Drumconrath's Intermediate Football Championship campaign started with a very unsatisfactory outing against Na Fianna which was abandoned and ended on the biggest day of the year on the Meath club football scene when they suffered the huge disappointment of losing the final to Rathkenny. By Paul Clarke. In between, they provided their loyal band of supporters with a group campaign that delivered the much sought after place in the knockout stages and then won the two do or die encounters to qualify for their first decider in the grade. And, while it ended in defeat, it generated a huge amount of great memories and certainly augured well for the future. Neither of the finalists were considered as serious title contenders when the championship got under way last April and Drumconrath, managed by Peter O'Halloran, opened up with a visit to Athboy for a match against the Baconstown/Enfield combination, Na Fianna. Only 16 minutes of actual playing time had elapsed when the game was abandoned due to an injury to Na Fianna goalkeeper John O'Leary who sustained a broken leg in an accidental collision. The sides were level at 0-4 apiece at the time and Drumconrath had certainly suffered their share of misfortune by then. There had been an eight-minute delay because of an injury to Leighton Irwin, while his replacement Sean Reilly then sustained a dislocated finger. Alan Byrne also required treatment and goalkeeper Sean Kane sustained a nasty shin injury. It all meant that Drumconrath physio Martin White was the busiest man in Athboy. The game was refixed for Bohermeen and Drumconrath got their campaign off to the desired winning start when scoring by 2-7 to 1-7. A feature of the match was a wonderful first half performance from the team in red and white as goals from Wayne Reilly (penalty) and Paul Tighe helped them to a 2-3 to 0-3 interval advantage. Na Fianna rallied in the second period, but points from Austin Hickey, Padraig McMahon, Reilly and Alan Byrne helped Drumconrath regain the initiative. However, they failed to build on that very positive opening when, in the absence of Wayne Reilly, who had been red carded while assisting the Meath juniors against Kilkenny, they lost to Donaghmore/Ashbourne by 0-7 to 1-10 at Duleek. Padraig McMahon was also an absentee due to injury and the display suffered as a result. The teams were tied on three points each at the end of the first quarter, but Drumconrath's tale of woe when it came to injuries worsened when they lost midfielder Austin Hickey and his partner Paddy Reilly also sustained an injury. Donaghmore/Ashbourne opened up a 1-6 to 0-3 interval advantage and with both sides scoring four points in an even second period there was still six between them at the finish. Drumconrath made it a mixed bag of group results when they drew (1-10 each) with Ballivor in the third round at Kells. They trailed by 0-6 to 0-8 at the break and their injury jinx struck again when Paddy Reilly twisted his already injured knee and had to retire. Ballivor pushed three points clear and were looking good for the win, but Austin Hickey reduced the arrears with a point, before Pete McMahon was wide from a penalty as he attempted to give his side the lead. However, he soon made amends by finding the net and a committed Drumconrath side edged ahead, before they had Kevin Flanagan sent off with eight minutes remaining. They still looked set for victory when they held a three-point lead, but wayward shooting let them down and a Paul Tighe effort came back off the crossbar. They were punished in injury time when county player Mairtin Doran scored an equalising goal for Ballivor. Their qualification prospects received a setback in the fourth round at Nobber when Castletown won by 0-11 to 0-7, but Drumconrath bounced back to defeat Carnaross by 1-15 to 2-7 at Kilmainhamwood. Carnaross led by four points after 20 minutes and by 2-3 to 0-8 at half-time, but O'Halloran's men did enough subsequently to earn a very important win. Another victory followed against Gaeil Colmcille in a tight match at Carlanstown when Drumconrath edged through by 1-10 to 1-9. They started well with an Alan Byrne point and a brilliant Leighton Irwin goal, but it was the Kells men who led by 1-3 to 1-2 at the interval and then moved into a decent advantage. But Drumconrath rallied and gained parity with points from Byrne (two) and Irwin, before Terry Skelly edged them ahead. Gaeil Colmcille equalised, but points from Irwin and Jamie Myles pushed Drumconrath towards the winning post. Kilberry provided the setting for a seventh round assignment against Dunderry and Drumconrath were looking good when they held a 0-8 to 0-4 lead at half-time. However, Dunderry reduced the arrears to two points, but the fear of elimination from the competition provided Drumconrath with all the incentive they needed and they added five points to push clear. Goalkeeper Sean Kane produced a great save from Evan Stephens late in the game and the 0-13 to 0-7 win booked a place in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1998. Drumconrath lost goalkeeper and captain Kane to injury in the quarter-final against St. Colmcille's at Seneschalstown, but superb points from Alan Byrne and Ollie McMahon settled them and the teams were tied on 0-5 each at the break. Drumconrath were two points up at the three-quarter stage and pushed into a decent lead. However, they had a close shave when St. Colmcille's county minor player Graham Reilly had a great goal chance, but was denied by a brilliant save from stand-in goalkeeper Sean Reilly. Paddy Reilly scored the last point of the game to leave it 0-12 to 0-9 and Drumconrath were through to a semi-final against Oldcastle which produced an exciting tussle and a dramatic winner at Pairc Tailteann. Oldcastle led by 0-7 to 0-6 at half-time after Austin Hickey (two), Padraig McMahon, Paddy Reilly, Ollie McMahon and Alan Byrne had been on the mark for Drumconrath, while Thomas Carolan and Padraig McMahon had gone close to finding the net. Leighton Irwin did find the net 10 minutes into the second half to give Drumconrath a tremendous boost and that score really got their supporters out of their seats. The teams were level four times in a hugely entertaining second period, but Wayne Reilly had the last word when he slotted over a brilliantly struck line ball to earn his side a 1-11 to 0-13 win and an historic final place. Drumconrath could never have imagined the way the decider would work out for them. Rathkenny scored nine successive points between the sixth and 22nd minutes to lead by 0-9 to 0-0, but half-back Terry Skelly scored a fortunate goal on 25 minutes when the ball bounced over Rathkenny 'keeper John Martin. Austin Hickey added another soon after and the deficit was down to 2-0 to 0-9 at the break, with wind advantage to come. However, Drumconrath also suffered at the start of the second period when Thomas Rowan scored 1-1 in the first two minutes to complete Rathkenny's tally and leave them in front by 1-10 to 2-0. Alan Byrne, Leighton Irwin and Wayne Reilly replied with points to leave four between the sides with 10 minutes remaining. The comeback gathered momentum as Byrne, Paul Tighe and Irwin, in injury time, found the target to leave the minimum in it and they had enough chances subsequently to at least get a draw. During four minutes of injury time, Wayne Reilly was wide from a '45' and substitute Sean Reilly was also off target and when the final whistle sounded Rathkenny were ahead by 1-10 to 2-6 and were champions for the first time in 72 years. "We never got out of the blocks and nine points is a big lead to have to pull back," said manager O'Halloran. "We had the same preparations as for all other games. There was a lot of hype in the village, but that didn't affect the players. "We played against the wind in the first half, but that's something we have been doing all year and we weren't going to change it. We looked flat in the first half and fell behind. But we got a lucky break with the first goal and Austin Hickey scored a good second goal. "That left us in a good position at half-time, but Rathkenny got their only point of the second half on the restart and that was an important score. They then got their goal. But our lads stuck in there and we could have stolen it at the end. But a lot of our shots were pressure kicks. "We would be very hopeful that we can come back from this. Pete McMahon and Paddy Reilly are 32, but we have a lot of good young players too. I have always said that if Drumconrath get out of their group they will take beating." O'Halloran was moved by the wonderful reception the people of Drumconrath gave the team, despite the defeat. "We got a great reception when we arrived back home," he added. "There was a great community spirit. Anybody who was thinking of retiring wouldn't think about it after that. It would bring a tear to your eye." The Drumconrath side which contested the IFC final was: S. Kane; B. Flanagan, T. Carolan, K. Flanagan; J. Myles, Pete McMahon, T. Skelly (1-0); A. Hickey (1-0), W. Reilly (0-1); A. Byrne (0-2, 1 free), O. McMahon, S. Crosby; P. Reilly, L. Irwin (0-2, frees), Padraig McMahon. Subs - Paul Tighe (0-1) for Crosby, S. Reilly for O. McMahon, Peter Tighe for Padraig McMahon. Drumconrath bucking the trend After the heartbreak of not qualifying in 2004 when losing out on score difference and in 2005 with a last round last minutes defeat by Nobber, Drumconrath's main aim for 2006 was to make the A League Division 3 Final and to qualify for the knockout stages of the IFC. These dreams seemed far away as the club was unable to secure a coach that was suitable in late 2005 and early 2006. After trying many avenues a decision was taken within the club to take on the mantle themselves and Peter O'Halloran who had stepped down as selector at the AGM took up the mantle when mid January approached. Fortunately he had an able helper in fellow clubman Ronan McGahon who organized the sessions which O'Halloran put in practice. McGahon was doing the physical training with both Kingscourt Stars and Kilmainhamwood and this format continued until early April when McGahon took on the role as trainer when he had finished his agreement with the other clubs. O'Halloran continued as manager and along with Selectors Noel Reilly and Thomas Conlon the club blazed a trail in the A League only losing one game. As August approached two championships had been lost to Donaghmore/Ashbourne and Castletown. McGahon, a regular with the IFC team in 2005, practically gave up a place on this year's team as a result. With Ronan eager to play a role as player the club had kept a watchful eye on prospective coaches and when the Cavan minor team fell unexpectedly in the Ulster semi final approaches where made to Shercock's Jody Clarke manager of the Cavan youth's to "come and lend a hand". The fresh approach was exactly what the Doctor ordered as Drumconrath minor slump was rectified with a win over Carnaross in the 5th round of the IFC and victory over Moynalvey secured promotion to Division 2 of the ACFL and coincidently another Final clash with today opponents Rathkenny. Clarke a good friend of Drumconrath GFC as he looked after our fortunes in 1999 and 2000 had arrived in early August with his assistant Philip McEntee and they assumed control of coaching and training and the defeat of the Cavan minors turned out to be a God send for Drumconrath something in which so nearly finished in Drumconrath for the first time since the early 1900 playing in the top grade in Meath Football. League final woe In a rematch of the IFC Final just 13 days earlier Drumconrath once again fell by the narrowest of margin in a highly entertaining and absorbing game that was in the balance for the full 80 minutes. Rathkenny 0-12 Drumconrath 0-11 [aet] Drums made several changes from the Intermediate Final and had Rathkenny reeling as four points in a row all from play from Leighton Irwin, Terence Skelly, Paul Tighe and Austin Hickey by the 11th minute before Rathkenny opened their account with a Thomas Martin free on the 13th minute. Drumconrath in this period managed to hit seven wides one off which was a goal chance by Paul Tighe which skidded narrowly the wrong side of the post. Skelly who was a revelation as 3rd midfielder hit the 5th point as Martin notched a point from play and another from a free as John Donegan also scored. Wayne Reilly's magnificent effort from under the stand was Drums last point of the half. Again the Drums started well with an Irwin pointed free but with the strong breeze stiffening and with Drumconrath missing the influence of Paddy Reilly who had gone off injured at half time Rathkenny took control. Two mighty long range frees from Donegan, a point from play from Thomas Rowan and a super Donegan effort from over on the terrace side seen them hit the front for the first time. Wayne Reilly hit over a good free from 40 metres into the strong wide as Eoin Elliot put Rathkenny back ahead on 50 minutes. With four minutes to go Rathkenny keeper John Martin stopped a Wayne Reilly shot which to most people except Referee Jimmy Henry looked like a blatant foot block and Ollie McMahon shot the rebound tamely into a Rathkenny defenders arms who was back tracking to the goal line. Alan Byrne levelled the game just on 60 minutes and we braced ourselves for extra time. Brian Meade opened the scoring on 63 minutes but Drumconrath playing into the wind went ahead with Wayne Reilly and Stephan Crosby both pointing from play. Rathkenny again levelled with a Martin free just on half time. Both sides slogged it out and with defences on top there was only one more score as sub David Donegan hit the winner with 7 minutes left. Drumconrath's tally of 12 wides to Rathkenny's 7 was a another hard lesson learned as we watched Donal Curtis lift the Jack Cummins Cup but maybe the saying "better to have played and lost than not to have played at all" can be referred to this game. To make two finals was sometime Drumconrath can be proud of and while it was hard to get beaten in both of them it was great fun getting there and as always in our minds "hope springs eternal" as already we plan for 2007. League Final Team; Sean Kane [capt]; Kevin Flanagan, Pete McMahon, Peter Tighe; Brian Flanagan, Thomas Carolan, Jamie Myles; Austin Hickey (0-1), Wayne Reilly (0-3); Christopher Tighe, Paddy Reilly, Paul Tighe (0-1); Terry Skelly (0-2), Sean Reilly, Leighton Irwin (0-2); Subs - Alan Byrne (0-1), Stephan Crosby (0-1), Paul Carey; Ollie McMahon; Padraig McMahon. In Extra Time - Ronan McGahon, Shane Byrne, Paul Tighe. Rest of panel - Niall Carolan, Paddy Carolan, John Lynch, Garry Tighe, Brian Hanratty and Alan Dunne 10 years ago 1996 a year to remember for Drumconrath JFC Final Drumconrath 1-10 Meath Hill 0-10 So it was on to the 3rd of November 1996 and the final that Drumconrath people all over had waited for years this was our chance to finally forget all the bad times the club had endured over the years and shake off the shackles of junior football. A win would mean so much and therefore there were plenty of nerves coming up to that day. We were prepared very well and the experience of losing to Duleek the previous year stood us in good stead. The colour and atmosphere of the Parish was unbelievable with Red and Blue flags in every nook and cranny. Seneschalstown beat Dunboyne in a S.F.C. semi-final acted as a warm up as crowds flocked to Pairc Tailteann from all sides. Peter Fitzpatrick the manager for the 1st time all year showed panic as the coach that we travelled in got held up with the traffic at Blackcastle on the way in and began to ask could we get a Garda escort but there was no real need, the hold-up was a blessing in disguise as we had very little time in the dressing and it was straight out on the pitch and into the action. We had the wind in the first half and in the first early minutes attacked constantly but all we registered was a number of wides, Shane Byrne finally broke our duck with 2 quick points, The Hill responded with a Francis Callaghan free but he had uncharacteristically beforehand sent one wide and hit the post with another as Meath Hill began to show that as we knew any way that they weren't here just to make up the numbers. Paul Carey made it 0-3 to 0-1 but then almost disaster as Ollie McMahon fouled Emmet Boyle in the square and referee Jimmy Henry pointed to the spot but Callaghan put the resulting shot over the bar as Stephan Byrne stood tall and strong on the goal line. Drumconrath finally woke up and points from Shane Byrne, Paddy Reilly and Pete McMahon put some daylight between the sides although Paul Kiernan had also scored on one of the rare occasions that Meath Hill attacked in the 2nd quarter. Only 3 points up and a gale to play against in the 2nd half omens didn't look hectic. For only the 2nd time all year Fitzer raised his voice during the break [the other time was against Skryne] and when Kevin Flanagan sent 2 boys in blue shirts to the ground as he won vital ball early in the third quarter we knew that Fitzers words had not gone to loss. An early Paddy Reilly point left four in it but two Callaghan frees and two from play where sandwiched by one from Captain Shay Durnin and when David Crosby scored to level it at 0-8 each on 50mins the game seemed to be going to the team in Blue. A well worked move found James Hickey [who had minutes before switched to the forty] loose and he scored the games only goal and with that Drumconrath got a new lease of life as another Durnin score left us in the safety zone Callaghan notched another free but a super Pete McMahon point and only a good save by Brendan Lee from Padraig McMahon stopped Drumconrath opening a bigger gap. Emmet Boyle spurned a goal chance and a late Callaghan free finished the scoring. It was notable that all Drumconrath's scores came from play. Needless to say joyous scenes erupted at the final whistle and a 33 year wait was over as Shay Durnin collected the Matthew Ginnity Cup. The celebrations continued in the Ardboyne as James Hickey won Man of the Match and it was on home to the Village and the Annaughmullen Pipe Band led us in from the Nobber Cross to the stage at the Grotto and more victory speeches with Peter Fitzpatrick demanding that we do the double and win the League Final that was lucky enough fixed for 2 weeks later. A Bank holiday was declared which continued until Wednesday. It was back to training of sorts on Thursday as we faced the Dublin Champions St Brigid's on Saturday but our week our celebration told as we got beaten. That defeat focused us for the League Final against St Ultan's in Castletown and we won a non-event 0-14 to 0-2 and more merriment as we had a meal in Muldoon's and the two cups on show. Drumconrath - Stephan Byrne; Cathal Byrne, Kevin Flanagan, Peter O'Halloran; Ollie McMahon, Derek Flanagan, Paul Carey 0-1; Paddy Reilly 0-2, James Hickey 1-0; Wayne Reilly, Pete McMahon 0-2, Shane Byrne 0-3; Shay Durnin 0-2, Padraig McMahon, Wesley Byrne. Sub - Leighton Irwin for W. Byrne. Panel - David McMahon, Ronan McGahon, Sean Reilly, Thomas Dardis, Pat Dunne, Paul Dunne, Niall Carolan, Dara Carolan, Derek Tighe and Alan Dunne. Meath Hill - Brendan Lee, John Owens, John Cunningham, James Kiernan; Martin Shekleton, Paudge Boyle, Paddy Owens; Tom Matthews, Lee Breslin; John Callaghan, Francis Callaghan 0-8, Paul Kierans 0-1; David Crosby 0-1, Emmet Boyle, Thomas Owens. Subs - Martin Breslin for T Owens, Dean Farrelly for Shekleton. A poem to mark the big day In 1996 Drumconrath won the Meath Junior A Championship beating their parish rivals Meath Hill. They are a club with whom we join with at underage and many attempts were made down the years to amalgamate. We are one of the few parishes in Meath still to have two clubs at adult level and so when we clashed in this final it caused a great buzz not only in Meath but in our surrounding counties. This is a short poem to commemorate that day November 3rd 1996. MEMORIES OF THE SHOWGROUNDS 1996 Back in Nineteen ninety-six, On a bright November day, Two teams one red and one of blue, To the Showground's made their way The supporters came in crowds, From the very North of Meath Where the colour of your jersey, Is more important than your creed. Drumconrath were the favorites, The underdogs Meath Hill On this unique occasion, Such excitement such a thrill, Pictures where abound, Of underage teams of yore, Players stood shoulder to shoulder, But today an end to lore. The crowds from county Meath did come In buses, cars and vans, And also came our neighbours, From Cavan, Louth and Monaghan They heard of how the blood did spill, In matches over keen, But no card none red or yellow, Was in this great final seen. The match was in the balance, Throughout the whole game Till young James from Summerhill, Made history of his name It started from a free, Took by Ollie on the ball Pete took up the running, And passed it onto Paul A hop and a solo, On it goes to Jim He placed the ball so perfectly, And guaranteed our win Our heroes down in history, We never will forget Stephan he stood tall and strong, He guarded our net Cathal, young and what a star, With Kevin never slow And Hogsie shouting orders, Too keep them all in tow. Derek held the danger man, Ollie was a vital joint And Shots who never will, Let us forget his wonder point. Paddy was the ledgend, With Hickey by his side, These two did Trojan work, To hold back the Blue tide. Wayne was doing super work, Shane was another star Pete involved in every score, Boylan called him to the bar Paudi was a star all year, Wesley is forever Red, Shay Durnin raised two white flags, And the Cup above his head We all remember Fitzer, How he brought along his cone Noel and Seamus did selection, They where never off the phone Martin and Peter held the reins that year, Our committee working fine Remembering too as we always do, The panel on the line. Every member of the panel, Including Leighton the sub Stand proudly in the picture That hangs in Dempsey's pub Our taughts go back to Meath Hill, And the gallant part they played, In that unique Junior Final, In Pairc Tailteann on that day. Tweet

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