Redhills 2007 season will be remembered for the standard of football they brought to Division 2. Displaying a will to play, executed by no shortage of skill, this small club provided a refreshing breath of air to Cavan football throughout the year. Indeed, the young guns from the border club, under the management of former Cavan player, Ollie Leddy, held their own in the Division and provided many of the 'fancied' top teams with searing tests overcoming some of them at crucial times when promotion had eluded them and their more illustrious counterparts with all to play for. Indeed if there was an accolade or trophy handed out for sheer football then the young charges of Redhills would surely win it hands down. Under the management of Ollie Leddy, selectors Peter O'Reilly, Philip Brides and team trainer - selector Owen McPhillips, this group, many of whom were tasting senior football for the first time, and still playing in the minor team, showed that under careful and astute management that youthfullness can bring a refreshing outlook to the game. When the Breffni Blue caught up with team trainer, Owen McPhillips, it was his passion for the border club, the players and officials which was the dominant theme. Owen was quick to point out that as a club, Redhills, because of its geographical location, was always going to be at a disadvantage, with Belturbet, the other team in the parish, having the greatest urban sprawl and the greater pick. Hemmed in by Butlersbridge, Drung and Ballyhaise, the club has also a number of Fermanagh and Monaghan clubs at its back door. Owen who hails from the Redhills area and lives in Ballyhaise has a proven track record at football. As a member of the team management of the Ballyhaise Agricultural College football squad along with Jim Nevin and Michael Swords, who won the All Ireland back in 1995, he has since gone on to win a Junior championship with Redhills, promotion from Division 3 to Division 2 and recently managed the Ballyhaise Agricultural College football team who won the Agri Colleges All Ireland seven a side. Club chairman, Mickey Reilly, who had carefully hand picked a management team back in 2004 had earmarked former county player, Ollie Leddy to act as manager with club stalwarts, Philip Brides and Peter Reilly acting as selectors, headed hunted the services of Owen to take up the position as team trainer. The chairman's selection paid handsome dividends as Redhills won a junior championshp and promotion to Division 2. "As a team management the four of us have been with the club for four years and throughout that period we were aware of what was needed to survive and win something in Division 2. We had just survived in a relegation play-off against Butlersbridge to stay in Division 2 in 2006 and with the loss of one of the club's stalwarts, Mickey Rudden, who had retired after a long and illustrious career added to the loss of one of the side's most inspirational players, Michael Brides, the 2007 league campaign was looming as a daunting task. Michael Brides, had returned to studying in Dublin and was unable to make the kind of commitment he himself would like to give so he opted out. Michael was a county player and team captain the previous year so his absence was a severe blow for the 2007 season," stated Owen. Fresh approach While the 2007 season was beginning to seem that it would have a dark and gloomy start a new and fresh approach to revitalise and invigerate the team was needed. "A fresh approach was needed to create a buzz and and put us into the positive frame of mind to start the new season. We were aware of the calibre of teams in the Division and knew that it was always going to be extremely competitive, with at least six teams capable of gaining enough points to fight it out for promotion. We were very fortunate that we had a number of excellent minor players who were now coming on stream and were promptly annexed unto the senior squad. The introduction of Mark and Ciaran Kelly, Joe Callan, Fergal McDermott, Oisin Minagh and Ciaran Smith was to prove to be of vital importance. We also had Rory Dunne who was also a minor but had been on the senior team for the previous two years. Both Rory and Oisin Minagh were members of the Cavan minor team and as such were not available to us for the commencement of the league campaign. What these young minors lacked in experience they made up for with a youthful zest for the game aligned with a great deal of talent. We as a team management could deem ourselves blessed to have so many young talented players coming on stream at the same time," stated Owen. While Owen feels that the young 'turks' of Redhills deserve all the credit they got, he is quick to point out that the 'older' members of the squad many of them in their middle twenties were a stabilising factor in helping to settle and create a football atmosphere where the minors could blossom and express themselves. "We have players like the West brothers, Pierce and Ciaran, both of whom when they don the jersey are totally committed and would never be found wanting. You had players of the calibre of Colm 'Rocky' Reilly, Paddy Gumley, two of the club's most lethal attackers, while not the tallest men in the side were great ball winners, physically strong and had the football acumen to dictate and determine the outcome of games. James Smith and Adrian Fitzpatrick, were seasoned veterans, and still in their early twenties who along with Mark Smith (the oldest member of the team), were to give the defence a solid platform. Our team captain for 2007, was goalkeeper, Fintan Reilly, who proved to be an inspiring appointment. His goalkeeping qualities are on a par with the best in the country and his leadership skills proved invaluable in what was to prove an interesting season. We also had the highly influential Brendan Leddy, who lined out at midfield, but due to injury and work commitments was not always available. Alan Dunne who was an inspiration during our great run in the junior ranks was also added to the injury list. With the return of the talented Brian Reilly, the club had hoped they had acquired a player who not only could play football but would be a major influence. However, Brian was dogged by minor injuries throughout 2007 which was a setback and as such we only saw glimpses of his talent." From the start of the 2007 season, Redhills opened with a flourish and had amassed twelve points in seven games. This was a phenemonal start and ensured we would not be in the relegation side of the table when it came to the end of the year. This successful early start now put us in a position where we were up among the fancied teams to win promotion and but for a set of circumstances over the next four games which we narrowly lost we would have had a major say in the outcome of the promotion race as I feel we would have been there at the end of the year fighting to see who got the two top positions. The loss through injury to the talented and influential Alan Brady and Brendan Leddy at a vital time in the league when we came up against the more physical sides in the Division was to prove a step too far for this young Redhills side. Indeed, on a number of occasions, we did enough to win some of those encounters but had to settle for second place. We lost four games on the trot and morale which had previously been very high was now as would be expected pretty low as we moved into the championship season", stated the club trainer. "With sudden death being introduced for the 2007 championship season and the losers going into a relegation battle, it was always going to be a tough call for this young team many of whom were experiencing senior championship football for the first time. Our lack of experience saw us lose out to Cootehill in the first round and propelled us into the relegation play-offs where we once again lost out narrowly to Bailieboro. We played reasonably well in the championship games we lost but our failure to take our chances proved costly. We now had to face Killinkere in a relegation play-off and we did not want to go back to play in the junior championship. The team, despite having lost their previous championship games had now matured and with a gritty determination overcame the challenge from Killinkere. I feel if we had been in a group stage like previous years then we could have matured with less pressure. The club was now safe in the knowledge that they would be in the Intermediate championship again next year. The championship campaign brought on the minor players with county minor star, Oisin Minagh, showing that he is a real talent for the future," stated Owen. With the end of the championship, Redhills emerged as the team that would have the most influence on the outcome for the promotion race in Division 2. In a very tightly fought contest for the top positions, four teams were vying for the two top places, Killygarry, Lavey, Drumgoon and Knockbride. Redhills who had just missed out on their own hopes in getting into the play-offs for promotion were to wield the final outcome and the death knell for some of the promotional hopefuls. "With just three games left in the league, we were out of the promotional race but we played with great determination and pride, which should give us hope for 2008 that we can compete and beat the best of the division. We travelled to Drumgoon, who had been league leaders for most of the season and forged a magnificent victory. We then took this performance into our next game against Lavey another of the table-toppers and with a weakened side we were unfortunate to end up with a draw. With many of our regular team out through injury, the performance put in by players like Cormac Brides, Gary Kelly, Joe Callan and Oisin Moynagh should have resulted in a win not a draw. These two games had the effect that Lavey and Drumgoon had to go to a play-off to see who would join table toppers, Killygarry into Division 1 next year. In the final analysis we ended up in fifth position in a very tightly contested division just three points off the league winners Killygarry. This in itself should motiviate all the squad for 2008," stated Owen. "All in all it was a good year and one which will give them the confidence to go and try to gain promotion and win the Intermediate championship. This has been a tremendous journey which was not just about the players on the field but also about the people in the back ground. At management level, team manager, Ollie Leddy, proved to be a real players' man and had the trust and confidence of all his squad. As a former player of the highest calibre he was only too aware of the antics of players. Ollie had great respect for his players, was honest, fair and inciteful. As a former player, he was able to understand the needs and requirements of his team. His understanding of the player's requirements was also one of the key factors in our successes over the four years. Considering we are working of a 24 man panel and running two teams this understanding of players' needs was vital. "The work put in by Peter Reilly and Philip Brides was exemplary. Both of these men never missed a training session and would always be there to give support in their own way. Our physio, Mary Reilly, deserves special mention, not only is she always available to assist injured players, but her love for the Redhills cause is something that should be inspiring to all our players. As a management team we worked well and I feel have brought the team onto a new level. On a personal note, I will be standing down as team trainer and wish the entire squad and club the best for 2008. Even with a small squad, they have enough talent to create their own piece of history and make a bid for promotion to Division 1. No doubt, the great work being done at executive level by secretary, Geraldine West and club chairman, Mickey Reilly will have a major influence in the direction the club will take. I have no doubt that the new man for the incoming season they will have a side that is talented, capable and now experienced enough to win both league and championship. Youth Policy Owen was fully aware of the debt he and remainder of the team management owed to the great work put in at underage level by Paddy Moynagh and Thomas Martin who look after the younger age groups and liaise with fellow juvenile coaches Mickey Rudden and Kevin Smith. The work and coaching of the juvenile sides is in itself an academy of excellence. Proof of this has been the quality of players that have come on stream not only this year but for the past few years. Players like Oising Moynagh, Rory Dunne, Cormac Brides, Joe Callan, Fergal McDermott, Mark and Gary Kelly and Ciaran Smith are proof if such is needed of their excellent coaching qualifications. Tweet

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