Clann Gaels will look back on 2008 with mixed emotions, excelling yet again with our under 12 and 14 teams. The lack of commitment at junior level saw us struggle in last year's championship. Despite great training opportunities being provided for this age group the level of dedication left a lot to be desired. The charm of football wanes as the training programme necessary to maintain one s fitness steps up a gear. A renewed effort with innovation is vital to encourage these  players to continue playing Ladies Football. Our mentors are once again in place for the coming season and we wish them every success with their respective age groups. In 2008 our under 12 team competed in the top championship grade and gave a great account of themselves in all their games. The premier teams they ecountered were Garycastle, Athlone , Moate, Coralstown-Kinnegad and the Downs. They qualified for the semi-final of the B championship, their opponents being Mullingar Shamrocks whom they had previously defeated. Again Clann Gaels was successful in this game and went on to set up a final encounter with Coralstown-Kinnegad. While dominating many areas of the pitch in this game the lack of converting  scoring opportunities proved costly and Clann Gaels had to be content with second place on this occasion. Our under 14 team also contested the top championship grade and had an excellent season. This proved to be a gruelling competition comprising of nine championship matches. The group consisted of Moate , The Downs, Coralstown-Kinnegad, Kilbeggan, Garrycastle, Mullingar Shamrocks, Athlone and Tyrrellspass. This team recorded some great victories including their semi-final win over Killbeggan which was played in Ballinagore. We played Tyrrellspass in the final. From the outset we were aware of being up against a very strong side. Clann Gaels battled hard throughout the entire game having gelled into a great team during the championship season. However their efforts were in vain as the  stronger Tyrrellspass team was not to be denied their victory. This under 14 team comprises of some excellent footballers who will be of great benefit to future Clann Gaels sides. The under 16 championship was divided into four groups lessening the number of games, as it was felt that a good number of these players were already catered for by their under 14 and under 18 teams. We qualified for the semi final of the group which was played  against the Downs  and winning this game we went on to set up a final clash against Rochfordbridge which was played  in Kinnegad. This game spelt hardship for Clann Gaels. Leading by two points as we approached the final whistle complacency set in and slack marking allowed a dubious free kick to be punched  straight to the Clann Gaels  net. On resumption of play the final whistle blew leaving in it s wake a devasted Clann Gaels side having being defeated  by a single point.     Our minor team competed in group two of the championship and recorded good wins over Athlone, Kilbeggan, The Downs and Ballycomyle but suffered a resounding defeat at the hands of Mullingar Shamrocks. We qualified for the semi final against Rochfordbridge. This game was played in Milltown. Both teams were evenly balanced and a very sporting and competitive game ensued with Rochfordbridge recording a narrow victory. We had high hopes for our Junior Team at the start of the season. On paper we had a strong squad but unfortunately the lack of dedication to training  meant that we did not achieve our expectations during the season. Nevertheless this small panel of players had  a number of good competitive games defeating St. Pauls in Multyfarnham and drawing with Ballycomyle in  Bunbrosna in what was to be  one of our better games. "We were defeated in our other two games against Loughnavalley and Athlone. Qualifying for the semi final we again encountered Athlone. On this occasion  also, they were  too strong for us and subsequently  went on to win the Westmeath Junior Championship defeating Loughnavalley in the final. The medal presentation to our under 12/14 and 16 teams was held in  conjunction with our quiz night in the Fiddler s Green, Streete . This event was very well attended and enjoyed by all. Well done to all our players, parents, mentors and supporters for their contributions to our achievements in 2008. Regrettably during this past year Clann Gaels lost one of its former mentors Ignatus Fulham. Iggy, as he was better known was also involved with coaching football for a number of years in our local primary schools. We extend our sincere sympathy to his family on their sad loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Also our condolences to the members of Clann Gaels who were bereaved in 2008. Tweet

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