The introduction of the new league structures for the 2007 season meant that for many clubs this year's performance in the league was vital for their immediate future.Lannleire began the season Division 2B which meant that a big effort was needed if they were to achieve their initial aim of staying in the intermediate grade. By Eunan Whyte. With Stephen Flood acting as manager for the year, and Tommy Kearny, as his assistant, the Dunleer men began the season in optimistic mood as the squad began training under Navan man, Paul Clarke. The signs were promising after a relatively good beginning to the season, but the stop-start nature of the programme didn't help the team's efforts to gain a momentum and ultimately they failed to make the play-offs and ended the season facing the new season in the junior grade. The Intermediate Championship provided another opportunity to avoid the drop, but their interest wasn't to last too long as it proved to be a very disappointing campaign with the team losing all three games in their group. However, it must be said that that the panel suffered more than it's fair share of injuries during the Championship, which didn't help the cause. In the first outing, Lannleire were given a difficult assignment when they faced Division 2A side, St Nicholas in Drogheda. Both teams found it difficult to settle into the game which proved to be a very low-scoring affair. In the end it was the Drogheda side's ability to find the net that proved to be the difference, as they came out on top on a 2-3 to 0-4 scoreline. That meant that the pressure was really on Stephen Flood's side in the next outing as victory was essential if they were to retain any interest in the competition. Once again Lannleire didn't face an easy task as one of the competition's fancied sides, O'Connells, provided a very difficult task. The Dunleer men might not have been fancied going into the game but they put it up to the O'Connells before being edged out on a 1-9 to 0-8 scoreline. That result sealed Lannleire's fate and there was little to play for in the final game against a St Mochtas side who were also out of contention. The last encounter in Knockbridge saw the Louth Village side emerge with a 1-11 to 0-8 victory. That meant that there was to be no reprieve for the team and although Lannleire will be playing junior football next term, the outlook at the club is anything but gloomy. With a lot of effort going into the underage set-up, Club Secretary, Declan Dowd, is confident that Lannleire have a bright future to look forward to. "The Juvenile committee go from strength to strength under their chairman, Matt Connolly assisted by his hard working committee and team of mentors. "The juvenile committee worked very hard promoting the Summer Camp, which was took place in Dunleer at the end of August. More than 100 children took part, making the Dunleer Summer Camp one of the most successful in the county," added Declan. According to the secretary, it is hoped that some of these players will come through onto the Division 4 side in the coming season before eventually establishing themselves on the first 15. "Lannleire are rebuilding at the moment, and it is hoped that we can develop some of the younger panel members through the Div. 4 league. "Micheal Murphy was in charge of the Div. 4 team in 2006 and this team performed very well during the year. However, it is a disappointment to the panel and mentors that this league was not finished early in the season." Declan believes that it is essential to have a better structure on this league in order to bring players through and to retain their interest. "We are all looking forward to the coming season when we hope for a sucessful season on and off the field. One wish would be that there will be more continuity in matches, especially for Div 4 teams........there is no doubt the only way to retain the interest of the entire panel is by playing games." Away from football, the 2006 season will be recalled with much sadness by the members of Lannleire GFC following the passing of one of their most dedicated and loyal members, Patsy Mulroy. The late Patsy, from Shamrock Hill, Dunleer, passed away on Wednesday July 5 at the age of 79. Following his wife and family, the late Patsy could be said to have had one main interest in life and that was Gaelic football at local and county level. Having served at various positions over a long period, he was an Honourary President of Lannleire GFC and a former Vice Chairman of the Louth County Board. Possibly one of Patsy's most proudest times was when the new Lannleire grounds, Pairc Ui Mhuiri were officially opened at Shamrock Hill, Dunleer. Over the following years, as a member of the Lannleire GFC Field Committee Patsy would have given a great amount of his spare time to caring for the grounds which were very near his home. Patsy took a great interest in the history of the GAA particularly at local and county level. It was fitting then that he was appointed co-ordinator of the Louth GAA history written back in 1984. Declan Dowd points out that it was an emotional time for everyone connected with the club. "There was much sadness in Dunleer with the passing of Lannleire great, Patsy Mulroy. As a founder member of the Lannleire club, Patsy gave so much of his time to the club down the years, that he and will be sadly missed at the club. "Patsy's advice and opinion on all matters, was always consider to be the last word. Patsy's unbelievable knowledge on all GAA matters, held no peers. "Club members formed a huge guard of honour at Patsy's funeral, which was a testament to the huge respect, held by all for him." Dunleer came to a standstill for Patsy's funeral as the mid-Louth town said farewell to one of its favourite sons. Everywhere was a sea of blue as members of his beloved Lannleire club linedout and formed a guard of honour. "He would have been so proud," his daughter Catherine said. "The family felt very proud because he would have loved the honour. I never heard the word legend and gentleman used so much," she said. His daughter Margaret said the tributes meant a great deal to all his family and they were also very grateful to the excellent care given by all the staff at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital. A number of Louth County GAA officials, past and present attended, led by County Chairman, Paddy Oliver. At the end of Mass a tribute was read for the late Patsy by former Louth County manager, Paddy Clarke. There was much sadness in Dunleer on July 5th last, with the passing of Lannleire great, Patsy Mulroy. As a founder member of the Lannleire club, Patsy gave so much of his time to the club down the years, that he and will be sadly missed at the club. Patsy's advice and opinion on all matters, was always considered to be the last word. Patsy's unbelievable knowledge on all GAA matters, held no peers. Club members formed a huge guard of honour at Patsy's funeral, which was a testament to the huge respect, held by all for Patsy. Tweet

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