Losing a county final is always a shattering experience and it was no different for Moynalvey in 2007 when Clann na nGael edged them out in the Junior Football Championship decider at Pairc Tailteann on the first Sunday of October. The junior finalists shared the Navan bill that day with some of the big hitters from the top flight as Navan O'Mahonys defeated Dunboyne and Seneschalstown got the better of Simonstown Gaels in the Senior Championship semi-finals, but for the supporters of Moynalvey and Clann na nGael the occasion was about one thing - lifting the Matthew Ginnity Cup. Moynalvey were looking for a first success in the junior grade since 1981, a triumph that followed their Div. 3 FC win in 1979 and which led to intermediate honours two years later. That was followed by a lengthy spell of honest endeavour in the senior ranks when one of their key players was Meath centre half-back from the consecutive All-Ireland wins in 1987 and '88, Liam Harnan. They later slipped down through the grades, but got the opportunity to move up a notch again this year when they reached the junior final. Unfortunately for all concerned it wasn't to be, but this was a very progressive campaign under new coach PJ Cummins, the Kildare native who played his club football with Celbridge, and selectors Sean McDermott and Ollie Gilsenan. Moynalvey weren't the fancies of too many observers before the commencement of the championship and were drawn in group B. However, it was a section from which they must have entertained realistic hopes of progressing as it also included the second string team from their neighbours Summerhill, perennial contenders Dunsany, last year's Junior B champions St. Brigid's, Bective and St. Vincent's. And it was St. Vincent's who provided them with their first championship test when the teams met at Skryne. The Ardcath men went on to endure a very difficult championship, but they looked capable of inflicting an early defeat on Moynalvey when they netted twice in the opening half to push into a 2-3 to 0-6 interval lead. However, Moynalvey found their feet in the second period when they added 1-7 to their tally and restricted the opposition to just two points. Cathal Sheridan, as was often the case during the championship, provided an enormous amount of inspiration and accounted for nine points of their tally. It was off to a wet Kilmessan for a second round assignment against Bective and Moynalvey maintained their unbeaten run in championship and league when winning by 2-12 to 1-6. Goals from a Sheridan penalty and Willie Byrne helped them to a 2-6 to 0-4 interval lead and they increased their advantage to 10 points to put the issue beyond doubt. The injured Sheridan missed the third round game against Summerhill, also at Kilmessan, but that didn't halt Moynalvey's progress as they finished very strongly to win by 2-11 to 1-5. They opened up a 0-6 to 0-2 lead in the first half and were in front by 0-8 to 1-2 at the break, before the 'Hill closed the deficit to the minimum. The outcome was in the balance at that stage between these previously unbeaten teams, but James Weldon put the issue beyond doubt when he scored two goals to secure a third straight victory of the group campaign for Moynalvey. They were within sight of a place in the knockout stages by then, but they made life a bit difficult for themselves by losing their remaining two divisional matches - starting with Dunsany who turned in probably their best performance of the year when the teams met in the fourth round at Summerhill. Sheridan contributed three first half points, but Moynalvey still trailed by 0-5 to 0-6 at the interval. Dunsany extended their lead after the restart, but Cummins' side hit back and points from Sheridan, Weldon and John Donoghue helped them to take the lead at 0-8 to 0-7 by the three-quarter stage. It was anybody's game at that stage, but it was Dunsany who found most when it really mattered as they outscored Moynalvey by 0-5 to 0-1 in the last quarter to win by 0-12 to 0-9 and keep their own slim hopes of a place in the business end of the championship alive. Moynalvey's other group loss came in the final round when St. Brigid's, who made a very favourable impression in their first year back in the junior grade, beat them by 1-10 to 0-11 at Athboy. A disputed goal in first half injury time proved to be the key score and helped the Ballinacree side to a 1-5 to 0-6 lead at half-time. Moynalvey were boosted by points from Sheridan and Robert Quinlan in the early stages of the second period, but St. Brigid's did enough for the remainder to be two ahead at the end. The defeat was disappointing, but by no means disastrous for Moynalvey as they still qualified for the quarter-finals as runners-up in the group on six points, two behind table-toppers St. Brigid's who had eight. However, it was a close thing because Dunsany and Summerhill also finished on six points, but had inferior score differences. Moynalvey had achieved their first big goal of the championship by reaching the quarter-finals and there to meet them were Slane, who had been relegated from the intermediate grade the previous autumn and who were the fancies of some to jump straight back up. But it was Moynalvey who marched on as they won by 0-9 to 1-2 at Walterstown where Sheridan scored five of their points. They gave away the only goal of the match in the first half and Slane were ahead by 1-2 to 0-4 at the break, before they failed to add to their tally in the second period. Sheridan again proved a major inspiration for Moynalvey and with John Donoghue, Willie Byrne and Ciaran Collins also very effective they were four points to the good when the final whistle sounded. Moylagh were next up in a semi-final at Bohermeen and Moynalvey survived a couple of late scares to progress to the decider. A tally of 13 wides gave them something to think about on the run up to the big day, but they had made it. The teams were level (0-3 each) at the end of the first quarter, before Moynalvey edged ahead by 0-7 to 0-5 at the interval. They gradually pushed clear in the third quarter, but endured a difficult close to the match as Moylagh threatened to spoil the party. Enda Mulvaney scored a goal for the men from the north-west of the county with eight minutes remaining after Moynalvey 'keeper Ollie Regan appeared to have been fouled and Regan then produced a brilliant save at a time when his side were three points ahead. Had the net danced it was surely on to extra-time, but it didn't and Moynalvey won by 0-14 to 1-8. Three players who shared many a Meath dressing room together at various levels - Moynalvey's Sheridan and Clann na nGael's Graham Geraghty and Tom Hanley - were key figures in the final and it was Geraghty and Hanley who were celebrating afterwards following a 1-7 to 1-6 victory. Things were looking very promising for Moynalvey when they opened up a 1-4 to 0-1 lead in the first half, with the goal coming from Ciaran Collins after 14 minutes following a move involving David and Stephen Donoghue, Willie Byrne and Robert Quinlan. But the concession of a sloppy goal near the end of the opening half damaged their prospects. Michael Priest sent in a high ball which goalkeeper Regan failed to collect and Clann na nGael had scored a goal at the perfect time to retire with a two-point (1-2 to 1-4) interval deficit. They were on level terms within eight minutes of the restart, but with the tension building as the half progressed Sheridan edged Moynalvey back in front from a pointed free. Gary Woods fired over twice to give Clann na nGael the advantage, but Sheridan replied with an equaliser. A draw looked a distinct possibility at that stage, but Priest had the final say on the score board when he notched the winner with five minutes remaining and neither side could add to their tally subsequently. Moynalvey captain Cathal Sheridan has experienced so much during his career and he shared the disappointment of his colleagues. "We were disappointed," he said. "It was a game we could have won, though I'm not saying we should have won it. We had a decent lead in the first half, but let our foot off the gas. We gave away an easy goal and lads heads can go down when something like that happens. "We missed chances in the first half too, but we were still hopeful at half-time. We still had a lead of a couple of points at that stage, but we missed chances in the second half as well and they were costly. "Clann na nGael have good players and we knew they would have a good patch. It was disappointing, but that's life." And will veteran Sheridan still be wearing the Moynalvey jersey during the 2008 championship? "It's now the Thursday after the final and my legs still aren't right," he added. "I wasn't able to train with the Kiltale hurlers the other night. I'll have to see. "But we have a lot of young players and have good lads on the bench. I'm the oldest and there are a few lads around the 30 mark. But you have the likes of John Donoghue who is only 26 and most of them are in their early 20s. We have to be hopeful." The Moynalvey team in the final was - O. Regan; R. Kiernan, P. Donoghue, D. Durkan; P. Weldon, D. Dixon, A. Brien; S. Donoghue, G. Fagan; W. Byrne (0-1), C. Sheridan (0-4), R. Quinlan; D. Donoghue, J. Donoghue (0-1), C. Collins (1-0). Subs - J. Weldon for C. Collins, S. Collins for Byrne. Moynalvey ladies club 2007 has been the most successful year yet for Moynalvey LGFC. After several years of narrow misses, success was achieved at both U12 and U16 levels. The U12s started the year in the Division 3 Championship by beating our close neighbours Summerhill and Blackhall Gaels, followed by St. Colmcille's, Duleek, Ballivor, Bective and ending with the final match against Skryne to finish unbeaten in their group. This led them to the semi-finals against St. Colmcille's where, in a rain interrupted match, they won by four points to reach the final against a resurgent. Skryne. After a very exciting game with scores very hard to come by for both sides, Moynalvey triumphed with a final score of 2-1 to 1-1 with the defence being heroes of the day. Inspired by mentors Ray Mallee and Ger Murphy, and with half the parish cheering them on, the team gained the first win ever at this age group. Following the match we took the winners and supporters on a tour of glory around our small parish, with car horns sounding and the locals waving it was a day that this U12 team will never forget! The Moynalvey U12 side was - Katie Quinn, Emily Lawless, Emma McLoughlin, Abby Killalea, Ciara Donoghue, Taylor Little, Kate Lawless, Aoife Weston, Paige Tuite, Chelsea Carey, Chelsea Weldon, Louise Lawless, Ciara Mallee. Subs - Roisin Mallee and Rachel Lawless. Players of the match were Aoife Weston and Kate Lawless The 2007 U16 team had been runners up in three previous finals at U12, U14 and U16 so we were overdue some success. The team had been strengthened this year by amalgamating with Blackhall Gaels for the U16 Div 2 Championship. They started the year off with victories over Simonstown and Skryne, but a trip to St. Colmcille's almost saw them being tripped up. They were eight points down at one stage and it was with great relief that they escaped with a draw at the final whistle. They remained unbeaten for the rest of the group matches earning a semi-final place against Boardsmill. Unfortunately this match never materialised so it was on to Sunday 7th October in Dunsany and a meeting with old rivals Walterstown who had themselves amalgamated with Seneschalstown this year. Imagine the scenario...a team which had never won a final against a team who had never lost a final! This was a game played at a frantic pace and in a very sporting fashion. An early goal and a point from Stephanie Thompson saw Moynalvey off to a great start. Lisa Kelly added seven more points to give Moynalvey a healthy lead, although Julie Donnellan had pointed four frees to keep Walterstown in the game. Then on the stroke of half time Donnellan set the game alight with a great goal. The second half was a mighty battle with scores coming from both sides, Moynalvey had points from Seana Devlin, Ciara Dowling and Rebecca Flaherty, but Walterstown were pressing very hard and held Lisa Kelly scoreless in the second half, whilst gaining five points for themselves to draw the game with the clock ticking down. Then, substitute Susie Coyne crossed a ball to Stephanie Thompson to score an all important goal. Following another Coyne cross Thompson scored a point to give Moynalvey a four point cushion, but Walterstown never gave up and only three great saves by Sarah Hegarty in goals kept Moynalvey in the game. A Donnellan free had left just a goal between the sides when with time running out Walterstown won another free twenty metres from goals. Moynalvey's hearts were in their mouths as they lined the goals but thankfully for the winners Donnellan's shot went over the bar. The ball was kicked out and referee Aisling Cleary blew the whistle to give the girls a great victory after a magnificent contest. Moynalvey Captain Fiona Madden received the cup from County Board Representative Anne Dungan. Moynalvey's goal keeper Sarah Hegarty along with Aideen Smith, who had marked Julie Donnellan, were joint players of the match. The final score was 2-11 to 2-9. The team was trained all year by John Heraghty, John Egan and JP Kelly, with selectors Collette Smith, Caroline Flaherty and Kevin Dowling. For the final three weeks ace trainer and player Paddy Brady from Blackhall Gaels came on board to give that vital extra impetus to the team which was very much appreciated by the management and players alike. The Moynalvey U16 squad was - Sarah Hegarty, Ellen O'Keeffe, Fiona Madden (Capt.), Aideen Egan, Eileen Conneely, Aideen Smith, Ciara Dowling, Clare Stenson, Helen Lawless, Alisa Smith, Rebecca Flaherty, Lisa Kelly, Laura Forde, Stephanie Thompson, Seana Devlin, Amy Pearce, Susie Coyne, Helena Keane, Hazel Lawless, Emma Keane, Amy McGreal, Kate Lawless, Rachel Mooney, Aoife May, Carol Lawless, Aileen McCormac. The year started off with very promising for the junior team with wins in both the league and the championship, but come the summer we lost a host of adult players to travel so much so that we could no longer field a junior team for the league Feis cup or Championship. Disappointing as this was the under age performances give us hope for the future. As always in rural parishes numbers are a constant problem, but the local National School team are doing well this year having qualified for the knockout stages of the of the Cumann na mBunscol competition, so with a thriving group of U10's coached by Ciara Dowling and Clodagh Egan the future is looking bright for Moynalvey ladies football. We in Moynalvey would like to thank and send our best wishes for the future to Geraldine Moroney who has retired after several years as County Board Secretary. She has given great service to Meath ladies football. We also wish the best of luck to all the Meath teams in the 2008 season We are also very proud of the girls from our club who have played for the Meath team in their age groups this year. Kate Lawless and Ciara Donoghue represented Meath and played on the winning team in the Leinster U12 blitz. Eileen Conneely was part of the Meath team who won an U14 All-Ireland Blitz. Fiona Madden plays on the U16 Meath team and Louise Donoghue on the Meath junior side. Byrne points Moynalvey to Division 4 FL success Willie Byrne posted half of his side's total as Moynalvey claimed the Balreask Arms sponsored Division 4 FL title with a narrow win (0-8 to 0-6) over Moylagh at Pairc Tailteann on the Sunday in November. Byrne's tally came from frees with two of them coming in the final six minutes as Moynalvey gained some consolation for losing out to Clann na nGael in the JFC final. P. J. Cummins' charges took nearly 24 minutes to open their second-half account but outscored Moylagh by 0-3 to 0-1 in the time remaining with veteran substitute P. J. Walsh getting their only second-half score from play. Walsh joined proceedings as a replacement for Cathal Sheridan in the 47th minute. The former county player had an off-day in the shooting department and posted five wides before picking up a knock. Moynalvey might have won by a wider margin but for hitting 14 wides to their opponents nine with the eventual winners posting eight wides in the opening half which ended with the them leading by 0-5 to 0-4. Moylagh passed up on the two best goal-scoring chances of the hour with Justin O'Reilly opting to gather the ball rather that taking a chance with a fly-kick in the 21st minute. With the sides level at 0-5 each midway through the second-half Aengus Fanning had a goal chance smothered by Moynalvey 'keeper Ollie Regan. O'Reilly managed four of Moylagh's six scores while substitute Damien Brody was their only other second-half scorer and cut the deficit to the minimum before Byrne closed the scoring for Moynalvey. Moylagh were bidding to avenge their JFC semi-final exit at the hands of Moynalvey and opened brightly and led by 0-4 to 0-1 after 17 minutes but were outscored by 0-7 to 0-2 thereafter. Justin O'Reilly, who operated in a two-man full-forward line along with Aengus Fanning in the opening-half got Moylagh's first three scores, his third one being the pick of them and was a well-worked move that also involved Shane Brody and Aengus Fanning. The latter play got Moylagh's fourth point but after playing second fiddle in the opening quarter Moynalvey came good in the run up to half-time posting four points on the spin between the 19th and 30th minutes. James Weldon pointed twice from play and Byrne landed two frees and though O'Reilly levelled matters shortly after the restart there was a 22-minute scoring blank before Moynalvey made that match-winning scoring burst. Moynalvey - O. Regan; R. Kiernan, P. Donoghue, D. Durkan; D. Donoghue, D. Dixon, A. Brien; S. Donoghue, G. Fagan; W. Byrne (0-4, frees), J. Donohgue, R. Quinlan; J. Weldon (0-2), J. Donoghue, C. Collins (0-1). Subs - D. Kane for Durkan, C. Ennis for Colllins (both 39 mins), P. J. Walsh (0-1) for Sheridan (47 mins), S. Collins for Brien (60 mins). Moynalvey capture U13 title Moynalvey's good form in the underage competitions of recent years continued as the clubs under 13 side secured a hard fought five point (3-11 to 2-9) victory over Na Fianna in the U13 Division 2B final played in Summerhill. Moynalvey took an early lead with a point from Padraic Harnan and two from Killian O'Sullivan. Na Fianna then put a few points up on the scoreboard before Fearghal McCabe broke through to score a fine point and leave it 0-4 to 0-2 after 15 minutes. Further points from O'Sullivan (3) and a goal from Harnan left the half time score at 1-7 to 1-5 in Moynalvey's favour. Moynalvey had defended heroically in this period with great performances from Brian Harnan, Conor Egan, Neil Cullen, Chris O'Malley, Robert Lawless and goalie Dave Curran. The second half started with a goal for Na Fianna putting them one point ahead. However, Moynalvey battled back with great team work from Joseph Munnelly, Daragh Branigan, Dave McLoughlin, Eamon Walsh and team captain Eric Ryan. Padraic Harnan scored two further goals and a point in this period before further points from John Francis Martin and Killian O'Sullivan (2) meant Moynalvey secured a well deserved five point victory. Moynalvey - Dave Curran, Conor Egan, Brian Harnan, Neil Cullen, Robert Lawless, Chris O'Malley, Joseph Munnelly, Padraic Harnan (3 - 2), John Francis Martin (0 - 1), Killian O'Sullivan (0 - 7), Daragh Branigan, Dave McLoughlin, Fearghal McCabe (0 - 1), Eric Ryan, Eamon Walsh. Subs - Conor Shirrin, Daragh Walsh, Andrew Jackson, Conor Harnan, Hughie O'Sullivan, Eoghan Mitchell and Colm O'Connor. Team Mentors - Paul Harnan, Tomas McCabe, Joe Munnelly and Brenda Harnan. Tweet

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