There is much publicity about the effort that an inter-county player puts in during the course of a year, but what about club players, who are just as dedicated and receive a lot less recognition. Aghabog footballer Barry McCarville has given a life time of service to his club and despite living in Dublin for the past 15 years, a transfer to a city side was never an option for him. Barry spoke to the Monaghan GAA Yearbook about the trials and tribulations of commuting from Dublin to Monaghan, pointing out that there are many people in a similar situation. "I never even thought about moving to another club in Dublin to be honest. I had no desire whatsoever to do that. Playing for another club wouldn't be the same as playing for your own club, I'd imagine," said Barry. "There's a bond with the lads you grow up with and it's hard to see how that would be as strong when you go and play for a different team. The travelling can get to you sometimes but it was never really an issue." Barry revealed that he did not play at all during the course of 2005 as his wife Keira gave birth to their first child Jamie earlier in the year and as any parent would do, Barry put his family first. "I just couldn't give the time this year, especially as Jamie was our first child. It wouldn't have been fair on Keira, because I would be gone from early in the morning and wouldn't be back until late at night. "Keira has had to put up with a lot with regards me going training and I couldn't have expected her to continue that with a new born baby in the house, but who knows I might make a return next year," said an optimistic Barry. Travelling to training or midweek matches meant a 170 mile round trip from Rathcoole to 'home' for the Aghabog clubman, which is a testament to the commitment he has given to the club over the years. Aghabog are currently playing their football in the intermediate championship, having lost their senior status in 2004. The previous year, Barry was awarded the man-of-the-match award for an outstanding performance in the intermediate final as the club annexed the county title by defeating Doohamlet in an exciting contest by the narrowest of margins. "It was great winning the intermediate championship, but unfortunately we didn't stay up senior. The first year in the top flight is always the hardest, but maybe that can be rectified next year. "There are a lot of good young footballers coming through the ranks and there is a good mixture of experience in the side. I was fortunate enough to play in a strong underage team that was successful all the way up to adult level," revealed Barry. "Last year Gary McBride and Shane Mulligan were involved with the county Under-21's, while Shane also had a run with the seniors and it is the likes of these lads that the future of the club depend on." The 32-year-old admitted that he has kept his level of fitness up to a decent standard over the years and continues to do so as he trains in the gym during the week. Playing in midfield or the half forward line means that Barry is used to the high tempo that those positions demand. "I suppose the older you get the more effort has to be put in training. I also think that the more experienced you get, a player knows when to conserve energy and use it in moderation." Aghabog are a small club with a considerably small catchment area to choose from but they are one of the oldest clubs in the county having being affiliated to the GAA since 1890. However, the club was disbanded in the late 20's before reforming in 1933. The following year as part of an amalgamation with Killeevan, the club won their first honour when the intermediate title was annexed. The next few decades saw Aghabog struggle to field teams and on more than one occasion the club was forced to pull out of the championship. Their proudest moments came in the late seventies and early nineties when in 1979 clubman Brendan Brady was the captain of the victorious Monaghan side that won the Ulster title. Three years later and Aghabog opened their new playing grounds Pairc Emmett. In 1990, Aghabog win the minor league final with a team that included Barry, while the same year Sean McDermotts defeat the junior team in the county final, although success was achieved by the reserve squad in the league and championship. Further success at underage level was secured in '92 when they Under-21 side won the P.J Flanagan Cup, which also included Barry in the line up and the same year saw the club win their first major championship when the junior title was secured at the expense of Carrickmacross. Promotion to senior was earned in 1994 when they won the intermediate league. In 2000, the club made their furthest progress ever in reaching the senior football semi-final where Truagh proved too strong. A return to the intermediate ranks was swift but in 2003, the club bounced back, but unfortunately they could not hold on to their senior status and Barry revealed this is a problem that the club must overcome. "We have never really got settled into senior and that is a big issue. We have the talent in the squad, but they need a few years experience in the senior championship before they can be considered genuine contenders for the title." Barry was delighted to see his native county, whom he played minor football with in the early nineties end their barren spell without success when Seamus McEnaney's side won the NFL Division Two title this year. "Monaghan have been too long without any silverware and it was brilliant to see them win the league this year. The team was very well supported on the day and to go to Croke Park shouting on your own county is something special. "I usually go with friends supporting Dublin, but it was nice for a change that they were coming along to watch Monaghan. It is important now that they keep making progress and this year will be very important. I think they are still a bit behind the likes of Armagh and Tyrone as most teams in the country are, but staying in Division One must be a priority," he added. "Monaghan have a lot of very good players in their ranks, who are young and hungry for more success. Seamus McEnaney seems to be doing a very good job with them and this can only be good for club football in the county." Barry works as a Sales Engineer with Refrigeration Distributors Ltd (RDL). The company was formed in 1981 by managing director and Cork native Pat Cummins, who along with a reliable and efficient staff has built the business into one of the largest and most respected wholesalers in Ireland. RDL specialise in manufacturing compressor racks and are a nationwide distributor of equipment and components to the refrigeration and air conditioning trade. The company have their head office in Cork, while they also have a branch in Dublin. Their 25 staff are highly qualified and are capable of dealing with any situation that may occur. "I have worked with the company for the past 15 years and have enjoyed my time here. We design Refrigerator systems for the food industry mainly and most of our products are for the Irish market, although we are always looking to improve our overseas market," added Barry. Many inter-county teams have already returned to training and there will be much hype with regards the effort they put in throughout the year, but spare a thought for the club player who will put in just as big an effort over the coming year. Tweet

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