While Killyon surprised themselves and Kilmessan by winning the Meath senior camogie title for the first time in eight years, the club's hurlers failed to make it to the knockout stages of the SHC. Two years ago Killyon were within seconds of reaching the senior final only to be reeled in extra time by Kilmessan, who went on to win the replay comfortably en route to starting their three-in-a-row sequence of successes. Club secretary, Noel Leacy reiterated a point he made in last year's edition of Royal County, citing the lack of one-off housing developments in rural areas as a great handicap to clubs like Killyon. "We are very dependent on development in Ballivor for our younger players" adds the Leixlip native. Killyon got their campaign, which opened at Longwood on Monday, May 24, off to a bad start losing to Kiltale by 1-10 to 2-8. After trailing by four points, 1-3 to 2-4, at the break Killyon got back on terms, 1-8 to 2-5, going into the final stages when county netminder Mark Gannon struck five unanswered points in an devastating 18 minute spell. Kiltale reacted by delegating Cathal Sheridan to mark Gannon and though points from Shane and James Mitchell saw Sean Ryan's charges hit the front with time running out, Kiltale's Shane Reilly leveled matters before veteran substitute P.J. Walsh fired over the winner. Their first round opponents went on to reach the semi-finals before losing heavily to Kilmessan. On reflection Noel Leacy highlights the defeat by Boardsmill in the second round as being crucial to their failure to make the knockout stages. Boardsmill had lost heavily to Kildalkey in the opening round, so things augured well for Killyon going into this clash at Kildalkey on Saturday, June 5. Having made such a big impression in the previous outing, Mark Gannon was sorely missed on this occasion and though he arrived late his two goal salvo from frees in the latter stages couldn't prevent his side going down on a 3-8 to 3-11 scoreline. Even without their topscoring player, Killyon had enough chances to chalk up their first brace of points but a total of fifteen wides sorely undermined their cause. Two weeks later Killyon finally got off the mark when overcoming Rathmoylon by 3-9 to 1-8 at Longwood. That result threw Group A of the championship wide open and it was a scoring burst that yielded 3-3 in the run up to half time that made the difference. The mistakes that gifted goals to Boardsmill in the previous round were rectified while bringing J.J. Gilsenan to midfield and moving Clayton Keegan to the '40' during course of the game also improved matters. The teams were level three times in the opening 20 minutes before Brendan Pollock and Shane Mitchell netted in quick succession while Pollock - who finished with 2-4 - added another on the stroke of half-time to leave it 3-6 to 0-3 at the break. Just two points separated the teams after three series of matches in Group A. Kildalkey, Kiltale and Trim were on four points, with Boardsmill, Killyon and Rathmoylon on two. After losing their opening two matches, that victory over Rathmolyon propelled Killyon back into the championship race going into the final two series of matches. In their fourth outing, at Boardsmill on Sunday, July 4, Killyon boosted considerably their chances of making the last four with a 2-14 to 0-6 demolition of Kildalkey. Calvin Ryan played as starring role combining a contribution of 2-3 with an industrious display. It was 2-6 to 0-3 at the break. Mark Gannon, who missed the win over Rathmolyon was back in the fold and scored three points while at the opposite end Stephen Quinn kept the Kildalkey attack at bay with several fine saves. Hopes of making the last four after missing out in 2003 were high going into the final round, but nobody in the club was underestimating the task of overturning mighty Trim. However another minimum margin defeat, by 2-8 to 0-13 at Boardsmill on Saturday, July 17 ended Killyon's hopes of lifting the Jubilee Cup. Trim had Gay Kennedy and Kevin Meehan dismissed (the latter's dismissal deep into stoppage time had no bearing on the outcome) in a stormy encounter. Though Kiltale managed to get on level terms after the first sending off they never led and were chasing the game once Joey Toole netted for Trim inside the opening ninety seconds. James Mitchell pulled a brace of points back for Killyon before Shane Ashe grabbed Trim's second goal. In the run up to half-time Toole pointed a penalty after substitute Benny Murray was fouled, though there was some dispute as to whether or not the subsequent penalty was on target, the point was given by referee Gerry Kelly and Trim went on to lead 2-5 to 0-7 at the break. The margin was down to the minimum within five minutes of the restart before parity was reached when Brendan Pollock landed a free midway through the second-half. Of their three defeats, two (by Trim and Kiltale) were by the narrowest margin and the other (by Boardsmill) by just three points while victories over Rathmolyon and Kildalkey were achieved by seven and 14 points respectively. Once again Killyon's second string failed to fulfill all their fixtures in the junior hurling championship, which underlines the problems smaller clubs have in sustaining playing numbers. They were grouped with Kilmessan, Dunboyne, Kiltale, Rathmoylon, Trim, Ratoath and Moylagh. Trim also withdrew from the competition while Dunboyne, having lost to Kilmessan in the group stages avenged that defeat in the final. Killyon's win over Kilmessan in the senior camogie decider was as surprising as it was welcome. In the centenary year of the Camogie Association, it was decided to play the senior and junior finals at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday, August 15. While it was a pity it clashed with 'live' television coverage with the Cork-Wexford All-Ireland senior hurling semi-final at Croke Park, at least it proved to be far more competitive and concluded in dramatic fashion. Since winning their first senior title in 1980, Killyon enjoyed a great run of success completing a six-in-a-row run of successes between 1989 and 1994 before regaining their crown in 1996. While Kilmessan easily disposed of Kiltale in the second of a semi-final double header at Dunsany, Killyon had to work hard to see off a spirited Trim side in the other before coming through on a 2-9 to 2-7 scoreline. Sharon Raleigh and Stephanie Heavey got the goals for the eventual winners who led 1-8 to 0-4 at the break. Kilmessan were bidding for their fourth consecutive title, having beaten Killyon by 3-7 to 1-5 in the 2003 decider. But the women from around the Hill of Down were rank outsiders having lost heavily to their rivals in the group stages of the competition. Under the guidance of J.J. Carney and Eanna Greene they worked hard in an attempt to reverse the result. Carol Massey's goal four minutes from full time proved decisive as Killyon clinched their ninth title - and first since 1996 - by the narrowest margin on a 2-4 to 0-9 scoreline. Killyon got off to a flying start when Sharon Raleigh netting inside the opening thirty seconds and though they went on to lead 1-3 to 0-3 at the break, a total of nine first half wides looked set to tell against them as they has to face the wind and the strong sun in the second period. Having been introduced in the previous year's final, Killyon left-half-back Denise Fitzsimons started her first final at the age of 13. On the other hand corner-forward Yvonne Holzner shared in all of the club's previous successes at this level. Even though they managed just two second-half scores, a strong defensive performance ensured they took possession of the Fay and Regan Cup. Full-back Mary Burke was a deserving recipient of the 'Player of the Match' award, while team captain and midfielder Katie Connolly was another strong contender for the best player accolade. Goalkeeper Michelle Connolly also proved her worth with a number of fine saves, particularly in the third quarter when Killyon were under the cosh. It crowned a memorable year for Brigid Carney, who is chairwoman of both the Killyon camogie club and the Meath Camogie Board, while her husband J.J. was one of the team mentors. Killyon team and substitutes that saw action against Kilmessan - Michelle Connolly; Samantha McMahon, Mary Burke, Jackie Maher; Aoife Maguire, Margaret Burke, Denise Fitzsimons; Katie Connolly (0-1), Fionnuala Clarke; Carol Massey (1-0), Stephanie Heavey (0-3, all frees), Orla Ennis; Yvonne Holzner, Sharon Raleigh, Christine Raleigh. Sub - Sandra Massey for Ennis (53 minutes). They went on to represent Meath in the Leinster junior camogie competition, beating Louth's Kilkerley Emmets in the opening round before losing out to Laois side, St Brigid's, Rathdowney. Despite that disappointment it was a memorable year for Killyon's Brigid who paid tribute to her clubmates by noting that "After the first Kilmessan game, they got to training and put in a good bit of work and played really well on the day of the final". Killyon Camogie Club 2004 The Camogie association was celebrating its Centenary Year in 2004 and Killyon Camogie club enjoyed the past year with wins at Senior and the Under 14 level. To start the year Mary Burke was delighted to be chosen by the Meath county board as the Camogie Ambassador for Meath in conjunction with the centenary committee, it was a very interesting and worthwhile year. During the year the club took part in the numerous events on the Centenary calendar. All from the Club that attended the Centenary Banquet held in the City West Hotel on the 28th February had a great night. Although we failed to be chosen on the Team of the Centenary, we didn't let it dampen our spirits as we partied until the early hours. Next up was the Lar ná Club on the 10th April, we ran a Camogie field day, displayed old and new photos in the Killyon GAA Hall, invited all past members and players to attend, played an under age game to start, then the players from the Junior team that won the championship back in 1977 played a game, which was very enjoyable to watch. Following that both the past and present senior players took on one another in an exciting game of camogie. We also ran a long puck competition for the different age groups from under age to senior level. To finish off we had tea and sambos. A great Day was had by all. The Senior team took part in the Leinster Centenary Sevens in St Lomans Park, Mullingar, where we won the B Final and Sharon Raleigh received player of the final. Medals were presented on the day to the team by the President of the Camogie Association Miriam O'Callaghan and Chairperson of Leinster Council . The commendation day in Navan on the 17th July 2004 was also a huge occasion for both the county and all clubs that participated. The players and mentors from Killyon were delighted to be part of this. The club then went on to give a "leg out " in the Torch run from Navan to Kepak on the 18th September 2004. While taking part in numerous events thought the year our club both at under age and senior level were taking part in their respective championships. At Senior level coached by JJ Carney & Eanna Green we over came Dunderry, Trim, Blackhall-Gaels, Donaghmore, Kiltale, and we beaten by Kilmessan. Which left us to play Trim in the semi-Final, having defeated Trim we went on the meet Kilmessan in the final, which was played in Pairc Tailteann Navan on the 15th August. Having lost to Kilmessan badly in the championship, the final was going to be tough and we were not given much hope. Having worked hard at training through the year the girls certainly put in a spirited display put up a huge fight in what was probably the club's most exciting and nail biting final to date. The best moment of the year was definitely when that final whistle was blown and we had won the Senior Championship. Captain Katie Connolly and the Killyon team were delighted to bring home the Fay and O'Regan Cup in Centenary year, after a gap of seven years. Player of the Senior Final went to Mary Burke Killyon Senior Champions 2004 : Michelle Connolly, Samantha McMahon, Mary Burke, Jackie Maher, Aoifa Maguire, Margaret Burke, Geraldine Losty, Denise Fitzsimons, Katie Connolly Capt., Fionuala Clarke, Carol Massey, Stephanie Hevey, Orla Ennis, Yvonne Holzner, Sharon Raleigh, Christine Raleigh, Sandra Massey, Charlene Pollock, Sylvia Rattigan, Marcella McKeon, Josephine Raleigh. We then went on to play in the club championship where we defeated the Louth Senior Champions Kilkerley and played a very young and strong team from Laois in the semi-final of the Leinster Championship. Unfortunately on the day youth was a winner as the Laois Champions defeated us well. At under age level the U12 and U14 teams took part in there championships, the U12s did not figure in any finals, the U14s played and won the Shield final, which was great for the girls as it keeps them interested. We also entered a team in the Under 10 blitz which took part in Rathoath, having reached the semi-final and the girls were very disappointed when the were beaten by Kilmessan. Killyon U14 Sheild Winners : A Gannon, D Fitzsimons, S Kennedy, R McCormack, S Tracey, N Doyle, L Doyle, A Doyle, S Ryan, A Kelly, E Foley, H Coleman, C Darby, Claire Darby, D Dixon, D Lilley, B Massey, MA Foley, A Fennesey, C Leonard, J Massey, E Raleigh The club was also delighted to have Denise Fitzsimons and Anita Corrigan on the Meath Minor team that won the Leinster B Final against Carlow and also who played in the All Ireland B semi- final, which was a very first for Meath at this level. The Killyon club would like to congratulate the minors and their mentors on their success. The Club & players also visited our local national school with the Senior Cup and the under 14 Shield where we were given a warm welcome by the pupils and staff. The club looks forward to next year with great enthusiasm after a very successful 2004. Supplied by Mary Burke Tweet

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