Another year has passed without Ballycomoyle making any significant impact on the Junior Football Championship in Westmeath. The small, North Westmeath club remains as ambitious as ever, though, and there's a genuine feeling that remaining focused on developing underage players will reap its reward in the not too distant future. Damien Maher spoke to club PRO, Ray Farrelly, about Ballycomoyle's year. In Ballycomoyle the GAA plays just as significant a role as in any other rural setting in the country. Those who play for, are connected to, or support the local club take real pride in its existence. Although 2007 was another frustrating year in the Junior Football Championship, Ballycomoyle are looking to the future with real optimism and in the next few years are capable of really turning things around. Being squeezed by a strong hurling area presents its own difficulties, but Ballycomoyle recognise the importance of developing underage footballers and see this as the way forward. "We have a small club, but are committed to looking after the youth because it's important for our future," said Ray Farrelly, who will work as a selector this year alongside manager, Pat Shryane. "We didn't have a great junior championship, but there's more than just that to the year. And if we can build on our positive start to this year, Ballycomoyle have the potential to go places," he added. And with players like Stephen Bardon, Jamie Ward, Paul Dermody and John Corrigan coming through to join the likes of Michael McCormack, there's every reason for Ballycomoyle to remain upbeat. Ballycomoyle were pitted against Rosemount, St. Fintan's/Multyfarnham, Delvin and Mullingar Shamrocks in Division 1 of the '07 Junior Football Championship. They began their campaign against Delvin and it was a game they had clear intentions of winning. At half time they were well in contention, but the concession of two second half goals handed victory to the Valley men on a 2-4 to 0-6 scoreline. A formidable Mullingar Shamrocks were next up and, despite a gallant showing by Ballycomoyle, the town club proved much too strong on the day, winning by eight points (0-16 to 1-5). That defeat was a real setback to their ambitions and, in truth, probably ended their year. Junior champions, Rosemount were next up and they proved far superior on the day as the concession of four goals ended any chance Ballycomoyle might have had. In the final round, Ballycomoyle were defeated by St. Fintan's/Multyfarnham, bringing an end to a bitterly disappointing championship season. "We lost to Delvin in the first round and that was a big blow," admits Farrelly. "It was mainly due to lads not really being together long enough and although we were well in the game at half time, Delvin scored two handy goals in the second half. "Mullingar Shamrocks had a very strong team the day we played them and, in fact, their team in the semi-final of the championship bore no resemblance to that. One of the big issues we have, though, is the inclusion of senior clubs in the junior championship. We feel it should be confined to sole junior clubs. "A team playing the likes of Mullingar Shamrocks or St. Loman's in the earlier rounds of the championship is at a real disadvantage because they have everyone at that stage. As the senior championship progresses, they lose players from their junior team and that's what happened in 2007," he added. Indeed, so strong do Ballycomoyle feel on this issue that they submitted a motion for County Convention, but, unfortunately, it was deemed to have arrived late and wasn't included on the Clar. There wasn't much joy in a tough Division 3 of the All County League for Ballycomoyle either, while they travelled to Loughnavalley with a depleted side for a Junior Cup clash which they lost narrowly. It was tough, but like all clubs, once the championship has ended, it's difficult to maintain interest. However, the PRO is keen to highlight that Ballycomoyle competed well in the Junior B championship and league, which augurs well for the future. Elsewhere, the success of the Ballycomoyle ladies footballers in the junior shield final against Athlone ranks as a great achievement. The team was trained by long serving Ballycomoyle goalie, Marius Reilly, who transformed their fortunes when he stepped into the breach. Although they were defeated in the championship, Ballycomoyle bounced back to deny Athlone in a thrilling finish to the shield final, after extra time. "That was a major success and again the underage structure with the ladies is now providing its dividends," remarked Farrelly. Meanwhile, the underage area remains buoyant. Ballycomoyle are amalgamated with Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall as St. Michael's and they captured the under16 Division 3 Championship in 2007 - a noteworthy achievement. But apart from that, there's great interest being shown by the younger members. "On a Friday evening we have 70-80 youngsters from under eight to under 12 and this is very encouraging," remarked Farrelly. "There's a great underage structure and Dermot McKenna and his team of coaches do excellent work. Also, we have an annual trip for underage players and last year were in the National Aquatic Centre, which was great for the kids," he said. In 2007, the club was visited by Stephen Stack, who brought with him the most coveted prize in Gaelic football - the Sam Maguire Cup. This was a great occasion, particularly for the underage players, who were also visited the previous year by Sean Og O hAilpin and the Liam McCarthy Cup. The underage players aren't just involved in football, however. Ballycomoyle have been making great progress in Scor Na nOg in Westmeath for a while and in 2007 had two teams in seven different acts, which is no mean achievement for a rural club. "Doreen Farrelly, the club secretary, is involved in Scor along with Catherine Daly and they do Trojan work. They have put in a huge effort and the results are starting to show. We are now involved in Scor Sinsear too and the Ballad Group and recitation got to the county final in 2007," explained the PRO. Ballycomoyle's positive work continues with their impressive website the envy of the county. Web Master, Seamus Coyle, has clearly done great work and the club has gained many plaudits for its website, which can be visited at www.ballycomoyle.com. "It's definitely the best site there is in Westmeath and the amount of photographs and history Seamus has included is great. He has been developing the side for three or four years and he keeps it updated, which is most important," enthused Farrelly. Ballycomoyle is a club committed to the future. "Down the road we are looking at redevelopment. We have to upgrade and that's a major issue for the new committee," admits Farrelly. Seamus McDermott is entering his second year as club chairman and those who volunteer their services are very much appreciated. These people are the backbone of any club and that's no less the case in Ballycomoyle, an area with real competition. "Our position geographically is very poor. We are bordering Meath and Cavan and simply have to remain focused on providing the best for our younger players to keep them involved. We are aware of the challenge facing us," adds Farrelly. Ballycomoyle hasn't gone away you know and with such committed people involved the future looks bright. And the year ahead is sure to bring further joy. Tweet

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