran, Kingscourt and Bailieboro will be doing their best to make sure that doesn't happen," he opined. "The standard of football in Cavan is very high. Cavan Gaels have set the standard in the past couple of years and it will be up to the others to step up to the mark. There are a number of teams capable of beating Cavan Gaels on their day so it will be interesting to see how the championship pans out in 2005," he elaborated. The Gaels success at underage level down through the years is the foundation for the club's current successes at senior level, Eamon believes. "Success breeds success. There is plenty of young talent coming through the ranks by all accounts, so they are going to be a force in Cavan football for a long time to come," he noted. At the height of championship fare, the banter on the floor at Tarpey's SuperValu reaches fever pitch. "They would all be supporting their own local teams in the club championship, so there is intense rivalry on the floor, but it is all good natured," he affirmed. Eamon is also impressed with the improving state of Cavan football at inter-county level. "They showed a great improvement in 2004 and it was a pity the way they faded out against Derry in extra time. Cavan football is on the up and I'm hoping they can do very well in the Ulster Championship in 2005," he remarked. The Clonard man has the height of respect for the Cavan management team. "With Eamonn Coleman in charge. I think they have a reasonable chance of getting out of Ulster." However, he wouldn't be too downcast if Cavan were forced into the qualifiers. "It has certainly helped the weaker counties. It is a great incentive for the lads to put in the hard work in training in preparation for the championship. They know they are guaranteed at least two games." He continued: "The weaker teams get a second chance, and it gives them greater exposure, which is great for the game. Mattie Forde (Wexford) picked up an All-Star in 2004. That wouldn't happen under the old system." Before a ball is kicked in the Ulster Championship Cavan need to put together a string of good results in Div. 2B of the Allianz National League. "They were relegated last year so they will be looking to do well in the league in 2005. If they get a good run going, it would be a great boost for the championship," he added. Even though Eamon has been removed from the club scene in Wexford for a number of years, he still keeps up to speed what all the action in the local championships - both hurling and football. "I get the Wexford People every week, while my brothers are involved with a Shelmaliers in Wexford, so I would get all the news from home on a regular basis," Eamon noted. Tarpey's SuperValu is owned by Galway native Sean Tarpey, who has a long association with the brand, having previously owned and run a SuperValu outlet in Ballinamore, Co. Leitrim. Built on a green field site and opened on September 19, 2003 Tarpey's SuperValu boasts 15,000 square foot of retail space and incorporates the Cellar Off-Licence and a thriving cafe / restaurant. Tarpey's SuperValu opens from Monday to Wednesday 8.00am to 8.00pm, Thursday and Friday 8.00am to 9.00pm; Saturday 8.00am to 7.00pm and Sunday 10.00am to 7.00pm. Developed in a thriving area of Cavan Town, the company employs a staff of 65 people, which is growing all the while. The premises also boast free parking. Tarpey's SuperValu is a keen financial supporter of the local GAA scene. Eamon concluded: "We take our share from the local community so it is only right that we give a little back, where we can. It is very much a two way street. By supporting the local clubs, we can support the game from underage right through to senior level." Tweet

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