After coming within 60 minutes of returning to Intermediate football in 2006, Westerns GFC began the 2007 season determined to go all the way this time around. The Reaghstown side reached the Junior Championship Final in 2006 and an impressive start to that game saw them in a strong position to lift the Christy Bellew Cup for the first time. However, they were unable to build on that good opening and when they failed to get the scores to kill off the game, St Kevins hit back to claim victory. It was a bitter disappointment for the club but chairman, Peter Conroy, points out that that defeat gave all involved the incentive to go all the way in 2007. "After losing the final to St Kevins, we began the year with the intention of making a big effort to go one step further this year and get back up to the Intermediate grade." With that in mind the club turned to former player, John Murray, who took over as manager, with Martin Fitzpatrick acting as selector alongside him. The chairman was full of praise for the efforts made by both men, alongside team trainer Des Patton, and he added: "Des did a wonderful job and had us playing out of our skins. He is a fine trainer and the players really worked well with him." According to Peter, the new management team helped the side get off to a good start and in the Kevin Mullen Shield they showed some good early promise. However, as always the main concentration was on the championship and the Mid Louth men went into that competition knowing that they had the ability and experience to make a real impression. "I thought we were drawn in a tough group but despite this we were optimistic that we would qualify for the knock-out stages, which we eventually did despite having a few hard games. "I thought we were unlucky against St Fechins in the opening game as we were four or five points up but we allowed them to get back into the game and in the end lost by a point. "In the next match we faced John Mitchels and although we found it difficult to get going in the first half, we came good after the break to record a good win and get our campaign on track. "In the next outing we defeated Annaghminnon Rovers but lost to Lannleire the following game. That meant we had to beat Stabannon in our last game to qualify which we managed to do and as a result we faced Young Irelands in the quarter-final." Although the Reaghstown men knew they would be up against it in that encounter they knew it would be a big test against the Dundalk side. Unfortunately, after a very tight game it was Young Irelands who came through to earn a dramatic victory on their way to winning the championship. "That was a big disappointment for us as we were two points ahead with time up and then lost a goal to lose by one. From our point of view it was a bad goal to give away as a mix-up in defence allowed them in and they went on to win the final. "The toughest part for us was that we would have fancied ourselves in the semi-final against Stabannon as we had already beaten them in the championship. We also defeated St Mochtas in the league so we really would not have been afraid of anyone, but unfortunately it didn't go our way," explained the chairman. It could also be said that luck was against Westerns when it came to the league as, after battling their way into contention, their challenge faded in the closing games. "We were pleased with our league form as we were in the hunt from the start and with three games remaining we were only a point behind eventual winners, St Mochtas. "However, we were severely hampered by the Saturday fixtures at the end of the season as a 4.30pm throw-in really didn't suit us. A lot of our players are farmers and with work commitments many couldn't get the time off which meant that we were unable to field a team against Stabannon despite our best efforts. "That really blew the league apart for us and with the heads dropping a bit after the championship exit, we were unable to get back into contention." Off the field it has been another busy year for Peter and the hard-working committee at the Westerns as they continue to improve the excellent facilities at their Reaghstown base. The next big thing planned by the club is a major fundraising draw on New Year's Day where first prize is a car. Club members are currently making a huge effort to sell the tickets and the chairman points out that a lot of time is being put into this venture. "It is all very hard work but there are a lot of dedicated people putting a lot of time into this project. We are also getting from the local community which is very encouraging for us." The funds raised will go towards the development and upkeep of their facilities which are already recognised as being among the best in the county. "We really have a lovely facility at the moment and that includes tennis courts. A lot of the credit goes to FAS workers, Miriam Murray and Nicholas Roe who continue to work very hard. Last year we were delighted to win the prize for the best presented pitch in the county and to prove we have maintained very high standards, we finished runners-up to John Mitchels this year. "The pitch continues to be in excellent condition with Michael O'Sullivan and Clint Sweeney doing a fine job there and we are proud to say that we didn't have to postpone any games due to problems with the field," said Peter. Not content with that, the Westerns are planning further improvements as Peter points out. "It is our intention to to develop a training pitch at the back of the current field and we have already purchased land and received grants to start the work. "It is very important for the development of the club that we develop this area as there is a big demand for the pitch in terms of training and matches. "We are also looking into the possibility of developing new dressingrooms in the near future and although we have not done yet, we will look into that project when the training pitch is completed." The chairman concluded by offering his congratulations to Tommy Mulholland who is the club's representative on the Referee's Panel and by all accounts his performances went down well in the many games he took charge of. Tweet

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