Two years ago Killucan caused something of a sensation when they reached the senior football championship semi-final in their first season back in the top flight for 24 years. By those standards, 2007 wasn't quite as successful but, as Damien Maher found out, the saffrons have no intention of resting on their laurels. With the element of surprise gone, Killucan faced a tough test in 2007 as they set about competing with the top teams in the county once again. In the end they were firmly in control of their own destiny and, to that extent, will feel disappointed not to have made the knock out stages once again, as a draw with St. Malachy's in their final group game left them languishing in fourth position. Having held their own at senior level, Killucan will surely be aiming to make a big impression in the year ahead. The return of former boss, Eamon Gallagher, certainly suggests they're intent on reigniting the passion that took them to the last four and, considering they defeated Tyrrellspass in last year's championship, who's to say they can't repeat the bold showing of 2006? Kevin Flanagan, who was involved at underage level in the Killucan club in 2007, certainly feels the return of Gallagher can be a major stimulus. "He's a great motivator," explained Flanagan, a Dublin native who's now domiciled in Killucan. "He got the best out of the team two years' ago and was able to achieve great things with both themselves and the Raharney hurlers. In a dual club that's not easy, but the fact that Eamon has been there before and succeeded will be a major factor," he adds. Operating out of Division 1 of the senior football championship, Killucan began their '07 campaign when they took on Mullingar Shamrocks in Cusack Park in late May. It was a close, keenly fought affair and all that separated the teams in the end was a single score - Mullingar Shamrocks winning by 1-7 to 0-7. The first half was scrappy and disjointed and it was Shamrocks who led by two points as the teams headed for the sanctuary of the dressing rooms. Killucan did managed to reduce the leeway to the bare minimum in the second half before the defining score - a Shamrocks goal - arrived. In the second round, in early June, Killucan took on their neighbours and keen rivals from The Downs, a team they had defeated the previous year. It was an intense battle, laced with some exciting football and the large crowd were kept engrossed throughout, with the teams level on 0-4 apiece at half time. It remained tit for tat in the second half and The Downs went a point ahead late on, looking like they would emerge with the spoils. However, Killucan were determined and a John Shaw point in the final minute duly secured a draw. With just one point from two games, Killucan were in real need of a victory when they took on Mullingar side, St. Loman's, in the third round late in July. It was a game played in torrential rain and near darkness, but one Killucan should almost certainly have won as they led by three points in the second half and created several chances to kill off their opponents. The Saffron's led by a point at half time, 0-5 to 1-1, and remained in control for much of the second half. But they were reeled in late on and St. Loman's scored the equalising point in controversial circumstances deep in injury time to deprive Killucan of victory. It was back to Cusack Park once more for round four and a meeting with the defending county champions, Tyrrellspass, who had narrowly defeated Killucan in the championship semi-final 12 months previously. Killucan believed they could have won that game and, as if to prove a point, produced a great display here to shock Tyrrellspass and record a five-point victory, 1-12 to 0-10. Just a point separated the teams at half time (Tyrrellspass leading by 0-7 to 0-6), but when Tyrrellspass took a two-point lead near the end, it looked like the reigning champions were on course. Killucan's resolve held firm, though, and they produced a storming finish with a goal from James Nugent in the 48th minute the game's decisive score. It gave the saffron's a great chance to qualify for the knock out stages. In their final group game, Killucan faced a St. Malachy's side that they would have been confident of overcoming. Played in Rochfortbridge in early September, it proved a very close encounter and, in the end, the sides were inseparable (1-5 to 0-8) as a second half goal from John Shaw failed to win it for a below-par Killucan side. Killucan, who trailed by two points at half time, never produced the type of display which toppled the champions in the previous round and the draw meant they finished in fourth position, outside qualification zone. Away from the football scene, it's been a hectic year for the club, with the purchase of new land on the Kinnegad road and plans for impressive facilities, including a fully floodlit pitch and new dressing rooms. Underage scene Killucan's under 16 footballers tasted success in the Division 3 league when they overcame Millmore Gaels on a 2-7 to 3-3 scoreline in November. A gritty Killucan side got the better of their opponents in a second half that was fast moving and full of end to end action, with Millmore Gaels having led by four points (1-2 to 0-1) at the interval. Killucan stated the second half well and, having picked off some nice score, an Adam Shiels point put them ahead, before Keith Nolan scored their first goal. Nolan bagged a second goal soon after and Killucan managed to hang on for a narrow victory. The Killucan team was: Darren Brady; Brian Dignan, Tony Finn; Jason Reilly, Michael Boyle, Joey Boyle; Adam Shiels, Cathal Brady; Hugh Monks, Cormac Boyle (captain), Philip Flaherty; Keith Nolan, Eoin O'Sullivan. Rest of panel: Cian O'Connor, Mark Glennon, Damien Keogh, Niall Kane, Robbie Greville, Gary Greville. It was also a good year for the minor footballers of Killucan, who reached the Division 3 league final, only to be denied by Bunbrosna in a thrilling contest that required extra-time. It finished 3-11 to 2-12 in Bunbrosna's favour, but Killucan certainly gave a great account of themselves. Killucan were just two points adrift at half time (1-2 to 0-7) after Cormac Boyle goaled and it was Boyle who again found the net late on to force the game to extra-time. Alas, Killucan were denied in a great struggle, but just two points separated the sides at the end of 80 minutes. The under 14 and 12 teams also competed well. Flanagan was involved at under 12 level, along with Eddie Flood, while his daughter, Amber Flanagan, also provided much assistance. "The underage scene in the county could be organised a lot better," opines Flanagan, who suggests that the minor board needs to consider a holiday period in July or August to accommodate players. "I accept that there might be difficulties in getting competitions finished, but they should look at this because a lot of families are away on holidays in July and August," he added. Footnote: While it was another good year for the Killucan club, it was one tinged with sadness following the sudden, unexpected death of one of the club's stalwarts, Ber Murtagh. He was an extraordinary man, who played an enormous part in everything that went on in the area. He was a very active member of the Killucan club, a devoted follower of Westmeath GAA, and the coursing club. For many years, Ber was an experienced and respected hurling referee, taking charge of three senior hurling finals in Westmeath. He will always be fondly remembered by those associated with the Raharney club, for which he was a tireless worker. Ber was well known throughout Westmeath and further beyond and was a great character. The GAA lost a devoted and passionate Gael with his sudden passing in 2007. Tweet

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