O'Connells celebrate their 80th anniversary in 2009, and wishing them every success for the future is George McDonnell of former sponsors Standard Brands (Ireland) Ltd, who manufacture ZIP firelighters and barbeque liquid at their Castlebellingham plant. With their 80th anniversary rapidly approaching, O'Connells can reflect on a successful history while also looking to the future with much optimism. Currently operating at intermediate level after a brief sojourn in the senior ranks in the middle of this decade, the Castlebellingham outfit are hoping a return to the good times is just around the corner after St. Michael's wonderful achievement in winning this year's under 14 championship also currently contesting the under 21 County final. And with one of the best playing facilities of any GAA club in Louth, the future certainly looks bright. "It's a great club and I was delighted to see them win the under 14 championship this year," says proud Castlebellingham man George McDonnell, whose company Standard Brands (Ireland) Ltd were main sponsors to O'Connells for a number of years until this year when Kilsaran Credit Union have taken over the main sponsorship, coincidentally the Credit Union Chairman Patsy Murtagh is the son of honorary President of O'Connells Jim Murtagh. "This success, combined with the ongoing ground development, would suggest that a bright future lies ahead. All the right structures are in place for O'Connells to be around for another 80 years." Another highlight for O'Connells this year was the 25th anniversary celebration night in Bellingham Castle, which honoured the club's 1983 junior championship winning team. The club won the junior championship again in 1988, and were also finalists in 1999 when they lost to Dreadnots by a point. O'Connells lost the 2006 intermediate final to the Malachy's by the same margin, having competed at senior level in 2004 and '05 after gaining promotion via the league in 2003. With seasoned inter-county performers like Mark Stanfield, Stefan White and Stuart Reynolds leading by example, O'Connells made a big impact in their first foray into senior football in 2004. They had some excellent results in Division 1B of the league, and negotiated the group stage of the championship to set up a quarter-final clash with reigning champions St. Patrick's. In a memorable game at Dowdallshill, O'Connells gave their much-vaunted opponents the fright of their lives. They were within a point with two minutes remaining and would have pulled off the shock of the year had two goalscoring opportunities not struck the woodwork. "That was probably our most successful year, certainly in the last 10 years," remembers George, whose three sons Malcolm, Gordon and Norman have been deeply involved with the club in a playing, coaching and administrative capacity down the years. "But, as the players found out to their cost in 2005, it was difficult to repeat that and they were relegated back down to intermediate level. They almost bounced back the following year, losing the intermediate final to the Malachy's by a point. They've been striving to get back up to the senior grade ever since, but it hasn't happened for them so far." Under the management of Dessie Callan, O'Connells endured a disappointing 2008 intermediate championship which saw them make an early exit. Despite beating Dundalk Young Irelands and drawing with St. Joseph's, defeats to Roche Emmets, Clann na Gael and Dreadnots meant they failed to reach the knockout stage. They also missed out on a top-four finish in Division 2 of the league after a high-scoring defeat to Oliver Plunkett's. Ironically, St. Michael's under 14 triumph came at the expense of the Plunkett's. In early 2007, O'Connells revealed ambitious plans to redevelop their facilities and return the 'Grove' to its rightful place as one of the premier GAA club grounds in the county. The development, which incorporates a state-of-the-art clubhouse, is now almost complete, having been largely funded by the club's weekly lotto. O'Connells also received much welcome funding under the 2008 Sports Capital Programme to help offset the cost. George explains: "Although the work only started last year, a building development committee had been put in place as far back as five years ago to set the wheels in motion. "With players as young as six and seven, and a growing population to cater for, they identified the need for these new facilities and what they have now is one of the best grounds anywhere in Louth. The club can feel very proud of what it has achieved in this regard." In his capacity as general manager of Standard Brands - he has been with the company for the past 45 years - George always endeavours to support the club in any way he can. Established in 1957 as Kay Brothers, the company changed its name to Reckitt & Colman in 1960 before being taken over by Standard Brands in 2001. From its modern plant in Castlebellingham, Standard Brands manufactures ZIP firelighters for the Irish and European markets, as well as Canada and the USA. The company also produces ZIP barbeque liquid, which is the company's own branded lighter fluid for barbeques. Launched in Ireland in 1957, ZIP has grown into the leading home-fire making brand in Europe, Canada and the US for both indoor and outside occasions. With innovative expansion, the ZIP range has extended beyond firelighters to a complete range of safe, reliable, easy-ignition products for all occasions. ZIP's 50 years of success has made it synonymous with creating real fires at the heart of the home. Standard Brands firmly believe they offer the best home-fire products in the world, and based upon an innovative and entrepreneurial driven approach, are committed to keeping it that way. Standards Brands is one of the largest employers in the Castlebellingham area with a staff of 80. With winter upon us, this is the busiest time of the year for the company with demand for firelighters at its peak. However, as George points out, there is a year-round demand for their products in Ireland. "It's amazing the amount of people who still light a fire religiously every day. And I suppose you couldn't blame them with the weather we've had over the last two summers," says George, who is married to Una and have 3 grand children Darragh, Hannah and Sarah. Like all Louth football supporters, George was disappointed with the team's performances this year, but remains hopeful that a major breakthrough isn't far away. "After their good run in 2006, they seemed to take a step backwards last year. They got the toughest championship draw they could have got in Dublin, and the manner of the defeat knocked their confidence. Hopefully, they can build it back up next year and get a decent championship run." In conclusion, George says: "I would like to take this opportunity to wish O'Connells all the best in the future. They are a fantastic club and have all the facilites to go from strength to strength in the years to come." Tweet

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