Na Piarsaigh enjoyed another extraordinary year in 2008. The Black and Ambers finished runners-up in both the intermediate football championship and Division Two, their performances consistently impressive as the Rock Road men once more enjoyed their best-ever campaign. They may not have got the rewards they deserved but senior football surely beckons for this talented and hard-working group of players. By Gerry Robinson So, is the glass half full or half empty? Assessing the lie of the land after Na Piarsaigh's narrow one-point defeat to Dreadnots in the 2008 Louth IFC decider, one would have to conclude that the glass in the Holy Family parish is 90% full and will soon be overflowing. It's not a normal glass, either; it's a tankard. For a second successive year, Na Piarsaigh finished higher than ever in the Wee County pecking order. With a fantastic crop of committed footballers at their disposal, more belief than a stadium full of born-again Christians, and a fired-up management team, Na Piarsaigh are better equipped than ever to make the step-up to senior fare in 2009. The team received a major boost at the end of last season when management duo Damian Shields and Pearse Craven confirmed that they'll stay on at the helm for a third successive term. The pair have been instrumental in most of Na Piarsaigh's recent success and the bond between players and management is such that they'll be a major force to reckon with once more when the new season commences. The continuity in the backroom comes as a major boost, but Shields is not slow in commending the hunger, discipline, effort, work rate and maturity of the players, pointing out at the top of our conversation that there is no doom or gloom in the clubhouse despite the agonising nature of that intermediate final loss: "The atmosphere in the clubhouse is fantastic," the co-manager reveals. "The players gave a great response to losing the final. We played five games after the county final - including one against Dreadnots, who needed to win to have any chance of topping the division, while we had nothing to play for - and we won all five convincingly. We beat Dreadnots by nine points [2-13 to 0-10] that day and we done over the other teams emphatically as well. That was precisely the sort of response we had been looking for. We ran riot in the Top Four competition, and the players showed tremendous character to keep their heads up. We ended up winning the Top Four by default when other teams pulled out, but it meant absolutely nothing to be honest" The management were delighted by the spirit the players showed under difficult circumstances towards the tail-end of a long and difficult season. They never let their heads drop for a second. "As soon as the season ended, the lads were straight back to the gym - and that was without us watching over them. They feel themselves that they left it behind them and they can't wait to have another go. "It's amazing to think that the following Thursday, after the intermediate final, they went out and hammered Sean McDermotts [3-16 to 0-6]. That was the ideal way to get over a gut-wrenching one-point defeat. Other clubs would be looking to see if they could get 15 players out for that game, but our lads deserve tremendous credit. To be honest, they lifted us [the management]. We were feeling a bit down and deflated but the players gave us a massive boost by the manner in which they responded. We have the players and we have the hunger, too, so Please God next year will be the one." Na Piarsaigh finished off their competitive season with a 5-15 to 1-4 drubbing of town rivals Clan na Gael. It was an emphatic climax to their best-ever season and an excellent way of laying down a marker for 2009. How much satisfaction does Damian take from the shift in the balance of power in the north county town? How satisfying is it to see Na Piarsaigh right up there in the mix to become Dundalk's strongest club? "I don't want to sound cocky, but we don't think about that. We are building towards a serious Joe Ward challenge and we have focused beyond where we are by setting our targets high. You have to aim high; otherwise you won't realise your full potential. We are constantly playing senior clubs and either beating them or competing with them. We can give them all a run and we're measuring ourselves against the best." At Ardee on Sunday October 5, Na Piarsaigh fell to a 2-10 to 1-12 defeat to Clogherhead in the intermediate championship final. They had brushed aside Oliver Plunketts at the semi-final stage in Dromiskin three weeks earlier (2-13 to 2-8), having topped Group Two with a perfect record of five wins from as many outings. Na Piarsaigh were the form team of the middle-tier championship as they swept past Geraldines at Dowdallshill; Sean McDermotts at Knockbridge; Hunterstown in Tallanstown; the Plunketts in Dunleer; and O'Raghallaighs at Stabannon. It was a very tough section but their form all summer was solid and they went into the county decider as slight favourites. The match in Ardee on the first Sunday of October '08 was the biggest game the club had ever played and, understandably, the occasions got to the players somewhat. Does Damian accept that his charges underperformed on the day? "They didn't perform to the best of their ability and they know that themselves. Credit to Dreadnots, they did what they had to do, but we have the videos of the game and looking back at them, it's bewildering how we lost that game. We made too many silly errors and the nerves seemed to get to them, but they'll learn from the experience. Let's remember that, for the second year in a row, this is the highest position Na Piarsaigh have ever finished in. We surpassed what we achieved in 2007 [when Na Piarsaigh lost a semi-final replay to Dundalk Gaels] and we got to our first intermediate final. We just lacked that bit of experience but hopefully we have that now. There has been a remarkable change in the club since I was a player. These lads have what it takes to challenge at the highest level. As a club, we've made huge progress." Damian and Pearse will stay on in charge for a third consecutive season, having previously guided the club out of junior and then into Division 2A during their previous two-year tenure. They then took three years off and Na Piarsaigh won just three of their 15 IFC matches during that time, so it's easy to see why the players are so happy to have the local guys back at the reins. Regarding the rest of the backroom team, John Lally is a constant as trainer, while Damien Smith and substitute goalkeeper Barry Teather did great work behind the scenes in 2008. "All in all, we have a fantastic bunch of lads and we couldn't ask for better," Damian notes. "They work extremely hard and Please God they'll get their just rewards. We also pride ourselves on playing a great style of football - a fast, flowing game with constant running. We've been a bit lacking in the physical stakes but we're working on that. We had Crossmaglen over for a friendly and we managed to stay with them until the final 15 minutes, before their big guns took over. But the future is bright. "We have a large pool of players to select from, too. Mark Larkin, for example, didn't figure on the U21 championship-winning side but he is a key player now and he scored an incredible 24 goals last season. David Boyle is another who didn't make the U21 team and is now a leading light. We have an abundance of talent and they are all willing to work. That makes it a pleasure to manage them. "Very often, underage players don't come through because they aren't prepared to put in the work. Talent is one thing but it will only get you so far without the work rate to back it up. This team has a hunger and a willingness to work that I've never seen before in any team I've been involved with." Damian concludes by paying tribute to the men at the heart of the club - the players: "All credit to the players; they are the ones who have brought us to where we are. Pearse and myself do our bit, and the club does its bit, but without the players knuckling down and doing the hard work we wouldn't have anything here. They have been brilliant and they are the main reason why Na Piarsaigh football club is destined for senior football." Na Piarsaigh AGM Report - 2008 Na Piarsaigh reviewed 2008 and looked forward to 2009 at their well attended AGM held on Sunday 23rd November in their clubrooms on the Blackrock road. The AGM was preceded by a mass for deceased club members and friends. Chairman of the Louth County Board, Paddy Oliver addressed the members as guest speaker. In his address, he stated that he was delighted to have the opportunity to speak at the club's AGM and it was unfortunate that the club lost out in the IFC final but if the club persevered they will surely make the step up to senior football. He said that it was good to see four under-age trophies on show and noted that the club was doing a great service to the Holy Family Parish area by providing Gaelic football for the youth of the area. He complimented that club on their efforts to form a Ladies committee and team, as he felt that ladies have an important role in the association. He thanked Na Piarsaigh's departing treasurer Fr John Harrington for his input to Na Piarsaigh and Louth GAA down through the years and wished him in his new parish assignment. In his address, Chairman Martin Hegarty thanked Paddy Oliver for his attendance at the AGM and for his kind words and best wishes for the club. He thanked the various team managers, adult and under age for their great efforts this year. Also the outgoing officers, committee and members for the efforts throughout the year and called on all club members to give that little bit extra to assist the club achieve further progress both on and off the field in the coming year. He concluded by thanking main sponsors P&A Quinn and other sponsors for support during the year, and looked forward to the coming year and receiving the co-operation of all members. Departing club treasurer Fr. John Harrington presented a detailed treasurer's report and thanked all involved with the club through his years for their assistance and cooperation. Youth Officer Gerard O'Hare presented a comprehensive report on under-age activities, highlighting in particular the great success of U-13 teams at Og Sport level, U-14 team in retaining the B Championship and U-18 team success in the Division 3 league. He acknowledged the effort put in by a number of members and players in advancing under-age football in the club but appealed for more players, clubmen and parents to lend a hand, in order to enhance under-age success. In a wide-ranging secretary's report, David Hearty reflected on club activities both on and off the field during 2008. He noted that whilst all involved with the club were extremely disappointed at losing out in the Intermediate final, he hoped the experience would stand to all involved with the club. He observed that it was disappointing that after finishing second place in Division 2 for the second successive year there was no reward of promotion available. Off the field the club had made some great strides with a successful Sports Capital Grant allocation for the development of an all weather type training area, and the formation of a Ladies committee and plans to enter a Ladies team in the Louth Junior League and Championship in 2009 as the highlights. In recognition for his outstanding contribution to the club, Fr John Harrington was elected Honorary President of the club and the club awards were presented as follows: Joint Intermediate Players of the Year - Donal Hegarty and Mark Larkin, Junior Player of the Year - Rory Shaw and Clubman of the Year - David Hearty. The following officers were elected for 2009. Chairman: Martin Hegarty; Vice-Chairman: Gerry Kellet; Secretary: David Hearty; Assistant Secretary: Ciaran Marks; Treasurer: Gerard O'Hare; Assistant Treasurer: Brian McCartney; Registrar: Oliver Morgan; Youth Officer and Players Representative: Barry Teather; Co. Board Delegate: Gerry McGee; Minor Board Delegate: Kevin Gordon. Committee: Deirdre Fisher; Dualta O'Mara; Alan McCabe; Brendan McCartney; Peter Grealis; Fr Paddy Stanley; Marc Wynne; Edel Woods; Grainne Madden; Ellen O'Reilly; Peter Begley; Paul Malone; Mary McCartney and Davy Boland. Na Piarsaigh acknowledge Fr John Harrington Na Piarsaigh held a very enjoyable function in The Stonehouse Bar & Restaurant, Blackrock on Monday 14th July in honour of Club Treasurer. Fr John Harrington, who was transferred from the Holy Family Parish to Coolock in his native county Dublin in August. The evening was arranged unbeknownst to Fr John, who was caught completely unawares when he arrived at The Stonehouse, on the understanding he was to attend a Club Finance Sub-committee meeting, only to be met by over 50 players, committee and club members. Fr John has served on the Na Piarsaigh club committee for over 10 years, commanding the position of Treasurer for the past seven years. In presenting Fr Harrington with a piece of Cavan Crystal incorporating the club crest and a gift cheque on behalf of the members, the chairman Martin Hegarty was high in his praise for Fr John and acknowledged the great work that Fr John had performed for the club during his years in the parish, and he wished him well in his new parish assignment. Peter Begley and Jack Malone who also served as Club Chairman during Fr John's time with the club, both echoed the current Chairman's sentiments and extended best wishes to Fr John, and hoped that he would stay in contact in the years to come. In reply, Fr. Harrington said he was delighted to have been associated with Na Piarsaigh and described his time with the club as a "labour of love" due to his huge passion for Gaelic Football and affinity with the people of the club and area in general. He recalled the first Sunday in October in 2002 when Na Piarsaigh won the Junior Football Championship and fellow Holy Family Parish team Pearse Og won the Senior Hurling Championship on the same afternoon as his most memorable occasion during his 10 years. Underage report 2008 provided lots of under-age football for Na Piarsaigh at U-9, U-11 and U-13 Og Sport level and in U-14, U-15, U-16, U-18 minor board competitions. Club Officer Gerard O'Hare states: "A good underage structure is the key to the future improvement of the club as a whole. Na Piarsaigh are investing heavily in the youth of the Holy Family Parish and hopefully the Monday night skills training for 6 to 13 years olds will lay the foundations of the club for future years." U-18 - Minor Team performances proved to be a mixed bag - a team full of potential if all players were available to play together on the one day. This was known when team management of Kevin Gordon, Gerry Magee and Stephen Murphy took them on for the year. They did well in U18 Special League with a defeat to Dundalk Young irelands proving to be the result which hindered progress to the semi-final stages after defeat of Clans, Dundalk Gaels, Cooley and the Patrick's. The U-18 league proper ended with the Division 3 title after a draw with Mellifont Rovers, wins over St Mary's and Dundalk Gaels in league stages and a great performance in league final replay against Dundalk Gaels under lights in Darver, after the final finished all square at the same venue. It was poignant that the Peter Moran Memorial trophy was the reward for this success. After coming from behind in the early stages of the U18 B Championship semi final against Dundalk Gaels (again!), the failure to halt late pressure resulted in 2 goals which turned the game beyond our grasp. Team included - Gary Clarke, Sean O'Reilly, Conal Mulvenna, Michael Cooney, Chris Cotter, Donal Greene, Shane McElroy, Sean Jameson, Stephen Smith, Stephen Todd, Robert O'Hanlon, John Smith, Philip Duffy, Ciaran Connolly, Eamon Loughran, Thomas Moran, Kieran Boland, Adam Coburn, Shane O'Sullivan, John Galligan, Seamus Gonnolly, Fergal Stanley and Mark Griffin. U-16 - A good panel of players started Division 2 league campaign on the 2nd April with a draw at home against St Patrick's. Defeat away to St Fechins followed by wins over Baile Talun, Cooley and a great away performance to Naomh Martin resulted in qualification in 2nd place for league semi-final against the St Patrick's. This game took seven weeks to be fixed by the Minor Board and due to misunderstanding some of our players were caught up in another sporting event that same night. This was very disappointing considering the effort put into training sessions by the players under the guidance of Ciaran Marks and ably assisted by Davy Boland. (Players playing other sports and games clashes with other sports are two items which have come up at Minor Board level this year and must be tackled as they are having a major effect on many clubs within the county) The semi-final itself was close run but the good start made by the Pats was enough to see them win out. Championship outing against Naomh Martin was very disappointing - we failed to repeat our league performance earlier in the year and with Martins in top form they ran out comfortable winners in the end. This is a fine panel of players with many involved in this year's minor team also. Team included - John Galligan, Thomas Moran, Kieran Boland, Adam Coburn, Shane O'Sullivan, Seamus Gonnolly, Fergal Stanley, Anthony Vize, Stephen McGuinness, Brendan Trainor, Sean McAuley, Jordan Gartland, Daniel Berry, Tim Egan, Paul Mallon, Ronan Dillon, Jason McCourt, David Yore, Damien Bond, Pearse Poland. U-15 - This continues to be a strange competition - many people have expressed their concerns as regards its value to both clubs and players. However as a club we have participated again this year with a poor run of results. It is probably time Minor Board ran this competition in a different format. U-14 - League commenced on the 5th of April with a defeat to Dundalk Gaels. This was the "kick in the pants" this team needed as they followed up in the next games with good wins over St Josephs, Cooley, Naomh Martin, Kilkerley/ Malachi combination and a two point defeat to Bailie Talun. This resulted in second place in the league and a rematch with Dundalk Gaels in semi-final - victory was attained and tough assignment ensued against Baile Talun in the league final in Darver. This was a tense game on the all weather pitch which flowed one way to the other - a couple of injuries and some below par performances allowed Tallanstown to win on the night. For the second year in a row a solid championship campaign resulted in success against Cuchulainn Gaels, St Josephs and on to final against Dundalk Gaels when pure determination on behalf of a few players and good quick thinking decisions on the sidelines resulted in a good performance and another U-14 B Championship trophy. Well done to all especially managers Mickey Begley, Eugene Burns and Paul McCourt. Team included - Tim Egan, Patrick McDonagh, Paul Mallon, Sean Arrowsmith, Ronan Dillon, Blake Stephens, Jason McCourt, Jason Greene, Jamie Atkinson, James McCartney, Glenn McCourt, James Smyth, Conal Shields, Alan McAuley, Thomas Maguire, Stephen Maguire, Eric McQuillan, Fintan Donnelly, Roberto Carvailo, David Grimes, David Yore, Seamus Jervis and Nathan Cooney. U-13 Og Sport - Our first match was in March in the grade 2 league in the Gaelic grounds in Drogheda where we comfortably beat the O'Raghallaighs. After a number of games we qualified for the league final in Darver. In the final we played the Dundalk Gaels. Having been 13 points down at half-time the team fought back to lead by one point only for the Dundalk Gaels to equalise with the last attack of normal time. In extra time a fitter Gaels team got the better of us by four points. Over May/June the grade 3 team played in and qualified for the grade 3 league final only to be outplayed and well beaten in the final by the Mitchells. In July the all county blitzes took place. The grade 2 team qualified for the 2B knockout stage where on a glorious Friday night we beat Clan na Gael in one of the best U-13 matches seen in Darver. Both teams matched each other score for score only for us to pull away at the end with a final score of 6-6 to 5-5. Ten minutes after that game we took to field again to play a much fancied Oliver Plunketts team in semi final. Reputations were brushed aside as we caused another upset. In final we held Roche scoreless for whole game and at last won a trophy. Our greatest achievement was in Grade 3 as we decided to split our team in two and entered two teams. At this stage of the year we were the only club in the county to be able to field a team in the three different U-13 Og Sport competitions. Both teams surprisingly managed to get to both finals. In the grade 3B final we lost to DYI team, while at the same time on the pitch next door our other team was putting up a gallant fight against a bigger/stronger McDermotts team to pull off an incredible one point victory. After the August break we decided to move the grade 2 team up into the grade 1 'Feile' championship. Through injury and other sports we lost a couple of key players and subsequently lost the quarter final to Newtown Blues. The other team subsequently qualified for grade 3A championship final where once again injuries and flu robbed us a few players. We lost to Fechins by 4 points in a game which we could have won if lady luck had been with us. In summary Na Piarsaigh reached 6 finals; Won 2: Very unlucky in 2: beaten in 2. All of this would not have been possible without the work put in by Gerry Kellett, Paul McCourt, Stephen McQuillan, Owenie Grimes, Gerry O'Hare and Barry Teather. It should be noted that the teams had a loyal band of supporters who never missed a game - Linda McQuillan, Mary O'Hare, Mary McCartney, Bernie Kellet, Peter McCartney, Valerie Grimes, Breda Craven Players included - Glenn McCourt, Alan McAuley, Jason Greene, James McCartney, Chris Kellett, Conall Shields, Eric McQuillan, Stephen Maguire, Mark O'Hare, David Grimes, Thomas Maguire, Jason McCourt, Stephen McQuillan, Stephen Arrowsmith, Eric McQuillan, Chris Kellett, Ryan McAuley, Stephen Maguire, Darren Larkin, Mark Craven, Leon Myers, Jamie Atkinson, Kyle Cotter, Fintan Donnelly, James Smith, Cormac McCartney, Emmet Hayes, Stefan Cooney, Ryan Duffy, David Pinto, Aodhan McAuley, Dylan Robinson, Aaron Finnegan, Dean Rogan U-11 - This team were involved in many games throughout the year as part of Ogsport program and also were involved in the 2 blitz competitions organised by Cumann Peile Na Og late on in the year. Stephen Murphy and John O'Reilly were the main men here. Players included were - Kyle Cotter, Ciaran Murphy, Robert Murphy, Stephen Arrowsmith, Kyle Cleary, Cormac McCarthy, Oisin Vize, Matthew Quigley, Ciaran Meade, Sean McGeown, Francis McKeown, Emily O'Reilly, Sarah Trainor, Paul Franklin, Dylan Ward, Kevin Kane, Gavin Smith, Fergal Mulholland, Killian Shields, Vicky Greene, Lynn Craven, Kate Burns, Adam Molloy, Fionin Kirk, Emma Teather, James McTague, Jason Theather U-9 - Another representative in Og Sport Blitz Competition well marshalled by mentors Thomas Mulholland and Damien Smith. Some challenge matches were also arranged locally for these players - ones for the future!! Players include were - Paul Franklin, Jamie O'Hagan, Fergal Mulholland, Gavin Smith, James McQuillan, James McTague, Sean Cleland, Gerard Rice, Conor Farrell, Killian Shields, Kate Burns, Daire O'Reilly-Smith, Dylan Ward, Leah Grimes, Lynn Craven, Adam Molloy, Emma Theather, Kyle Cleary, Vicky Green Great credit must go to all who coached and helped out (players and club personnel ) on Monday nights at Kids Training which started February and went through to October. Also like to thank all parents who came along to games and blitz competitions - some great stories and good craic was had by all. Gerard O'Hare with contributions from Gerry Kellet Tweet

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