When Lacken Celtic look back on their 2007 season they can do so with the knowledge that as a club they showed they have the qualities to overcome adversity and the ability to compete and sustain their position in the topflight of Cavan senior football. Having been promoted from Division 2 in 2006, Lacken approached their sojourn in Division 1 with the knowledge that they had a squad of talented players many of whom had emerged from a winning pattern that had been fostered at Lacken over the previous number of years. Football just like politics can fall foul of any number of obstacles and this was to prove to be the case for the Celtics as they began to run into injury problems from early on in the league. A turbulent league campaign fostered through their injury problems, saw them having to fight a relegation battle against fellow strugglers, Kingscourt Stars to see who had the dubious honour of joining Drumlane, who had already been relegated back down to Division 2. Just as the saying, 'save the best wine for last', Lacken displayed a drive, hunger and no small amount of flair and ability in overcoming the once mighty Kingscourt Stars to retain their status as a Division One team. This victory was just reward for team manager, Gabriel Keogan and his management team of Padraig Mahon, Oliver Brady and team trainer Terry Hyland who never lost faith or belief in his side even when it was hampered through injury. According to team manager Gabriel Keogan: "I suppose there was a number of factors that contributed to our turbulent first year back in the ranks of Division 1. From the outset of the league we had our first injury problem when we lost the services of the influential Raymond Galligan. Throughout the league and at vital stages when we needed our more experienced players we saw Finbar Reilly and Gary McGauran consigned to the physios bench. The loss of both Reilly, our main free-taker and the excellent defensive qualities of Gary McGauran were two huge losses. In fairness to the rest of the players and those that came into the side and with a bit of luck we certainly would never have been in a position to face a relegation battle. Throughout the league we drew seven games, many of those we should could have won. It was only in the final stages of the competition, in fact the last three leagues that we finally had all our squad available. It was then that tide began to shift in our favour. Our display against Kingscourt in the relegation game was to me an exhibition of self-belief, with no shortage of commitment and a great deal of flair that contributed to a winning formula for Lacken. I also felt that the pace of the game in Division 1 was also a factor as we had spent two years in Division 2 where the game is played at a different pace" stated the former team manager Gabriel Keogan. When asked what he saw as the prospects for his club in 2008 Gabriel was not hesitant in his answer. "I have no doubt in my mind that if Lacken can call from a full muster of players, they will be a match for any team in the top division. We have very talented players at Lacken and we also have what many clubs don't, true spirit, commitment and determination. This was displayed in abundance at the end of the 2007 season and I hope that the players will respond to the new team manager where they left off at the end of 2008," stated Gabriel. New Team Manager With clubman, Gabriel Keogan stepping down as team manager after his two year stint, the club have acquired the services of an outsider. Taking up the position of manager this coming season is former Cavan Gaels manager, Joe O'Connor. Joe is a native of Mayo, is a Garda by profession and has been stationed in Cavan for many years. Minors Lacken lost out in the Cavan minor football championship (Division Three) final to Lavey in a pulsating game where the outcome was in doubt up to the final whistle. Lavey captured the title on a scoreline of 3-9 to 2-8 but it took a Lavey penalty four minutes from time to ensure that the title was heading their way. This game opened on a high note when Lacken's Niall McKiernan finished off an oportunist goal as early as the sixth minute. With both teams operating in high tempo mode, Lavey had cancelled out Lacken's lead by the eighth minute when Paul Crowe shot to the back of the Lacken net to level matters. While under pressure in the first quarter of the opening half, Lacken's defence stood firm and with Declan Brady and Shane Finnegan both outstanding. Lavey had edged two points clear by the twentieth minute 1-4 to 1-2 but sustained Lacken pressure had the sides level with the half-time whistle fast approaching. A converted Lavey free on the stroke of half time gave them a one point lead at the interval 1-6 to 1-5. A super fast start to the second half saw Lacken jump into the lead after forty three seconds when Jimmy Costello rattled the Lavey net for this side's second goal. Lavey's response was fast and lethal as they fired over a point and saw a further long range free land in the back of the Lacken net. These two quick scores edged Lavey into a 2-7 to 2-5 lead but the Lacken spirit of never-say-die was evident as they drove forward in search of winning scores. With ten minutes of the game remaining Lacken had Lavey's lead down to two points 2-7 to 2-9. Lacken's resolve was finally eclipsed when Lavey were awarded a penalty in the final four minutes which gave them a cushion of five points 3-9 to 2-7. Lacken displayed admirable qualities as they went in search of scores but failed to register a badly needed goal which would have given them a life-line. A Thomas Brady point was all they had to show for their concerted efforts in the dying minutes. Lacken Celtic: Pauric Sorohan, Ollie Crowe, Shane Finnegan, Daniel Shanaghy, Declan Brady, Karl O'Reilly, Kevin Shanaghy, Michael Shanaghy (0-3), Thomas Brady (0-4), Jimmy Costello (1-0), Mel Brady, Sean McCusker, Niall McKiernan (1-1). Subs: Stephen Brady for Karl O'Reilly; Peter Moore for Ollie Crowe; Fergal Brady for Sean McCusker. Camogie The emergence of Lacken as the superior force in Cavan camogie was re-inforced again during the 2007 season when their senior side captured not only the Cavan championship and league double but went on to create their own piece of history when they won the Ulster Intermediate championship title. In domestic fair, Lacken retained their senior championship title when they overcame former Breffni County camogie kingpins, Castletara at O'Connell Park, Drumlane with a convincing 2-9 to 1-2 victory. Lacken displayed a commitment and determination right from the start that was to unsettle the challenge of Castletara and pave the way for the Celtics retaining their title. By the sixth minute, Roisin O'Keeffe fired over Lacken's first score, a point. This score was quickly followed with another point from O'Keeffe and one from Miranda Crowe. Castletara found themselves under a constant Lacken onslaught and by the fifteen minute were 0-6 to 0-0. Two points from Castletara on the close of the half saw Lacken's lead reduced to four points as the sides ended the first half 0-6 to 0-2. Lacken started the second-half as they did the first and thus curtailed Castletara's late first half emergence. Rosie Mulligan fired over Lacken's opening score of the second-half just after a minute and it looked as if the Celtics would run riot. However, Castletara, engineered a goal against the run of play which brought them within three points of Lacken. In a tense ten minute period, Lacken found themselves facing a resurgent Castletara attack and with the loss of the influential Rosie Crowe, who was red carded it looked as if Lacken might be in serious trouble. A spirited approach from the champions, despite being a player down, saw of the revitalised challenge of Castletara and when Rosie Mulligan hit her sides first goal, and Marie Brady slotted over a free, the destination of the title was now never in any doubt. Now with a commanding lead, Lacken put the game out of reach when Miranda Crowe pounced on a loose ball to nudge it past the Castletara goalkeeper for Lacken's second goal. Crowe was on hand in the dying seconds to fire over her sides last score, a point, to give Lacken a comfortable ten point victory. Lacken: Helena Brady, Sinead Brady, Maria Murphy, Fiona Crowe, Lisa Bennett, Catriona Leddy, Niamh Brady, Rosie Crowe, Andrea Lynch, Lisa McGauran, Marie Brady, Susan Mulligan, Rosie Mulligan, Miranda McIntyre, Roising O'Keeffe. Sub used: Linda Crowe. Just over a month later, Lacken and Castletara met once again, this time in the senior camogie league final. As a contest this was much more competitive as the final scoreline indicates Lacken 2-7 Castletara 1-7. The sides were deadlocked at half-time 0-6 to 1-3 with Castletara registering a well taken goal just as the short whistle sounded. The Blues were in no mood to allow Castletara edge ahead and an early point at the start of the second half from Roisin O'Keeffe. O'Keeffe pointed the way to victory when minutes later she rattled the back of the Castletara net to register Lacken's opening goal. Good work from Rosie Crowe and Andrea Lynch set up Lisa Magarahan who made no mistake with her effort as it sailed into the back of the Castletara net. This score gave Lacken a decisive lead, 2-7 to 1-5 with less than seven minutes remaining. The losers registered two more points but were unable to unlock the Lacken defence who stood firm against a final onslaught from Castletara. Historic Ulster title As representative of Cavan camogie, Lacken recorded an historic win in the Ulster Intermediate camogie championship wen they accounted for Derry champions, Ballinascreen in impressive fashion on a scoreline of 8-6 to 2-8. Ballinascreen travelled to Crowe Park, sporting the tag of favourites, as they had successfully managed to hold their previous two opponents in the early rounds of the competition, scoreless. The game which was played in ideal conditions on a perfect surface, saw the Derry girls get off to the better start and had registered two points in as many minutes. It looked at this stage as if the Derry champions were full value for their favourites tag. However, the Lacken girls had other ideas and an inspirational point after a great run by Roisin O'Keeffee settled the Lacken nerves. While Ballinascreen replied almost immediately with a point it was Lacken who did most of the attacking during this early stage of the game. Some great Derry defensive work was keeping the Lacken girls at bay but a blistering ten minute spell finally opened up the Ballinascreen defence. It was Rosie Mulligan that set this game alight for Lacken when she raced through the Derry girls' defence to blast the ball past the helpless Ballinascreen keeper. A minute later, Marie Brady fired over a point. Lacken were now on a roll and a high lob from Rosie Crowe was pounced on by Rosie Mulligan who flicked it to the back of the oppositions net. Stunned by this further setback and the unending Lacken onslaught, the Oak Leafers were struggling to come to terms with the Lacken charge when further disaster struck when Rosie Mulligan completed her hat-trick of goals. To further compound their struggling position, Ballinascreen had the game practically put out of their reach when a Marie Brady free sailed all the way to the back of the Oak Leafer's net. With just over twenty minutes of the game gone, the Derry champions were displaying visible signs of shock. A magnificent run by Roisin O'Keeffee which ended in a brilliantly struck goal must have completely deflated the visitors. A determined effort from the visitors as the half time whistle approached was rewarded when they registered 1-2. Just as it seemed that they might have stalled the Lacken onslaught, a further goal from Roisin O'Keeffee and a Susan Mulligan point saw Lacken take a commanding 6-4 to 1-5 lead into their dressing at half time. The Oak Leafers commenced the second-half in determined mood and registered two early points, but a strong Lacken rearguard limited their chances to the minimum. With just ten minutes of the half gone, Roisin O'Keeffee slotted over a point and a minute later whatever hope the Derry champions habered, was finally deflated when Susan Mulligan registered Lacken's seventh goal. As if there was any doubt that history was in the making, Lacken sealed this historic victory with a goal and a point from Miranda McIntrye and Lisa Magarahan. Lacken: H. Brady, C. Leddy, M. Murphy, F. Crowe, L. Bennett, N. Brady, K. Fitzpatrick, A. Lynch, R. Crowe, S. Mulligan (1-1), Maire Brady (1-2), R. Mulligan (3-0), R. O'Keeffee (2-2), Lisa Magarahan (1-0), Miranda McIntyre (0-1). Ulster Senior B Championship final A supreme effort from the Lacken ladies saw them reach the Ulster senior camogie B championship final where they had to give way to a very strong Keady side. The Armagh champions while they ran out winners by 4-12 to 0-5 did not get things all their own way as Lacken battled throughout and in a golden ten minute period fired over five unanswered points. An early blistering opening from Keady ensured that a victory for the Cavan champions was always going to be difficult as they had amassed a total of 4-1 to effectively kill off the Lacken challenge. While defeat was the end result against a vastly more experienced side, Lacken will no doubt have gained valuable experience from this game and no doubt will be looking to go back next season and finish on a positive manner in this same competition. Ladies football Just like their camogie counterparts, Lacken's ladies created their own small piece of history when they captured their first ever Cavan ladies senior football championship title at Our Lady of Lourdes Park, Mullahoran, when they outplayed reigning champions, Knockbride in a high scoring and entertaining final. Trailing by four points at the half-way stage, a rejuvenated and fired up Lacken rocked the champions with three superbly struck goals from Catriona Leddy, Carmel Smith and Roisin O'Keeffe. Lacken got off to the worst of starts as Knockbride pierced their defence just three minutes into the game and slotted a neat shot to the back of net. This early score failed to unsettle a determined Lacken side and points from Roisin O'Keeffee and Catriona Leddy kept the champions in check. True to their champs tag, Knockbride pressed hard for the first quarter in the hope of stiffling the fight out of the champions to be, and had edged in front by 1-3 to 0-2 after fifteen minutes. Lacken's challenge gained a new and urgent impetus when centre-forward, Carmel Smith, worked her way through the Knockbride defence to register a superbly struck goal. Lacken's defence stood firm against a Knockbride onslaught which saw the teams separated by a mere four points at half-time 1-7 to 1-3. Some straight talking during the interval by the Lacken management paid dividends as a rejuvenated side took the pitch for the second-half. The half was just two minutes old when Carmel Smith had registered Lacken's second goal and now the game was well and truly on. Two minutes later, Roisin O'Keeffee had the sides level when she fired over a point with just five minutes gone. Spurred on by last year's final defeat, Lacken jumped into the lead with a superbly struck by Roisin O'Keeffee. Now firmly in the ascendency, Lacken edged further ahead with a point from a free from Catriona Leddy. Leddy was on hand again midway through the half to capitalise on a Knockbride defensive error as she registered her sides fourth goal. In true championship style, Knocbride were determined not to relinquish their crown without a fight and had the ball in the back of the Lacken with ten minutes of the game remaining. Lacken now held a 4-6 to 2-7 lead as the game was heading into the final eight minutes. Knockbride chipped away at the Lacken lead and registered four points without reply to reduce the Lacken lead to two points. With tension palable and both sides trying to wrestle the decisive score up stepped Lacken's Catriona Leddy to ensure that this was going to be Lacken's day and a historic occasion when she riffled her shot to the back of the Knocbride net. To their credit, Knockbride battled through to the final whistle but found on the day, a Lacken defence that was impenetrable. Lacken Celtic: Lily O'Reilly, C. Smith (2-0), J. Moore, A. M. Moynagh, S. O'Keeffee, N. McInerney, M. McIntyre, R. Crowe, A. McIntyre, S. King, C. Leddy (2-4), J. Maguire, A. Lynch, E. Galligan, R. O'Keeffee (1-2). League title Lacken ladies completed the double of senior championship and league titles when they overcame reigning champions, Knockbride at Killinkere in a lively contested by 3-10 to 2-7. Lacken started in a whirlwind fashion and and had registered a point in the opening minute. An early penalty which was slotted cooly to the back of the Knockbride net by Eireann Galligan gave Lacken the perfect start. A stalwart Lacken defence kept Knockbride chances to a minimum and with the Lacken forwards showing great accuracy, they soon had a seven point lead 1-4 to 0-0 after just ten minutes. With Lacken dominating at midfield, Knockbride had to battle extremely hard to register scores and could count themselves fortunate to be only three points adrift at half time 1-5 to 0-5. It was Knockbride to started the brighter in the second-half registering a goal in the opening minute to level affairs. Knockbride's new urgency only seemed to ingnite the Lacken response and two points from Roisin O'Keeffee and a goal from Catriona Leddy stalled the champions comeback. With the game now entering the final ten minutes, Lacken's influential midfielder, Rosie Crowe and Carmel tagged on further points to give their side a great safety barrier. Knocbride must surely have thought they had a way back into the game with five minutes remaining when they scorched through the Lacken defence to register their second goal. Their joy was short-lived as the Lacken girls response was swift and final as Roisin O'Keeffee latched unto a pass from Carmel Smith to slot home Lacken's third goal and effectively seal victory for her side. Lacken Celtic: E. Brady, S. King, J. Moore, A. M. Moynagh, M. McIntyre, N. McInerney, S. O'Keeffee, Aisling McInerney, R. Crowe, E. Galligan, J. Maguire, R. O'Keeffee, C. Leddy, C. Smith. Subs: Linda Shanaghey, Andrea Lynch. Jimmy Galligan The Lacken club had a singular honour bestowed upon one of their members, Jimmy Galligan, when he was awarded the top accolade of refereeing the Cavan senior football championship final between Cavan Gaels and Gowna. This was an honour richly deserved for this 'knight of the whistle. Jimmy has been refereeing in the top flight of Cavan football for a number of years and is accepted as one of the leading officials in the Breifni County. His many years as playing member of Lacken Celtic has given Jimmy an insight into how players approach a game. His even and no-nonsense approach is well recognised and respected by all within the county. Tweet

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