Back in the big time
April 30, 2011Delvin will take their place in this year's senior hurling championship after they were crowned intermediate champions for a second time last September.
The maroon and white flags and bunting which had adorned the north Westmeath village flew proudly for several weeks after the club's thrilling 2-8 to 1-10 triumph over a resurgent Fr Dalton's in the Cusack Park decider. The victory bridged a seven-year gap since Delvin's last intermediate title and atoned for the disappointment of their final losses to Castlepollard in 2007 and neighbours Brownstown in 2008.
The big challenge facing the Valleymen now is to consolidate their senior status, something which recent intermediate winners Crookedwood, Brownstown and St. Brigid's have failed to achieve. Delvin survived two seasons in the top flight in 2004 and '05 before returning to the intermediate ranks in 2006. They are a young side and have the potential to become a permanent fixture in the senior ranks. But it will take a big commitment from everyone if they are to hold their own in the short-term.
Under the management of Edenderry native Jimmy O'Grady, Delvin enjoyed an unbeaten run in last year's slimmed down championship (Southern Gaels' non-participation meant that just six teams competed for the Adrian Murray Cup). They opened their campaign with a 1-9 to 1-5 victory over local rivals and 2009 runners-up Turin before overcoming Cullion by 1-17 to 1-11 in their second outing.
The Valleymen maintained their winning ways thanks to a 1-12 to 1-10 victory over Crookedwood at Castlepollard. The winners were the better side in the first half and, aided by Niall Williams' 26th minute goal, they took a 1-7 to 0-5 lead into half-time. With Williams and rising star Killian Murphy to the fore, Delvin outscored their lethargic opponents by 0-4 to 0-3 on the restart to stretch their advantage to 1-11 to 0-8 with a quarter of an hour remaining.
When substitute Darren Flynn made it 1-12 to 0-8 with seven minutes to go, Delvin appeared to be home and hosed, but the 'Wood were then thrown a lifeline when another sub, Simon McCarthy, pulled back a goal. Noel Kiernan left just a goal between the sides before the 'Wood were awarded a close-in free deep in injury-time. Barry O'Meara went for goal, but his well-struck shot was blocked on the goal-line and from the rebound, Kiernan fired inches over as Delvin clung on for a two-point win.
The Valleymen received another tough test from Fr Dalton's in the next round at Lakepoint Park before going on to claim a 2-17 to 1-17 victory, which confirmed their place in the semi-finals. Niall Williams gave them a dream start when he finished a fine move involving Paddy Farrington and Killian Murphy to the net inside five minutes, but Fr Dalton's rallied with scores from Enda Kincaid and Trevor English to lead by the 21st minute. Delvin levelled through points from Williams and Murphy before Andrew Slevin converted a '65 to give the Ballymore side a slender 0-12 to 1-8 lead at the break.
Points from Kevin Williams and Murphy saw Delvin regain the lead on the resumption, but a goal from county footballer Kieran Martin had Fr Dalton's back in front by the 39th minute. A Killian Murphy free restored parity for Delvin and the sides remained deadlocked until Farrington pounced for the match-winning goal with six minutes remaining.
A Killian Murphy-inspired Delvin completed their programme of group matches with a resounding 1-13 to 0-6 victory over Clonkill at Castlepollard. The youngster scored 1-6 (1-5 from play) in a game which the maroon and whites dominated from the off. They led by 1-8 to 0-3 at half-time and further scores from Murphy, Paddy Farrington and Kevin Williams in the second half ensured a comfortable win.
Back in the semi-final after surprisingly failing to make it beyond the group stage the previous year, Delvin squared up to their neighbours Turin in an eagerly awaited clash at Cusack Park. Despite being the better side with no fewer than nine different players getting on the scoresheet, Jimmy O'Grady's side still needed a late goal from Ger Clune to seal a 2-17 to 1-15 victory.
Niall Williams opened the scoring, only for Ray Aughey to reply with a brace of points for the fired-up Turin men. Delvin then scored an unanswered 1-3 to take a firm grip on proceedings. Killian Murphy brought them level from a free before Niall Williams was brought down for a penalty in the 12th minute and goalkeeper John O'Shaughnessy made the long trek upfield to bury the ball in the Turin net. Murphy tagged on two quick points to give the Valleymen a 1-4 to 0-2 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Turin stayed in touch with points from Nigel Cully and Aughey to trail by four, 0-7 to 1-8, at the break.
Delvin continued to hold the upper hand after the restart and had regained a five-point lead entering the final quarter. But a Ray Aughey goal from a free revived Turin's challenge and when Derek Hourihane pointed, the margin was down to the minimum. Delvin showed their mettle, though, by responding with three unanswered points from Cian O'Neill, Anthony Clune and a magnificent Killian Murphy effort before Aughey clawed back two points for Turin.
After both teams were reduced to 14 men, Ger Clune struck for a decisive second goal with three minutes remaining and, while Turin kept battling, Delvin closed out the game with late points from Kevin and Niall Williams.
Delvin renewed their rivalry with Fr Dalton's in the county final before a 1,580 attendance at a damp Cusack Park on September 19. Delvin knew from their earlier meeting with Fr Dalton's that they would get nothing easy and so it proved as the Ballymore men threw everything at them in the closing stages after Jimmy O'Grady's charges had looked to be coasting to victory when leading by seven points midway through the second half.
Delvin were rocked by the concession of an eighth minute Trevor English goal, but got themselves back into contention when goalkeeper John O'Shaughnessy converted a penalty at the second time of asking after Killian Murphy had been fouled inside the square.
With Enda Kincaid having an off day from frees, Fr Dalton's went into the break trailing by 1-4 to 2-3 after Niall Williams pounced for Delvin's second goal four minutes before the break.
The Valleymen stretched their advantage on the restart thanks to points from Paddy Farrington and Murphy. Their Ballymore opponents applied strong pressure thereafter, but were guilty of missing a couple of goal-scoring chances.
Delvin continued to hold a four-point advantage until the switch of corner back Fergus Shaw out the field began to pay dividends for Fr Dalton's who hit the last three points in eight heart-stopping injury-time minutes to reduce the deficit to the minimum. Ciaran Finnerty had a late, late chance to force a replay, but, amid jubilant scenes, Delvin held on to secure their ticket to the senior ranks in 2011.
The Delvin team which captured the Adrian Murray Cup was: John O'Shaughnessy; Thomas Clune, Francis McGrath, John Cogan; Patrick Farrelly, Patrick Clune, Kevin Williams; Paddy Farrington, JP Farrelly; Brendan Milligan, Ger Clune, Damien McHugh (captain); Killian Murphy, Niall Williams, Cian O'Neill. Subs used: Padraic O'Shaughnessy, Ross Fay and Brian Farrelly.
Under 14s power to championship success
Delvin's under 14 team capped a wonderful year for hurling in the north Westmeath village when they powered to a 3-10 to 0-2 victory over Southern Gaels/Fr Dalton's in the Division 3 championship final at Robinstown last October.
The Valley boys were always in control and were well on their victory when goals from Conor Mullally and Luke Dalton helped them to a 2-4 to 0-1 interval lead. In the second half, goalkeeper Eoin Clinton was moved out the field and he duly added Delvin's third goal to seal a facile win.
Delvin's under 14 Division 3 championship winning hurling team was: Darragh Clinton; Daniel Flynn, Oliver Cassidy, Oisin Quinn; Graham Daly, Eoin Carolan, Adam Ennis; Zachary McPherson, Stefan Ennis; Patrick Maguire, Conor Mullally, Declan Brady; Lee Hickey, Ronan Kelly, Luke Dalton. Subs used: Sean Gaffney, Jack McCormack and John Vaughan.
Bright future beckons for Delvin football
The days when Delvin struggled to make their mark in football are over if the achievements of last year's minor and under 16 teams are anything to go by.
In a year when Delvin celebrated intermediate hurling championship success, the progress of the minor and under 16 footballers went largely unnoticed.
After years in the footballing wilderness, Delvin are experiencing something of a revival in the big ball game and last year's achievements at underage level would suggest that it won't be too long before they are competing strongly for junior championship honours again.
Since they last lifted the Hugh Daniels Cup in 1989, the Valleymen have struggled badly but the appearance of two underage teams in county finals last year certainly bodes well for the future.
"I'd like to think we've turned the corner," enthuses Delvin football club stalwart Sean O'Brien.
"As everyone knows, Delvin is a hurling town and this has made it difficult for football to survive. But we've managed to keep football going through very difficult times and to see two teams contesting county finals in under 16 and minor last year was very rewarding.
"We weren't able to field teams in those grades up until a few years ago, so that made their achievements all the more satisfying. And even though we lost both finals, those young players did the club proud and have given us something to build on in the coming years."
Last year was only Delvin's second year back in competition at minor level and they surpassed all expectations by reaching the final of the new 11-a-side championship. Sean, who managed the minors along with Padraig Murtagh and Paul Casserly, welcomes the 11-a-side concept which provides the opportunity for clubs with small numbers to field teams.
"Some people cannot see the merit of 11-a-side, but we can. We got nine games between league and championship which were beneficial to us. If the 11-a-side hadn't been introduced, players in the minor age group wouldn't have got any football last year," he adds.
In the minor 11-a-side championship, Delvin recovered from a first defeat to Milltownpass to register wins over Multyfarnham and St. Paul's. Having also received a walkover from Bunbrosna, they progressed to the semi-final where they edged out Shandonagh. That victory set the scene for a rematch with Milltownpass in the final at The Downs.
Delvin were slow to settle and it looked as though Milltownpass would run away with it when they eased into a 0-7 to 0-0 lead. But the maroon and whites refused to roll over, and after Kane Lawrence opened their account, Alan Clune set up Ross Fay for the opening goal which left just three points between the sides. Ivan Lynch (Milltownpass) and Conor O'Keeffe then exchanged points before John Ivory crashed home a second goal to bring Delvin level. However, JJ Coyne replied with a brace of points to give Milltownpass a 0-10 to 2-2 lead at the break.
Points from Conor O'Keeffe and Alan Clune brought Delvin level again early in the second half, only for Shane Corcoran to reply with a goal for Milltownpass. Delvin had two chances to score equalising goals, but failed to do so and were made pay for these misses when Corcoran grabbed his second goal to give the winners a five-point cushion.
Kane Lawrence, who had a tremendous game at midfield, hit back with Delvin's third goal to make it a two-point game once again. Paul O'Reilly had the next two points for Milltownpass who were mightily relieved to see another Lawrence piledriver rebound from the crossbar with time running out.
Conor O'Keeffe followed up with a free, but it wasn't enough as Milltownpass held on for a 2-15 to 3-9 victory.
Many of the same Delvin players had an opportunity to make amends when they faced Castledaly in the under 16 Division 3 13-a-side final a fortnight later in Kinnegad. But they were to suffer further disappointment with Castledaly prevailing on a 3-8 to 1-12 scoreline.
Under the tutelage of Mel Newman and Norman Dolan, Delvin had enjoyed an unbeaten run to the final which saw them record victories over Tyrrellspass, Shandonagh, St. Paul's and Milltownpass (twice). But the dismissal of a player on a straight red card before half-time proved a major blow to their hopes of upsetting Castledaly in the decider.
Castledaly got off to a flying start when Declan Henson found the net inside three minutes, but Delvin were level by the eighth minute thanks to points from Emmett Fox and Alan Clune (two). A second Castledaly goal from Locan Dolan restored their three-point advantage and two more points from the same player had them five clear after 17 minutes.
But Delvin finished the half strongly with a brilliant John Ivory goal being followed by points from Fox, Darragh Clinton and Clune, which gave them a 1-7 to 2-3 lead at half-time.
Despite being reduced to 12 players, Delvin kept their noses in front until Declan Henson pounced for his second goal to turn the game in Castledaly's favour. After Emmett Fox reduced the deficit to the minimum, Castledaly won a number of frees which they converted. The southerners also went down to 12 men before the end, but it mattered little as time ran out on Delvin's brave challenge.
"Most of last year's minor team were under 16 as well, so we should have a strong minor team for the next two years," says under 16 mentor Mel Newman, whose son Darragh was goalkeeper on both teams.
"It was great for Delvin to be in two finals and hopefully we'll be able to take the next step and win a trophy this year. The only complaint I would have about last year's under 16 final was that it wasn't played on the main pitch in Kinnegad. The young lads should have been entitled to that much at least."
By contrast, 2010 was another difficult year for the Delvin adult side who finished joint-bottom of the junior football championship and won just two games in Division 7 of the All-County League. However, they were far more competitive than in previous years and could take encouragement from a brilliant 3-12 to 2-12 championship win over St. Joseph's.
"It was a big thing for us to beat St. Joseph's because they have been one of the top junior clubs over the past 10 years," Sean O'Brien explains.
"We also came close to beating Loughnavalley (1-10 to 3-6), Ballycomoyle (2-4 to 1-9) and Multyfarnham (0-5 to 1-5). If we had won those games, we would have had eight points on the board and in most years, that would be enough to earn you a quarter-final spot.
"Keith Mooney from Kinnegad was manager last year and we're delighted that he has decided to stay on for another year. We have a good crop of youngsters coming through and things are definitely on the up."
The Delvin team which lined out in the 11-a-side minor championship decider was: Darragh Newman; Julian Sheerin, Christopher Lynch; Liam Beddows, Ross Fay; Kane Lawrence, John Ivory; Conor O'Keeffe, Alan Clune; Conor Milligan, Ian McCormack. Subs used: Padraig White, Cian O'Neill and Sean Dunne.
The under 16 team which contested the Division 3 13-a-side final was: Darragh Newman; Patrick Poynton, Luke McGovern; Liam Beddows, John Ivory, Alan Cox; Christopher Lynch, Alan Clune; Ian McCormack, Darragh Clinton, Emmett Fox; Conor Dolan, Noel Murtagh. Subs used: Colin Fitzsimons, Eoin Carolan, Conor Mullally and Conor Milligan. Tweet
