A year after suffering intermediate hurling final heartache against Blackhall Gaels, Na Fianna made amends with a well deserved win over Dunderry to claim their place amongst the senior ranks of Meath hurling clubs for the first time. It was a sweet win for the Baconstown Enfield combination as they had been the form team coming into the decider after an emphatic semi-final replay win over Wolfe Tones. The Kirby name has a proud tradition in the amalgamated club and it was midfielder Davy who was instrumental in the 1-13 to 1-8 final win at Trim, as his seven first half points proved crucial. At that stage the men in black and amber held a 0-11 to 1-3 lead against Dunderry, which would have been more comfortable had Evan Stephen's not grabbed a 20th minute goal for the Blacks. That goal had reduced the deficit to 1-3 to 0-8 but three points in the final ten minutes from Paul Hanley, Diarmuid Bailey and Kirby cemented Na Fianna's control on the game. Two quick Dunderry points narrowed the gap to three points but that was as good as it got for Ollie Horan's charges. Hanley struck the Na Fianna goal at the start of the final quarter before two further points from substitute Mark Coffey and Kirby again sealed a famous win. Na Fianna - A Kirby, D Gorman, B Flynn, P Coffey, N Reilly, C Cosgrove, S Griffin, D Kirby 0-8, S Burke, T Healy, D Gleeson, D Bailey 0-3, B Slevin 0-1, J Queeney, P Hanley 1-1. Subs - C Flynn, F Fergal, M Coffey The Ups and nearly downs There was certainly no shortage of big days out for the supporters of the Na Fianna club in 2006, including a Div. 2 Hurling Championship final against Clann na nGael and a highly significant Intermediate Football Championship match against Slane. The hurling decider brought immense satisfaction as the Enfield/Baconstown combination got the better of Clann na nGael to claim the title, while relief was the strongest emotion after the footballers had beaten Slane - the stark reality being that that particular assignment at Dunsany in mid-October was a do or die battle for survival in the intermediate ranks. Na Fianna's Group B opponents in the Div. 2 HC were Blackhall Gaels, Kildalkey, Kilmessan, Longwood and Rathmolyon and four victories in the divisional campaign - achieved against Rathmolyon, Blackhall, Kilmessan and Longwood - were sufficient to earn them a semi-final ticket as they finished joint top of the section on eight points along with Kildalkey (the only team to beat them). Their semi-final opponents were Boardsmill and it necessitated a late point from Jamie Queeney, when he was trying for a goal, to force a draw as it finished 3-3 to the 'Mill's 2-6 at Longwood. It was back to the same venue for the replay and this time Na Fianna made no mistake as they won by 1-11 to 0-9 after Aidan Doherty's goal had helped them to a 1-7 to 0-6 interval advantage en route to a clearcut success. It was a proud moment for Na Fianna captain Robert Gleeson when he accepted the cup from Meath Hurling Committee secretary Enda Smyth after Na Fianna had deservedly beaten Clann na nGael by 1-13 to 2-6 in the Div. 2 HC final at Trim approximately a month before that important football result. Declan Brennan and Gene Greville gave Na Fianna a good foundation at midfield and with the very talented Jamie Queeney a big threat in attack Clann na nGael were always likely to have a difficult evening. Martin Hanley also gave Na Fianna a strong base at the heart of their defence which was important to the victory. There was nothing in it during the opening quarter as the teams were tied on 0-3 each, but Clann na nGael did most from there to half-time as a brace of goals from Kit McGovern helped them to lead by 2-4 to 0-6 at the change of ends after Anthony Boggan (three), Daniel Boggan, David Reilly and Aidan Doherty had kept Na Fianna well in contention with points. Na Fianna enjoyed the better of the third-quarter exchanges as they set about repairing the damage that had been inflicted in the shape of those two first half goals and the gap was down to the minimum at the three-quarter stage as Anthony Boggan scored three more points from frees and Reilly was on the mark from play to make it 0-10 to 2-5. The introduction of Donal Curran added strength to the Na Fianna attack and they were on level terms (0-12 to 2-6) with four minutes to play after Anthony Boggan (free) and Reilly had scored to set up an interesting finish. Na Fianna were growing in confidence and when Queeney provided the ammunition for Curran the substitute fired home the crucial goal, before Anthony Boggan brought his overall contribution to eight points with the insurance score. It was a very satisfactory conclusion to the Div. 2 Championship for all concerned, including the management team of Anthony Kirby, Michael Bailey and Matt Coffey. The Na Fianna team in the final was - S. Kirby; R. Gleeson, M. Dixon, N. Burke; M. Kelly, Martin Hanley, G. Gorman; D. Brennan, G. Greville; J. Queeney, D. Boggan (0-1), Michael Hanley; A. Doherty (0-1), D. Reilly (0-3), A. Boggan (0-8). Subs - B. Queeney for Hanley, D. Curran (1-0) for Doherty, D. Heffernan for Reilly. FOOTBALL SURVIVAL While Na Fianna's hurlers enjoyed a fruitful 2006, there was a difficult campaign in the Intermediate Championship for the footballers as they teetered on the brink of demotion to the junior ranks, before there was a happy ending in the form of that relegation play-off victory over Slane. They were drawn in Group A of the IFC, a section that also included Ballivor, Castletown, Carnaross, Donaghmore/Ashbourne, Drumconrath, Dunderry and Gaeil Colmcille, and their opening assignment against Drumconrath at Athboy essentially reflected the troubled divisional campaign they were to endure. Goalkeeper John O'Leary sustained a broken leg in an accidental collision and the game was abandoned at a time when the teams were on level terms (0-4 each). When it was refixed for Bohermeen it resulted in a disappointing start to the championship as Drumconrath won by 2-7 to 1-7 as they set out on a path that would bring them all the way to the final. It didn't get much better when they travelled to Dunsany for a meeting with Dunderry as county junior player Dean Barrett sustained an injury and was forced to retire at an early stage. They also lost Jamie Queeney in the second period and the end result was a 1-8 to 3-9 defeat. Definite hints of a battle for survival must have been evident when Na Fianna lost their third successive championship game, going under by 0-10 to 1-12 against Gaeil Colmcille at Kildalkey and matters worsened when Donaghmore/Ashbourne added to their problems with a 0-15 to 1-7 win at Dunsany. Pointless after four rounds, Na Fianna needed a win and they needed it soon. Thankfully, it came next time out against Ballivor at Longwood as they earned a surprise 2-9 to 0-12 success to ease their relegation worries, with Queeney and Barrett demonstrating just how important they are to the club by claiming the goals. They were unable to make it back to back wins as Castletown proved too strong in the sixth round at Bohermeen, winning by 1-12 to 0-11, and a sixth defeat of the group stages at Sean Newman Park followed when fellow strugglers Carnaross concluded their divisional campaign with a very important 0-11 to 1-7 victory. Na Fianna were on the verge of safety when level with time rapidly running out, but Brian Comaskey had the last word with a winner and the result meant that the teams would have to meet again to decide who would finish bottom of the group. That match took place at Athboy and it was Carnaross who made sure they would be playing intermediate football in 2007 when they won decisively by 1-11 to 1-4 to consign Na Fianna to a place in the Last Chance Saloon against Slane who had found themselves in the same position the previous year when they survived with a relegation play-off win over Drumree. This time it was David Beggy's Slane who ran out of lives as Na Fianna won by 3-9 to 1-9 to copper-fasten their position in the intermediate grade. However, after starting positively with early points from Ollie Lewis and Dean Barrett, they fell behind when Declan Kearns goaled from a penalty for Slane. But Na Fianna responded very well to that setback and a couple of goals from Declan Brennan helped them to lead by 2-4 to 1-4 at half-time, and aided by a great goal from Queeney they pushed well ahead in the second period. Slane attempted to rally, but the Enfield/Baconstown side were in resolute mood and any chance of a revival were firmly quelled when goalkeeper Shane Geraghty produced a tremendous late save. Staying in the intermediate ranks was very important for Na Fianna, who were forced into a change of management after two group games, with Jim Barrett, Jim Queeney and Mark Gillespie taking on the job of looking after the team. "We survived, but the reality is that we should never have ended up in that position in the first place," was how club secretary Pat Flynn described the Intermediate Championship campaign. "We had a change of management after two matches in the championship, while I suppose we have been a bit like Summerhill in the Senior Championship - losing tight games that we might have won. "But I would have to say that things are going well and we have good young players coming through. Even in the relegation play-off against Slane all bar two of the players were aged under 23. That has to be a good sign and we have to be hopeful." The Na Fianna team that secured the club's IFC survival was - S. Geraghty; B. Hilton, F. Foran, C. O'Rafferty; D. Gleeson, T. Cosgrave, R. Payne (0-2); O. Lewis (0-1), D. Barrett (0-2); J. Hendrick, B. Queeney (0-1), D. Lyons; D. Brennan (2-1), J. Queeney (1-2), C. Cosgrave. UNDER-14s GO CLOSE Tremendous work is being done at under-age level in the Na Fianna club and that was reflected in the qualification of the under-14 footballers for the Div. 1 Championship final when the young players experienced the thrill of lining out at Pairc Tailteann against St. Martin's. Na Fianna certainly gave their all in the decider, but St. Martin's came out on top by 2-14 to 2-4 to retain their title. First half goals from Sean O'Neill and Sean Coyle aided Na Fianna's cause, but Martin's were ahead by five points (1-10 to 2-2) at the interval. A second St. Martin's goal 10 minutes from the end secured the title, but the Na Fianna youngsters had contributed very well to the final and should be proud of their efforts. The Na Fianna team in the final was - C. Brennan; B. Cullen, K. Coffey, A. Burke; C. Geraghty, A. Hunt, J. McCormack; D. Lynch, D. Queeney; M. Farrelly (0-1), L. Boylan, L. Dowling; K. Jordan, S. O'Neill (1-3), S. Coyle (1-0). Subs - P. Geraghty for Boylan, R. Daly for Hunt, G. Daly for Dowling. Our year In general 2006 was another good year for the Na Fianna Club with the Hurlers winning both the IHC and the Junior 2 Championship and the ladies gaining promotion to the Division 1 League by winning the Division 2 competition. While the Intermediate footballers had to survive a relegation play-off against Slane the good showing in that match and the performance of the under 21 side in the A Championship gives good hope for the coming year. The Club is continually expanding an this year saw 33 teams represent it at all grades in Gaelic Football, Hurling, Ladies Football and Camogie. The Intermediate Football Panel was in a transition stage in 2006. A number of key players including Martin and Paul Hanley retired from first team football while injuries to key players John O'Leary, Ciaran O'Rafferty and the loss of last years captain Alan Clinton (working in England) left a depleted panel for most of the year. However emerging young talent such as Dean Barrett, Jamie Queeney, Declan Brennan and John Baldwin had to put their shoulder to the wheel and towards the end of the season the team had a more settled look and despite having to play in a relegation play off against Slane they finished strongly and gave cause for much optimism for the coming year. No doubt team manager Jim Barrett and his selectors Mark Gillespie and Jim Queeney will be aware that a greater effort is needed next year to challenge for intermediate honours. The under 21 panel powered by the above young players are into the semi-final of the A Championship. They had a well earned win in the quarter finals when they beat Duleek by a single point. Some fine play from for county minor players Dean Barrett, Declan Brennan and Jamie Queeney saw them overturn a three goal deficit at half time to finish deserved winners. The accuracy of Queeney from dead balls was a feature of the play when he contributed 1-10 of the total score including a penalty. This panel of players coupled with more senior players Fergal Foran, Christy and Tommy Cosgrave, Ollie Lewis, the evergreen Jason Henrick, Brian Queeney, Ciaran O'Rafferty and Ronan McMahon will give the club renewed optimism in the 2007 intermediate championship. The Junior B team, under the management of Miah Henrick and Mick Devine failed to make any headway in the championship. They are still involved in the league at the time of writing. After losing last years intermediate final by a last minute point the hurlers set out the 2006 campaign with a renewed determination to take championship honours. After an unbeaten run in the qualifiers the team had to settle for a draw in the semi-final in a low scoring game against Wolfe Tones before claiming a big replay win to qualify for a final meeting with Dunderry. On the second Sunday in November we came through with a 1-13 to 1-8 win over the 2001 beaten senior hurling finalists with David Kirby grabbing eight points and Paul Hanley contributing the crucial goal. Players like Anthony Kirby, Brendan Flynn, Tony Healy, Fergal Foran and Paul Hanley lend support to the younger player like David Kirby, Paul Coffey, Barry Slevin and Shane Greaney. In the Doherty Cup All County League the team had a successful run qualifying for the semi-final at the time of writing. The team is managed by Rathmoylon and county senior hurler Mike Cole. Cole and his selectors Diarmuid Fagan and Davy Doherty left nothing to chance throughout the year. A feature of the hurling year was the juniors under the stewardship of Anthony and David Kirby and Michael Bailey who won the Division 2 Championship when the outplayed a well balanced Clann na nGael side in the final played in Trim in September. The score line was 1-13 to 2-6 and those who got on the score sheet for Na Fianna were Anthony Boggan (0-7), Davy Reilly (0-4), Donal Curran (1-0), Daniel Boggan (0-1) and Aidan Doherty (0-1). As well as these, players like Robert Gleeson, Marty Dixon, Martin Hanley, Gene Greville, Declan Brennan and Jamie Queeney made huge contributions to the victory. The under 21 s are in the B Championship and are due to play Boardsmill in the first round. Ladies Football continues to thrive in the club. Since winning the Junior Championship in 2004 the team has progressed well in the intermediate grade. In the 2005 championship the team came up against a stronger Donaghmore/Ashbourne side and had to settle for second best on that day. This year they were determined to go one better and after a good run in the earlier rounds they found themselves in the final against Boardsmill in August. Despite playing well lady luck deserted them and they lost to a well drilled Boardsmill team. Joint managers/trainers Sean Kirby and Damien Griffin will count themselves unlucky as there were a number of scoring chances that went wide or hit the woodwork that would have gone in on another day. However the disappointment of losing the championship final was alleviated when the team won the Division 2 league title by comprehensively beating Simonstown in the decider earlier this month. A measure of their dominance was the score line of 4-9 to 1-7. Scorers for Na Fianna were Noleen Boggan (0-1), Claire Coffey (1-0), Yvonne Slevin (0-1), Christine Boggan (1-0), Aisling Ennis (1-5), Marie Healy (1-0), Andrea Colgan (0-2). The above players and other like captain, Michelle O'Malley, Anne Healy, Lorraine Boggan, the Cosgrave Sisters and Mandy Dixon will be confident of doing well in the Division 1 League next year and all going well should claim the elusive intermediate cup. In the underage grades the club continues to make progress. Former county under 16 trainer Pat Flynn was appointed juvenile co-ordinator and coupled with some good coaches and parents great progress has been made in developing the playing skills of the young players. As in previous years a local school of excellence was held in the Baconstown pitch each Saturday morning where boys and girls in the under 8 to 10 age groups were taught the skills of playing Gaelic football, camogie and ladies football. A measure of success was set in these ages in that the boys/girls under 8s won all their matches in local mini-leagues while the under 10s won the B final of a regional competition. The girls under 10s were unlucky to be defeated in the semi-final of the all county competition. In Gaelic football the highlight of the year was the under 14 team who lost out in the Division 1 County Final to a strong St Martins side. This was the first time a team from the club had competed in a Division 1 Final and also the first time for some of them to play in Pairc Tailteann. However team manager Jim Queeney and selectors Pat Flynn and Jason Henrick will have learned a lot on the standards of coaching and commitment that is needed to compete at this level. This was an excellent bunch of players and is reflected by the likes of Killian Coffey, Billy Cullen, Keith Jordan, Sean O'Neill, David Lynch and Daniel Queeney all who were on the County under 14 Panel this year. The under 12s also progressed well under the stewardship of Pat Flynn, Pat Farley, Conor Ryan and John McDonagh. After a great win over Dunsany in a high scoring semi-final (6-6 to 6-5) the team lost out to a much improved Moynalvey side in the final played in June. Despite this panel of players can look forwarded to a good year ahead. The team was strengthened by player like Michael Farley, Jamie McCormack, Lee Hyland, Rebecca Smullen and keeper Robert White. The minor footballers had a good run in the league but failed to make the final. With some fine young players like Shane Geraghty, Daniel Gleeson, Barry Slevin and Diarmuid Bailey the team will be hard to beat. Congratulations also the Shane Geraghty and Diarmuid Bailey who were on the county minor panel this year. In hurling the success of the year at underage was the winning of the 2005 Minor B championship played earlier this year. This particular panel have been successful since under 14 grade and despite coming up against a strong Blackhall Gael side the finished strong to win out in an exciting match played in Trim. Out of a score line of 1-9 to 0-9, Diarmuid Bailey score (1-1), Barry Slevin (0-6), Donal Curran (0-1 from a sideline cut) and Niall Reilly (0-1). The above players were well assisted on the day by Paul Coffey who captained the side, Daniel Gleeson, Colm Murphy, Eoin Murray and goalkeeper Shane Greaney. The strength of this panel was evident in that a good few of these players were on the county panel. The team mentors Michael Bailey, Matt Coffey, Anthony Kirby and Tom Slevin will have taken heart from the performance and this panel contributed in no small way to the success of the Intermediate Side. The underage girls teams continues to prosper. At under 12 the girls reached the final and were up against a stronger Boardsmill team. To their credit the girls put up a spirited performance and eventually lost out with the score line of 5-8 to 4-4. The match was played in a sweltering hot day in Bective and the standard of football and fitness was remarkable. Rebecca Smullen was score in chief for Na Fianna contributing (3-3) while Shauna Ennis (0-1) and Ciara Flynn (1-0) also got on the score sheet. Na Fianna had excellent player in goalkeeper Niamh Geraghty, defenders Katie Queeney, Maeve Downey, Shauna Ennis and Charlene Clancy, Hannah Cullen and Deirdre Moroney tried hard in midfield while Smullen, Aine Kirby, Emer Keogh and Flynn were sharp in attack. Team mentor Micheal Keogh and Deirdre Moroney were very proud of their players and these girls are sure to make their mark in the coming years. Like their under 12 counter parts the under 14s had an excellent year and reached the final of the Division 2 Championship. However the met a determined Duleek side in the decider and lost out in the end. The team was manager by Michael Keogh, Andy Gorry and Yvonne Slevin and most of the panel are underage again for the 2007 season. Great performances from Christina Fords, Rebecca O Keefe, Aishling Keogh, Aoife Moroney, Niamh Kirby, Hannah Cullen, Dierdre Moroney and Katie Clarke kept the side going throughout the year. Camogie for all ages is still in the infancy stages in the club. The Chairperson of the Camogie, Maura Kirby has set up indoor training sessions in Enfield Hall on Saturday mornings during the winter months which will provide a base for a good star in junior and underage competitions next year. Pauric Coffey and John Ennis are taking charge of training and there is good support from parents. James Queeney PRO Tweet

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