Not too many years back, Naomh Moninne were the kingpins of hurling in the north Louth area. So strong was the club that many of their players went on to help with the formation of both Pearse Óg and Knockbridge senior clubs. Both those clubs had enjoyed considerable success at underage level and the logical step was to progress into adult hurling and promote the sport in the county, writes Eunan Whyte. The result has been that the St. Brigid's Park based club has had to work even harder to ensure that they keep up with their rivals in competing for the big prizes. The senior championship has always been the main objective for Naomh Moninne, but over the last two years they have had to watch from the sidelines as Knockbridge claimed back-to-back titles, while this year Pearse Óg made the historic breakthrough by winning their very first Louth title. Having been used to competing on the big stage, Moninne midfielder and Louth goalkeeper Eddie McArdle explained that Moninne began this year determined to get back to winning ways, but unfortunately it didn't work out as they had expected. "We last won the senior championship in 1999 and although that may not seem too long ago, it was a big gap for Naomh Moninne as we were used to being in contention every year. As a result we started this year with the championship as our main goal and we felt that if we put in a big effort, this could be our year." When the draw for the competition was made back in January, Moninne were left in no doubt as to the task facing them. For the second successive year, Knockbridge would provide the opposition in the semi-final and the village side would be determined to clinch a three-in-a-row of titles. It was always going to be an interesting contest between the two rivals, but few could have predicted the controversy that was to surround the clash at Haggardstown at the end of July. "We were really looking forward to the semi-final and, as we expected, it was very close throughout. However, Knockbridge played very well and held on in the closing stages to win by two points." While Eddie and his team mates returned to the dressing room very disappointed, that wasn't to be the end of the affair as it was suggested that the referee had played only 29 minutes in the second half. With so little between the teams at the end, Moninne officials felt that the extra minute that should have been played along with injury-time might have made a difference. After an unsuccessful appeal to the Louth County Board, Naomh Moninne took their case to Leinster Council and on the evidence of the Referee's Report were granted a rematch. "After the semi-final we were very disappointed as we felt going into to the game that we had the ability to win. I wasn't too concerned about the time factor as I just thought they had won fair and square and wouldn't have been too bothered if nothing came of the appeal." Nonetheless, Eddie was happy to have a second opportunity to reach the final and again felt that his side could make their chance count. However, it was a full eight weeks before the game was replayed and, looking back, McArdle feels that this delay didn't help his side: "The game was put back a number of times because St. Brides were in the senior football final and that uncertainty didn't do anything to help us. Because we didn't have a specific date to focus on, it was hard to keep going in between and get motivated at training. "We had built ourselves up so well for the first game that we thought we could do the same again. Although we went into the rematch with a degree of optimism, we flopped on the day. They were really up for the challenge and got goals at crucial times which made it very difficult for us and, in the end, they had a comfortable win. "I started the game in goals and then moved out to midfield in the second half to try to stem the tide, but it didn't work as the game was beyond us at that stage. Unfortunately we had to play without Collins Connolly and Barry Murphy which made it very difficult. Overall it was very disappointing to go another year without a senior title." While that chance of silverware passed Moninne by, they did give themselves the opportunity of picking up a trophy after qualifying for the senior league final. Again Knockbridge were to provide the opposition and while Eddie felt it would be great to pick up another medal, he admitted that it would not mean the same as winning the championship. As it turned out, he needn't have worried as Knockbridge once again emerged victorious. The Dundalk club also competed in the Armagh League but, following a good start, it was hard to sustain the effort over the summer. "We began very well in Division 1, beating Middletown, who are regarded as one of the top teams, but as the season went on it became increasingly hard as we had a lot of players travelling from Dublin and Gardai who couldn't always get time off." Despite the difficulties this season. Eddie is optimistic that Moninne can get back to winning ways, but feels that it is important the club begins to develop young talent in order to reclaim their place at the top. "In recent years, Knockbridge and Pearse Óg have proved that you need to bring players through from underage ranks and we have to concentrate on that. The likes of John and Tim Murphy have put in great work in this area and hopefully we will be rewarded in years to come. I suppose the real problem for us is that we haven't got a base of our own and that is another vital factor in our development over the coming years." Having been a regular with Louth over the past number of years, Eddie is also hoping for better times ahead with the county team after this year missing out on another league title. After leading the Wee County to Division 3 glory two years ago, Eddie and his colleagues were back in the final this year, and again it was Longford who provided the opposition. This time, however, it was the midlanders who came out on top. "Hopefully this year we can take another step forward. We had a lot of injuries last year, most notably David Dunne, but hopefully he will be back to his best while we should get a few young players coming through from the successful Pearse Óg team. They have made great strides this year and I was delighted to see them claiming a first title as that can only be good for the game. "While it would be great for Louth to gain promotion to Division 2, our main objective remains the Junior All-Ireland. We have been very unlucky in the last couple of years to miss out, but hopefully we can make 2003 our year." Despite playing club and county hurling, Eddie also found time to devote to football and helped Dowdallshill reach their first junior championship final in 32 years. Although it was a major step forward for the club, Eddie was naturally bitterly disappointed not to have picked up a winners medal after losing to Na Piarsaigh in the final. "I gave a big commitment to the football this year and while it was great to reach a championship final, it is always a big blow to lose. After having to wait over 30 years it is an awful feeling not to go all the way, but hopefully we will be back next year." Tweet

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