Young Irelands may have failed in their attempt to land a first Junior Championship title since 1977, but despite that defeat it is not a sense of despair that surrounds the Upper Marshes club, writes Eunan Whyte. While other teams may be reeling after going so close in the championship, Young Irelands, are not lacking in optimism, and the reason is that they have brought through a host of young players in the last number of years that promise a bright future for the famous old Dundalk club. So, rather than seeing defeat to the O'Raghallaighs as a devastating blow, it can be seen as a important step forward and a vital learning experience for the young players. Since winning the Intermediate Championship in 1996 and reclaiming their place in the Senior ranks, things didn't go too well for the Young Irelands, but according to team captain, Philip McArdle, their appearance in the Junior Final is a signal that the green-and-blacks are on their way up again. After a short spell in the top flight, the club returned to Intermediate football, and last year a disappointing season ended with them back in the Junior ranks. Although it was a difficult few years, there was light at the end of the tunnel as the club could boast of a talented group of underage players. It was those players, making up half the squad, who came to the fore in the championship, and were instrumental in putting together a good league run, and as a result this year's captain was optimistic about the long term future. "This final is a bonus for us as we are really at a rebuilding stage. From the team that won the Intermediate in '96 we have lost the likes of the Leavy brothers, Kevin Gorham, Ciaran Maguire, Garrett Doyle and Paul McArdle, which was really the back-bone of the team", he explained. "The likes of Pat Bailey, Tony Hand, Enda Murray and Ciaran Maguire have done great work at minor level over the years to bring players through, and it now looks as if we are getting the reward for that." Having such an untested side didn't help matters in a tough Division 2B league last year, and although Philip believes they were somewhat unlucky to be relegated, the team should now benefit from that experience. "I think that last year we were unfortunate in that we lost a number of games only in the last 10 minutes, but this year things are on the up. Everything changes when you start winning a few games, and the young lads are learning and getting wiser all the time. "It may take a few years to get back to where we were but we are determined to take it stage by stage", said the captain. Philip, who has now played in four championship finals, provides much needed experienced along with the likes of Pat McCarthy, Barry McDermott, Aidan Crawley, Joe Hoey and John McArdle, who have played at senior level. With plenty of effort being put in at coaching level, the signs are encouraging that Young Irelands will be a force to be reckoned with over the coming years. "On the line this year we had trainer and manager, Bernie Murray, assisted by Seamus Haughey and Gerard Nixon, who were great for ensuring the young lads keep their feet on the ground. Overall, they are all very level-headed and willing to learn, so they won't be getting carried away with themselves." Having endured some tough times in recent years, it is little wonder there was such a buzz at the club ahead of the Junior Final, and although they missed on the big prize, the experience should stand to them over the coming seasons. This year's championship campaign began in Dunleer with Young Irelands scoring a dramatic win over St. Nicholas in a game that ended in controversy. Adrian O'Donoghue scored a goal in injury time to give his side a 1-8 to 1-6 victory, but a mass brawl after the game saw the scorer suspended for the remainder of the championship, while brother, Gary, missed the final. Their absence was to prove crucial. It was a tight game throughout, and at half-time Young Irelands were leading by 0-5 to 0-4. However, a goal for the Nicks midway through the second half looked to have put them through to the last four, until O'Donoghue struck with the final action of the game. Scorers for Young Irelands were, Errol Boyle (0-4, 3 frees), Adrian O'Donoghue (1-0), Sean Rafferty (0-2), John McArdle and Gary O'Donoghue 0-1 each. In the semi-final at Knockbridge, Young Irelands turned in another determined display to see off the challenge of a Wolfe Tones side who were making their first appearance in this year's competition. The Dundalk side had the upperhand for most of the hour, but had to survive a late scare before eventually coming out on top on a 2-10 to 1-7 scoreline. After going a point behind in the opening moments, Young Irelands settled into the game and when Joe Hoey availed of defensive mistake to crash the ball to the net, they were on their way and at half-time his side were 1-5 to 0-3 to the good. A second goal from Hoey early in the second period put Young Irelands 2-7 to 0-4 ahead. Tones came back to within three points, but the Dundalk men finished the stronger and were comfortable winners in the end. Scorers for the winners were, Joe Hoey (2-1), David Bailey (0-2), Gary O'Donoghue (0-2), Sean Rafferty, Aidan Crawley, John McArdle and Andrew Nixon 0-1 each. The final was played in Dromiskin on Sunday July 22nd, but from the start it looked as if it wouldn't be Young Irelands' day as O'Raghallaigh's went on to win by 1-12 to 0-7. The Drogheda side were in top form and although they missed a number of early chances, they went into the break with a comfortable 0-9 to 0-2 lead. Young Irelands battled well after the break and reduced the arears to four points, but the south Louth team struck the vital goal through Aidan Lambe on 49 minutes to regain control of the game and take the Christy Bellew Cup. Scorers for Young Irelands were, Andrew Nixon (0-2), Errol Boyle (0-2, 1 free), Aidan Crawley, Joey Hoey and Michael Shields 0-1 each. Young Irelands: Barry McDermott, Stephen Morgan, Gerard Nixon, Gerard Hanratty, Colm McKenna, Pat McCarthy, Ryan Moran, Sean Rafferty, Aidan Crawley, John McArdle, Joey Hoey, Philip McArdle, David Bailey, Errol Boyle, Andrew Nixon. Subs: Conor McCrory for McKenna (28 mins) and Michael Shields for John McArdle (48 mins). Tweet

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