With a new management team and a new sponsor on board, south Armagh club Cullaville went into the 2005 season with plenty of optimism. The idyllic south Armagh village of Cullaville nestles in what could be described as a true GAA heartland, surrounded by a host of other clubs at a busy gaelic games crossroads where three counties congregate. Here, where the Orchard County shares time and space with Kavanagh Country and the Wee County, one will encounter gaels who wear their passion for the national code loudly on their sleeves. While competition and rivalry are keen, the local denizens clearly wouldn't have it any other way. There's a tremendous sense of pride in the local club, even if they have been overshadowed recently by the phenomenal success of their near-neighbours Crossmaglen. In fairness, the Rangers have eclipsed every club in the country of late - and their success embodies the sort of pride that makes south Armagh GAA wholly unique. Though inextricably belonging to the general picture, Cullaville are nonetheless a distinct entity, flying their own flag. The Blues have every reason to look forward to forthcoming seasons with renewed confidence, boosted by the arrival of a promising management team as well as the support of new first-team sponsor, Foxfield Construction. Peter Gregory set up Foxfield Construction ten years ago and has just agreed a three-year deal that sees him become main sponsor of the Cullaville senior footballers. The company specialises in general building contracting - private houses, commercial and industrial work - as well as plant hire. Peter has been involved in the building trade all of his working life, following in the footsteps of his father Frank, who was also a well-known and highly-respected local builder. For private work, Foxfield Construction can act as a developer, providing a home complete with site or, alternatively, will build on a site already owned by the client. The catchment area includes south Armagh, Monaghan and Louth, usually within close proximity of Cullaville itself, though Peter will happily consider requests to work further afield. Peter hails from the townland of Clonalig, half a mile from Cullaville but still close enough to the village so as to make no real difference! He's a true blue Cullaville clubman, having lined out for the club at underage level and retaining a keen interest in their fortunes ever since. His recent decision to sponsor the club's first team typifies Peter's ongoing interest in all things pertaining to Cullaville GAA. The man behind Foxfield Construction became main sponsor of the club just before Christmas. How did that agreement come into place? He explains: "I was approached by club chairman Kevin Rowland, who told me they were looking for a sponsor for the seniors. I had sponsored one of the underage teams a couple of years ago and decided that I'd help them out again if I could. It's a good cause. I'll sponsor the first team for the next three years and I'm delighted that I was able to do my bit." Former Monaghan and Clontibret footballer Kevin Carragher took over team affairs in 2005, assisted by Martin Hatzer. The team sponsor is optimistic that the pair can work the oracle with the Blues: "I think Kevin Carragher could prove a very worthwhile acquisition. He has a good knowledge of the game and he did well with Clontibret. Hopefully himself and Martin will get the best out of the lads. "They had a poor enough year last year but we're hoping they can step it up a gear. They seem hungry for success anyway. They have a good panel of young players on their hands at the moment . if they can hold onto them." Of course, that's always going to be one of the critical challenges facing any club in this day and age. For the 2005 season, Cullaville again contested the intermediate football championship, as well as Division Two of the Armagh senior football league. How does Peter Gregory think they'll fare in general? "I think they have a fair chance if they get going. If they get on a bit of a run it would do their confidence the world of good. Armagh football is very strong at the minute and they won't get anything easy, but hopefully they can make a push for promotion." [Clan na Gael ended the Blues' championship interest on Sunday June 5]. As stated earlier, Cullaville is located at the heart of a very strong GAA area. Including the bordering counties of Monaghan and Louth, there are up to ten GAA clubs within a four-five mile radius, all of them longing for success. It's a geographical catchment that Peter knows well through his work. At present, Foxfield Construction is working on a couple of private houses in Inniskeen, County Monaghan as well as a development on Lough Ross Road in Crossmaglen and other projects in Silverbridge and Cullyhanna. At any given time, Peter could have 15 to 20 lads on his books, sometimes more. It all depends on the workload. He's fully booked out at the moment, however, and things are going very well. Needless to say, Peter is also an avid Armagh supporter. The Orchard County have taken the GAA world by storm in recent years, capturing four of the last six Ulster senior championships as well as Sam in 2002. Though many believe the team has possibly passed its sell-by date, they are still a formidable force and the Cullaville man is hoping for at least one more big year: "They could be in with a chance this year, but time is against them. There is some new blood coming through from last year's U21 side, though, and that will freshen things up. I think we're in with a shout in Ulster. They were caught on the hop by Fermanagh last year and I can't see anything like that happening again. They're defending champions in Ulster and haven't become bad footballers overnight." Tweet

Most Read Stories