Having secured the Cavan senior football championship trophy back in 2006, Mullahoran were bitterly disapppointed to have departed at the semi-final stage of the 2007 competition against neighbours Gowna. Mullahoran are a club who make no secret of their ambitions, having over the years secured the services of top profile managers in their bid to succeed. This progressive attitude is something that has permeated throughout the club both to the juvenile and ladies clubs who in their own right are leading forces in their respective competitions. This progressive outlook is not only confined to the playing arena as Mullahoran have over the past twelve months developed their infrastructure to a level comparable to the top clubs in the country. To understand this drive you only have to speak to their chairman, Noel O'Reilly. When Noel talks about Mullahoran, the pride, passion and belief not only in the club but the parish of Mullahoran resonates from his heart. The pride in his club is matched by a burning enthusiasm not only to place the footballing side as the major force in Cavan but his driving ambition to set the club up as focal point for the community are well on the way to fruition. "I am now going into my fourth year as chairman of the club and I feel just as honoured and committed as I did when I was first appointed. I suppose when I look back over the past few years, we at Mullahoran, and I stress we, as anything that has been achieved has been done with the help of very active club officials and a willing parish effort," stated Noel. "I suppose one of our greatest successes is the least visible to most people at the county and that is the restructuring of our juvenile club. For a number of years we were finding it difficult to field teams at certain age groups. We put in a concerted effort and with players and former players giving of their time and coaching ability we began to see a mark improvement. For the younger teams we had Damien O'Reilly and Ciaran O'Reilly while Danny 'The Gunner' Brady took charge of the U-16s and minors. To form a sense of indentity with the club we provided all the underage players with club jerseys and tee-shirts. This had an immediate impact and it is great to see all the young children of the parish wearing their club colours when Mullahoran are playing," stated the chairman. "At juvenile level in 2007 we had some great success. We reached finals at U-16, U-14 and U-12 winning both the U-16 and U-12. Our U-12s virtually came out of nowhere but through the dedicated coaching of Damien and Ciaran O'Reilly we suddenly found ourselves with a group of talented and skillful players. With over twenty players in this group we would be hoping to keep them together as a unit right through the ranks up to senior level, thus ensuring the future of the club for years to come," stated an enthusiastic Noel. When asked how he felt about their exiting at the semi-final stage of SFC Noel was pragmatic in his answer. "For twenty minutes we looked to be coasting but got caught with two sucker goals, and never really recovered. This can happen to any team and unfortunately it was us on the day. It was a turbulent year managerial wise. Justin McNulty who led us to the championship title in 2006 opted out in early February. He took up a position with St. Brigid's, in Dublin citing that logistically it was more prudent for him with less travelling. This left us in a bind as the calibre of manager that we have at Mullahoran needs to be ratified well in advance. We had Michael Moyles from Mayo doing the training while former club manager, Paul Bealin, who was manager of Wexford, gave us a supporting hand but was unable to give us a fulltime commitment. We eventually secured the services of Tommy Dowd, after Meath exited from the All Ireland series. Tommy and clubman, Damien O'Reilly took charge as the club were approaching the championship. All in all it was not an ideal preparation for a good run in the championship. As they say the rest is history. We gave the championship a good shot and I feel if we had not conceded the second goal against Gowna then we certainly could have been in a strong position to make it to another final. Fair play to Gowna, when they got on top they showed why they were a major force in Cavan football for many years," stated the Mullahoran chairman. When asked about the appointment of high profile managers at Mullahoran, Noel was forthright in his answer: "As chairman I felt that we needed to bring the club back to the position it once held. The securing of top flight high profile managers was just part of the plan. I felt that the calibre of players and the commitment put in by them deserved the required asset of a top class manager. To this end we have had some great men at the helm at Mullahoran over my period of time. Men of the calibre of Paul Bealin, P. J. Buckley, Justin McNulty/Kieran McGeeney and Tommy Dowd all provided valuable coaching input. These were coaches with strong individual characters and a good insight into football, proof of this, many of them have since gone on to manage inter-county teams. "Having lost out in 2007 it was decided to seek a prominent appointment and in doing so secure the services of a manager to be put in place long before the new season commenced. To this end we were fortunate to acquire the services of former Tyrone county player, Paschal Canavan. Paschal made a commitment to us that he would come on board when he finished playing with his club Errigal Ciaran. This he has done and with his appointment, a rejuvenated effort has come from the Mullahoran players. Having basically ended our playing season early in 2007 the entire squad have now returned more focused and determined. We are seeing players like Danny Brady, Christy Sheils, Danny Mel Reilly, Eamon Brady and a very committed Paul Brady coming to training with a spring in their step and enthusiasm more akin to newcomers than to more seasoned players. Paschal is getting a great response to his training. We train on Friday night and Sunday mornings. His backroom team of trainer, Brendan Traynor, from Tyrone is complimented with local selector Padraig "Larry" O'Reilly who has been on the team management for the past few years. Padraig knowledge of the players and past campaigns gives a continuity to the new management team that will be invaluable. We will now approach the new season with the emphasis of trying to win every game thus using the league as a building block to the championship. We have a small panel of players and it is important that we stay healthy and injury free. We also have supplied two players to the county team, Dermot Sheridan and Eddie O'Reilly and hopefully they will be able to come through a tough inter-county league and championship campaign injury free. With Paul Brady now making a supreme effort for the club, I cannot understand how he is omitted from the county panel. Paul is a player of exceptional talent and would grace any county panel," stated Noel. Noel also said that while it was easy to mention the progress on the playing field that it was be remiss of him not to mention the effort put in by the people of the parish. "In Mullahoran we have a vibrant parish with the people of the locality strong in their support of the efforts being put in at the club. We have over the past few years made great infrastructural improvements. We have upgraded our playing field, state of the art floodlights, put in place a running track, perimeter fence, constructed a 1.5 million euro sports complex, housing an indoor training area, gym, and all the ancilliary assets. The new sports complex is widely used by all the people of the parish as is also the running track. The facilities at the Our Lady of Lourdes Park are much in demand by both clubs and county teams from Cavan and elsewhere. Indeed we hosted a round of the Sigerson Cup there recently when QUB played NUIG. A proud moment for all us at the club was the hosting of the Cavan G.A.A. County Board Convention in our new sports complex. This was a fitting tribute to us at the club. The complex is named after one of Mullahoran's and Cavan's greatest sons, John P. Wilson. The club have also acquired some land adjacent to the present field and it is envisaged that a training field and carpark will be put in place sometime in the future. All of the above, Noel stresses, has been achieved through the dedicated efforts of committed club members with people like Colm Brady, secretary, Rosie Reilly, treasurer and Vice Chairman, Tony Lynch always to the fore. The people of Mullahoran have to be commended as they have put their money where it counts. We run a 200 draw which is being run over a five year period with an annual outlay of six hundred euro. This is a sizeable commitment for anyone and it is not lost on us at the club who fully appreciate this huge effort from the Mullahoran people," stated Noel. No doubt, Noel's drive has been the guiding force to the vast improvements both on and off the field and his boundless energy could be harnessed at a high level when he wishes to step down from his club duties. Juvenile football While the club's senior team has consistently been in the top stratus over the years, culminating in their magnificent senior championship victory 2006, the youth at the club have been following suite with some impressive displays at U-16, 14 and 12. At the juvenile club it was a year of finals with the U-16s producing a powerpacked display to overcome Lavey in the Division 2 league final at Crubany by 2-9 to 0-5. While the final score saw Mullahoran win by ten points it does not do justice to a gallant effort from a determined Lavey side. Indeed but for the inform display of goalkeeper Sean Briody, the Lavey side might have edged much closer to the winners. The personal display and scoring tally of Enda Reilly who amassed 2-5 proved to be the real difference between these two sides. While the first half was evenly contested, Lavey saw many of their chances foiled by Mullahoran keeper, Sean Briody, who proved to be unbeatable on the day. Mullahoran were much sharper up front and took their chances while Lavey failed to do so. While the half time score read 2-3 to 0-4 in favour of Mullahoran it was far from a one sided half. A concerted Lavey effort at the start of the second half, failed to produce any real tangible results as once again Briody was in superb form in goals thwarting the Lavey comeback. It took an Enda Reilly point free ten minutes into this half to settle Mullahoran nerves and in doing so set the seal on this victory. With the heavy underfoot conditions taking its toll on both teams, Mullahoran by virtue of their big lead seemed to gain in confidence as Lavey's challenge floundered. Mullahoran: S. Briody, D. Dolan, C. Fitzsimons, K. Reilly, R. Fagan, K. Brady, S. Brady, N. Smith, M. Brady, E. Rabbitte, D. Cadden (0-1), A. Sheridan, M. Reilly, E. Reilly (2-5), R. Lynch (0-3). Sub: Tomas Sheridan. U14s Mullahoran found themselves on the wrong end of the result in this final against a powerful Killinkere team that steam-rolled their way to victory in this Roinn D U-14 championship final at Kingspan Breffni Park. Mullahoran would be the first to say that Killinkere deserved their 12-4 to 2-4 victory but what the scoreline fails to reveal is the spirited performance put in by the Mullahoran side inspite of the mounting scoreline. This was a final that Mullahoran displayed an edge to the team that showed that through great coaching, this side never once dropped their heads and gamefully battled against the rising storm produced by the winners. A blistering opening ten minutes saw Killinkere pumell the Mullahoran defence and in that brief opening more or less had the game won when scored a staggering 4-3 to 0-1. This early onslaught ensured that Mullahoran were always going to be playing catch-up. A goal from James Brennan with twenty-three minutes of the game gone gave Mullahoran some hope but a determined flourish by the winners saw them increase their tally and end the half with an eighteen point lead 7-3 to 1-3. From the restart of the second-half, Killinkere showed that they had no intentions of sitting their lead and had amassed a further three goals by the midway mark. With the game entering the final minutes, Killinkere tagged on a two more goals but it was Mullahoran who had the final say, a goal from Kerry Byrne. Mullahoran: W. O'Reilly, James Brennan (1-0), Daniel O'Reilly, Derek Dalton, Geraldine Sheridan (0-1), Paul King, Michael Cullen, Bernardine Brady, Ryan Smith, Kerry Byrne (1-1), Fionan O'Reilly, Paul O'Reilly, Kevin O'Reilly (0-2). Subs used: Diarmuid Fitzsimons, Aaron Fegan, Bart Nannery, Tadgh McGraham, Adam Mulcahy. U12s win in thriller An impressive first half-display helped Mullahoran capture the U-12 Roinn B championship title when they overcame a spirited Shercock side at Kingspan Breffni Park by 6-4 to 4-8 in a thrilling a final. Played under ideal conditions, Mullahoran produced a whirlwind first half performance where they notched up fourteen point half-time lead, 5-3 to 0-4 to give them the platform to survive a spirited Shercock second-half comeback. Shercock's second-half performance pinned the Mullahoran defence back on its heels but strong rearguard defensive action from Daniel O'Reilly and Tadgh McGahern helped their side limit the damage of the Shercock attack. A Finian O'Reilly converted free helped calm Mullahoran nerves but Shercock persisted and but for some excellent Mullahoran defending helped see off the challenge of the east Cavan club. This was a tremendous victory for Mullahoran who displayed both sides of the football coin, flair and great attacking form in their first half performance and a steeley second-half rearguard display. The main feature of this great victory was Mullahoran's ability to stay calm under pressure and it was this as much as their first half scoring prowess that secured this title. Mullahoran: W. O'Reilly, Glen Brady, Diarmuid Fitzsimons, Christopher Dalton, Ryan Kiernan, Daniel O'Reilly, Tadgh McGahern, Finian O'Reilly (1-1), Aaron Fegan (1-0), Nial McGahern (0-1), Shane Sheils (1-1), Paul O'Reilly (2-0), David O'Reilly (1-0), Sean McKeogh, Cian O'Reilly (0-1). Ladies football A vibrant and thriving ladies club at Mullahoran is a powerful force in Cavan ladies football. Evidence of this is the continuing progress made at all levels with 2007 being no exception. An impressive 2-7 to 3-2 win over Templeport in the Division 2 league final earned Mullahoran the right of passage to play their football in Division for 2008. Emer O'Reilly opened the scoring for Mullahoran with a point after four minutes. With both sides wasting chances, Mullahoran got the perfect tonic when Una Brady crashed her shot to the back of the Templeport net, Mullahoran's joy was short lived as Niamh Gilbride countered with a similar score for the losers. Mullahoran hit the front with points from Aine Brady and Geraldine Sheridan. With half-time approaching Templeport caught the Dreadnoughts flat-footed as they registered their second goal to give them a half-time lead of 2-1 to 1-3. Mullahoran made a concerted effort at the start of the second-half and were handsomely rewarded with a Breda Smith goal. Two furhter points from Emer Reilly helped give the Dreadnoughts a cushion against any comeback from Templeport but a missed penalty from Mullahoran only seemed to inspire the West Cavan girls. Registering a goal and a converted penalty Templeport now had the game deadlocked. Cool heads and no small amount of skill saw Mullahoran work the ball upfield where Geraldine Sheridan showed the way to victory with an excellently taken point. A converted free from Emer Reilly as time was ebbing away was enough to see Mullahoran take the title and secure their place in Division 1. Mullahoran: P. Beglan, C. Brady, J. A. Sheridan, M. McGahern, L. Reilly, K. Byrne, M. Sheridan, E. Reilly, L. Sheridan, A. Brady, B. Smith, K. Smith, U. Brady, G. Sheridan, J. A. Brady. Sub: Bernadine Brady. U16 ladies complete double Mullahoran retained their U-16 nine-a-side league title in a high scoring encounter against Knockbride at Crowe Park, Lacken. A super-charged display of fitness and skill saw Mullahoran ease past the challenge of Knockbride on a scoreline of 5-15 to 2-6. Throughout this final, Knockbride's defence found themselves under severe pressure and by half-time Mullahoran had accrued an unasailable lead of 2-6 to 0-2. Mullahoran set the tone of this victory with a blistering opening ten minutes of the second half when they registered three further goals from Aoife McGahern, Kate Smith and Geraldine Sheridan. To their credit, Knockbride battled gamely and registered two goals of their own but an in-form Niamh Brennan in the Mullahoran goal, was not in any mood to allow the east Cavan side any backdoor into this final. Mullahoran were value for this victory displaying great composure and skill against a determined and battling Knockbride side. Mullahoran panel: Niamh Brennan, Sheila Reilly, Mona Sheridan, Aoife McGahern, Kerrie Byrne, Donna McGahern, Kate Smith, Sarah Comiskey, Geraldine Sheridan, Shauna Wilson, Edel McGahern, Nicole Wilson, Aine Reilly, Bernadene Brady, Niamh Campbell, Amanda Brady, Amy Sheilds, Aisling O'Reilly, Karen Dolan. Played under lights at Kingspan Breiffni Park, Mullahoran completed the U-16 double when they outplayed Knockbride 1-14 to 1-4 in this U-16 A championship final. From the start, Mullahoran stamped their authority on this final and with points from Sarah Comiskey, Geraldine Sheridan and Kate Smith looked set to steamroll their way to this victory. Credit to the Knockbride they regrouped and battled hard against the advancing Mullahoran challenge. With Mona Sheridan in dominating form at midfield, Mullahoran increased their lead with a superbly taken goal from Geraldine Sheridan. Further points from Bernadene Brady and Kate Smith gave the Dreadnoughts a 1-5 to 0-1 half-time lead. The second-half was just three minutes old when Geraldine Sheridan rattled over a well taken point. Knockbride try to mount a challenge but further points from Mullahoran gave them a winning platform as they now led by 1-11 to 0-4 halfway through the second-half. While Knockbride did manage to breech the Mullahoran defence for a goal, it was all too little to cause an upset against a well oiled Dreadnoughts team. Mullahoran: N. Brennan, S. Reilly, Donna McGahern, K. Bierne, A. reilly, E. McGahern, M. Sheridan, B. Brady, K. Smith, S. Comiskey, A. McGahern, S. Wilson, G. Sheridan. Subs: Nicole Wilson, Amanda Brady, Amy Shields, Aisling Reilly. Super U14s Just like their older counterparts, Mullahoran's U-14 girls threw of the tag of underdogs, to capture the league title and in doing so defeat reigning champions, Lurgan in the process. This was not a facile win but a victory forged through excellent team work and the final scoreline of 3-11 to 1-8 was evidence of this. The game which was played at St. Matthew's Park, Crosskeys attracted a large crowd but the sense of occasion did little to hamper the underdogs, as they cast aside their nerves and began to sytematically undo the champions. While Mullahoran were on top of their game, they needed to be as Lurgan showed that as champions there were not about to relinquish their crown easily. The sides exchanged scores in an evenly contested opening half but a goal from Aisling Sheridan helped give Mullahoran a four point lead at the break, 1-6 to 0-5. Lurgan had a dream start to the second-half when a high lobbing ball found its way to the back of the Mullahoran net to leave just one point between the sides. The youthful Mullahoran girls held their nerve and repulsed the Lurgan renewed resurgence and finally put an end to the challenge from the east Cavan side when they registered the second goal from a long range from Nicole Smith. This score energised the Dreadnoughts and points from Geraldine Sheridan (2), Kerrie Byrne and Bernadene Brady set the seal to this victory. Mullahoran: V. Cadden, Aisling Reilly, Sile Reilly, Cloddagh Comiskey, Kerrie Byrne, Susan Reilly, Geraldine Sheridan, Bernadene Brady, Nicola Smith, Amy Shields, Aisling Sheridan, Nicole Wilson, Emma McGahern. Subs: Melissa Comiskey, Sarah Moyles, Aoife Brennan, Laura Sholze, Seana Brady, Leanne O'Reilly, Gemma O'Reilly, Karen Dolan. Girls U12s loose out It too a superb second-half performance from Ballyhaise to wrestle this title, the Cavan U-12 girls football B championship, away from a determined Mullahoran side. The game which was played at New Inns, saw Mullahoran go under by 4-8 to 1-4. In an evenly contested first half, the sides were separated by the mearest of margins, one point, at half-time Ballyhaise 2-2 Mullahoran 1-4. The opening ten minutes of the second half saw this final slip away from Mullahoran as Ballyhaise registered 2-5 during that spell to effectively kill off the Mullahoran challenge. Mullahoran: Deirdre Cullen, Aoife Brennan, Tara Brennan, Kate Cullen, Shauna Brady, Melissa Comiskey, Aisling Sheridan, Sarah Rebbitte, Laura Sholts, Amy Coyle, Megan McKeogh. Virbrant Hurling club The feel good factor at the Mullahoran is not confined to solely to football as the hurlers at the club are champions in their own right. The senior team have been one of the foremost forces in Cavan hurling for the past number of years and in 2007 regained their senior championship crown. The future of the club is in good hands as the U-12s also won their respective championship crown when they overcame a spirited Drumlane. The senior team showed that they are a class apart from the remainder of the county with a facile victory over Cavan Gaels by 5-18 to 0-4. Played at Ballyconnell the St. Joseph's proved much too strong for the town side. While the first half produced a fairly even contest with Mullahoran holding a 1-7 to 0-2 interval lead, this was as a good at it got for the Gaels. In a power-packed second-half display, Mullahoran's superior skill and fitness proved all too much for the challengers. Mullahoran: Damien Sheridan, Sean Og Brady, Damien Brady, Sean Fitzsimons, Martin McArdle, Anthony Sheridan (0-4), Barry Dalton, Stephen Brady, Dominic Crudden (0-2), Ronan O'Hagan (0-6), Edward Dalton (0-3), Hugh Briody (0-1), Philip Brady (0-2), Gerard Clerkin (4-0), Andrew Donohoe. Subs used: Sean Farrell (1-0). Tweet

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