To fully appreciate the strides made by Killygarry GFC, one only has to look at what they have achieved in such a short period. The club which was formed back in October 1966 celebrated their fortieth birthday on Saturday 21st October with a gala night held in the Hotel Kilmore. The occasion brought together the first team that lined-out on that day when they took on local kingpins, Cavan Gaels in a game played in 'Narrick's Field', (behind the Meadow View) and emerged convincing winners on a scoreline of 0-11 to 0-2. Indeed, such was their dominance on that day that they could easily have doubled the final tally. Since that day, Killygarry have shown themselves to be a proud and forward looking team. Coming from such humble beginnings where only a handful of families constituted their make-up, the pride with which they displayed in those early years was to help fashion and cement what is now a strong and vibrant club. The area, which is presently being engulfed in the urban sprawl that is encompassing Cavan Town has brought much of the former area from the outskirts of the town to be now part of the larger vista of urban area. However, even with this forced expansion growth, the club have still maintained a fiercely proud and even more determined outlook for their future. Having made Crubany their permanent home, with a first class playing area, clubhouse, gym and running track, they now have shown the same resolve and progressive outlook as their founder fathers, with the inclusion of new field which is set to open sometime in 2007. Such is the growth spurt in playing membership at all levels from juveniles, ladies football, camogie and senior players that even the present set-up may not be sufficient to cater for the large number of players. This is testimony not only to the original members but also to the new members that have moved into the locality and embraced the 'Killygarry' ethic with both arms. One only has to look at the club's website - possibly the best club site in Cavan, which is constantly updated with a dedicated team of workers - where a code of conduct is posted for all club members, not just players, to instill an ethic of fair play to all those involved in the game. A sense of fair play and respect is palpable in the club from juvenile teams upwards. Football The 2006 season at senior level proved to be a bitter sweet pill for all those involved. It was a year where success was tangible but where deep disappointment managed to push its reality to the fore. At senior level, it was a roller coaster year, where many of the fine championship performances were relegated to disappointment when they senior team lost out to Drumalee in a relegation play-off. Many factors forced the club into the relegation play-off, an unprecedented run of injuries to many of the senior squad during the league campaign and the intolerable six week absence of games from their final exit from the championship semi-final replay to relegation battle against Drumalee who had played in the Intermediate championship final and replay for the previous two Sundays. The remarkable fact surrounding the league disappointment and setback was that Killygarry were only a meager three points away from being in the semi-finals of the league. While the championship gave many of the club supporters joy and a sense of pride, with wins over Belturbet, Crosserlough, Gowna and a semi-final placing against eventual winners Mullahoran, who managed to force a draw in the first semi-final with a late injury time point, it was the manner in which the players handled their disappointment after the Drumalee game that showed what this club is really made of. Success gives off its own vibration of elation while disappointment can show the measure of a 'man' and it was with this disappointment, that the true instinct of the club came to the fore with the squad showing a positive attitude and determination to make back into the topflight next season. Killygarry fielded three senior teams for the year, with a great degree of success. The senior side as has already been mentioned made it to the senior championship semi-final losing out to Mullahoran in a replay. Many neutrals and indeed many Mullahoran supporters counted themselves lucky to survive the first game where Killygarry gave a display of open attacking skillful football. A lack of experience was probably their main weakness on that occasion with many of the team, in their late teens or early twenties. The experience is something that will not be lost on this particular group of players and will in the future prove to be beneficial. Team captain, Andy McGovern summed it up when amidst his disappointment shortly after the game said: "We may be very disappointed and may have to face further disappointment in the future, but it is evident if we stick together, we will get there and be a force to be reckoned with, we are a very young side and have shown ourselves to be worthy contenders for any trophy." The 1A team, under the captaincy of Enda Gilsenan, showed great determination and skill in completely dominating their league campaign where they went unbeaten right up to their final game against Kingscourt which unfortunately was not played until late November. Enda, who missed the game due to a knee injury, was quick to point out many positive factors from this campaign. "We have a very young team, many of whom will be pushing for a place on the senior squad. This is good for the club and with competition for places on all teams becoming an issue, the comfort zone for some players is now gone. This can only help Killygarry move to the next phase of winning finals." The final against Kingscourt, was one which Killygarry had the opportunity to win. The sending off their most influential player, John Conroy, gave the added edge to the East Cavan side, but two great chances in the dying minutes could have handed the result to Killygarry. The third team playing in the Division 3A section also proved to be worthy ambassadors of the club. With a strong league performance this mainly young team had the hard end of the semi-final draw when they were drawn against favourites, Killinkere. A strong showing led by team captain, Barry McGovern, and a great work ethic saw them withstand a late challenge from a much more physically stronger Killinkere to give them a final placing against Arva. Played in trying conditions on a heavy pitch in Killeshandra, the young lighter Killygary side displayed a determination and sense of purpose from the start that put a doubt in the minds of their opponents. Having the better of the exchanges for the most part of the first half, Killygarry managed to forge an early lead but failed to capitalize on some great chances. Failure to take their chances left the door open for Arva who ended the half level on 0-3 each. With their tails up, Arva made the early running, and it was obvious that whoever could get the first goal would take the title. True to form, a spirited response to the Arva pressure saw Fergal Clarke and Frank Crowe combine with the latter firing home a cracking shot that left the Arva keeper stranded and game and title heading to Killygarry. Arva worked hard to reverse the result but great work at the back especially by Mark Greaney, David Greene, Ciaran Crowe and two superb saves from keeper, Ronan Fitzpatrick ensured that this was going to be Killygarry's day. Killygarry: Ronan Fitzpatrick, Mark Greaney, Peter Fay, John Smith, Ciaran Crowe, Padraig Reilly, David Greene (0-1), Frank Crowe (1-1), Fergal Clarke (0-1), Barry McGovern (capt.), Seamus Lynch, Fintan Galligan, John Conroy (0-1), Enda Gallen. Subs. D. Sheridan. According to joint team manager: Andreas McGovern: "This was badly needed, we are now at the stage of being able to get to finals, winning them is now the next phase. Both Declan Gilsenan and myself as managers have great satisfaction is seeing this team with its blend of youth, from Enda Gallen to the more senior players, like Fintan Galligan, Dick Sheridan and 'youthful' Seamus Lynch, all playing their part in helping put the club in the right direction for the future." Underage At underage level, the club runs teams from U-8 to U-21 and once again the impact of these teams saw them reach the final stages of their competitions. The U-21s lost out in the championship semi-final to combination side, Parnells, after extra time, while the minors, conceded victory to Denn in the championship final. This was a game that Killygarry looked set to win but a sucker goal brought old rivals Denn back into the game and onto victory. Great credit must be attributed to their coaches, Kevin Smith and Andy McGovern who did great work with this bunch of players. U-16s - Champions. Killygarry, who have been knocking on the final door for the past number of seasons, managed to emerge victorious last July when they overcame the challenge of Dernacrieve in the league final. This victory was a great boost to the club and especially to Juvenile chairman, Noel McHugh, who along with his fellow juvenile members put in such hard work throughout the year. Team manager John T. Gilsenan could justifiably feel proud of his side's success who were recipients of their medals at a special presentation held in Killygarry Community Centre. On the night, Paul Brady, Cavan and Mullahoran player and world handball champion made the presentation to the players. U-14s A marked improvement in this squad saw them overturn many of the results of their previous year at U-13 level. Their championship campaign opened with a great victory over Ballymachugh who had trounced them the previous year by twenty points. Victory over Drung set them up against local rivals Denn who had always had the upper hand at U-12 and U-13 level. A high scoring contest saw Killygarry just edged out by a single point 1-12 to 3-5. While defeat was the final outcome the real story behind this loss was the marked improvement in the squad. U-13s As a reward to reaching the championship final, the team were treated to a day out to the Australia v Ireland game at Croke Park. Club secretary, Simon Fay, sponsored the tickets. The evening was finished off with a meal for the traveling party in the Meadow View. U-12s, 10 and 8s Continued work at this level is ongoing and while there was no competitive fixtures at this grade a number of tournament games were organized throughout the season. Ladies Football This season proved to be a sweet one for the ladies and their dedicated mentors, Mark Greaney and Declan Gilsenan. Having contested the previous three senior ladies finals over the past number of seasons, the club finally managed to write their own piece of history when on the 7th October they captured their first senior trophy when they accounted for St. Finbarr's in the final with a comprehensive victory 4-15 to 3-5. Victory in the Shield competition eluded them when they lost out to eventual winners, Templeport, after a replay in the semi-final. In the 9-a-side competition, St. Finbarr's managed to reverse their league final defeat when they edged out Killygarry by 1-6 to 0-5 in a game that was played in atrocious conditions. The U-14 girls are set to play Mullahoran in the championship final sometime in early 2007 while the U-16 squad are scheduled to play in the semi-final fixture against Lavey. Camogie After the highs of last year, when the novice team reached the final this year's disappointment was palpable as they had to withdraw from both league and championship. A combination of factors precipitated this move, loss of players through injury, personal commitments and no trainer all combined to create an untenable position. There was some joy however, when the U-14 girls reached the final but lost out to Redhills on a scoreline of 3-0 to 1-0. On the upside of this defeat, Bernadette Hyland received player of the game award, a richly deserved accolade for Bernadette who was outstanding in this very exciting game. Chairman stands down At the club's AGM, the highly influential Brendan Keaney stepped aside as club chairman, citing personal reasons, as he handed over the stewardship to Peadar Conaty. Brendan, who was a former Chairman of Cavan Co. Board, worked tirelessly for the good of the club and his contribution at county level was immense. His love for football and especially in Killygarry was unquestionable and no doubt while in the back-drop will be working just as hard for the progress of club. Killygarry are blessed with a hard working executive committee with a dedicated secretary in Simon Fay and a fiscal minded treasurer in Rodney Brady. The club have been blessed with the great work done at PRO level by Toni Galligan. Indeed, Toni's work for the fortieth celebrations was immense and the celebrations on the night a great credit to her. Andy O'Brien For many, the name Andy O'Brien and Killygarry GFC came in the one sentence. The death of Andy on the 4th December was received with great sadness. A living legend, politician, dedicated GAA and family man, his death removes from society, nationally and locally one of the genuine characters of Irish society. Dedicated to his local club, he and his family have over the years given great service to the advancement of Killygarry GFC. The club formed a guard-of-honour at his removal of remains to the Cathedral. Sympathy is extended to the O'Brien family from all those involved at the club. Tribute to the first team. While the season was incident packed, the humble beginnings of the club should have the last say on the 2006 season. While the celebration night was one of success, the significance of the occasion should be recorded for posterity. The club's first team captain, Dessie Agnew introduced the players of that first team to the large assembled audience, where they were presented with a framed picture of the team along with some of the match reports of that era. The first game against Cavan Gaels ensured an added twist to night with two of the former Gaels present for the occasion. Killygarry chairman, Brendan Keaney and trainer, Tony Dunne both lined out with the Cavan Gaels on that historic day. Killygarry's first team: S. McGovern, P. Reilly, M. Galligan, M. McGovern, V. Smith, M. Reilly, P. Lynch, P. J. Galligan, P. McGovern, S. Smith, F. Galligan, N. O'Brien, J. Lynch, D. Agnew, O. Crowe. Tweet

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