In sporting terms, the 2006 year will be fondly remembered at the Lacken club as one of the highlights in its history. The roll of honour which they accumulated throughout the season from football and camogie must surely make them strong contenders for Cavan club of the year. By Tony Dunne. Their season started off with a superb morale boasting victory when the U-21s captured the Division 1 football championship and ended on a high as the senior squad deservedly regained their position back in the top flight of league football. This early U-21 victory seemed to ignite the lust for success as the year progressed and while the footballers carved out their own piece of history, the ladies both at camogie and football proved equally adept at reaching and winning finals. U21 win In a tightly contested U-21 division 1 final played at Kingspan Breffni Park, Lacken Celtic emerged victorious over the amalgamated side, St. Finbarr by two points, 1-4 to 0-5. Good solid defensive qualities by the Lacken side curtailed the attacking flair of St. Finbars and with full-forward Colm Sheridan causing panic among the Finbars defence, the sides ended the half 0-3 apiece. Lacken seized the initiative early in the second half with a goal in the fourth minute when full forward, Colm Sheridan found a gap in St Finbar's defence and slotted his effort into the back of net to break the deadlock. While the side's exchanged points, both teams were guilty of some bad wides, but it was the greater hunger, determination and commitment from the Lacken side that ensured that their name would be on the victory roll. Lacken -Shane Sheridan; Danny Brady, Paul Brady, Johnny Sheridan; Kevin Shanaghy, Shane Reilly, Eddie Sheridan; Raymond Galligan, James Moynagh; Brian McCusker, Joe Shanaghy, Sean Shanaghy; Donal Shanaghy, Colm Sheridan (1-3), Philip Moynagh (0-1). Sub. Michael Shanaghy for Donal Shanaghy (50m). Promotion back to Division 1 Lacken Celtic senior footballers under the guidance of local man, Gabriel Keogan, made a committed start to their league campaign leaving no-one in any doubt to their intentions of gaining promotion back to Division 1 football. They earned promotion when defeating Ramor Utd. in the Division 2 league semi-final with a convincing display of power packed football that gave them a nine point winning margin, 4-6 to 1-6. The icing on the cake was completed when they overcame Lavey in the senior league final by 1-11 to 1-5. While Lavey looked the more impressive for most of the first half it was Lacken who finished the half with style as a combination move involving minor star, Raymond Galligan, Ollie McKiernan and James Moynagh set up Frankie Mulligan for a superbly taken goal. Lacken now had the initiative and with their defence now commanding the exchanges it was always going to be an uphill struggle for Lavey. Lacken registered their first score of the second-half after forty seconds, a pointed free from ace marksman, Finbar O'Reilly. Down 0-4 to 1-8 Lavey were given a golden chance to reduce the arrears when awarded a penalty. Shane Sheridan in the Lacken goal, proved equal to the task as he diverted a pile driver over the bar. Despite a spirited Lavey finish, Lacken never looked like losing this final. Lacken: Shane Sheridan, Garry McGauran, Paul Brady, Terry Hyland, Eddie Sheridan, John Sheridan, James Moynagh, Joe Crowe (0-1), Trevor Crowe, Martin Brady, Frankie Mulligan (1-0), Ollie McKiernan (0-1), Joe Shanaghy, Finbar O'Reilly (0-8), Raymond Galligan (0-1). Subs: Kevin Shanaghy for Frankie Mulligan, Paul McGauran for Ollie McKiernan, Niall Reilly for Finbar O'Reilly. Playing in the SFC Division 1 championship, Lacken could surely have deemed themselves unlucky to have exited at the quarter-final stage when two late points by the champions, Cavan Gaels, edged out a magnificent display by the underdogs. The final scoreline was 2-6 to 1-11. While deeply disappointed, Lacken, will focus on the positive from this game and know that they can face the challenge of Division 1 football this coming season with the knowledge that they can compete with the best. Danny Brady, who until recently acted as Secretary but retained his position as PRO speaks with great pride about the achievements of the club last season. "We are a small parish, nestled between the football giants of Crosserlough, Gowna and Mullahoran and newly crowned senior league champions, Ballinagh. We have always had a proud tradition and our success in 2006 was the result of many years hard work at underage level. We now have to try and take it to the next level and make an impact at Division 1. This will take a commitment from all the players. Having used thirty two players in the run up to the league title, we will need the services of all these players again this year." Speaking on the reserve team performance Danny paid tribute to these players that helped backbone the club throughout its run back to Division 1. "With some clubs in Division 2A not fielding teams it was difficult to get any real momentum going at this level," stated the affable PRO, Danny Brady. Camogie Camogie is played with a passion in Lacken and their success has been the result of many years hard work, self belief and determination. So dominant were the ladies from Lacken, not only did they defeat their 'old' rivals, Castletara, but also installed themselves as kingpins of camogie in the Breffni County. In the past having suffered some cruel defeats at the hands of a rampant Castletara, Lacken were in no mood to concede another defeat to the champions. In an epic senior county final, which went to two replays before the Lacken ladies put their imprint on the destination of the title, the manner in which they refused to give way was not only creditable but the cornerstone of victory. Having endured two nerve racking draws, Lacken made sure in another exhibition of top class camogie from both sides that their greater hunger on the night would determine the outcome of this final. Five second half points by Marie Brady helped ensure that the Fitzpatrick Cup would be settling in Lacken for at least one year. While this was a team effort, individual displays of merit were recorded by Maria Murphy, Andrea Lynch, Rosie Crowe, Marie Brady and Lisa McGauran. Lacken seemed secure with a five point lead heading into injury time but like all great champions, Castletara, who were chasing seven-in-a-row, made a last valiant attempt to wrestle the lead away from Lacken but this was never going to be the case as the about to be crowned champions were not going to suffer another final defeat. Lacken deserved this victory having worked so hard to this aim over the past few seasons and are capable of remaining at the top over the coming years. Lacken Celtic: Helena Brady, Sinead Brady, Catriona Leddy, Karen Fitzpatrick, Niamh Brady, Teresa Briody, Maria Murphy, Andrea Lynch, Laura McGauran, Rosie Crowe (0-1), Marie Brady (0-5), Lisa McGauran (1-1), Susan Mulligan (0-1), Lisa Bennett, Roisin O'Keeffe. Ulster campaign As Cavan champions Lacken faced into the arena of Ulster camogie. Drawn against Monaghan champions, Clontibret, Lacken were unsure as to what the challenge might be at this level. In a closely contested first half, Lacken held a two point interval lead, 1-3 to 0-4 but as the second half progressed, the Cavan champions took control and ran out comfortable winners in the end. The Ulster final was to prove to be a step too far as inexperience caused Lacken a possible chance of victory in this Ulster final. Armagh champions, Keady, were a well drilled, cohesive and experienced squad and with home advantage were strong favourites to take the title. While Keady emerged winners 5-8 to 2-3, Lacken who never seemed to settle in the first half trailing by 2-4 to 0-1 gathered their composure in the second half and made a real fight of it. Disappointment should be tinged with the fact that the experience gained will benefit all in the squad. Lacken Celtic: Helena Brady, Sinead Brady, Catriona Leddy, Karen Fitzpatrick, Niamh Brady, Teresa Briody, Maria Murphy, Andrea Lynch, Lisa McGauran, Rosie Crowe, Marie Brady (0-2), Roisin O'Keeffe, Lisa Bennett (1-0), Laura McGauran, Rosie Mulligan. Having lost in the Ulster final the previous day, Lacken's novice team took on Laragh in the Novice League final played at Ballyhaise. This game proved to be one of the best novice finals ever seen as Lacken emerged winners 2-10 to 1-1. While Lacken powered their way to victory like a well oiled machine, Laragh made them work throughout the entire game. Leading 1-7 to 1-1 at half time, Lacken looked like they might swamp their opponents. Laragh to their credit tried valiantly but a cohesive well drilled Lacken defence was in no mood for handouts and effectively shut out the Laragh attack. This win must go down to great team work and following on the heels of the senior success was an additional bonus. Lacken Celtic panel: H. Brady, S. Crowe, M. Fitzpatrick, R. Reilly, C. Reilly (1-0), S. King (0-3), E. Keaney (0-2), R. Mulligan (1-5), E. Smith (0-1), B. Goldrick, E. Keaney, A. Sheridan, M. Brady, C. McGauran, A. Brady, O. Smith, R. Brady, G. Smith, T. Cronin. The honours list of titles was not yet complete as Lacken went on to capture the Junior league title when they overcame neighbours, Ballinagh by 2-6 to 0-3. The game which was played at Butlersbridge attracted a large crowd. Displaying the same qualities as the seniors, Lacken showed a greater hunger for victory in this fast and skilful contest and were worthy winners at the final whistle. Lacken Celtic squad: Shona King, Karen Fitzpatrick, Rose Mulligan, Maria Murphy, Brid Dolan (capt.), Fiona Crowe, Emer Smith, Edel Keaney, Helena Brady, Caroline O'Reilly, Suzanne Crowe, Niamh Brady, Roisin O'Keeffe, Lisa Bennett, Sinead Brady, Amy Sheridan, Brenda Goldrick, Catherine McGannon, Catherine Leddy. The camogie season ended on a high note when Lacken Celtic featured in the winners enclosure when they disposed once again of the 'old' enemy, Castletara in a low scoring Novice championship final 1-0 to 0-1. The low scoreline belies the fact that this game provided no shortage of skill, great defending superb goalkeeping and general all round good quality camogie. With home advantage, it was always going to be a tough call for the Lacken girls. The closeness of the scores kept the spectators on the edge of their seats right up to the final whistle. Once again it was the greater hunger of the Lacken team that ensured that they would complete the most successful year in the club's camogie history. Lacken Celtic: Maria Brady, Bernie Briody, Amy Sheridan, Ciara Smith, Ann Marie Moynagh (capt)., Orlagh Smith, Aoife Brady, Gina Smith, Brenda Goldrick, Rebecca Lanauze, Ciara Brady, Rose Keogh Mairead Moynagh, Amy Briody, Andrea King, Teresa Cronin, Rosaleen Smith, Kate Slezeka. Underage football PRO Danny Brady is enthusiastic when speaking about the work being done at the club with underage players. Danny feels that the effort being put in by people like, Jimmy Galligan, Joe Crowe, Terry Hyland, Barney Brady, Garry King, Danny Brady, Eugene Clerkin, Phelim Galligan, Michael Wilson, Peter Galligan, Donacha McSorley, Donal Shanaghy and Niall Reilly among others has been instrumental in the success of the club and that what is now being done augurs well for the future. When speaking of the club's U-10, Danny feels that this is a side with real potential. "Our U-10s played in two tournaments during the summer of last season and were worthy winners of both. Our U-12s reached the semi-final of the league while our U-14s exited at the quarter-final stage of the championship against Castlerahan. We were unfortunate at U-16 when we came up against a very good Drumalee side, who went on to win out the championship. Four goals in the final eight minutes ensured that the town team went through. Lacken had been six points in front at that stage and looked set for victory. At Minor level, we had a very young squad and lost out to Drumalee once again. Many of this minor squad will be underage for the next two years. As defending champions at U-21 level, due to a lack of available players in this age group we amalgamated with neighbours Gowna but lost to the eventual winners Castlerahan." Ladies football While camogie is at an all time high in the club, the lady footballers are also making great strides. According to Tom Moore, one of the leading lights in ladies football at the club: "Presently we have a great crop of young underage players. There are real signs of potential and I have no doubt that we will be a force to reckon with in the future. Our senior ladies made it to the Cavan senior ladies final where we came up against a very impressive Knockbride team who were chasing their third title in four years. While we lost, it was a heartening performance from the Lacken girls. The minor squad are presently set to play in a delayed semi-final and with a bit of luck can go all the way. We also had two representatives from the club, Erin Galligan and Roisin O'Keeffe play for the Cavan junior ladies team that won the Ulster title in 2005." Hurling PRO Danny Brady paid tribute to the people involved at hurling in the club: "Under the guidance of Eamon Brady (Bruskey), and Marie Brady, Lacken are emerging as a potential force in juvenile hurling having secured a double in Division 2 at U-12 and U-14 level. Lacken/St Felim's U-14 defeated Arva at Kingspan Breffni Park to record a memorable victory for the fledgling club. The club were presented with their medals at a special function where Hurling Board Chairman Peader Neary attended on the night." Tweet

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