From humble beginnings back in 1908 Cornafean GFC provided many highlights and no short measure of history to the annals of Breffni GAA. As a club, it had its halcyon days and its low periods but at no stage throughout its entire 100 years of existence did it ever fail to participate in the fabric of all things Gaelic. The club celebrated their centenary throughout the 2008 season featuring many events culminating in a gala dinner at the Hotel Kilmore, Cavan, where guest of honour was G.A.A. president, Nicky Brennan. The night of celebration honouring past and present was large and representative. Club Chairman, P. J. McGlade, welcomed all to the club's night of celebration and launched an informative DVD, titled, "A Glimpse of Cornafean, 1908 - 2008". The magnitude of the club's achievements should be measured against the backdrop that Cornafean is but a handful of small townlands at the extremity of the Killeshandra parish. GAA was present in the area from as far back as 1884; however, the formation of a stable force in GAA in the locality was not present. Teams came and went, most notable among those being Kilmore Rangers, Drumambry Emmets, Cornafean Tom Moronies and Drumbress Tyrconnels. The transformation from a patchwork of unstable clubs to a force in Cavan GAA was to change and in doing so, to become a major influence in the fortunes of the Breffni County. The driving ambitions of John P. Johnson and his son Pol McSeain were foremost in the birth of this famous club. The main difference with this new fledging club and all of its former predecessors was the single factor of success. Success was to prove the glue to bond and transcend all previous local rivalries and in doing so produced a club that was to become feared and respected throughout the county. Cornafean won their first senior championship in 1909 and went on to retain it the following year. While the title eluded them in 1911 they as a club, stamped their imprimatur on the senior championship when they dominated Cavan senior championship football winning back to back titles from 1912 to 1915. This was a signal of what was to come winning further titles in 1918, 1920, and two in a row from 1928 to 1929. The '30s was to prove a golden era for the Reds as they won three in a row from 1932 to 1934 and further five in a row from 1936 to 1940. From the beginning of the forties, Cornafean were presented with the emergence of Mullahoran as the new dominant force in Cavan football. The Reds added a further two titles to their impressive collection winning in 1943 and again in 1956. This was to prove to be the club's last senior title. Throughout this golden era of Cornafean football, the Reds had won twenty senior championships and eight senior leagues, two Intermediate championships (1915 - 1916), two junior championships (1914 and 1927). Throughout their illustrious period Cornafean provided Cavan with many of its now famous footballing heroes that were not only household names in Cavan but throughout the entire breadth of the country. The names of Big Tom O'Reilly, Willie Young, Packie Devlin, Packie Phair, Mick Dennehy, Des Benson, Seamus Morris, Fr. Dessie Maguire, Peadar Doyle, Packy Masterson and John Joe O'Reilly are synonymous with the golden era of Cavan senior football. Club chairman P. J. McGlade who has been in the hot seat for more years than he wishes to remember feels justifiably proud by the contribution of the people of Cornafean to the fabric of Cavan and national GAA events. "As well as the great Cavan players who donned the Red's jersey, there are a number of outstanding personalities who have in their own way contributed to the rich tapestry of the Cornafean ethos. People like Paddy McDermott and George Cartwright. Paddy, who was instrumental in the creating an environment for Irish music in the locality has since seen the fruits of his effort pay a rich dividend in many Scor triumphs while George Cartwright held the esteemed position of chairman of Cavan Co. Board for a number of years and is the current Central Council delegate. Both these men were instrumental in helping guide a hard working centenary committee in organizing and presenting the many wonderful events which were staged throughout 2008. "While we are talking about great Cornafean men on and off the field, it would be wrong to forget the enormous impact of one the club's greatest ambassadors, Peadar Doyle. Peadar, who won an All Ireland medal with Cavan minors, was to grow in stature as a footballer and was recognized throughout his long and illustrious playing career as one of the best players in the county for many years. Peadar's contribution to the Cornafean club would be hard to define. He was a driving force in the securing and development of the present playing field, Pairc Naomh Fionnan. He acted as secretary for many years and indeed held most positions within the Cornafean structure. He also had the honour of being Vice Chairman of Cavan Co. Board. To me he epitomized what it is that makes Cornafean and makes you proud to be from Cornafean," stated the Reds chairman. According to the club chairman: "While we may not have set the footballing world alight over the past few decades, we have nonetheless worked tirelessly at promoting football at underage level. Indeed, it is fitting that on this historic occasion of our centenary celebrations Cornafean's U13s were crowned Roinn D champions. Hopefully, this may be a start a new era of glory in Cavan football for the club." The club's only minor title was won back in 1961 and two Junior League titles, Division 3 1989 and Division 3A 1986. U13s rekindle winning ways A storming display by Cornafean's U13 side saw them overcome near neighbours, Arva, in the final of the Roinn D championship final. It was a fitting tribute for this famous club that the young guns of today and hopefuls of tomorrow should capture this title in the club's centenary year. Their five point victory, 3-9 to 2-7, was fully deserved. A powerful first half performance where they amassed a seven point lead while holding their rivals scoreless was to prove to be fulcrum for this victory. While Cornafean had taken a seven point first half lead, Arva, had contributed, albeit without registering a score, to a highly entertaining display of see-saw football. A goal from Arva in the thirty fifth minute was quickly cancelled out by a similar Cornafean score when Conor Cullen netted to regain his side's seven point lead. Arva fired over three unanswered points and looked to be on a comeback trail only to see Cornafean rise to the challenge with Jason Miney placing Cormac Cullen through for his side's second goal. With a fisted goal from Shane Doyle in the forty-ninth minute, Cornafean ensured that they were now not going to be caught. To their credit Arva refused to give in and had the consolation of seeing their final attack end up in the back of the Cornafean net. It was all too late as Cornafean had proved dominant on the day and ran out worthy winners. Cornafean - Caolan Masterson, Dan Wharton, Conor Sheridan, Donal Crotty, Jack Wharton (0-2), Jason Miney (0-1), Emmet Goldrick (0-4), Shane Doyle (1-0), Cormac Cullen (2-1), Brendan Cullen. Subs used: Joe Gannon, Dale Coldrick. Poor season While celebrations were in full swing, the senior business end of things remained in focus. According to the club chairman: "We did not have one of our better seasons, but when we look back at the 2008 championship we can take solace from the fact that we lost out to Mountnugent in a tight game. Mountnugent went to reach the junior final. Our second team acquitted themselves well in Division 6. Our present team manager, Ciaran Cregan who has now completed a three year term at the club gave us a great commitment and worked hard with the panel. His work at Cornafean is much appreciated by all those involved." Hurling As a club Cornafean not only excelled at Gaelic football but also took up the challenge of hurling when back in the 1930s fielded a team in the Cavan league. With only a handful of club's actively involved in a league it was not long before the game died out in this predominantly football county. By the 1960s there was a resurgence of enthusiasm for the game and Cornafean etched out their own piece of history when in 1965, the club's U14 side won their first-ever hurling trophy. As a club at underage level Cornafean hurlers contested finals at U14 in 1966 and in 1967 saw their minor, U16 and U14 teams contest finals. While the Reds lost out to Cootehill both in the minor and U16 finals, the U14s secured victory with a well deserved win over Bailieboro. By the late 1960s the hurling enthusiasm at underage level was fast fading and Cornafean won their last U14 title in 1970. Camogie Camogie was first played in Cornafean back as far as 1933 but it was not until 1967 that it emerged as a potent force in the county. The club contested their first county final in 1968 where they lost out to Kill in the junior final. While success was slow in coming, the club grew in strength and were duly rewarded when in 1972 they too made their own piece of history when winning the first ever camogie title when they defeated Kingscourt in the final of the Cavan Junior championship. Now playing in Intermediate ranks, they lost out in the 1974 league final to Castletara but came back the following year to secure victory over Craobh Rua. This unfortunately was the final title of this decade as the club disbanded towards the end of the seventies and was not reformed again until 1985. The driving force that ignited the formation of the club back in 1985 was that of Mr. Mary Crowe, Mrs Dympna O'Reilly, Mrs Helen Finnerty, Tommy Brady, Mrs Theresa McGibney and Mrs Mae Sheridan. While Cornafean had contested a primary schools final back in 1972, work at schools level during the 1980s began to pay dividends. The Cornafean primary school team (Coronea-Corliss) won the county title in 1976. Throughout the '80s the cry of 'Up the Reds' could be heard loud and clear as the winning habit of the past football glories began to shine through on the camogie fields with equal acclaim. A Novice league and championship double in 1986, followed by victories in the Benny Hannigan Cup (1987, 1988), Junior championship (1987), Intermediate championship (1988), All Ireland community games title (1988) and an U-14 championship (1989). As a game in the area, camogie was to die out to be replaced by a strong demand for ladies' football. Scor While Cornafean has been honoured for its exploits on the football fields, it has accrued a reputation off the field which deserves merit and mention. The success of the club at Scor, with both senior and junior teams, has been one of the successes stories of the Breffni county in this competition. The election of local man Paddy McDermott as chairman of the county Scor committee in 1979, proved to be a catalyst for Scor in the Cornafean area. His enthusiasm and his contribution to music in the locality help set the drive and commitment which produced a winning formula, as the club went on to win titles at county, provincial and national level from that period to the present day. Cornafean have produced some the finest acts to grace the Cavan and National Scor sets over the years. Indeed when you look down the Scor roll of honour the name of the Cornafean club is woven deeply into the success fabric of county, provincial and national titles. Ladies football Once again Cornafean ladies proved that they are indeed a force to be reckoned with as the retained their Division 4 title when defeating Killygarry in an entertaining final played in ideal conditions. The final scoreline of Cornafean 1-15 Killygarry 3-4 was in itself indicative of the scoring power of the Cornafean ladies. Cornafean's inspirational leader on the day was Orla Smith who was involved in most of her side's scores. While Orla was in top form she was ably assisted by Roisin Martin, Siobhan King who caused the Killygarry defence many anxious moments. In defence there were strong displays from Karen Burgess, Derbhla O'Reilly and Deirdre Tully. Tweet

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