After their heartbreaking defeat in the junior football championship decider when they lost by a freakish, last minute goal, you'd think Milltown GAA Club would be still pondering how their world suddenly fell apart. However, as Maroon and White discovered when speaking to club Secretary, Jim Dalton, memories of that agonising loss have been put firmly behind them. Picture the scene: you've just clawed your way back into the junior football championship final, in front of a large, enthusiastic crowd at Cusack Park, and gone a point ahead with time officially up. Your supporters are set to invade the pitch and greet their heroes. Your management is anxious that an equalising point is not conceded, or worse still, a goal that would hand your opponents victory. But in a cruel twist of fate, that's precisely what happened to Milltown as Caulry fisted home a goal in the final piece of action from an absorbing junior final to land the Paddy Walsh memorial cup. Up until then, Milltown hadn't lost a game in league, cup or championship all year, but this one momentary lapse destroyed their season. Still, the amiable Jim Dalton is philosophical. "It was disappointing at the time, but that one defeat shouldn't overshadow the great year Milltown had. Call it lack of concentration, or just pure misfortune, but apart from that moment, Milltown were unbeaten in league, cup and championship, which is a fair achievement," remarked the long serving official. After a mini-break last year, Jim Dalton is back as club Secretary for 2007 and he's confident of another good showing by Milltown. "We have acknowledged that Caulry were worthy winners and they have been great ambassadors for Westmeath in the Leinster Championship," he said. Milltown operated out of section 'A' of the '06 Junior Football Championship in Westmeath, alongside all the other sole junior clubs. After six rounds, they topped that division, dropping only one point in drawing with Caulry along the way. In the first round Milltown, who were managed by Tom Flanagan of Tang, had a less than convincing win over St. Fintan's/Multyfarnham. Played in Shandonagh, it was a tough game for Milltown, but they eventually won by 2-7 to 1-5, having trailed by two points with eight minutes remaining. A late goal from Donal Kenny did the trick, after Mick Dillon had earlier found the net. Milltown tackled St. Paul's in the second round at Cusack Park in late June. Three goals helped them to an impressive 11-point victory (3-7 to 0-5) and it was clear at that stage that they would take some stopping. Stephen Somers, who returned a personal tally of 1-3, Joe Kenny and Mick Dillon were the goal scorers. In early July, Milltown posted another emphatic victory, this time over Delvin at Springfield. Totally dominant, the Rathconrath men won by 2-13 to 0-4. Leading by six points at half time, Flanagan's charges went on to add a further 2-5 in the second moiety. Early August saw Milltown back in Cusack Park to face Ballycomoyle. In a tough game, Milltown had four points to spare at the final whistle, winning by 2-6 to 1-5, with Willie Keegan and Andrew Gavigan the goal scorers. Milltown had led by just a solitary point (0-4 to 0-3) at the interval. Milltown found the going tough in the next round also, when they made the short trip to Ballynacargy to face neighbours, Loughnavalley. Once again they had the benefit of a crucial goal and won by four points in the finish, 1-6 to 0-5. In the sixth and final group game, Milltown headed for Ballymore to take on championship favourites, Caulry. Predictably, it was a close encounter throughout and when the final whistle sounded, the sides were level (Milltown 1-6, Caulry 0-9). That result left Milltown on top of section 'A' on 11 points, one ahead of Caulry. Milltown were directly through to the semi-final as a result of their impressive run of results and they faced, what looked, a stern challenge from Mullingar Shamrocks, in St. Loman's GAA grounds. However, four goals gave Milltown a decisive win (4-6 to 1-8) and they were through to the decider. Declan Rooney, Mick Dillon, Fergal O'Reilly and Joe Kenny were all goal scorers in an impressive semi-final victory, setting up a showdown against Caulry. It was level at half time (1-3 to 0-6) in a thrilling junior final in late October, with Declan Rooney again the Milltown goal scorer. Caulry surged ahead in the second half, but Milltown never gave up and a point from Willie Keegan deep in injury time looked to have given them victory. Alas, Caulry mounted one final attack in the fourth minute of additional time from which a fisted goal gave them a 1-9 to 1-7 victory. "It was a real sucker-punch goal, but the final was a real thriller and, maybe someday, Milltown might get a break like that. We wouldn't want to take away from Caulry, who were deserving winners," said Jim Dalton, on reflection. Milltown also reached the final of both the junior league and junior cup, which was played in a one-off fixture at Mount Temple late in the season, after Caulry won the toss for home advantage. "We've no complaint about that and wish Caulry all the best in the intermediate grade, where they could well be a team to look out for," said Jim Dalton. At underage level, Milltown are combined with Ballymore as Millmore Gaels and they captured the Minor Football Championship (Division 3) with a plucky one-point win over Rosemount in Milltown GAA grounds on Sunday, December 17. They led by 0-6 to 0-2 at half time and held on despite a defiant second half come back by a strong, determined Rosemount side. Milltown were also part of the St. Patrick's team (Millmore Gaels, Ballynacargy and Shandonagh) which captured the minor premier championship title, defeating Inny Gaels in the final. At U16 level, they also performed well, reaching the semi-final before losing to eventual winners, Kilbeggan/St. Joseph's. And there's great work going on at all levels, according to Jim Dalton. "The U14 footballers had a great run and the Millmore Gales amalgamation setup is proving very successful, catering for players from under eight upwards. There was a great attendance at their AGM this year, and everyone is willing to assist," said the Secretary. Away from the on-field action, Milltown have been very active as a club and now have the use of a very fine Community Centre in their grounds. The impressive building is an example of what can be achieved when a community works together. While Jim Dalton has returned, Ned Doolin has moved into the position of Chairman for the first time, continuing on a proud family tradition, as his father, Sean, and grandfather, Ned, were former club chairmen. It's an unique distinction. This year, Milltown will make another bold effort to win a junior championship that has got very competitive with the inclusion of Rosemount. Tom Dillon is the new trainer for the year ahead, with Pete Ballesty and David Molloy his selectors. "Every year brings new hope and we realise that it's going to be a very tough championship. Every team is starting form scratch, so what happened last year counts for nothing. We've still a very young team who, I've no doubt, are eager to put the disappointments of last year behind them," concludes Jim Dalton. Tweet

Most Read Stories