Here, Maroon and White looks at the massive impact Killucan senior footballers made in '06. What a year! Few could have expected that 2006 would hold such promise for Killucan, who only just pipped Ballynacargy to make senior status in an exciting intermediate football final replay the previous year, but they simply revelled in the underdogs tag. They began their stint in senior football in the best possible fashion with a fairy-tale victory over defending champions, and keen rivals, The Downs. Despite a setback against Mullingar Shamrocks in the winners' section, Killucan recovered brilliantly, showing their mettle with an heroic victory over Castledaly. That forced a three-way play-off from which Killucan emerged to take their place in the semi-final of the championship. They entered the last four confident of continuing their dream run, but fell just narrowly short against eventual champions, Tyrrellspass. "It was fantastic. I had a wonderful two years with Killucan and there's a great bunch of players involved, players who always give 100%. You can't ask for anything more than that," said inspirational manager, Eamon Gallagher, who has since gained recognition by being appointed a selector with the Westmeath senior footballers. Killucan's memorable championship campaign began in spectacular fashion. Drawn to face defending champions, and neighbours, The Downs, for the first time in senior championship football, not many gave Killucan much of a chance. However, Gallagher's charges were determined to make their mark, particularly after team captain, Barry Nea, famously exclaimed, "bring on The Downs," following Killucan's intermediate final victory the previous year. In a tough, highly competitive encounter, The Downs led by 1-4 to 0-3 at half time and looked as if they were about to grind out a predicable win. But Killucan emerged for the second half in buoyant form and an early James Nugent goal turned the game on its head. It came after Conor Jordan supplied the telling pass and Killucan were back in contention. It still looked rosy for The Downs, though, as the led by two points entering the closing stages. However, points from John Shaw and Paul Greville levelled it, before Brian Smyth put the outsiders ahead. When The Downs equalized, it seemed as if both sides would have to settle for a draw, but Killucan scored a famous winning goal when Greville rose high in the danger area to fist the ball to the net. The sensational 2-8 to 1-8 victory had Killucan supporters in raptures. From there, Killucan entered the winners' section where they proceeded to produce their worst display of the championship against Mullingar Shamrocks. Six points in arrears at half time, 0-7 to 0-1, Killucan fared little better in the second half and conceded a goal before losing by nine points (1-11 to 0-5). Many then felt their first round win over The Downs was the limit of Killucan's ambitions for the year. They were given little chance ahead of their meeting with hot favourites, Castledaly, in the second game of the winners' section. Their response, though, was impressive as they carved out a thrilling seven points win. A Paul Briody goal left Killucan on level terms at half time (1-5 to 0-8) and it was all to play for. Castledaly still looked dangerous but Killucan's tenacity was clear for all to see as they swooped for two late goals to record another noteworthy victory. Conor Jordan found the net with a superb effort, before Brendan McKeogh scrambled the ball past the Castledaly net minder, giving Killucan a 3-11 to 0-13 victory and throwing the winners' section wide open again. That gritty win ensured Killucan of another meeting with Mullingar Shamrocks and, determined to avenge their nine points loss, Gallagher's men really upped the ante. Their impressive level of work rate had Shamrocks worried and Killucan led by 1-3 to 0-5 at half time, courtesy of a James Nugent goal. Two wonderful second half points from Paul Greville kept the Mullingar men on the back foot and Killucan had three points to spare at the end of a robust encounter (1-8 to 0-8). Sensationally, Killucan were now through to a senior championship semi-final where a highly rated Tyrrellspass side provided the opposition. In wet conditions at Cusack Park, Killucan battled all the way, taking a shock four-point lead to the dressing room at half time (2-3 to 1-2). Paul Greville gave them the perfect start with an early goal and, although Tyrrellspass replied with a successful penalty, James Nugent scrambled the ball to the net five minutes before half time. It put Killucan in a great position. However, Tyrrellspass were the stronger side in the second half as they battled back. Tyrrellspass found the net again, while Killucan's best chance went abegging when Paul Greville's penalty kick was saved, before he blasted the rebound over the bar. At full time, Tyrrellspass had two points to spare (2-7 to 2-5). Reflecting on their great campaign, Gallagher felt the victory over The Downs was the most significant moment. "Our aim at the start of the year was to consolidate senior status, but victory over The Downs gave us great confidence and things just gathered momentum after that," he opined. "The first round victory was really significant because we were going into the unknown against the big boys, and they don't come much bigger than the county champions." Gallagher has now moved on to the inter-county scene, and Killucan will undoubtedly miss his influence this year. His ability to get the best out of players was clear for all to see and the Saffron's must to build on their fine introduction to senior football. While their goal-scoring ability impressed many during 2006, Gallagher feels it was just reward for the level of commitment the players gave. "We played with great passion and when you do that opportunities often come your way. Then it's just a matter of taking your chances," he said. With Raharney's senior hurlers excelling in the championship also, the general feeling was that Killucan would be caught between two stools. However, Gallagher, who managed both teams, clearly didn't see this as a distraction. "The fact that Raharney were doing well in the hurling was a huge help to us because the two games go hand in hand out there. It was normally a case of alternating between weeks and playing games at the weekend, but it's a hectic schedule and players need a bit of rest too," said the Dalystown native. Killucan's Junior 'B' footballers completed a great year for the club when they reached the championship, but lost out by five points (2-5 to 0-6) against Castledaly on a dreary December day. With the surprise element definitely gone after their great run in 2006, observers will watch with interest to see how they fare this year. Having competed so well with some of the leading contenders, teams will discount Killucan at their peril. The Killucan team which was defeated by Tyrrellspass in the senior championship semi-final was: David Bryan; Donie Carey, Francis Boyle, Stephen Morley; Rory Reilly, Conor Jordan, Niall Flanagan; Brian Smyth, Padraig Leavy; Tony Doyle, James Nugent, John Shaw; Paul Greville, Brendan McKeogh, Paul Briody. Subs used: Barry Nea, Noel Croash, Shane Leavy, Colin Cahill. Tweet

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