According to Ballyhaise G.F.C. club secretary, Mark O'Rourke, things went pretty well for 2006. As a club we had probably our most successful year ever at underage level. The great work done over the past number of years and currently in progress is beginning to pay a dividend. At senior level, we sustained our position in Division 1 which was a great achievement considering that we are quite a young team. Unfortunately, the elusive Intermediate championship title was once again outside our reach and this is something that we will be focusing on for 2007. We feel as a club, that we have the ability and potential to capture this title and propel ourselves into the senior championship. "As a club we fielded three teams at senior level with a fair degree of success. The senior team exited out of the IFC at the semi-final stage after having taken Ballinagh to a draw on the first day. In the replay, the loss of Adrian Delaney just a few minutes after the start was quite a blow to us. It unsettled us and allowed Ballinagh to get a run on us. However, a good second-half performance, especially by some of our younger players, like Ray Cullivan, Ali Pigett, Fergus Costello, and Adrian O'Rourke and with the introduction of James Brady, looked like we may have snatched the initiative. However, Ballinagh managed to hold on and left us once again exiting at the semi-final stage for the second year in a row. "While we were bitterly disappointed, the mood of determination among the players for a better result next season was palpable, and augers well for all concerned. Throughout a senior league that was fiercely contested, Ballyhaise deservedly held on to their status in Division 1. This is due mainly to a new resolve and determination in the squad to achieve at the highest level. The tough campaign will stand in good stead for the coming season. Our division 1A team also had a good season and made it to the league semi-final losing out to Killygarry." Cullivan captains Ireland U-17 squad Mark who is enthusiastic about the playing future of the club highlights the talent at underage level and eagerly enthuses about players like, Ali Pigett, Jarlath Moran, Kieran McGowan, Kevin Lynch, Conor Lyons and Ray Cullivan - all of whom are on the senior panel and were the backbone of the U-21 side that got to the championship semi-final. "The club were honoured when, Ray Cullivan, was selected to represent Ireland U-17s in Australia. Ray had the unique distinction of captaining the side and proving to be one of his country's most influential players in the test series. His six point tally earned Ireland a draw in the second test against the Australians in Melbourne. Raymond is quite an exceptional talent with a good attitude and it was no surprise for us at the club to see him captain, the Cavan minor squad. Indeed his display at centre field against, Down at Casement Park, was probably the decisive factor in Cavan moving into the quarter-final against Donegal. We feel that with a little more experience, this gifted player will be a major force not just in club football, but also on the inter-county scene." U-21s Reach Championship semi-final "While we were not recognized as favourites for the U-21 Division 2 championship title, we did nearly manage to squeeze into the final. It took extra time to eventually oust us in an absorbing contest against Drumalee. Indeed if we had been a little tighter at the back we could surely have made it to the final. Drumalee ran out winners on the day 3-8 to 0-13. Two opportunistic goals gave Drumalee the lead but this setback failed to deter the Ballyhaise lads, led by an inspirational display at midfield from Ray Cullivan and good work inside by Ali Pigett, Sean McCormick and Kevin Rooney, Ballyhaise had wrestled the lead away from Drumalee on 0-11 to 2-4 with less than five minutes of normal time to play. The loss of Ray Cullivan proved too much for the home side and gave the visitors the opportunity they so badly needed to bring the game into extra time and eventual victory. It was a great spirited display from the Ballyhaise squad and should provide optimism for the future," said Mark. Ballyhaise - S. Colwell; Gavin Smith, Sean McCormick (0-1), Enda Fay; Kevin Lynch, Fergal Slowey, Kevin Rooney (0-1); Conor Lyons, Raymond Cullivan (0-4); Conor McEntee, Jarlath Moran, Paul Prior; Kieran McGowan (0-1), Ali Pickett (0-6), Cian Dunne. Subs used - Christopher Brady, David Quinn, Fergal McGoldrick Minors secure league title Ballyhaise were to the fore in the minor league when they overcame Lavey in a thrilling contest that was brought into extra time. Backboned by senior star, Ray Cullivan, Ballyhaise proved to have the edge over a fancied Lavey side and emerged victorious by 2-14 to 2-11. Ballyhaise - Stephen Colwell; Kevin Lynch; Enda Fay; Kevin Rooney; Christopher Brady; Mark Brennan; Ray Cullivan; Keith Costello (capt); Conor McEntee; Cian Tierney; Kurt Bravender; Kevin Tierney; Niall Costello Subs: Gary Donohoe; Lorcan Reilly; John Coyle; Christopher Reilly; Michael Conaty; David Duggan; Declan Rehill; Neil Rooney; Adam Boyle; Shane Briody. Underage Secretary Mark O'Rourke is quick to point out the great work being done at underage level and how last year; the dividends were returned with most age groups contesting the final sections of their respective competitions. "Our U-16s made it to the semi-final against Castlerahan while our U-14s lost to Lavey in the league final. At U-13 level we managed not only to make it to the final but proved worthy winners on the day." U-13 success Castlerara proved to be in a different class in this u-13 Roinn B Championship final when they powered their way past the challenge of Drumgoon at Kingspan Breffni Park on a scoreline of 6-13 to 1-3. Playing some outstanding football, Castletara set down an early marker of their intentions as they opened their tally when Diarmuid Conaty found the net in the third minute. Conaty was to add a further three goals to his personal tally as the game progressed. Castletara were beginning to forge ahead and were 1-5 to 0-1 in front as they game entered the second quarter. A burst of exhilarating football saw Castletara net two quick goals through Francis Moore from the penalty spot and one from Darren Conaty forty second later. With half-time fast approaching and relief in sight for the Drumgoon lads, up stepped Diarmuid Conaty in the twenty-seventh minute to put the game beyond Drumgoon reach when he shot to the back of the net to give Castletara a interval lead of 4-7 to 0-1. Having hoped to regroup their forces during the break, Drumgoon found themselves on the restart back in the inferno as Diarmuid Conaty had found the net again in the thirty-fourth minute. From here on in, there was no doubt as to the destination of title. To their credit, Drumgoon, showed a fighting spirit and determination that was not reflected in the final result. If Castletara can produce form like this then they surely must be a team for the future as they step up through the different grades. Castletara - George Jenkins; Niamh Fitzsimons, Owen McGovern, Aine Cahill; Darren Watters, Shane McKiernan (0-3), Conor Smith; Francis Moore (1-5), Jamie Conaty (0-1); Fiachra McGoldrick, Padraig Moore (0-1), Stephen Conaty; Darren Conaty (1-2), Diarmuid Conaty (4-1), Karl Visagie. Subs used; Davin Murray, Liam Fitzpatrick, Killian Dowd, Killian Young, Sarah Duggan. New Team Manager Club Secretary, Mark O'Rourke says that all at the club are eager for the coming season and with the appointment of new team manager, Gerry O'Rourke, will be hoping to try and capture the elusive Intermediate football championship title. "Gerry comes to the club on the back of a number of good displays, with Drumalee and Crosserlough. Both of whom he brought to finals. While we are enthusiastic about the arrival of Gerry, we would like to thank our previous manager, Frank Brady for all the hard work and endeavour and commitment he put in during his term." Sponsorship On the sponsorship issue, Mark says that the club have been blessed with the generous commitment from local builder, T. P. Smith who has committed his services to Ballyhaise for a three year period. "All at the club would like to extend their appreciation to T. P. and thank him for his generous support," stated Mark. Camogie Castletara made it five senior league titles in a row, when they overcame the challenge of hot favourites, Lacken, who were seeking to complete a double, championship and league clean sweep when the sides met at Dr. Plunkett Park, Kilnaleck. Castletara proved the masters on this occasion and emerged victorious on a scoreline of 1-7 to 1-2. The Castletara girls from the outset showed their determination and were quickly on the road to victory with points from Majella Smith, and Brid Boylan. With just ten minutes gone they held a 0-3 to 0-0 lead. Lacken got a lucky break when a long high ball into the Castletara square seemed to rebound of a defender's stick and landed in the net. Unsettled by this setback, Castletara proved to be the more dominant and a point from Grainne Smith and goal from Glenda Fitzpatrick put the defending league champions on the path to victory. The half-time score read 1-4 to 1-1. From the restart, Majella Smith added two quick points to put her side five points up with just ten minutes gone. Smith's second point was to prove to be last score of the game and while Lacken rallied and dominated the final twenty minutes, they could not make any inroads on a resilient and determined Castletara defence. While this victory was due in the main to a team performance, there was also many fine individual displays, notably, Ann Donnellan in defence, Elaine Reilly, Agnes Mundy, Brid Boylan, Collette McCaul, Grainne Smith and Majella Smith all showed outstanding form. Tweet

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