After the high of winning the Junior Championship and moving up to the higher grade, all those involved with St Kevins were optimistic about their chances in 2007. However, things just didn't go their way on the field and the club ended up dropping back down to the junior ranks. Despite this, club PRO John Grimes feels there is much to look forward to and is confident that with the right effort, it won't be long before they are back challenging for intermediate honours. "I have to say it was a pretty disappointing year after the high of winning the Christy Bellew Cup last year. "Following that victory we went into the intermediate grade and there was a big expectation in the club that we would consolidate our position in intermediate. "Although winning the championship is every team's ambition at the start of the year, realistically, the intermediate title would have been a step too far. Nonetheless, we did feel we could compete at this level but unfortunately that didn't happen." John points to a number of factors contributing to the disappointing year including a series of injuries which disrupted a small squad. There was no bigger loss than the absence of the man who led the team last year who was injured early in the season. "Mark Boylan was a big loss for us when you consider that he was the captain in 2006 and Man-of-the-Match in the Junior final. Apart from his ability, he is also a great motivational figure on the field, and we really missed his influence. "There were a number of others who weren't available and when you live in a small area and have a small pick of players it is not easy to replace anyone, but that is the way it is." With the change in structure meaning that relegation would be decided on the championship, St Kevins didn't have it easy from the outset as they were drawn in a very tough section. "There is no doubt that we had a very difficult group when you consider that we were drawn against the two teams that went on to reach the final, Dundalk Gaels and Dreadnots. There were also the likes of O'Connells and Roche Emmets who had just come down from senior, while O Raghallaighs and Hunterstown Rovers have been established in intermediate for a number of years. "Unfortunately we made a slow start and were unable to pick it up after that. I suppose the game that was most disappointing was against Hunterstown. The two of us would have been considered the weakest in the group so that was a crunch game when we met. "Unfortunately it was our first game so we didn't get the opportunity to get up to the pace of the championship. We were really coming into the unknown but showed with a fine performance against the Gaels that we have the ability. We had a great chance to beat them but failed in the end and they went on to win the title." Despite the difficulties in the championship, St Kevins did have one last opportunity to retain their intermediate status when they were paired with Oliver Plunketts in the relegation play-off. Unfortunately without the full squad available, the Philipstown men were unable to get the victory required against an experienced Drogheda outfit in September. "It was always going to be difficult for us in that game as Plunketts were a senior team not so long ago and again we suffered from having players absent so it didn't work out on the day", explained John. However, John insists the club are not going to be downhearted by the relegation and will be hoping to bounce back straight away. "It is just one of those things that it didn't work out put we are determined to pick up the pieces and there is no doubt that we will be putting in a big effort next year to repeat the success of 2006. "All we can do is look forward and try to bring in some of the emerging young talent in our ranks. Some of them came in this year but it was difficult for them. However, with some more experience they will be able to play a big part." Those involved with St Kevins are optimistic that with a big effort being made at juvenile level over recent years they will benefit from that talent in the near future, as John explains. "We have a pretty good underage structure and that is where our future lies. The juvenile section has been very well organised since it was revamped a number of years ago and Damien Roche and his team have been doing a brilliant job there so we really believe we are going places. "We were in contention in many competitions for the past few years and last year we won some competitions so were able to move up to a higher grade. It was great for the players to be playing against better teams and that will certainly stand to them in the near future. John admits that the club is really looking forward to seeing many of those lads coming through, but would love to see St Kevins back in intermediate for these players to further develop their talents. "It won't be long before these young lads are challenging for a place in the adult team and we want that to be at the highest standard possible so it is important for us to make a big effort to win promotion. "Our priority is to get back into intermediate football over the next year or two and rather than wallowing in self-pity it is important to learn from our experiences this year", explained John. John is also looking forward to the development of the facilities at Philipstown to cater for the many teams currently representing St Kevins. "We are in the process of planning the development of a second pitch which will be a great benefit to the club. The land has just been purchased so we are in the early days but it is essential for the club as there are a lot of demands on the current pitch. "Not only do we have the adult teams but there are the juveniles along with camogie and ladies football sides so you could have over 100 youngsters at the pitch on some nights which I suppose is a good problem to have." This year also saw St Kevins host the annual Peter Taaffe competition over the August Bank Holiday weekend which is one of the highlights of the season for the club. "We had another great final this year with St Marys taking on Mattock Rangers and being local rivals there was a big crowd at the game. It finished up with St Marys winning for the first time and the game was refereed by Pat McEnaney so it proved to be a great occasion," said John. The club is also represented by a ladies football and camogie team and although they didn't bring home any silverware this year, John points out that a lot of work is being done in this section of the club and is optimistic that they will be challenging for honours again in 2008. Tweet

Most Read Stories