Being one of the smallest clubs in the county Annaghminnon Rovers may not have the biggest playing panel, but in many ways they epitomise the strength and importance of the GAA as the passion of many dedicated individuals, both on and off the pitch, makes the club a vital part of the local community. When the club come to review the 2008 campaign, they may not be celebrating any of the major trophies in Junior football, but can reflect with a lot of pleasure on a year that saw impressive championship displays and with a bit more luck, the team could very well have been in the knock-out stages. Off the field of play the club have also made great strides as the completion of the upgrade of their clubrooms means that Annaghminnon can boast very impressive facilities at their Stonetown base. However, for the group of loyal and dedicated workers, it is on the field of play that they are hoping to make an impression, and according to PRO, Sean Murray, the displays this season show that the club has much potential. "We began the year in Division 3 with the aim of improving on last year. We would have finished near the lower end of the league so we were hoping to give a good account of ourselves and were looking for a good mid table finish and perhaps get into the top five or six. "Unfortunately, it didn't work out for us in the league as we didn't perform too well and once again found ourselves battling to stay off the foot of the table." However, when it came to the championship, Annaghminnon showed they have the potential to compete with the top teams on their day and after some fine displays, were very unfortunate not to make it to the quarter-final. Rovers, who famously won the Christy Bellew Cup in 2008, had the advantage of a full squad for most of the group games and according to the PRO that was a factor in helping them compete. "The difference from the league was that we were really focussed as a team. We are a small club with a small group of players so it is very difficult when are missing anyone and that was the case for much of the league. "However, everybody was about for the championship and that meant that we were able to give it a good shot." Annaghminnon faced a difficult start when they were drawn to face 2006 winners, St Kevins but despite their poor league form, Rovers dominated that game for long periods and looked to have earned a deserved victory when they led by 0-7 to 0-5 in the final minute. However, a huge stroke of luck allowed the Philipstown side to grab victory with a late goal and inflict a defeat that was to prove very costly at the end of the campaign. Despite that setback, Annaghminnon lifted themselves for their next meeting with Westerns and in their best display of the season scored a nine point win over the Reaghstown men, emerging with a 2-10 to 0-7 victory. Boosted by that victory, Annaghminnon then came up against John Mitchels and their self-belief was evident as the grabbed an injury-time goal through Aidan Kerr to seal victory. With two wins to their credit, Rovers were in a strong position going into the next game against Dowdallshill. Their hopes took a blow when they trailed by nine points just before the break but they fought back to within two points entering the final quarter. Unfortunately they left themselves too much to do and the Dundalk men held out for a 1-10 to 1-6 win. There was still a chance for Annaghminnon to qualify when they faced St Nicholas in the final group game, but despite their best efforts they suffered a 5-7 to 2-4 defeat and as a result just missed out on qualification by a single point. Despite going out, Sean Murray explained that there was much to be positive about. "In many ways we were happy with our performances but overall it was very disappointing to miss out having come so close. One more win would have put us through to the quarter-final and that would have represented a great boost for us. "Some of our displays were very good and that will give us great encouragement for next year when we will be looking to bring that form into the league and try to improve in the championship." Another factor that is offering encouragement for the club is the form of the Division 4C team who were very impressive throughout, while the club's efforts to introduce an underage programme have also been very successful, as Sean explained. "This year we introduced an underage programme led by Youth Officer, Stephen Finnegan, and that has gone down really well with teams at U7 and U9. This is the first time we have done this and the idea is to work at grassroots level to ensure we have a supply of players coming through. "It is very important that we do it as there is a lot more housing in the area in recent years and we have a good underage population. We don't want to lose players so it is vital for our future that we get players at the age used to wearing the red-and-white of Annaghminnon and making them part of the club." Annaghminnon also have reason to be satisfied with events off the field of play as 2008 saw them complete the extension to the clubrooms and Sean points out that this provides them with excellent facilities. "We started the work last year and have managed to get if finished this year and we are all delighted as the clubrooms are as good as any in the county. "It means that we not only have dressingrooms and showers but also a referees' room, players lounge and kitchen. We have recently erected new nets and poles behind the goals so we feel we are making good headway." Sean paid tribute to all who had helped out over the course of the year including Junior team manager, Christy Hughes, and Division 4C team manager, Joey Callan. He also thanked DKN for sponsoring the junior team and Tony Martin for sponsoring the underage teams. The 2008 Annaghminnon Rovers committee comprised: Chairman - Gerard Pepper, Secretary - David Kellett, PRO - Sean Murray, Youth Officer - Stephen Finnegan, and the long serving Pat Holland. Looking after the underage teams were, Stephen Finnegan, Sean Murray and Ronan Byrne. Tweet

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