Without doubt one of the major surprises of 2006 in Westmeath was the relegation of Rosemount to junior status for the first time since their inception back in 1928. It ranks as a massive disappointment to one of the most ambitious clubs in the county, but there's a clear determination to bounce back. Maroon and White spoke to club Chairman, Michael 'Micksie' Molloy about the past year. While the Intermediate football championship was viewed by many as the most competitive at the outset of '06, few would have predicted that Rosemount, who not many years ago were a force at senior level, would be operating out of the junior grade for '07. In fact having reached the semi-final for the last couple of years, The Roses were ranked among the leading contenders. But some narrow defeats, and a draw against Tang, meant that they finished bottom of Division 1 and must now make a renewed drive to get back to the intermediate grade in the season ahead. They've installed a passionate management team that includes former footballers, Des Collins and David Keane, who will act as team trainers, with Padraig Maxwell, John Ward and Bernie Carroll chosen as selectors. "It was a major disappointment being relegated, no doubt about that," admits Micksie Molloy. "We lost three games by a point, drew with Tang, and things just seemed to go against us in big games. It's now a case of putting in a serious effort to recover, but it won't be easy. "The year started bad for us when we lost a few players, including a full back and goalkeeper, but we had every chance in games against Tang, Ballymore and Kilbeggan Shamrocks, and just couldn't get over the finishing line." The intermediate championship campaign began on April 23rd in Athlone, where they faced eventual finalists, Maryland, in what promised to be a tough encounter. Conceding two first half goals, Rosemount trailed badly at half time and failed to recover from an impressive period of dominance by their capable opponents. However, with Danny Fielding, Cathal Keane and Declan Keenan all contributing points during an encouraging second half display, Rosemount showed they still had much to offer in this championship. Inaccuracy dogged the Roses in their second championship outing in early June, when they encountered neighbours, Ballymore, at a packed Tang venue. In a tough and uncompromising game at times, the sides were level (0-3 each) at the end of the first half and it remained tight. However, conceding a goal of the 'soft' variety did Rosemount's cause little good and although Cathal Keane converted a penalty, they were two points adrift of a determined Ballymore side at the final whistle (1-4 to 1-6). Crucially, Rosemount failed to beat Tang when the sides met at Moate in July. In a result that suited neither side, it was close at half time as Rosemount led by just a solitary point, 0-6 to 0-5. Tang surged four points ahead at a vital stage in the second half, before a late Stephen Darcy goal threw the Roses a lifeline. But they needed two late frees from Danny Fielding (free) and Cathal Keane to ensure a share of the spoils. Having garnered just one point from three rounds, Rosemount badly needed a win when they faced 'Finea at Cusack Park in August. With 'Dobsy' Prendergast now at the helm, and David Tone in fine scoring form, the Roses duly achieved their objective, winning by 1-9 to 0-7 in the end. At half time, Rosemount were ahead by two points (0-6 to 0-4) and their greater economy up front was a big factor. Five minutes from time, Tone pounced for the vital score when he found the net with a confident finish to send supporters home happy. However, a two-point defeat at the hands of Kilbeggan Shamrocks in the fifth round proved very costly for the Roses. It looked good as they led by three points heading into the closing stages of the first half, but the concession of two goals left them facing a four-point deficit at the interval (0-6 to 2-4) and they looked rattled. Although they won the second half by five points to three, Rosemount were in real trouble ahead of their final group game. Not even six minutes of injury time could save the Roses here and it was down to the wire. They travelled to Moate to face Milltownpass in early September for the final game, where they would be forced to all on every ounce of resolve to help retain intermediate status. The concession of a first half goal was to prove disastrous as Rosemount tailed by four points at half time, 0-5 to 1-6. Once again poor shooting cost Rosemount in the second half and, despite notching seven further points, they were still that goal adrift at the final whistle (0-12 to 1-12). Thus, a stint in junior football awaits in 2007. "The target of the year will be trying to get back to intermediate level. Talk will win nothing, though, it's about hard graft and we'll be hoping that the new management team can inspire a renewed effort," remarked Micksie Molloy. Like most other clubs locally, training for Rosemount began in January. With neighbours St. Joseph's also relegated to junior football last year, the prospect of an intriguing local derby is very much a reality. Naturally, a great boost to Rosemount last year was the performance of their U21 footballers, who reached the 15-a-side final, where a strong Mullingar Shamrocks side defeated them. At the time of writing, they are preparing for the 13-a-side semi-final against Maryland. "Beating Garrycastle and Athlone in the U21 championship were great results for us. The lads played well against Mullingar Shamrocks also, but they proved too strong. However, their displays provides great hope for the junior team this year," said Micksie Molloy. Although there was no joy on the footballing front, progress continued at their impressive GAA grounds. Plans are firmly in place for a new astro-turf pitch and there's strong consideration being given to the construction of a new stand. As Chairman, Micksie Molloy receives strong support from his committee, which includes Secretary, Pete Keenan and Treasurer, Tony Mullen. "It's going to be a tough junior championship. Naturally a bit of luck will be important, but it's down to the commitment of the players at the end of the day. In tight games, we'll have to be prepared to grind out victories in the last 10 minutes, because that's what Rosemount have been good at down through the years," adds Micksie Molloy. Underage Scene Rosemount's minor footballers, under the guidance of Tom Darcy and John Healy, reached the final of the Division 3 championship, where they suffered an agonising one-point defeat at the hands of Millmore Gaels, 1-3 to 0-7. Played in Milltown in difficult conditions last December, it was a closely-fought final, with The Roses trailing by four points at half time (0-2 to 0-6), but putting in a spirited second half performance. An early David Tone goal was the catalyst for a Rosemount fight back and when Millmore Gaels had a man sent off, the match looked to have swung in the visitors' favour. However, they were wasteful with the scoring chance which came their way, with a David Malynn point their only other score, and they had to settle for second best when the final whistle sounded. The Rosemount minor team which was defeated by Millmore Gales in the Division 3 championship final was: Alan McManus; James Geoghegan, Paddy Molloy; Gerard Carroll, Shane Farrell, Paddy Boland.; John O'Connor, David Malynn; Shane Tone, Cyril Elliffe, David Tone; Declan Mullen, David Hannify. Sub used: Adrian O'Brien. Footnote: It was a sad year for Rosemount in that they lost two long serving club members. George Smith, a President of the club, and Vice-President, Joe Fox, a great Gael, both passed away. They will be fondly remembered for their contribution to GAA, particularly in Rosemount. Tweet

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