Aiming to win back-to-back senior hurling titles in 2007, Raharney produced another great run which took them to the penultimate stage, where they lost in a classic semi-final against Lough Lene Gaels. And, as Damien Maher found out when he spoke to underage Secretary, Declan Mullen, Raharney are determined to remain a force in Westmeath hurling for the foreseeable future. One of the oldest organisations of its kind in Westmeath, Raharney hurling club also remains one of the proudest and that's always evident when their hurlers are in action at every level. They provided Westmeath hurling with a much needed shake up when breaking through to end the dominance of Lough Lene Gaels and Castlepollard in 2006 and were keen to build on that last year. "It was a good achievement to reach the championship semi-final and it was probably the better of the two games," remarked underage Secretary, Declan Mullen, as he reflected on the club's progress in 2007. However, that semi-final appearance hasn't fully satisfied their cravings and Raharney plan on being back for more in the year ahead. The defending champions began their campaign back in early June when they took on St. Oliver Plunkett's at Cusack Park. As in all sports, when you're at the top, teams are only too delighted to knock you off your perch and this tends to be a huge motivating factor. So it proved here as St. Oliver Plunkett's caused the first shock of the championship by defeating Raharney on a 2-10 to 0-11 scoreline. Despite the scoring exploits of Brian Connaughton (0-4), Christopher Flanagan (0-2), John Shaw (0-2) Brian Smyth (0-1), Niall Flanagan (0-1) and Shane Leavy (0-1), Raharney conceded two goals and were forced into the losers section of the championship. However, the Deelsiders weren't defending champions for nothing and they rallied to produce a spirited performance in the second round against Castletown Geoghegan, a game Raharney won by 0-14 to 1-8. The three-point victory was achieved with the type of strength and cohesion displayed the previous year and they battled back defiantly from being a point in arrears at half time (0-5 to 0-4). Raharney then faced Ringtown in the second game of this section and, although many would have expected them to win comfortably, they had just two points to spare at the final whistle, 1-11 to 2-6. In fact it took a late Paul Greville goal, scored deep in injury time, to rescue the champs, but what it did show was their determination to get back into contention in this championship. Even the most ardent of Raharney fans must have been contemplating defeat as their side trailed by a point with normal time expired, but Greville's 20-metre shot found the net to leave them in raptures again. Next up for Eamon Gallagher's men was a meeting with Brownstown at Clonkill GAA grounds and this was a game Raharney bossed. In the end they won by 2-23 to 2-4, with John Shaw's 1-11 contribution very significant indeed. The other goal scorer on the evening was Alan Doyle and Raharney were now back in the semi-final of the championship having taken the circuitous route. The semi-final clash with Lough Lene Gaels was a fiercely competitive affair throughout and kept supporters on the edge of their seats. Raharney trailed at half time by four points (2-5 to 0-7) having conceded two first half goals, but it was still all to play for and the men in blue produced a wonderful second half display as they battled to hold on to their crown. Goals from Brian Connaughton (who scored 1-5 in total) and Brian Smyth helped Gallagher's men stay in touch right to the bitter end. Just a point separated the sides (3-9 to 2-11) heading into the final few minutes, but the Gaels grabbed a late goal to ensure their passage to the county final. Raharney's brave bid had come to an end, but they can feel justifiably proud of their efforts. "The team responded well after that first round defeat and it was great to be involved at the latter stages again," remarked Declan Mullen. Aside from their senior side, Raharney remain very competitive at underage level in Westmeath. They reached the minor hurling final for the second year in-a-row in 2007 and were many people's favourites to topple Southern Gaels/Fr. Dalton's, but the result threw up a major surprise as the champions were dethroned. "We were not at our best in the final and that's taking nothing away from Southern Gaels/Fr. Dalton's," remarked Declan Mullen. "Finals can go like that. The year before we weren't expected to win it, but with a lot of the '06 team, we were the favourites last year and it just never happened for us." Elsewhere, their under 14 hurlers produced a great display in the National Feile finals in Kilkenny, finishing second to Bennettsbridge, who hosted the Westmeath representatives. Although they lost the opening round to the hosts, Raharney had good victories over two other strong competitors, including Trim, to finish in second place. "It was a good achievement and we were delighted with how the players performed against other teams from outside the county," said Declan, who oversaw the under 14 side in '07, being assisted by John Coyne and John Weir. He was also quick to praise a fine Castletown Geoghegan team which won their division, a separate one to Raharney, at the Feile finals. Raharney reached the Westmeath under 14 championship semi-final also and tasted defeat to Castletown Geoghegan, while, at under 16 level, they were beaten by Clonkill in the last four. And their under 12 side also reached the final where Castletown Geoghegan again proved too strong. "We were anxious to compete at premier level in all underage competitions and it was the first year in a while that we managed to do so," said Mullen, who will once again be involved in the same capacity as Raharney attempt to continue their ambitious run in 2008. Eamon Gallagher is once again back as senior boss and he's sure to inspire another big effort from the players. Off the field of play, meanwhile, there are development plans in place for the Joristown Park, which has served the community impeccably over the years and Raharney have never been fazed by their dual club status. "We have a great crop of young lads coming through from minor level and the fact that they played in two premier finals in succession shows they have the potential to compete with the top teams in the county. That's very encouraging for the future," concludes Declan Mullen. Footnote: While it was another good year for the Raharney 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 Raharney Hurling Club, Killucan Football 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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