Having enjoyed tremendous success in 2007 by winning the Intermediate Championship and Division 2 League Royal Gaels have experienced a mixed first season in the senior championship and Division 1 League. The rigours of competing at a consistently high level have proved a learning curve for the adult team who have faced strong opposition over the course of the year. Royal Gaels were drawn with Dunboyne, Summerhill and Seneschalstown in their first Senior Championship group. Sunday 6th April was the date the Gaels made their long awaited foray into senior football and had the daunting task of kicking off their championship campaign against the ladies footballing force of Seneschalstown. Despite Seneschalstown taking an early 3point lead, Niamh O'Sullivan settled the Gaels with a goal and a point giving them a lead which was never relinquished. A tough, brave, gritty display sparked with some fine forward play had Royal Gaels standing firm and hold onto a 2 point lead at the final whistle (2-8 1-9). A subsequent win over Summerhill (7-15 1-6) and a loss to a well organised Dunboyne outfit (1-5 2-8) saw Royal Gaels through to the Quarter Finals stage where they faced a strong Boardsmill side on the 2nd August. Having not played a match since May Royal Gaels never really got it together in this game and failed to find the type of form and performance that they had displayed in earlier rounds. It was a tough game with Royal Gaels playing the better football in the opening half but unable to make the most of possession and opportunities. Facing into the last five minutes it was a draw match and anyone's game but the Trim side popped over two unanswered points and moved into the semi. It was a disappointing finish to a promising Championship run but the girls expect more from themselves next year and will hope to get one or possibly two steps further! In mid October, the Division 1 League has yet to be completed with several games still to be decided. Royal Gaels kicked off their league campaign with a comfortable win over Summerhill in Dunganny on the 26th February. Starting the brighter the Dunshaughlin/Drumree side and had 1-3 on the board before Summerhill registered a score. A Maureen Bowe goal directly after the resumption followed closely by a Tara Ryan point meant Royal Gaels picked up where they left off in the first half. Despite the best efforts of the Summerhill forwards they couldn't overturn the deficit and a good defensive display by the Gaels left Summerhill with just one score from play in the second half. (4-11 3-2). Wet and windy weather conditions dominated the second league game on the 31st March. This tussle brought together local rivals Royal Gaels and Blackhall Gaels. Royal Gaels had the benefit of the wind in the first half and proceeded to rack up a scoreline in the opening 30mins. Not only did Blackhall have to battle the weather conditions they also had to contend with some slick and sharp moves from the Gaels going forward. Karen Bowe and Niamh O'Sullivan tormented the Blackhall defence, while Shona Donoghue hit 2:03 to help Royal Gaels head into the second half 4:10 to the good. Blackhall attempted a revival in the opening quarter of the second half and looked to be eating into the scoreline with some well taken frees. However a goal from Robyn Kinsella and another point from Karen Bowe deflated any Blackhall revival and ensured the win for Royal Gaels. (5-14 1-8) The girls picked up their campaign on Saturday 27th September against senior championship finalists St. Ultan's. It was a tight game throughout with both sides putting in maximum effort all over the pitch. The scoreline was nip and tuck for the 60 minutes but at the final whistle the Bohermeen side departed victors 2-10 to 2-11. This loss was closely followed by another to Donaghmore Ashbourne and despite there still being three games remaining to be played it looks unlikely that Royal Gaels will advance to compete in the latter stages of the competition. Royal Gaels utilised the Feis Cup to blood some of the excellent younger players that are progressing through the clubs underage teams. Wins over Dunboyne, Blackhall Gaels and Dunsany meant the girls faced a tough Na Fianna side in the quarter finals. Na Fianna proved too tough and defeated the RGs on a miserable night in Dunganny. The U16s, under the guidance of Pat O'Regan and Colm Bracken, enjoyed a great year reaching the Championship final in September. Their path to the final saw them recording wins over Ratoath, Clan na Gael, Donaghmore Ashbourne and St. Colmcille's in the round section and Ashbourne again in an exciting Semi final. The final brought them up against old foes Oldcastle on Saturday 20th September in Donore. The opening exchanges were even with both sides pointing scores in the first quarter. However a stronger and more powerful Oldcastle side soon got to grips with the tie and by the half time whistle had a stranglehold on the game, with Royal Gaels unable to keep in touch with them. Despite this the girls never gave up and showed admirable effort and resilience in keeping going until the final whistle. In spite of the loss it was a great run for the girls and the experience will be of benefit for the 2009 campaign! The U12s, under the guidance of Sinead Ennis, Niamh O'Sullivan and Heidi Carty, had an excellent panel of 35 girls this year and saw great numbers turning out for trainings. Although they didn't enjoy a good run of results in the Championship it never dampened the spirit and attitude of the young girls. In the Championship Round 1 they faced Summerhill at home in Drumree and despite their energy and enthusiasm lost narrowly by a point (Score: 0.03; 0.04) Further defeats to Donaghmore Ashbourne and Ratoath left the girls facing Seneschalstown in the final round and this brought out the best performance of the year by the young guns! Leading heading into the final 10minutes the girls took their foot off the pedal and were beaten in the final minutes by 1 point. The U14s had a tough group in their championship and put in a huge effort but unfortunately were knocked out at the quarter final stages. The U10s: the starlets of the club kicked off their season with a narrow defeat by Simonstown. The girls and their mentors but in great work over the year and some of this team also competed on the U11 side. The U13 Feile and the U19 Championship has yet to commence but the teams are in training and ready to do battle! Inaugural Dinner Dance Royal Gaels held their first dinner dance in the Ardboyne Hotel in January 2008 to celebrate the growth and success of the club. Founder members Ollie Bowe, Ead Kealy, Catherine McHale, Ann Power and Maura O'Neill were also there to enjoy the occasion. Medals were presented to the senior side on their Intermediate Championship and Division 2 triumphs in 2007 while the Minors received their runners up medals for the 2006 Championship, the final for which had been delayed until September 2007. With over 220 in attendance it was a fantastic night and greatly supported by family, friends and local supporters. The players at all levels throughout the club would like to express thanks to everyone who generously puts so much time and energy into running the club. It is greatly appreciated. Tweet

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