When you talk to Laragh secretary, Gary Robins, you are left in no doubt that the heritage of the great Laragh era of the late '70s to the mid 1980s left a legacy that will never die in the parish. However, Gary, realistically looks at what the club is presently about as it approaches the new season of 2007. With a vibrant youth section emerging as a force there is now hope of rekindling some of the former glory of bygone days. When you consider that the club contested every final from U-12 through to minor during 2006, then Gary's hope for the future certainly holds some foundation. Gary is in his second year as secretary of the club having previously acted as vice secretary, juvenile secretary (for three years) and is currently a club coach alongside former club great, Donal Donohoe, for the U-14. "I do not remember much about the great era of Laragh football as I was too young then, but I do know about the great work now being put in place at the club to try and set up a solid platform to hopefully claim our position back in the topflight of Cavan football," said Gary. Ever the pragmatist, Gary, is aware of where Laragh now stands in the pecking order of Cavan football. His refreshing honesty about the hope and prospects for Laragh shows that the club is seriously making strides in the right direction. "The present senior team have given a tremendous amount of commitment over the years and I feel have been unlucky on a number of occasions when they could have seen some return for their effort. Throughout the past number of years we did not have large blocks of young players pushing onto the senior panel. We were just acquiring one or two a year, which is not sufficient to help create a vibrant and competitive arena for success. Since 2005 we have seen a significant number of younger players in the age group 17 -18 coming on stream and with the present successful minor squad also set to come into senior ranks in the near future, things are beginning to look good for the club. While we realise that it will take another three to four years before we see the best of these players, we can now realistically look to the future with hope. We also have the back-up of strong U-12s to U-16s to help continue a flow of young players into the senior ranks over the coming decade." "While the senior team struggled throughout the 2006 Division 2 league a committed effort for the championship saw them reach the quarter-final for the first time in three years. Indeed, if lady luck had favoured them with her presence during the drawn quarter final tie against eventual winners of the IFC crown, Drumalee, they could have easily made it into the semi-final. Playing a refreshing brand of open and direct football, Laragh looked like they would overcome the challenge of the favourites but some erratic defending early in the second half, allowed Drumalee in for a rather fortuitous goal which was enough to see them earn a draw. The replay failed to produce the expected result for Laragh and as they say: 'the rest is history'. Laragh now approach the season of 2007 with the hope that some to their younger players will have come of age and help make an impact in Division 2. It will be vitally important for Laragh to hold their status in Division 2 as it will provide a perfect platform for future teams to gain promotion back to the topflight of Division 1." "The club's second senior team, competing in Division 2A showed some good form and qualified for the semi-final of the league. A very strong Killinkere team proved a hurdle too far for this young Laragh side, who no doubt will benefit from having made it to the knockout stages of the league," stated Gary. Team Manager For the coming season Laragh have appointed former player Dermot King as team manager. Eddie McEntee, who managed the successful minor team of last year, and Maurice Brady will assist him. Both Eddie and Maurice will work alongside Dermot as selectors. "In Dermot King the club have one of the greatest clubmen that you would find anywhere in the country. Dermot is one of the few people who has continued the link from the early years to the present. With his background and knowledge and realistic outlook, he knows what it will take to try and put Laragh Utd. back in the topflight. We lost Dermot for a year when he took time out to manage Knockbride and his loss for that single year was deeply felt. His input and commitment to Laragh Utd. knows no bounds. His enthusiasm and drive are both infectious and now with a thriving youth policy at the club he will have something to work with. No doubt, Dermot will not be looking for short-term gains but as a knowledgeable football man, will look at the bigger picture and to the future. With both Eddie and Maurice he has two assistants who also share his belief and hopes for the future of the club," says Gary. Juvenile club A committed drive is now underway at juvenile level which in its own right is beginning to yield results. "We have great people working at underage level. The result of this commitment is evident in the fact that we contested finals at U-12, 14, 16 and minor during the 2006 season. While we did not win them all, we contested the final stages of the competitions, which can only be a good thing. It will help bring players on and give them the confidence of reaching and winning finals in the future," stated Gary. Minor success "The club's minor squad proved that they are made of the 'right stuff' when the bounced back from a league final defeat at the hands of an impressive Redhills. The game, which was played back in July 12 at Crosskeys, saw the Laragh squad suffer a heavy defeat. As is often said the true champions enjoy victory but learn from defeat, and this was the case of these young Laragh Utd. players as they regrouped and refocused their energies for a tilt at the minor championship," stated the club secretary. Laragh, who have put in a lot of good work over the recent past at juvenile level, had some of their commitment handsomely repaid when their minor team captured the Division 4 championship title when they overcame, Mountnugent 2-8 to 1-8 at Kingspan Breffni Park. While Laragh just managed to edge out their final opponents by a single point in their previous league outing, they were in no mood to allow this final to escape their grasp. Laragh showed tremendous character when they withstood and held firm against a concerted Mountnugent side that tried to overturn their lead in the final ten minutes. With just four minutes remaining Laragh saw their lead reduced to just two points but true character, commitment and belief saw them have the final say when Adrian Cooney tagged on another point to give them a three point cushion which they held to the final whistle. This was a well earned victory and while hard fought it was just reward for the manner in which Laragh set out to secure this title. Laragh Utd. - Martin Smith, Enda Tierney, Patrick King, Jamie McMahon, Christopher McBreen, Enda Clarke (0-1), Darragh Brady, Seamus Cooney (0-2), Gerry Murray (1-2), Keith McGovern (0-1), Ronan Smith (0-1). Subs: Laurence Brady for Darragh Brady, Patrick Rudden for Keith McGovern, Adrian Cooney (1-1), for Ronan Smith, Colm McKenna for Laurence Brady, Philip Cullivan for Christopher McBreen. U16 A tremendous display by Laragh saw them overcome the challenge of favourites, Castlerahan in this exciting underage final on a scoreline of 2-7 to 1-7 Right from the start, Laragh set out their intentions and had the opening score of the final when Colm McKenna pointed. Castlerahan responded with two converted frees to put them in front. The Castlerahan lead was short lived as Adrian Cooney levelled matters. The Ballyjamesduff sides tagged on two further points to give them a two point lead and at this stage were beginning to take command. Some superb goalkeeping by Christopher Hand and resolute tackling by Laurence Brady and Enda Tierney helped to repel the advances of the Ballyjamesduff side. Colm McKenna levelled the game with two well taken frees to leave the sides level at half-time 0-4 each. Despite the blustery conditions the stage was now set for a cliff-hanging final thirty minutes. Opening the more briskly, Laragh raced into the lead when Keith McGovern got the games first goal which for a brief period put daylight between the teams. The Laragh joy was short-lived as Castlerahan responded with a goal of their own to level matters once again. With the sides exchanging points it was Castlerahan who got their noses in front as the game was drawing to a close. Once again superb goalkeeping by Christopher Hand denied the Ballyjamesduff side any chance of increasing their lead further. Showing great character, Laragh levelled matters when Colm McKenna stepped up to the challenge and chipped over a vital point to leave the game all square. With the introduction of Conal Donohoe, Laragh took the lead when the sub put his side in front with a great point. With the sides exchanging points and the game now in the balance it was the accuracy and deadly poaching qualities of Keith McGovern who was to settle the outcome of this final when he blasted a shot from an acute angle to the back of the Castlerahan net. Laragh gained in confidence from this vital score and for the remainder of the game took control. This was a sweet victory for this side that stemmed a loss of seven underage finals. Having won the U-12 Roinn B back in 2002 this side can now pose a serious challenge as they progress into minor level. Both manager Pauric Rudden and team coach, Liam Johnstone felt the loss to Castlerahan in the league was more than made up for winning the final. Laragh Utd.: Christopher Hand, Darragh King, Laurence Brady, Liam Brady, Seamus O'Rourke, Jamie McMahon, Kieran Donohoe, Enda Tierney, Seamus Cooney, Colm Smith, Adrian Cooney, Declan Smith, Colm McKiernan, Patrick Rudden, Keith McGovern. Subs: Aidan Brady, Darren McCarthy, Kevin O'Rourke, Conal Donohoe, Gerry Gray, Ruairi Power. U14 Playing their football at the highest grade in Roinn A. Laragh Utd. made it to another final only to lose out to Lurgan one of the kingpins of Cavan underage football. Coached by Gary Robins (trainer) and managed by one of the club's greatest players, Donal Donohoe, Laragh had to give way to the might of Lurgan. This side which was brought through from U-12 ranks by both Robins and Donohoe are capable of making an impact at underage level as they progress through the ranks. Laragh Utd: Darragh Smith, Sinead McKenna, Kevin O'Rourke, Declan Brady, Ruairi Power, Darren McCarthy, Dallen McKenna, Kieran O'Donohoe (captain), Liam Brady, Debra Smith, Jenny O'Rourke, Gene O'Rourke, Conal Donohoe, John O'Grady, Cian O'Rourke. Subs: Shane O'Rourke, Eoin Donohoe, Sean Tierney, Philip Smith, Gareth Mac Mahon, Shane O'Donnell, Glen Smith, Jason Walsh, Joseph O'Donohoe. U12 Playing in Roinn A, Laragh can rightfully feel proud of competing at the highest level where they made an impact in reaching the final against the giants of underage football, Cavan Gaels. Under the guidance of Dessie O'Rourke, manager, Peter Denning, selector and coach Garry O'Connell this squad proved an inspiration as they made it to the final of the premier underage competition, While losing out at the final hurdle this is a team that can go on to make an impact in underage football as they progress through the ranks. Laragh Utd panel: Darren Fitzpatrick, Patrick O'Sullivan, Joseph O'Donohoe, Niall King (Capt.), Eoin Donohoe, Shannon Reilly, Jason Walsh, Shane O'Rourke, Liam McKenna, Cian O'Rourke, Gareth McMahon, Terry Brady, John Denning, Sean Tierney, Dale McBreen, Damon McKenna, Martin Farrelly, Graine Power, Darren Brady, Fiacra Donohoe, Kieran Reilly, Lorraine O'Rourke, Jennifer Lackey, Paul Casey, Paul King, Kieran Monaghan. Camogie A superb display by the club's U-16 squad saw them overcome the formidable challenge of camogie kingpins, Castlerara as they captured the county U-16 championship title at P. J. Duke Park, Stradone. This victory augurs well for the future of camogie at the club and with careful coaching should be able to produce a formula for senior success in the not too distant future. U-16 panel: Kathleen O'Rourke, Maria Dolan, Laura Donohoe, Sarah Hutchinson, Jenny O'Rourke, Natasha O'Reilly, Eimear Brady, Sinead McKenna, Jackie Rudden, Debra Smith, Claire Brady, Shannon O'Reilly, Emma Scanlon, Caoimhe Smith, Claire Denning, Edel O'Reilly, Arlene Brady. Novice final Laragh who took on favourites Lacken in the Novice league final at Ballyhaise helped to produce one the best camogie games seen in the county during 2006. Despite losing heavily on the scoreboard, 2-10 to 1-1 this game was far from a one-side affair. Laragh enjoyed plenty of possession but with a poor scoring ratio, amassed a total of ten wides. Both sides displayed some great skill. Laragh: E. Brady, C. Smith, N. Reilly, C. Smith, J O'Rourke (0-1), D. Smith, C. Brady, L. Smith, S. Smith (1-0). Subs: J. Rudden for C. Brady, M. Reilly for N. Reilly, M. Dolan for L. Smith. Club development The ongoing development at P. J. Duke Park has kept apace with the boom of the Celtic Tiger. With the club now ambitiously working at providing new dressing- rooms, a 5-a-side Astro turf pitch and a running track around the football field, the need to raise the necessary finance for this project has been met with a determination and drive from the club members. A major influence in raising capital for this ambitious project was the club treasurer, Padraig Rudden and current Chairman, Thomas McKenna. "Both Padraig and Thomas have worked relentlessly towards providing the necessary infrastructure for the club to face into a new era. Back in 2005 Padraig was one of the main movers in organizing a massive fund-raising drive which netted around the €200,000 mark. We are also fortunate to have an active Chairman of the grounds committee in Philip Devine. Philip has been involved with the club now since the late 60s and is still as committed now as he was back then. His input throughout that long span has been enormous and his drive for the future is equally as strong now as it was back then," stated Gary. Ladies football Laragh ladies were not to be outdone by their male counterparts as they grabbed their own piece of glory when they captured the County U-14 championship title. The ladies club, which has been in existence for a short time captured their first ever, title when accounting for Killinkere at Crosskeys in November 2006. This historic victory should be the necessary boost for the club to go on to win further trophies in the arena of ladies football in the county. In a squad bristling with talent the club hope that this group of players will progress to honours on the senior stage. This team owes much of its success to its two hard working coaches, Pat Smith and Eileen O'Rourke. U-14 Panel: Claire Brady, Aoife O'Rourke, Aoishe Reilly, Eimear Donohoe, Siobhan Cooney, Jenny O'Rourke, Arlene Brady, Nicola Cullen, Christine Lee, Debra Smith, Emma Denning, Shauna O'Reilly, Edel Sexton, Theola Collins, Grainne Power, Lorraine O'Rourke, Claire Farrelly, Sarah Rahill, Aoife King, Sinead McKenna. Jennifer Lackey. Tweet

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