It began full of promise, but 2005 will not hold fond memories for Milltown, after a heavy defeat in a relegation battle with Milltownpass consigned them to junior football for the year ahead. Only one championship win, ironically against Milltownpass in the fifth round, meant the end of a dream for manager Martin Lynn, who led Milltown to junior glory only three years ago. By Damian Maher Along with Caulry, Milltown exited a highly competitive intermediate championship and now must focus all their energies on making a quick return. Things have been developing at a steady pace for the ambitions Rathconrath-based outfit, with their impressive facilities the envy of most clubs and, understandably, they're not keen on a long stint in the junior grade. Following the 11-point loss to Milltownpass, Martin Lynn has stood aside as manager having given three years of unstinting service and Milltown will look to a new face to guide them out of the junior grade. It will also be the end of an era for loyal clubman Jim Dalton, who stands aside from his role of First Aid man after 26 years. Jim, who got involved with Milltown in 1979 after completing his army training in The Curragh, also enjoyed terms as a trainer and selector with Milltown and feels that the club has much to be positive about. Naturally, he's disappointed that they failed to build on their early promise last year. "We started last January and had three great results in the Galvin Cup (Tang Tournament), beating Tang, Ballymore, and then Rosemount in the final," recalled Jim. "The early form was very encouraging, but we never carried that forward into the league and actually only won four of the nine games in Division three." As well as a new manager for their junior team, Milltown have a new chairman this year, with former player Johnny Dillon replacing Sean Flanagan at the helm. The former Vice-Chairman will be hoping to oversee a change in fortune in the coming year. As stated, Milltown's year began superbly. Convincing wins over Tang and Ballymore landed them a place in the final of the Galvin Cup, where they emerged victorious over intermediate championship favourites, Rosemount after extra-time. That victory, coupled with a fine league win over rivals Shandonagh, caused a real stir in the county and probably led to increased expectations in Milltown. However, Martin Lynn's men were soon brought crashing back to earth. Their intermediate championship campaign began with a tilt against the 2004 finalists Bunbrosna and they were hit for four goals in a 13-point defeat (4-8 to 0-7). Still reeling from that heavy loss, Milltown headed for Casteltown-Geoghegan to tackle Kilbeggan Shamrocks in round two. A brilliant individual performance from the prodigious Stephen Somers gave them a great chance, but they conceded four goals again and suffered a six points defeat (4-10 to 2-10). Round three pitted Milltown against Maryland in a must win game. Defensively they improved considerably, but they failed to conjure the necessary scores and suffered another six points defeat, 1-10 to 0-7. Desperation was now starting to creep in. Milltown faced Rosemount at Cusack Park on a Tuesday evening in round four. They managed to prevent the concession of a goal on this occasion, but were still seven points adrift of Rosemount at the final whistle, 0-14 to 0-7, and Milltown's status was now coming under threat. Round five took them to Ballinagore for a clash with Milltownpass, themselves struggling to hit top form. Milltown produced a spirited display and emerged with a deserved two points win (1-7 to 0-8) to keep their faint hopes of survival alive. Tang provided the opposition in the final round and the southerners were a much-improved team from that which succumbed to Milltown in the Galvin Cup earlier in the year. Milltown's defence again failed to perform to the required standard and they conceded a crucial goal in a four points reversal (1-8 to 0-7). That defeat left Milltown and Milltownpass rooted to the bottom of Division 1 and a play-off was required to determine who would survive in the intermediate grade. Milltownpass produced one of their best performances of the season in Ballinagore and Milltown suffered a heavy defeat, 1-14 to 0-6, as they returned to junior football. Controversy erupted soon afterwards as it emerged that Milltownpass' Andy Devine, who produced a man of the match display, received a red card following his side's defeat to Tang. However, he was cleared to play in the play-off after he was reported for receiving just a yellow card. Milltown made no formal complaint and Jim Dalton believes that it was the correct approach in the circumstances. "Even without Andy Devine, Milltownpass would probably have won that game," he concedes. "The writing was on the wall for us from an early stage in the championship. "We got a real roasting from Bun' and never really recovered. Our league form in the run up to the championship wasn't the best, but it was the same in 2004, so we weren't too despondent. But we conceded far too much in championship games and failed to score sufficiently heavy ourselves, that's what proved our undoing. "Milltown has always struggled in the intermediate grade, which is something of a frustration because neighbouring clubs have been able to old their own." There was no consolation for Milltown's intermediate side in either league or cup competitions. They garnered just four league wins, while Moate All Whites edged out a one-point win when the sides met in the intermediate cup. However, despite the setbacks, Milltown have plenty to be upbeat about. Their U21 footballers produced a great performance to push a strongly fancied Tyrrellspass side all the way in the 13-a-side championship, losing eventually after extra-time. "That performance was one of the highlights of the year and Tyrrellspass, who have since qualified for the final of this competition, were full of praise for Milltown afterwards," admitted Jim Dalton. "Milltown were very unlucky to lose that game and if we can keep these lads together, there's every reason to be positive about the year ahead." At underage level Milltown are combined with Ballymore as Millmore Gaels and they enjoyed a successful run in 2005, with their minor footballers winning the league and championship, the U14 side reaching a final and the U16s contesting a semi-final. "The underage amalgamation with Ballymore is a terrific success," admits Jim. "If it weren't in operation there would be no underage in Milltown and the people involved have to be complimented on having a first class relationship." Off the field of play, Milltown have been really ambitious too. The construction of a community hall and four new dressing rooms at their club grounds has promoted it to one of the finest venues in the county. However, while the facilities are at the disposal of visiting teams, there's further work to be done before the official opening. "That might not happen until 2007," Jim admits. "But Milltown have a fine pitch and to have four dressing rooms is great, a fine achievement for a small country club." Jim won't be seen attending to any injured players this year, but will still be involved as co-coordinator and caretaker. "Our aim is to get back to intermediate as quickly as possible and, while it's very competitive now, if we can build on the promising showing by our U21s, we will have a chance," he concludes. Tweet

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