| An
Gaeltacht |
|
2002
|
A
treasured 25-years
It was the year Elvis died, Red Rum won the Aintree Grand
National for the third time, Cork won the All-Ireland hurling title and
Dublin won the Sam Maguire cup. It was also the year An Gaeltacht were formed
and Sean Mac Donncha was elected club treasurer. |
|
2001
|
An
Gaeltacht seek improvement
It was another disappointing year for An Gaeltacht with only
one championship win to show for their efforts. Former All-Ireland medalist
Barry Ferguson was player/manager in 2001 and feels that the club didn't
do itself justice. |
|
2000
|
The
Handy man
Jim Timmons and An Gaeltacht football club have a long association.
Since An Gaeltacht was formed in 1976 (the club began competing the following
year), Jim Timmons has filled many positions and played many parts to help
make An Gaeltacht the club it now is. |
|
1999
|
Cathal's
settled Scor
Cathal Seoige enjoys his work as Irish Officer on the Co.
Board executive. He also enjoyed his playing days with Martinstown-Athboy
and An Gaeltacht. Here he talks to Royal County about his lifelong involvement
in the GAA. |
|
1998
|
Ghaeilgóirí
an Mhí
Tá an réiguín ins an Ghaeltacht, Rath
Cairn cáillithe do alán rudaí ach go háirithe
an pheil, thar gach rud eile. Anois chuireann Padraig O'Baoighill a shúil
thar iarrachtaí na fir ó Rath Cairn. |
| |
|
| Athboy |
|
2002
|
Young
guns take centre stage
Athboy - Rathcairn's under 14 team came tantalisingly close
to pulling off a league and championship football double this year. Juvenile
chairman Stephen Mangan reviewed an exciting year for the club's young guns. |
|
2001
|
Back
where they belong
While two clubs, Trim and Kilmessan, are running neck and
neck at the head of the Meath senior hurling roll of honour, Athboy are
in third place with nine outright triumphs. However, they have not celebrated
with the Jubilee Cup since the spring of 1973. |
|
2000
|
Differing
fortunes
While their hurlers were relegated, Athboy's footballers
were making soild progress. Royal County contrasts the differing fortunes
of both sides. |
|
1999
|
Athboy's
loss was Wexford's gain
The Wexford minors brought Meath's participation in this
year's championship to an end. Athboy native Eddie Mahon trained the winning
team. Shane O'Brien asked him to explain himself. |
|
1998
|
Lots
of toil, little success
When Christy Kelly came onto the Athboy hurling side, success
seemed inevitable. 24 years later he retired with five senior final defeats
as his lot. Royal Meath discovers a man who still feels that he gained a
lot from his association with the game. |
| |
|
| Ballinabrackey |
|
2011
|
Bracks
wonÕt rest on their laurels
Pascal Kelleghan is challenging his Ballinabrackey players
to build on their phenomenal achievements of the past 12 months and become
a senior club in the not too distant future. |
|
2010
|
Ballinabrackey
goals bag the Ginnity Cup
A fifth ever Meath Junior Football Championship triumph by
Ballinabrackey was enthusiastically greeted following the narrow final victory
over south county rivals Ballivor in the curtain-raiser to the Keegan Cup
decider. |
|
2009
|
ÔBracks
hope to make 2010 a happy 25th anniversary
Ballinabrackey went across the border to find a manager who
might help steer them to the Junior Football Championship title in 2009,
but they met with further disappointment when they failed to reach the knockout
stages for the sixth successive year. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
Brack
attack
Ballinabrackey's best known footballer Chris O'Connor featured
in Meath's three championship matches during a disappointingly brief 2008
campaign for Colm Coyle's team, while there was another bright star from
the club playing a very significant role in the minor side's highly successful
year, Damien Carroll. |
|
2007
|
The
rise and rise of Chris O'Connor
Chris O'Connor enjoyed a meteoric rise through the ranks
in 2007, culminating in his first championship start for Meath in the memorable
All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Tyrone at Croke Park. His elevation
to Colm Coyle's squad has seen him join an elite group of Ballinabrackey
players who have represented their county at the highest level. |
|
2006
|
Itching
to get back
The long wait gets longer for Ballinabrackey as the gap back
to their last Junior Football Championship success lengthens with each passing
year. It's now 21 years since the Offaly-border club last tasted success
in the grade, but the desire to do so once again remains strong and they
are a team that nobody will take for granted in the 2007 campaign. By Paul
Clarke. |
|
2005
|
Not
far off the pace
It doesn't seem like two decades have passed since Ballinabrackey
last won the Meath Junior Football Championship title. But it is and as
time goes steadily by the club's loyal supporters must be starting to wonder
if the Offaly-border side will ever reach such heights again. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2004
|
Not
far off
It's fast approaching two decades since Ballinabrackey last
won the Meath Junior Football Championship and the Offaly-border club possesses
a burning desire to lift some important silverware and start to move up
the footballing ladder. |
|
2003
|
Hot
stuff!
As John Curry looks back on the summer of 2003 he will have
a certain degree of ‘we under achieved yet again' from a club point
of view, but reflections on the inter-county scene will bring nothing but
immense satisfaction and a sense of achievement. |
|
2002
|
The
Bracks are back
Ballinabrackey full-back Trevor Bannon put it best. "It
was a good year. We got promoted in the league and that was our aim. As
for the championship, we were unlucky against Nobber in the semi-final but
we are getting closer, every year that bit closer." |
|
2001
|
Four
decades of service
Forty years after he first donned the Ballinabrackey jersey,
Tommy O'Connor remains as involved in the club as ever. Randal Scally spoke
to Tommy about his lifelong association with the Offaly-border outfit as
well as his hopes for the future. |
|
2000
|
The
Rare Old Times
Royal County talks to Seamus Fox whose allegiance to the
Ballinabrackey club stretches back to the 1940s. |
|
1999
|
Ballinabrackey
start them young
With the Ballinabrackey junior side failing to make an impact
in the year just past, it was up to the club's under 12s to bring glory
to the Offaly-border parish. Here, club stalwart Jim Cooney outlines the
great strides that are being made at underage level. |
|
1998
|
Meath
and proud of it
Have you ever heard of Father Callary? Perhaps not. He was
Parish Priest of Ballinabrackey back in the 1940s -50s and he was instrumental
in having something approved by Leinster Council GAA which has been of major
significance. |
| Ballinlough |
|
2011
|
Out
of ÔLough
BallinloughÕs bid to regain senior status came unstuck at
the semi-final stage of the IFC when they suffered a narrow defeat to neighbours
Gaeil Colmcille. The loss was all the harder to take after two penalties
were missed, but while ruing his sideÕs misfortune, the long-serving Kevin
Devine refuses to be disheartened. |
|
2010
|
ÔLough
aim for improvement in 2011
BallinloughÕs first two campaigns back in the Intermediate
Football Championship brought the disappointment of elimination during the
knockout stages, but this year they failed to advance from their group after
a mixed bag of results. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2009
|
Extra
time curse strikes again
Ballinlough have reached the knockout stages of the Intermediate
Football Championship in both their campaigns back in the middle grade and
after losing to Cortown at the semi-final hurdle in 2008 they were eliminated
a step earlier this year when Oldcastle got the better of them in a last
eight clash. Interestingly, both those matches went to extra-time. By Paul
Clarke. |
|
2008
|
A
Byrneing light!
BallinloughÕs bid to win the Meath IFC and Division 3 FL
double in 2008 finished empty handed but, according to county star Peadar
Byrne, the north Meath club will be a force to be reckoned with again in
the year ahead. |
|
2007
|
It
finally happened
Ballinlough's 16 years in the top flight came to an
end on the first Saturday of October in 2007 when survival specialists Kilmainhamwood
defeated them decisively in the Senior Football Championship relegation
final at Kells to send them back to the intermediate ranks. |
|
2006
|
Underage
revival
2006 was a successful year for Ballinlough at juvenile level,
with the under 12s capturing a league title and the under 14s only losing
to St. Vincent's after a replay in their championship final. Michael Geraghty
has been a driving force behind the club's recent underage revival and,
not surprisingly, took great satisfaction from this year's achievements. |
|
2005
|
Survivors
Ballinlough have had better years. Two-thousand-and-five
descended into a real struggle for the north Meath club, who found themselves
fighting relegation battles on both league and championship fronts. The
form displayed over the course of the year wasn't the strain of consistency
manager Gary McDonnell demanded, and it was all hands to the pump as Ballinlough's
senior survival hung by a thread in late autumn. However, they pulled it
out of the fire with a dramatic play-off victory over Dunderry at Athboy
on Sunday October 23. Experienced campaigner Dan McCartan, who missed much
of the season through injury, is hoping for a major upturn in fortunes in
2006. |
|
2004
|
Team
spirit the key for Ballinlough
Ballinlough may not have the same playing resources as some
of their rivals, but they more than make up for this with their tremendous
team spirit as veteran forward Francis Tunney explains. |
|
2003
|
Minors
make history
By clinching their first-ever minor trophy in September,
Ballinlough proved that there's plenty of life in their neck of the woods.
The MFL Div. 3 success provided the club with a welcome boost and the signs
are encouraging that there could be plenty more where that came from. |
|
2002
|
Ray
of light
It is highly unlikely that Blackhall Gaels will receive any
Christmas cards from GAA folk in Ballinlough this winter. Not once, but
twice in the 2002 senior football championship the North Meath club found
themselves on the receiving end of a Blackhall victory. |
|
2001
|
Big
Tom and Ballinlough
Grit and determination marked Ballinlough's year at underage
level in 2001. Defeats in two finals during the year was hard to take. Later
on in the year the north Meath club gained under 17 honours but the club's
under 14 players showed tremendous courage also to make little of their
travails and lift the North League Division 4 crown as mentor Tom Brady
reminds us.. |
|
2000
|
Red
alert
Team manager Vincent Ryan put together a very talented Ballinlough
under 16 combination in 2000. Young players like Smith, Geraghty, Gaynor,
Fagan, Muldoon, McEnroe and Farrell will surely backbone the club's premier
xv in ten years time |
|
1999
|
League
specialists
After acute championship disappointment, the men from North
Meath found the perfect remedy in the form of the Division 1 League title. |
|
1998
|
A
patient man's reward
Not noted for their underage success, Ballinlough had reason
to celebrate in 1998. U12 and U13 honours were garnered and a delighted
Sean Smith talks to Royal County. |
| |
|
| Ballivor |
|
2011
|
Brilliant
Ballivor make amends
Ballivor put the heartache of last yearÕs JFC final defeat
to Ballinabrackey firmly behind them when they powered to their first Matthew
Ginnity Cup success after an unbeaten campaign in September. |
|
2010
|
Ballivor
regroup to become a real force
Eight years after winning the IFC final in dramatic fashion
at Pairc Tailteann the Navan venue was the home of disappointment for Ballivor
in 2010 when they were edged out by Ballinabrackey in the JFC decider. By
Paul Clarke. |
|
2009
|
Finding
their feet
It was the sort of day when convincing the doubters about
the dangers of global warming would have been next to impossible. The second
last Sunday of November, 2008 at Martry was cold, damp and miserable and
it also signalled the end of Ballivor's most recent stay in the Intermediate
Football Championship. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
We
will be back
Only six years after all the drama, excitement and jubilation
of beating Navan O'Mahonys in the Intermediate Championship final, Ballivor
diced with death in the middle grade of Meath football again in 2008. |
|
2007
|
Ballivor
won't give in
Ballivor GFC can look back on a tough year but also one which
galvanised the club and ultimately showed a gritty spirit to remain in the
Intermediate Football Championship as they overcame all the obstacles that
were placed in their way to avoid the drop down to junior. By Paul Cantwell.
|
|
2006
|
Nothing
comes easy
Ballivor can remember vividly what it's like to win the Intermediate
Football Championship and they can also remember very clearly what it's
like to lose your top flight status before you have a chance to find your
feet in the senior grade. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2005
|
A
good start isn't half the battle!
Ballivor made an atrocious start to their Intermediate Football
Championship campaign, but they somehow managed to recover sufficiently
to make it through to the quarter-finals where they were eliminated by Syddan.
By Paul Clarke |
|
2004
|
Back
on song
Under the watchful eye of Westmeath favourite Larry Giles,
the 2002 intermediate champions rediscovered their winning touch to clinch
promotion to Division Two of the ACFL. |
|
2003
|
Fighting
finish
Looking back, it's hard not to see the irony in it all. Besides,
September is the month of change. And just as the leaves fluttered to the
ground this September, Ballivor's footballers tumbled out of the top flight.
Damn September. Damn irony. |
|
2002
|
Ballivor
at last
It is often said that you have to lose a final before winning
one and that is often the case in the Meath Intermediate Football Championship.
Dunderry and St Patrick's both suffered their share of disappointments before
collecting the title and Ballivor finished second in two deciders before
making it ‘third time lucky' with that dramatic 2-5 to 0-10 victory
over Navan O'Mahonys last October. |
|
2001
|
Third
time lucky?
Ballivor tasted Intermediate football final defeat for the
second successive year, this time at the hands of Blackhall Gaels who snatched
victory with a last gasp penalty. It has to be third time lucky next year. |
|
2000
|
Ballivor
fall at final hurdle
When a place in the senior ranks was up for grabs Ballivor
choose the wrong time to give one of their poorest performances of the year.
But they needn't worry, as they will be back. |
|
1999
|
A
tireless worker
The Intermediate title eluded Ballivor in 1999 but with people
like Caroline Burke involved at administrative level, no stone will be left
unturned in their bid to capture the Mattie McDonnell Cup. |
|
1998
|
Good
times beckon for Ballivor
Championship triumph proved elusive but it was nevertheless
a very good year for Ballivor GFC. Royal County spoke to their manager Willie
Keegan and suddenly found himself indulging in a bit of nostalgia. |
| |
|
| Bective |
|
2011
|
League
silverware for Bective boys
If awards were handed out for consistency Bective would undoubtedly
have received one at the end of 2011. |
|
2010
|
Bective:
a new dawn?
Ten years after the clubÕs short-lived stint in the Intermediate
grade came to an end, a new dawn appears to be on the horizon for Bective.
Up and coming star Marty Mulhall spoke to Royal County.Ê |
|
2009
|
Eager
to improve
The 2009 Junior Football Championship proved to be a real
struggle for Bective who achieved only one victory in the group stages and
found themselves anchored to the bottom of the section and in the relegation
play-off position. But with Drumree having withdrawn from the competition
it looked like they would be spared the dogfight. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
Proud
part of the Navan trio
One of three GAA clubs in Navan, Bective may be the smallest
of the trio but they continue to keep the flag flying proudly with their
dedicated band of workers fielding teams in various football grades from
the lowest underage up to junior. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2007
|
Plenty
of promise and potential
Having to field an under-strength team in the early stages
of the Junior Football Championship proved a heavy burden for Bective and
defeats in their opening three divisional matches put an end to their hopes
of making it through to the knockout stages. |
|
2006
|
Talented
u14's steal the show
Top teams are built on a different type of determination
and never-say-die spirit. When it comes to the crunch the best team always
stand up in the last ten minutes. Rarely is an underage side made up of
these qualities, but this was the case when it came to the Bective U14 team
in 2006. By Marcus Brennan. |
|
2005
|
A
marked improvement
Despite a superb run comprising four straight wins in Division
C of the 2005 Meath junior football championship, Bective narrowly missed
out on a place in the knockout stage of the competition Ð but they were
not to be denied their first piece of adult silverware in eight years. Playing
better football than they had done in quite some time, they finished the
season in style, claiming the Division Five league crown with a 1-6 to 1-5
defeat of Clann na Gael at Bohermeen on Saturday October 1. Ruairi Russell
believes there's plenty more where that came from. |
|
2004
|
The
kids are all right
At juvenile level, 2004 was a truly historic year for Bective,
who struck on two fronts, capturing the U14 Division Two Football Championship
and the U15 Division Four title. |
|
2003
|
Historic
triumph for Bective minors
Bective enjoyed one of their finest hours this year. Amidst
the hype surrounding Navan O'Mahony's and Simonstown, Bective refused to
be eclipsed in Meath's chief town. |
|
2002
|
What's
another year?
Sean Moran and his beleaguered Bective colleagues hung their
heads in despair. The final whistle had sounded and the game was all over.
Sportingly they shook the hands of the opposing, victorious, Wolfe Tones
players who had just annihilated them 2-11 to 0-6. It was only mid-June
but Bective's junior championship ambitions were already over for another
year. |
|
2001
|
Looking
to regain the winning touch
After surprising many within the county by reaching the semi-finals
of the Intermediate championship in 1999, two bad years has pushed Bective
back from whence they came: languishing in the junior grade. Their long
serving forward, John Sheehan, believes that all is not lost, however, and
that the club can make a concerted push towards the junior championship
in 2002. |
|
2000
|
Under
14's create history
The club's adults might have had a year to forget, but the
Bective under 14s managed to preserve some level of pride by completing
a league and championship double, in the process becoming the first Bective
side to win an underage championship. Roscommon native Manus Tiernan was
one of five men over the side, and he was delighted by the success. |
|
1999
|
Mister
Versatile
Standing at 5' 7”, he wouldn't be most people's idea
of the perfect goalkeeper. But when Bective were short of one this year,
Davy Cahill agreed to stand between the sticks. He speaks about a long run
in the intermediate championship, and an even longer one in football. |
|
1998
|
Perseverance
brings success
The rags to riches story of the Bective Club should act as
an inspiration to others throughout the Royal County. And now that they've
sampled the sweet taste of success they're hungry for more as Royal County
discovered when we talked to Juvenile Committee Chairman Dessie O'Brien. |
| |
|
| Bellewstown |
|
|
|
|
2007
|
Bellewstown
won't give up the race
As the club continued to struggle with falling playing numbers,
Bellewstown GFC endured another difficult year in both the Junior B Football
championship and the Division 5 FL, but the Gaels of the club continue to
work at the coalface. |
|
2006
|
The
good fight
This time 20 years ago Bellewstown GFC was living the high
life as players, officials and its passionate band of supporters shortened
the winter months of 1986 with glorious memories of a fabulous championship
triumph. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2005
|
Commitment
the key
With one of the smallest picks in the county, Bellewstown
have found the going tough these past few years. But despite their difficulties,
team manager Martin McEnteggart is convinced that the black and ambers can
begin the climb back up the Meath footballing ladder, starting with a junior
ÔB' championship win next year. |
|
2004
|
How
fortunes change
Bellewstown's ambition to start their climb back up the Meath
footballing ladder met with further disappointment in 2004 when they failed
to reach the business end of the battle for the junior ‘B' Football
Championship. |
|
2003
|
Boys
from the hill
Perhaps the players knew it themselves. St Vincent's had
just beaten them in the first round of the junior B championship, and there
was that haunting feeling of inevitability hanging in the Bellewstown dressing-room.
|
|
2002
|
B
for Bellewstown
Bellewstown, to say the very least, endured a difficult and
unsuccessful year in 2002 which saw them relegated in both the championship
and league and the hope for next year will be that things can only get better. |
|
2001
|
Making
headway
P.J. Cudden made his bow as a football coach in 2001. Training
and managing his native Bellewstown was a real learning experience, he admits.
We recently rolled the tape back in his company. |
|
2000
|
Girl
Power
Finally Bellewstown ladies collected the Junior championship
title. The Royal county talked to the man who helped make it all possible,
Mick Collins. |
|
1999
|
A
jewel in the Bellewstown crown
Bellewstown's Eimear McAuley has blazed an impressive trail
since breaking onto the Meath senior team two years ago. Royal County talked
to the 18 year old about life on the Meath senior team and the progress
being made by the Bellewstown ladies. |
|
1998
|
Pride
in the Parish
Bellewstown's Alex Collins talks to Royal County about the
ongoing struggles facing a small rural club and his own personal loyalty
to the cause. |
| |
|
| Blackhall
Gaels |
|
2011
|
Blackhall
fail to build on explosive start
BlackhallÕs failure to build on their 20-point demolition
of Simonstown Gaels in the first round of this yearÕs SFC was a source of
huge disappointment to everyone associated with the south Meath club as
chairman Gerry Stenson explains. |
|
2010
|
Blackhall
Gaels pay the penalty
Before the start of the 2010 Meath Farm Machinery SFC Blackhall
Gaels appeared to have a decent chance of qualifying from their group but
after two wins, a draw and two losses, they narrowly missed out on a place
in the last eight.Ê |
|
2009
|
Looking
to regain their scoring touch
Senior Football Championship life after Anthony Moyles brought
mixed fortunes for Blackhall Gaels in 2009 and after scraping through the
group stages they were eliminated from the title race when losing to Dunshaughlin
in the preliminary quarter-final. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
League
Winners
Eamonn Barry's first term as Blackhall Gaels manager brought
them to the semi-finals of the Senior Football Championship, but more importantly
led them to silverware as the ACFL Division 1 title was garnered with an
impressive final win over Wolfe Tones. |
|
2007
|
Injuries
hamper the gaels
For the first time since winning the title in 2003, Blackhall
Gaels failed to make it through to the closing stages of the Meath SFC this
year with injuries to key players considerably weakening them. |
|
2006
|
League
is more than just compensation
There were high expectation in Blackhall Gaels at the start
of the year that the championship could be brought back to the parish, but
at the end of the season those involved with the club had to be content
with the ACFL Division 2 trophy. |
|
2005
|
Intermediate
glory at small ball game
Blackhall Gaels joined a small and elite club on the fourth
Sunday of October when they pounced late to defeat Na Fianna in a highly
entertaining Intermediate Hurling Championship final at Trim. |
|
2004
|
Minors
put hurling in the limelight
Football stole the limelight in Blackhall Gaels during 2003
but twelve months later hurling was the toast of the parish. |
|
2003
|
Rags
to riches tale of Gaels
Mol an Oige agus Tiocfaidh Siad- Start them young and they
will flourish. The above statement is one, which has clearly been the motto
around Batterstown, and Kilcloon and it bore fruit on September 21st. |
|
2002
|
Blackhall
on the brink
Blackhall Gaels' premier adult football team has certainly
had an up and down existence since the club was formed in 1995 and the happenings
of last season added another exciting chapter to the short lifespan. |
|
2001
|
Gaels
force their way back up
Many felt Blackhall Gaels were rather unfortunate to drop
down from senior ranks last year when going down thanks to a last minute
point by O'Mahonys. As Brendan Boylan reports however, they wiped out those
painful memories in the best way possible when dishing out a similar fate
to Ballivor. |
|
2000
|
Down
but not out
Blackhall Gaels' luck deserted them in the relegation play-off
matches against O'Mahonys. Royal County takes a look at the season that
saw them drop a grade. |
|
1999
|
A
Minor miracle
Blackhall Gaels' steady climb up the ladder of Meath GAA
continued in 1999 with their Minors surprising many by bringing home the
Delaney Cup. Royal County recounts the latest chapter in the club's success
story. |
|
1998
|
The
Gaels blow into Senior
Blackhall Gaels are in existence only four short years. The
amalgamation between Kilcoon and Batterstown had its doubting Thomases.
But, as Royal County finds out, 1998 and an intermediate title success,
proved the doubters wrong. |
| |
|
| Boardsmill
|
|
2011
|
From
agony to ecstasy
What a difference 12 months makes. Boardsmill intermediate
hurlers went into the 2010 county final as strong favourites to make a swift
return to the senior ranks, but favourites are there to be knocked and underdogs
Drumree came away with a shock win. |
|
2010
|
Injury
time goal haunts Boardsmill
When Boardsmill commenced their quest for an instant return
to the senior ranks with a runaway victory over Drumree in the first round
of the IHC nobody could possibly have predicted that a few months later
they would be beaten by the same opposition in the final. By Paul Clarke.
|
|
2009
|
One
step back - two steps forward?
Having spent nine years at the top table of Meath hurling
following their IHC success in 2000, Boardsmill were demoted to the intermediate
ranks at the end of the this year's SHC campaign. By Liam OÕRourke. |
|
2008
|
50
years on
There have been many proud days in the history of Boardsmill
GAA Club and one of the most memorable undoubtedly came in late 1958 when
they made the breakthrough by winning the Senior Hurling Championship for
the first time. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2007
|
TJ
Reilly and those decades of service
Over three decades ago a highly committed hurler from the
Boardsmill club helped Meath to a very significant victory over Kildare
in the Walsh Cup at Trim. The Lilywhites were highly regarded in the small
ball code in those days, turning in some superb performances against the
top counties. |
|
2006
|
Moving
forward
The gap to Boardsmill's last annexation of the Jubilee Cup stretches back
over three decades to the year they completed a fabulous three in-a-row
in 1975 and their hopes of regaining the title this year appeared to be
enhanced considerably when they beat Trim in a play-off, but they then bowed
out against Dunboyne. |
|
2005
|
Boardsmill
land their prize
Some years ago Boardsmill were the kingpins of Meath hurling
but in more recent times football seems to have taken over as the main focus
in the club with two championship titles gained and notable progress being
made in the big ball game. |
|
2004
|
Dicing
with danger
For a club like Boardsmill, with a proud tradition in the
Senior Hurling Championship, holding onto your standing in the top grade
is highly important. And that's how it turned out for the south Meath side
in 2004 as they diced with death before securing their survival in the last
chance saloon. |
|
2003
|
Out
of luck!
After being better known as a hurling club over the last
few decades, Boardsmill have been carving a football niche for themselves
over the past couple of years. The junior C success of 2002 was their first
championship triumph in the big ball game and then they came tantalisingly
close to adding the junior B title last September. |
|
2002
|
Champions
Sometimes it just means more! Boardsmill's footballers have
trudged along in relative anonymity since the start of time, but over the
last few years they have started to make an impact at underage level. |
|
2001
|
The
Mill grind out minor success
2001 marked only the second time that Boardsmill fielded
a football team at minor level. However, such is the talent being nurtured
at underage level within the club that many more landmark achievements -
like the club's minor title success - are doubtless just around the corner. |
|
2000
|
Through
the ‘Mill
The disappointment of the Boardsmill players, mentors and
supporters at suffering relegation from the senior hurling ranks in 1999
was erased this year when they bounced right back to claim the Intermediate
title. It was an expected victory for the south Meath club but one that
was savoured nonetheless. |
|
1999
|
A
true Gael
A native of Cuil-Aodha in west Cork, Peadar O Liathain arrived
in Boardsmill on the 3rd November 1951 to take up a teaching post in the
local National School. Cork's loss has been Boardsmill's gain. |
|
1998
|
The
Future is bright
A great year indeed for the Boardsmill club as various titles
were captured in both codes. Welcome success for one of the county's smallest
football clubs as Boardsmill U13's best in thrilling final against Clan
na Gael |
| |
|
| Carnaross
|
|
2011
|
Carnaross
out of luck
CarnarossÕ failure to build on their appearance in last yearÕs
IFC final was a source of huge disappointment to their captain Paddy Nugent
who believes they didnÕt get the same breaks in this seasonÕs campaign.
|
|
2010
|
Final
off day shouldnÕt take from the Carnaross resurgence
Carnaross surprised many people by reaching the Intermediate
Football Championship final this year, but as was the case seven years earlier
they suffered a heavy defeat on the day that mattered most. |
|
2009
|
Status
secure
One victory and four defeats left Carnaross well out of the
reckoning for a place in the knockout stage of the 2009 Intermediate Football
Championship, but with plenty of talented young players coming through the
ranks in the club there are certainly reasons to be optimistic as they look
to the future. |
|
2008
|
So
much promise
Carnaross exited the race for the Mattie McDonnell Cup at
the last eight hurdle in 2007, but they were eliminated one step earlier
this year when Syddan ended their dream of a first title in the intermediate
grade since 1993 in a preliminary quarter-final. |
|
2007
|
Carnaross
show big improvement
After a near disastrous 2006, Carnaross showed a welcome
return to form this year by reaching the knock-out stages of the intermediate
football championship. Club secretary Brendan O'Reilly was pleased with
the team's much-improved displays and is hopeful that they can mount a serious
title challenge in 2008. |
|
2006
|
Injuries
prove insurmountable
It was as nondescript and unexpected a place as possible
for it all to end. Right at the outset, before it had even started. By Gordan
Manning |
|
2005
|
Surprised
at the death
Carnaross will probably win the award for comeback of the
year, but that will be of little consolation to the club as they look back
on 2005 and an Intermediate Football Championship campaign that appeared
to promise quite a lot in the divisional stages, but came to an end when
they were eliminated by surprise packets St. Colmcille's after extra-time
in the quarter-finals. |
|
2004
|
Slow
start catches up with Carnaross
Carnaross will have to wait another year for a tilt at Intermediate
Football Championship honours following their semi-final defeat at the hands
of east Meath outfit Duleek at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday September 19. Royal
County asked club chairman Malachy Plunkett: what happened the likely lads? |
|
2003
|
Good
year despite final performance
What have the following teams got in common? Navan O'Mahonys,
Ballivor, Blackhall Gaels and St Patricks? They have won the last four intermediate
championships having been beaten in the previous year's final! And what
about Dunderry? They were beaten in three successive finals before winning
it at the fourth time of asking in 1990! |
|
2002
|
Three
times and out
Carnaross could be forgiven for having nightmares at the
prospect of facing Slane in the Intermediate Football Championship. They
have lost to them three times in the competition in the last two years,
including twice in the 2002 season, and that second play-off defeat ended
their hopes of winning the championship for the first time since 1993 and
bouncing back to senior football. |
|
2001
|
Aidan
Gillic's refereeing years
There's not many referees, past or present, who can say that
every minute of their time in black has been enjoyable and well worth living
out. Former top-notch whistler from Carnaross, Aidan Gillic, says the business
of refereeing was the best thing he ever did on the GAA front. |
|
2000
|
The
more things change ...
In an interview with Royal County, Carnaross GFC President
Jack Smith recalls his own playing days and assesses the current state of
his beloved club. |
|
1999
|
A
mixed bag
Nineteen-ninety-nine was a strange year for Carnaross, a
season tatooed by ups and downs. First of all, their star player Ollie Murphy
inspired Meath to their seventh All-Ireland; then they lost their senior
status; finally, they bounced back to finish the year on a high note by
winning the Division Two league title. |
|
1998
|
The
Murphy legacy
As a player, Benny Murphy seemed to go on forever. Carnaross
are keeping their fingers crossed that he'll do likewise as a valuable member
of their backroom team. Royal County meets the man in question. |
| |
|
| Castletown
|
|
2011
|
Castletown
bridge seven-year gap
When Castletown defeated St. ColmcilleÕs in this yearÕs IFC,
it ended a three-year wait for a victory in the group stage. When they added
the ACFL Division Two title with victory over Oldcastle in the final, they
claimed their first piece of adult silverware in seven years. Team captain
Barry Smith admits it was a huge relief for everyone associated with the
north county club to get back to winning ways. |
|
2010
|
Castletown
are capable of more than just survival
Castletown remain unwilling to surrender their intermediate
championship status, but they again gave their supporters many anxious moments
during the 2010 campaign before staving off the threat of a drop to the
junior ranks. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2009
|
Survival
instinct intact
As the Castletown players headed to Pairc Tailteann on a
Friday evening in late October this year they must have been asking themselves
how they ended up where they were. With a bit of luck at all they might
have reached the knockout stages of the Intermediate Football Championship,
but the reality was so very different. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
The
winds of change
Natural progression might have suggested that Castletown
would win the Intermediate Football Championship this year. They suffered
the disappointment of losing at the semi-final stage to neighbours Rathkenny
in 2006 and the pain was even more severe approximately 12 months later
when they were beaten in the final by Donaghmore/Ashbourne. |
|
2007
|
Final
heartbreak for Castletown
If Castletown thought it was painful last year, it must have
hurt a great deal more in 2007 when they came up short in a highly entertaining
Intermediate Football Championship final at Pairc Tailteann on the third
Sunday of October. |
|
2006
|
Plenty
of promise
Three decades have passed since Castletown last won the Intermediate
Football Championship title and the search goes on after a 2006 campaign
that promised much but failed to deliver as Sean Barry's team exited the
race for the Mattie McDonnell Cup at the semi-final stage against neighbours
Rathkenny. |
|
2005
|
Aiming
to break the quarter-final jinx
When Castletown defeated Wolfe Tones after a replay in the
All-County A League Div. 2 final late last year they must have really started
to believe that 2005 would be their year and that an eagerly-awaited Intermediate
Football Championship title was just around the corner. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2004
|
Castletown
finish on a high
While Wolfe Tones enjoyed a wonderful 2004, adding the Meath
Intermediate Football Championship to the county, provincial and national
junior successes of the previous year, neighbours Castletown also had cause
for celebrations, after a thrilling triumph in the Division 2 FL. |
|
2003
|
Castletown
stun by five goal salvo
Castletown's dream of winning the Intermediate Football Championship
was shattered on a damp August evening in Moynalty when Carnaross finished
strongly to eliminate Liam Clarke's side at the quarter-final stage. But
three underage titles auger well for the future. |
|
2002
|
Castletown
look to next year
One thing immediately strikes you about Liam Clarke; his
utter belief in the Castletown team he captained this year is thoroughly
unquenchable. The north Meath club failed to make an impact on the 2002
Intermediate Football Championship, but Liam is adamant that a breakthrough
to the senior ranks is within reach. |
|
2001
|
‘Town
but not out
Castletown's angst at missing out on a place in the blue
riband intermediate football decider in the past year and on promotion from
division two to boot is made bearable for the likes of stalwart clubman
Johnny Duffy by a swift analysis of the potential that's inherent in the
club. |
|
2000
|
King
of the Castle
A disappointing championship year for Castletown was salvaged
when the club went on to gain promotion to Division Two. Captain James McConnell
hopes the higher standard of league football will provide the springboard
for a stronger challenge on the championship front. |
|
1999
|
Kings
of the Castle
After a lacklustre summer for the club's intermediate side,
there was some consolation for Castletown Gaels when the Under 16s claimed
the Division 3 title with a victory over Clann na Gael in July. A selector
on that team was Colm Smyth, who speaks about the club's year. |
|
1998
|
The
future beckons
Royal County charts Castletown's impressive run in the 1997
U21 special competition which culminated in a final victory over Kilmainhamwood. |
| |
|
| Clann
na nGael |
|
2011
|
Hurlers
can bounce back
Having spent the last four years in the senior ranks, it
was generally felt that Clann na nGael had established themselves in the
top flight, but given the competitive nature of the hurling championship
in Meath, nothing is a certainty as the Athboy/Rathcairn outfit found
out to their detriment this year.
|
|
2010
|
Work
in progress
Clann na nGael hurlers have cemented their place in the senior
ranks over the past few years and the days of bouncing to and fro from the
intermediate ranks seem a distant memory. |
|
2009
|
Mission
accomplished
For the past number of years Clann na nGael hurlers had earned
the reputation of being a yoyo team in that they bounced from intermediate
and senior on an almost annual basis. However, they cemented their place
in the top flight last year, and they can now lay claim to be one of the
best in the county, having reached the quarter-finals in 2009. |
|
2008
|
A
happy Clann
The 2008 campaign was an intriguing one for the Clann na
nGael hurlers as they made their return to the senior ranks following last
yearÕs success in the intermediate championship. However, the club has found
itself in this situation all too often in recent years and the main emphasis
during the season was to retain their senior status. |
|
2007
|
Junior
champions
When Clann na nGael captured the Meath JFC title on the first
Sunday of October last, the success was only the third for a team from the
Athboy parish. Fifty years earlier the name Athboy went on the championship
roll of honour and in 1969 Martinstown won outright honours. |
|
2006
|
On
both fronts
Clann na nGael footballers have established themselves as
a decent junior ÔA' team and as this year's results in the championship
prove, they are not to far away from competing at the business end of the
campaign. |
|
2005
|
Hurlers
achieve their goal
Clann na nGael hurlers set out with the aim of maintaining
their senior status during the course of the 2005 SHC and experienced player
Eamon Clancy admitted that their performances during the campaign came about
due to hard work and determination. |
|
2004
|
Return
to senior ranks
Following the disappointment and surprise of losing the 2003
Intermediate hurling final, Clann na nGael made no mistake in returning
to the senior ranks for next year with a well earned win over Gaeil Colmcille
in this year's decider. |
|
2003
|
A
new beginning
A new club was born in the Royal County in 2003 when An Gaeltacht
(Rath Cairn) joined forces with Athboy to give rise to Clann na nGael. It
was an historic development and the club set about its tasks accordingly. |
| Clonard |
|
2011
|
Clonard
claim championship honours
Five years after they experienced the bitter pain of losing
the final, Clonard were celebrating when they clinched the Junior B FC title
in style. |
|
2010
|
Young
guard starting to filter through in Clonard
Making a return to the Junior B Football Championship final
is proving a tall order for Clonard but the emergence of new players at
adult level is starting to pay dividends. By Paul Clarke.Ê |
|
2009
|
A
coming force
Clonard's ongoing efforts to win the Junior B Football Championship
continue to meet with frustration, but there's no denying that the work
being carried out at under age level in the club has the potential to reap
rich rewards at adult level in the future. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
37-year
drought comes to an end
Getting back to the Junior B Championship final was the primary
aim for Clonard at the start of the year and while that may not have been
achieved, that disappointment was put to one side as the club ended a 37-year
wait for adult silverware when they claimed the Division 5FL title. |
|
2007
|
Quarter-final
exit for Clonard
After a highly progressive year in 2006, Clonard must have
been more than hopeful that '07 would bring silverware in the shape of the
Larry Kearns Memorial Cup that goes to the winners of the Junior B Football
Championship. |
|
2006
|
So
close
While disappointed to lose out to St. Brigid's in the junior
ÔB' championship decider, Clonard can still take a great deal of encouragement
from their progress this year according to club stalwart and selector Leonard
Farrell. |
|
2005
|
Clonard
juveniles come of age
Clonard are celebrating one of their greatest years, following
an unprecedented run of success at juvenile level. By mid-summer, three
juvenile titles had already been garnered in the form of U14 league Division
Four, U14 championship Division Three and U12 league Division Four Ð a hefty
harvest by any standards and, fingers crossed, the beginning of a brave
new era for this proud Meath GAA outpost. |
|
2004
|
It's
‘ard at times
Clonard missed out on a quarter-final slot in the Junior
‘B' Football Championship by the slenderest of margins, going out on
scoring difference to St. Paul's. Frank Hevey reviewed the year.
|
|
2003
|
Recalling
the big days
Back in the winter of 1993 Niall Walsh's mind was surely
still tuned in to an amazing year that culminated in a never to be forgotten
appearance in an All-Ireland Minor Football Championship final with Meath
on the hallowed turf of Croke Park. |
|
2002
|
Unlucky
year for Clonard
Gaelic football folk in Clonard will tell you that the game
can be very cruel sometimes, and to be honest, you'd find it hard to disagree
with them. Three championship wins in succession, only one defeat and still
they failed to make the junior B play-offs in 2002. Sometimes football just
has a way of kicking you in the teeth. Managing them this year was Ray Brennan,
and he hated every minute of walking along the Clonard sideline. |
|
2001
|
Underage
evolution in Clonard
For the first time in nearly a decade, Clonard fielded under
10 and under 12 teams last season. Declan Twomey, who was junior ‘B'
team player/manager, gives the lowdown on happenings in the south county
club |
|
2000
|
Work
hard, Play hard, Clonard
The working hard and the playing hard are qualities that
Clonard don't lack but that combination still wasn't enough to see Junior
‘B' football glory head to the small south Meath club. Chairman Joe
Gannon and his fellow club members haven't given up the fight just yet though. |
|
1999
|
Clonard
keep their heads up
Clonard's bid to land the elusive Junior ‘B' Football
Championship crown faltered at the penultimate round stage last season.
Disappointment was once again the club's lot but, according to team centre
forward Mark Gannon, the quest for glory will continue in 2000. . |
|
1998
|
A
faller at the final hurdle
Once again the gaels of Clonard were forced to endure final
defeat heartbreak. Royal County talks to Manager Gerry Flanagan about the
year gone by. |
| |
|
| Cortown |
|
2011
|
Cleary
predicts Cortown upturn
Cortown may be down at the moment but they are certainly
not out according to team selector Con Cleary, who has given tremendous
service to the Bohermeen parish club since joining them from Kilmacud Crokes
nearly a decade ago. |
|
2010
|
Injuries
hamper CortownÕs stride
Cortown have certainly experienced the ups and downs of Intermediate
Championship football since their decade of life in the top flight was terminated
in 2006 and this year brought a mixture of disappointment and relief. By
Paul Clarke. |
|
2009
|
Knocking
on the senior door
After being beaten finalists in the IFC in 2008, Cortown
were unable to progress as far in the race for the Mattie McDonnell Cup
and after finishing in third place in their group, getting to the quarter-finals
proved beyond them. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2008
|
Loads
of pride and determination
Two years after being relegated from Meath footballÕs premier
ranks, Cortown were knocking at the senior door last autumn but they were
refused re-entry as parish neighbours St UltanÕs found the right key in
the Lagan Group IFC final. |
|
2007
|
No
double drop for Cortown
The almost unthinkable must have been going through the minds
of everybody associated with the Cortown club as they made their way to
Bective on the fourth Saturday of September this year - one more defeat
and they had lost another life in their struggle to avoid a second championship
relegation in the space of a year. |
|
2006
|
Relegation
heartache
For the last decade, Cortown have defied their critics and
maintained their status in the senior ranks, however that all came to an
end after defeat to Kilmainhamwood in this year's relegation play-off. |
|
2005
|
Coyne
proves his worth
Having scaled the heights of a SFC quarter-final against
Skryne in 2004, Cortown experienced contrasting fortunes in '05. This time
around, they failed to make an impact in the premier knockout competition,
plummeting into a relegation play-off before retaining their senior status
courtesy of a comfortable victory over Ballinlough. Centre back and captain
David ÔSkipper' Coyne - a steadying influence all year Ð reflects on a topsy-turvy
year for the boys in green. |
|
2004
|
Cortown
just won't give up
For a club representing a small area in the west end of
Bohermeen parish, Cortown have done remarkably well since making their
debut in the Meath Senior Football Championship in 1997.
|
|
2003
|
Fighting
to the last
Just what it means to hold onto your hard-earned senior status
was glaringly apparent at Pairc Tailteann in mid-August when Cortown secured
the precious point that guaranteed their survival in the premier grade.
|
|
2002
|
Bubbling
under
Cortown endured a Jekyll and Hyde season in 2002. They came
within a whisker of regaining their division one league status, yet found
themselves embroiled in senior championship relegation trouble at the tail
end of the season. Club secretary Pat Keane attempts to unravel the enigma.
|
|
2001
|
Smitten
by all things Cortown
The world and his mother know that Cortown are a coming outfit.
However, the problem for 40-something club stalwart Francis Smyth is that
the talked-about blue riband success for the one-time division five club
can't come quickly enough. |
|
2000
|
Life
is a rollercoaster
It's been an eventful five years for Cortown and Gordon Codd,
as Royal County reports. Cortown are about as predictable as the weather
... you just never know what's coming next. Just when you think you've got
them sussed, they carpetbomb all rationale with a bewildering move, rendering
the bemused onlooker dizzy, speechless and sometimes hurt. |
|
1999
|
Optimism
in Cortown
Expectations have heightened so much in Cortown that last
season's senior championship exit at the quarter-final stage was considered
a disappointment. Confident that further improvements will be made in the
coming year is stalwart defender Liam Rennicks. |
|
1998
|
Cortown's
Meehan with destiny
Johnny Meehan, an All-Ireland medal winner in 1949, a founder
member of Cortown and as good an interviewee as our man Royal County has
come across. |
| |
|
| Curraha |
|
2011
|
Best
in a decade
Along with Navan OÕMahonyÕs, Curraha were the surprise packets
of this yearÕs JFC after they reached the knockout stages for the first
time since their Matthew Ginnity Cup winning year of 2001. Vice-chairman
and underage coach Pat Moriarty took a great deal of encouragement from
their run to the semi-final and is hoping there is more to come in the next
couple of years. |
|
2010
|
Reserve
respite for Curraha
Curraha were unfortunate to be drawn in the toughest group
of the Junior Football Championship and despite a valiant attempt they failed
to progress to the knockout stages, but the club was reimbursed with the
B FL Division 7 title in October. |
|
2009
|
A
new face
The opening of their new clubhouse in late August was a massive
occasion for the Curraha club, but unfortunately the Junior Football Championship
proved less successful, though they did fare considerably better in Division
5 of the A League. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
Plenty
to be proud of
Curraha GFC was justifiably proud of the major role their
own Pat Coyle played in the success of the Meath minor football team in
2008, while Mark Battersby, who plays at under-age level for St Vincent's/Curraha,
was a key forward on the side which enjoyed a summer to remember. |
|
2007
|
A
real buzz in Curraha
After going close to reaching the business end of the Junior
Football Championship last year Curraha probably had grounds for optimism
as they prepared for the start of the battle for the Matthew Ginnity Cup
in 2007. |
|
2006
|
Crisp
football
Five years after their exciting victory in the Meath Junior Football Championship,
Curraha celebrated a more modest triumph last October when taking Division
5 FL title with a final win over Drumree at Dunshaughlin. |
|
2005
|
Youth
the key at Curraha
Curraha set their stall out to steady the ship after being
relegated from the Intermediate Football Championship and losing their Div.
3 League status in 2004. Club secretary Paul O'Connor reviewed the year.
|
|
2004
|
Mood
is good
Curraha might have suffered relegation from the intermediate
ranks in 2004, but the mood in the club remains upbeat and positive as they
look to the future, happy in the knowledge that they have good under-age
structures in place which should sustain them in the years ahead. |
|
2003
|
Curraha's
juvenile fairytale continues
There are many success stories contained in Royal County
2003, but few can match that of Curraha, whose exploits at juvenile level
are nothing short of phenomenal. |
|
2002
|
Carroll
on regardless
Eoin Carroll played a primary role in bringing the junior
championship to Curraha in 2001. This year he and his teammates made the
treacherous step up to intermediate football and survived. |
|
2001
|
Curraha's
best
Making the most of your resources is what every club strives
to achieve. In this respect, the gaels of Curraha set the standard in 2001
by maximising their potential and winning the junior football championship
title. We look back on their campaign. |
|
2000
|
Curraha's
man from the Kingdom
With Brian Stafford staying on for his second season as trainer,
Curraha named a new manager to work alongside him at the beginning of last
season. He was Pat Moriarty, a Kerry man who's been involved with the club
since 1995 having moved up from the Kingdom. In Kerry Pat played with Templenoe,
the club of the Spillane brothers, Pat, Tom and Mick |
|
1999
|
McManus
of Curraha is ‘Special'
Ian McManus has represented the county at minor, U21, junior
and senior levels. Needless to say the Curraha club are proud of his achievements
to date. It's players like him who provide much optimism for the club's
future. |
|
1998
|
Climbing
the ladder
After a glorious Junior B triumph 12 months ago, the season
past can be looked upon as the calm after the storm for Curraha. We reflect
on the present and future of the club, and one of the characters that make
it. |
| |
|
| Donaghmore/Ashbourne |
|
2011
|
A
busy year as ever for Donaghmore/Ashbourne
The last Donaghmore/Ashbourne adult fixture for 2011 ended
on a positive note, with the arrival in Killegland West of the Joseph ÔJunieÕ
Dillon Cup, on the 12th of November. It joined the camogie intermediate
trophy, which the ladies won after losing the 2010 final. Our Intermediate
and Junior ÕBÕ hurlers reached their respective semi-finals, with the senior
lady footballers reaching the championship quarter-final and the Feis Cup
semi-final. |
|
2010
|
A
great season for Donaghmore/Ashbourne
As we come to the end of another season, and reflect back
on the status of adult football within the club the term Òsteady progressÓ
could sum up our year. We havenÕt made that all important breakthrough in
the quest to obtain Keegan Cup glory, but overall we are going in the right
direction. |
|
2009
|
Depleted
Donaghmore/Ashbourne keep heads above water
Maximum points from their last two outings in Group A ensured
Donaghmore/Ashbourne werenÕt dragged into a relegation dogfight in the SFC
but David Jennings looks back on how the year could have been more fruitful
had injuries to vital players not hampered their progress. |
|
2008
|
From
strength to strength
When a definitive history of Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA Club
is finally compiled, 2008 will certainly be regarded as one of the milestones
in the clubÕs history, writes Michael Doherty. |
|
2007
|
Breakthrough
made
For the first time in 48 years we have finally put our name
in the hat with the big boys in Meath GAA. And what a year we had, as we
claimed the Mattie McDonnell Cup and the Division 3A league all within six
days of each other. In addition to this our Minor team reclaimed the minor
championship for the second year in a row and off the field we are only
weeks away from moving into our new complex in Killegland. Things are going
from strength to strength for Donaghmore Ashbourne and our season's review
is as follows: |
|
2006
|
Ladies
Football
Although we did not manage to bring home as much silverware as in previous
years, 2006 saw our ladies football section continues to go from strength
to strength. Almost all of our teams were still in action when it came
to semi final and final stages and the season overview went as follows:
Hurling
The adult hurling team had a great start to the season
as their first official outing of the year saw them bring home their first
silverware since 1994. The St Patrick's weekend saw them play Blackhall
Gaels in the 2005 Grade 1 Hurling league final in Ratoath.
On
the march
Although our early season targets had to be raised higher
mid way through the season our adult football season ended in a disappointing
manner over two consecutive weekends at Seneschalstown.
|
|
2005
|
Donaghmore
land Junior C honours
A club representing one of the largest population bases in
the Royal County ended a long wait for an adult football championship title
when Donaghmore/Ashbourne captured outright honours in the Junior C FC on
the last Sunday of August with an emphatic 3-13 to 0-4 final victory over
St Colmcille's at Pairc Tailteann.
Club
Review
Every January, clubs throughout the Country are filled with
high expectations as they look forward to the coming GAA season.
Underage
Football
At underage level the club continues to go from strength
to strength. |
|
2004
|
The
promise of Killegland West
Anybody returning to the Ashbourne area these days after
a reasonably prolonged period away would undoubtedly be astonished at the
vast amount of house-building that has taken place in a region that, not
that very long ago, would have been termed no more than a small town. |
|
2003
|
U14
‘a' championship for Donaghmore/Ashbourne
On the many occasions that Derry, Tyrone, Armagh, Louth and
Donegal supporters passed through the village of Ashbourne, some would have
wondered if there was a football team in the area. |
|
2002
|
Plenty
of apples in the basket
Donaghmore/Ashbourne GAA Club certainly aren't lacking in
ambition and plan to tap into the potential that a rapidly growing population
offers in their area. |
|
2001
|
Tormey
toasts a great year
Donaghmore/Ashbourne will be rubbing shoulders with the ‘big
boys' in Division 1 of the All County Football league next year on the back
of a yet another memorable promotion campaign. Team manager Conor Tormey
believes that defeat in the League final at the hands of Navan O'Mahony's
didn't detract from a great year. |
|
2000
|
Hungry
to dispel notion
Having failed once again to make an impact in the Intermediate
championship, Donaghmore/Ashbourne have reinforced the notion that they
are a club unable to reproduce their best league form in the most important
competition. |
|
1999
|
Rising
up the ranks
Donaghmore/Ashbourne's ascent up the All-County Leagues continued
unabated in 1999 but they failed to transfer their league form onto the
championship arena. The team's centre forward PJ Moran takes a look back
at the last twelve months. |
|
1998
|
‘Moore
success
1998 saw Donaghmore-Ashbourne lift their first adult trophy
in 27 years. Our special correspondent reviews the year. |
| |
|
| Drumbaragh |
|
2011
|
Connolly
eager to make amends
In recent years, the Drumbaragh club have been annually tipped
as one of the teams that could win the junior 'A' football championship
and they have consistently reached the knockout stages. However, their form
eluded them this year and they were disappointed to be out of the championship
very early. Talented forward James Connolly spoke to the Royal County about
the 2011 campaign and stressed that the Drums would be back stronger than
ever next year. |
|
2010
|
Consistent
Drums just need that lucky break
Drumbaragh have been regular qualifiers for the closing stages
of the Meath JFC over the last six years but in 2010 they fell at the quarter-final
stage for the fourth time during that frustrating period. |
|
2009
|
More
than holding their own
Drumbaragh reached the semi-finals of the Junior Football
Championship for the first time since they returned to the grade in 1999,
but there was disappointment when Longwood turned in a brilliant second
half performance to end their interest in the competition. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
League
champions
After being eliminated at the last eight stage in the previous
three Junior Football Championship campaigns Drumbaragh had an obvious desire
to break the quarter-final jinx in 2008, but instead they failed to advance
from the group stages after losing two of their matches but still held their
nerve to claim a famous Division 4 FL title win. |
|
2007
|
Waiting
to break the quarter-final jinx
Drumbaragh are finding the quarter-final hurdle very difficult
to clear as they continue their pursuit of the Junior Football Championship
title. For the third successive year they were eliminated at the last eight
stage and how it hurt as St. Brigid's edged them out by a point after extra-time. |
|
2006
|
Knocking
on the door
For the second year running Drumbaragh exited the Junior
Football Championship at the quarter-final stage, but departing player-manager
Christy Carry believes the club has what it takes to lift the Matthew Ginnity
Cup in the not to distant future. |
|
2005
|
Drums
keep on rolling
Drumbaragh GFC have just completed another year's competition
which saw them reach the quarter-finals of the Junior 'A' championship.
Although defeat there to Kilmainham was a disappointment, club secretary
Barry Monaghan believes there are many positives to take from 2005.
|
|
2004
|
Carry
on Drumbaragh
Drumbaragh may not be big, but it's a place with great expectations.
On the field this year those expectations went unfulfilled. And it hurts.
|
|
2003
|
Drumbaragh
had big hopes
On the back of Drumbaragh's 2002 Div.3 under 21 success,
the club had high hopes of being involved in the business end of the Junior
A championship in 2003. Instead they found themselves embroiled in a relegation
play-off at the tail end of the season. Stalwart Christopher Carry reviewed
the year. |
|
2002
|
Glory
days in the making
The glory days of 1999 are a distant memory now in Drumbaragh,
after a third successive year of failing to qualify from the group stages
in the Junior A championship. |
|
2001
|
It's
in the blood!
Joe Smith is the archetypal gael. He's imbued with an inherent
love of Gaelic football and, in terms of service, he's given two score years
and more to the GAA. Like his late father Terry, his first allegiance is
to Drumbaragh though. |
|
2000
|
Murtagh
leads Drumbaragh revival
The mini-revival sparked by Finian Murtagh's arrival at Drumbaragh
was temporarily halted when they lost to Curraha at the play-off stage of
this season's Junior A championship. Next season, they have the chance to
put things right. |
|
1999
|
The
drums beat
The year 2000 will see Drumbaragh Emmetts grace the Junior
A championship, a fitting reward for their dedicated efforts.Drumbaragh
are Meath Junior B champions for 1999 and there will be no better winners
than the emerging north Meath outfit. |
|
1998
|
Carry
on the Faith
Paidin Carry was one of Drumbaragh's finest and was most
unlucky not to have won major honours with Meath. Royal County talks with
a GAA ‘character.' |
| |
|
| Drumconrath |
|
2011
|
Drums
remain positive
DrumconrathÕs long-serving treasurer Stephen McKenna insists
there is light at the end of the tunnel for the north Meath club, despite
their failure to win a championship game for the third successive year.
|
|
2010
|
New
blood is the key for Drumconrath
These are tough times for Drumconrath and after their demotion
from the Intermediate Football Championship last year they endured a very
difficult first campaign in the junior grade and were thankful that the
decision of Boardsmill to seek regrading meant they werenÕt required to
fight it out for survival in the relegation play-offs. |
|
2009
|
The
visit to junior could be a short one
Just three years after they contested the Intermediate Championship
final, Drumconrath slipped out of the grade when they lost the relegation
final to Castletown and it will now be a case of regrouping in the junior
ranks with the hope of better days to come. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
Reds
in Green and Gold
A gap of almost three decades was bridged during the summer
when Terry Skelly played senior championship football for Meath, coming
on as a substitute when the Royal County scored a runaway victory over Carlow
in their Leinster SFC opener at Croke Park. |
|
2007
|
Drums
still learning
After going all the way to the IFC final in 2006, there was
a shorter road in store for Drumconrath this year as they fell a couple
of hurdles earlier after winning two games and losing the other two in their
group. |
|
2006
|
They'll
be back
Drumconrath's Intermediate Football Championship campaign
started with a very unsatisfactory outing against Na Fianna which was abandoned
and ended on the biggest day of the year on the Meath club football scene
when they suffered the huge disappointment of losing the final to Rathkenny.
By Paul Clarke. |
|
2005
|
Getting
closer
In the past two IFC campaigns Drumconrath went close to making
the knockout stages and according to Peter O'Halloran they just need a little
more self-belief to make a bigger impact at this level. |
|
2004
|
Drum's
sound good
After struggling to make an impression in the intermediate
football championship in the last couple of years, Drumconrath came within
a whisker of making the last eight in 2004. |
|
2003
|
McArdle
remembers when
It's a very rare occurrence indeed that six brothers win
Meath Championship medals on the one day in any grade, but it happened 40
years ago in 1963 when the Callans numerically dominated the St. Peter's,
Drumconrath, panel that won the Junior A football competition. |
|
2002
|
A
life less ordinary
The streets of Seattle can be the best of places and the
worst of places. But for much of 2001 they were the best of places for Drumconrath
player Austin Hickey. At the age of only 21 he was the Strength and Fitness
coach for the University of Washington American Football team, the Washington
Huskies. |
|
2001
|
Farrells
Field
One of Drumconrath's longest serving and most committed members
is Jody Farrell. Royal County spoke to him about his 40-year involvement
with the club. |
|
2000
|
Drumconrath's
in good ‘Nick'
As a player, official and supporter, Nicky Callan has served
Drumconrath GFC with distinction. Royal County talks to the shop proprietor
about the Junior championship win of 1963, the current team's future prospects
and the photographic display he organised this year to commemorate the dawn
of the millennium, amongst many other things. |
|
1999
|
Divided
loyalties
They travelled together to the game but they were on different
wavelengths. A Cork flag out one car window and a Meath one flowing from
the other. Royal County spoke to Drumconrath's Peter Ludlow and his Cork
wife Eileen about their differing views on the recent All-Ireland final. |
|
1998
|
Two
heads better than one
These are rewarding times for the underage players of Drumconrath/Meath
Hill. Kevin McDonald, a selector with the victorious minor side talks to
Royal County about the amalgamation's winning formula. |
| |
|
| Drumree |
|
2011
|
Mission
accomplished
Having surprised the hurling fraternity in Meath by winning
the 2010 intermediate hurling championship, many felt that Drumree would
make a swift return to the second tier, but the red and white hoops proved
to their critics that they are than capable of holding their own in the
top flight. |
|
2010
|
Drumree
hurlers back in the big time
Drumree captured the Meath Intermediate Hurling Championship
for the second time in eight years when securing a dramatic victory over
well-fancied Boardsmill with a late late goal in the final at St LomanÕs
Park, Trim. |
|
2009
|
Drumree
drive on
Drumree's efforts to make an instant return to the top flight
met with disappointment in 2009 when a team coached by Rathmolyon and Meath
player Mickey Cole failed to advance as one of the four semi-finalists from
the six-team group which made up the Intermediate Hurling Championship.
By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
Hoping
for better things to come
Members of Drumree GAA club will be happy to see the back
of 2008 for a variety of reasons and will no doubt be looking forward to
starting from a blank canvass in the year ahead. |
|
2007
|
Drumree
dwell on Ôwhat might have been'
After slipping down from the Intermediate ranks two years
ago, Drumree have found it hard to make an impact in the JFC and 2007 proved
to be another frustrating year for the club as they failed to progress beyond
the group stages of the third tier competition. |
|
2006
|
Promotion
via the league
When Drumree lost the IFC relegation play-off to Slane in
2005 the great desire of all involved with the club was surely that they
would make an instant return to the intermediate ranks by winning the JFC
this year. But that wasn't how it turned out and instead of mounting a challenge
for a quarter-final place they endured a very difficult campaign which brought
no victories in the group stages and just two draws. |
|
2005
|
A
tough year
Despite relegation from the intermediate football ranks and
an unsatisfactory exit from the senior hurling championship, all isn't bleak
in Drumree according to PRO Macartan McGroder. |
|
2004
|
Putting
down a marker
Drumree achieved two victories against Dunderry in their
first year in the Senior Hurling Championship - the first was historic,
the second possibly life-saving. |
|
2003
|
Historic
year for Drumree
The year 2003 will long live in the memories of Drumree hurling
club as they secured the rights to play in the senior hurling championship
for next year. |
|
2002
|
The
Wonder Years
Back then it was all so different! Drumree were the nearly
men of junior football in the county. Back then the match programme prior
to the 1996 All-Ireland final between Meath and Mayo carried a picture profile
of Evan Kelly, age 22, 5'11", 13st, one Leinster SFC. |
|
2001
|
A
Valiant Troy
Drumree may be better known as a football club in a county
so driven by all things big ball, but the small south Meath club is making
strides in hurling to match those made on the football fields over the past
few summers. |
|
2000
|
No
dossing in Drumree
Intermediate semi-finalists in their second year in the grade,
Drumree are pushing hard as forward Jimmy Walsh explains. |
|
1999
|
Champions
of Leinster
Drumree created history when they became the first Meath
club to claim the Leinster Junior Tournament. Royal County charts their
success. |
|
1998
|
Destiny
and Drumree
Drumree have unquest-ionably been the most consistent junior
club of the 90s. However, they are junior no more. Royal County chronicles
a title that nobody could begrudge the men in red and white. |
| |
|
| Duleek |
|
2011
|
The
great escapologists
Relief was the overriding feeling in the Duleek/Bellewstown
club after a season which saw both their senior and junior ÔAÕ teams narrowly
avoid relegation. While delighted that both teams held their own, secretary
Joan Lenehan is hoping the green and golds wonÕt have any relegation worries
next year and that they can rediscover the form which saw them reach a SFC
quarter-final in 2010. |
|
2010
|
D/B
can beat anybody on their day
If anybody had dared to suggest before the start of the 2010
Senior Football Championship that Duleek/Bellewstown would defeat the two
teams which contested the 2008 final serious questions would have been raised
about their sanity. By Paul Clarke.Ê |
|
2009
|
First
championship honours for the newcomers
This year was a significant one for the Duleek/Bellewstown
club with a first championship title being annexed since the amalgamation
with the Junior B FC triumph. The first team showed mixed form, qualifying
for the Division 1 League final but finishing bottom of their group in the
SFC. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2008
|
New
boys start well
Not a lot of people expected the new Duleek/Bellewstown amalgamation
to mount a significant challenge in this year's Senior Football Championship,
but to their credit they warmed to the big challenge quite well, played
some very good football during the group stages and advanced to the quarter-finals
where Wolfe Tones ended their interest in the competition. |
|
2007
|
Safety
first
After a promising first campaign back in the premier grade
last year, Duleek endured a difficult Senior Football Championship in 2007
which included a couple of very heavy defeats in the group stages. |
|
2006
|
A
match for the best
Duleek would have loved to make it through to the quarter-finals
of the Senior Football Championship in their first year back in the top
flight. They didn't make it, but they were still in the hunt going into
the concluding series of group matches and did enough during the campaign
to demonstrate without any doubt that they are fit for life in the highest
grade. |
|
2005
|
Welcome
to senior
When Syddan bombarded the Duleek defence with wave after
wave of attacks in the closing stages of the Intermediate Football Championship
final replay there appeared to be a serious danger that Barney Rock's side
would suffer yet another day of bitter disappointment at Pairc Tailteann. |
|
2004
|
A
step closer but no cigar
When Duleek eventually managed to shake off their semi-final
jinx they must surely have started to really believe that 2004 was going
to be their year and that they were on the verge of a return to the senior
ranks. |
|
2003
|
Most
consistent
On the law of averages Duleek surely have to win the Intermediate
Football Championship at some stage in the not too distant future.
|
|
2002
|
Likely
winners
After going out at the semi-final stage this year, Duleek
will have a special incentive to win the Meath IFC in 2003, because it marks
the 25th anniversary of the club's last outright triumph in the grade. |
|
2001
|
The
return of Duleek
On the evidence of some swashbuckling performances in the
2001 IFC, Duleek have re-established themselves as genuine contenders. Peter
Curran was outstanding in ‘01 and looks sure to be to the fore for
many seasons to come. |
|
2000
|
Been
there, done that
Mickey Naughton knows what it's like to win an Intermediate
championship as a player. It is for this reason that he is as determined
as anyone to see Duleek back in the championship winners enclosure. According
to the present-day selector some steps of progress was made during 2000. |
|
1999
|
The
only way is up
Considering the circumstances surrounding their year, Duleek
did remarkably well to preserve their intermediate status in ‘99. Kenny
McDonnell talks about this year and next with Royal County. |
|
1998
|
A
time to regroup
After three county finals in successive years, 1998 was always
going to be a difficult year for Duleek. Club chairman Eugene Geraghty talks
about it as a chance to catch breath, as Royal County finds out. |
| |
|
| Dunboyne |
|
2011
|
Dunboyne
disappointed not to go further
After reaching the SFC semi-final last year, DunboyneÕs goal
for 2011 was to take the next step and contest the final. Alas, it wasnÕt
to be as Robbie BrennanÕs men were knocked out at the quarter-final stage
by an impressive Donaghamore/Ashbourne outfit. |
|
2010
|
Definite
Dunboyne improvement
Dunboyne were understandably deflated following their Senior
Football Championship semi-final defeat to Skryne, but they can still look
back on the 2010 campaign as one of great progress when itÕs compared to
last year when they were comprehensively beaten by Wolfe Tones in a quarter-final. |
|
2009
|
Dunboyne
taste All-Ireland glory
The St PeterÕs Dunboyne under-14s enjoyed an all-conquering
2009, claiming the League, Championship and All-Ireland FŽile. And it was
success in the latter in July, coming six years after the countyÕs previous
FŽile victory, which proved most satisfying. Team selector Brian Howlin
spoke to Royal County. |
|
2008
|
Back
on track
For much of the 1980s, St PeterÕs, Dunboyne were, in Meath
hurling circles, something of a yoyo team. Intermediate titles were garnered
in 1982, Õ86 and Õ89, but following those triumphs, their stay at the top
table was an all too brief one, writes Brendan Boylan. |
|
2007
|
Momentum
comes to a shuddering halt
Beforehand, it was probably the most talked about fixture
since the same two teams met at the same stage of the same competition two
years previous. But, as Brendan Boylan recounts, there was no disputing
the issue this time as the momentum which the Dunboyne footballers had built
up mid season came to a shuddering halt as Navan O'Mahonys ran out comfortable
victors in the SFC semi final. |
|
2006
|
Beaten
at the post
Last year, Dunboyne's senior footballers were involved in
one of the most memorable conclusions to an SFC witnessed for many years,
and for a variety of reasons, at the end of which they emerged with the
Keegan Cup. |
|
2005
|
Seven
year itch comes to an end!
The Meath SFC of 2005 will be remembered for many reasons,
some good and some not so good. Most important of all though will be that
a youthful Dunboyne side claimed the Keegan Cup for the first time in seven
years. Brendan Boylan charts their journey to glory.
Dreams
are made on the M50
In January 2005 we set out along the M50 with our U16 panel
for a day at the UCD sports centre. On entering the reception area we were
very proud to see a fellow clubman Nigel Crawford listed on the roll of
honour as a previous captain of UCD Gaelic Football Team. |
|
2004
|
Seconds
very much in for Dunboyne
Over the past few seasons, Dunboyne folk have suffered their
fair amount of hurling heartbreak, particularly at Pairc Tailteann, but
for a time on September 11th, the number one venue in the county was the
scene of a glorious triumph. |
|
2003
|
The
wait goes on
They say good things come to those who wait, the hurling
people of Dunboyne will feel that they have played more than their fair
share of the waiting game, but as Brendan Boylan reports, this must again
be their lot for another twelve months. |
|
2002
|
Footballers
show true worth at last
Dunboyne's hopes of marking their Centenary Year by winning
the Senior Football Championship faltered at the semi-final stage when they
lost to Trim, but Gerry Cooney's team did enough during 2002 to suggest
that they aren't too far off the standard required to go all the way.
|
|
2001
|
From
Dunboyne all the way to Australia
Thomas O'Connor is an exciting young player who made his
senior debut in both codes with Dunboyne in 2001. Brendan Boylan talks to
the teenager who also represented Ireland in Australia during the course
of the season. |
|
2000
|
Dunboyne
claim epic U16 win
210 minutes of football were required before Dunboyne finally
took the U16 FC crown. Without doubt, the most exciting county final of
2000 was the u-16 clash between St Peter's, Dunboyne and Navan O'Mahony's.
Three games, plus two periods of extra-time, were required to decide the
destination of the Benny Caffrey cup and, in the end, it was Dunboyne who
prevailed. |
|
1999
|
Boylan's
latest press release
It's three years since Brendan Boylan was elected PRO of
St. Peter's, Dunboyne. There's been no shortage of championship successes
to report on since and the affable Boylan is enjoying every minute of it.
|
|
1998
|
Dunboyne
crowned champions
Ten years ago Dunboyne were a junior club but now they are
kingpins of Meath. Royal County takes a look at a championship winning season
borne out of quality football. |
| |
|
| Dunderry |
|
2011
|
League
consolation for Dunderry
In a year when their intermediate football and hurling teams
both faltered in the latter stages of the championship, Dunderry claimed
a B League Division 3 football title and the Division 2 HL at adult level.
Long-serving dual player Kevin Dowd shares his recollections on the year. |
|
2010
|
Semi-final
fence proves a difficult hurdle
It was another year of regrets for Dunderry as they bowed
out of both the IFC and IHC at the semi-final stages, losing out to Nobber
and Boardsmill in the respective penultimate round ties. |
|
2009
|
Pining
for the top table!
In the years since their exit from the senior ranks, Dunderry
have enjoyed mixed form. Things seem to be coming together for them as 2009
saw them among the favourities for IFC honours. By Brendan Boylan. |
|
2008
|
No
place like home
Wicklow native Con OÕNeill earned his managerial stripes
under Colm OÕRourke as a selector on the Simonstown team that reached two
SFC finals in 2003 and 2004 but he now calls Dunderry home and, after taking
over the reigns of the local clubÕs intermediate side in 2008, was bitterly
disappointed when, for the second year running, they exited the IFC at the
quarter-final stage. By Shane OÕBrien. |
|
2007
|
Progress
on and off the field
Dunderry GAA Club has steadily been putting the structures
in place which will hopefully secure a bright future and a look at their
impressive new clubhouse offers enough evidence that they are going in the
right direction. |
|
2006
|
Finding
their feet again
Just after Dunderry were relegated from senior football ranks
in the autumn of 2005 when losing to Kilmainhamwood in the final play-off
at Kells, one of their players boldly predicted that they would go back
up at the first attempt. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2005
|
A
decade on
Fifteen years after finally emerging from the intermediate
ranks Dunderry returned to that grade in 2005 when their battle for survival
in the SFC ended in bitter disappointment as they lost to Kilmainhamwood
in the relegation decider at Kells in late October. |
|
2004
|
A
mixed bag
The Dunderry club can look back on a mixed 2004. Their senior
footballers and senior hurlers both found themselves embroiled in relegation
play-offs with the latter dropping down to intermediate ranks. |
|
2003
|
Big
plans
Dunderry GAA Club are looking very much to the future as
they embark on an ambitious clubhouse development plan which has a hoped-for
completion date of December, 2004. |
|
2002
|
Transition
time
Tommy Dowd's fabulous intercounty football career, which
brought so much pleasure for Meath supporters during the 1990s, may be over.
But one of the county's most popular and wholehearted players of all time
proved in 2002 that he can still do the business at club level. |
|
2001
|
Dunderry
- the epitome of a great dual club
In 1988 when the Dunderry club officially opened their grounds
former chairman Tommy McCormack contributed an article, at the end of which
he expressed the wish “that in the near future senior status be attained
in both codes.” |
|
2000
|
Kelly
to the rescue
Junior B success more than made up for senior heartbreak
as Dunderry delivered yet more championship success to the parish. |
|
1999
|
At
the cutting edge
The wheels on Dunderry's bid to capture their second ever
Keegan Cup crown came unstuck at the semi-final stage when Dunshaughlin
upset the odds to knock them out of contention. Midfielder Stephen O'Rourke
looks back on a disappointing 1999 and forward to what he, and all of Dunderry,
hopes will be a profitable 2000. |
|
1998
|
Hip
Hip ... Hooray
The U21 footballers of Dunderry made amends for the club's
minor final defeat when they got the better of Simonstown to clinch the
championship. |
| |
|
| Dunsany |
|
2011
|
Tailteann
Cup and JFC D success buoys Dunsany
While the big goal was the junior championship and that failed
to materialize, there was plenty to be positive about when the 2011 season
came to an end for Dunsany. Despite reaching the knockout stages of the
JFC for the 13th time in 14 years, the Matthew Ginnity Cup seems no closer
than before. They did, however, have the consolation of becoming the inaugural
winners of the Tailteann Cup, defeating Curraha in the delayed 2010 final
in the early part of the year and also added the JFC D title on the first
Sunday of November. |
|
2010
|
Dunsany
just wonÕt give up
DunsanyÕs quest for the elusive Meath JFC title goes on after
they again fell short in the race for the Matthew Ginnity Cup. Over the
last 13 years the clubÕs first team has reached the closing stages 12 times
and got to the junior final three times but in 2010 Ballinabrackey ended
hopes at the penultimate stage. |
|
2009
|
Final
woe wonÕt continue forever
For the third time in eight years, Dunsany left Pairc Tailteann
as a dejected group after going down to a defeat in the Meath Junior Football
Championship final as their attempt to take the title for the first time
fell short. |
|
2008
|
Oh
so close
Dunsany resumed normal service as far as consistency was
concerned in the 2008 Junior Football Championship, but that much sought
after title remains as elusive as ever after they were beaten by Ratoath
at the semi-final stage. |
|
2007
|
No
ten in a row for Dunsany
Consistency had been the hallmark of Dunsany's life in the
Junior Football Championship for the best part of a decade, but a trend
was broken in 2007 when they failed to reach the knockout stages and so
their dream of a breakthrough in the grade goes on. |
|
2006
|
Nine
and not out
If trophies were handed out for consistency, Dunsany would
have collected a cabinet full of them in recent years. When they got the
better of St. Vincent's in the sixth round of group matches in the 2006
Junior Football Championship it represented the ninth successive year that
they advanced to the business end of the title race. |
|
2005
|
The
door won't open
They keep knocking, but the door seems increasingly reluctant
to open. Dunsany have been one of the most consistent teams in the Junior
Football Championship in recent years, yet that much sought after title
remains frustratingly elusive and their supporters must be starting to wonder
if it will ever arrive. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2004
|
Trying
to break the hoodoo
Just when it looked as if it would be 'third time lucky'
for Dunsany in the Junior Football Championship, Ratoath spoiled the party
when proving too good for the side in red and white in the title decider. |
|
2003
|
Close
but just not close enough
Following the bitter disappointment of losing the final to
Nobber the previous year, Dunsany wanted to bounce back quickly and win
the Junior Football Championship in 2003. |
|
2002
|
Getting
ever closer
Dunsany's hopes of winning the Junior Football Championship
grew as the 2002 campaign progressed, but they met with disappointment at
the last hurdle when a very talented Nobber side deservedly got the better
of them in the final at Pairc Tailteann. |
|
2001
|
Ferguson
looks forward to that elusive breakthrough
Dunsany is a club with a lot going for itself. Good grounds,
top-notch facilities and a crop of young football talent which has the potential
to end the club's barren years. One player looking to the future with confidence
is Emmet Ferguson. |
|
2000
|
Dunsany's
big year
Pairc na nGael, Dunsany ... a huge addition to the GAA's
facilities in Meath. Football and hurling clubs throughout the country celebrated
the arrival of the new Millennium in many different ways...some won championships
and others organised special events. It is arguable that Dunsany GFC celebrated
in the most appropriate manner possible...by staging the Official Opening
of their grounds...Pairc na nGael. |
|
1999
|
Another
league title for Dunsany
Two successive league crowns for Dunsany show the true worth
of the red and whites. Championship glory cannot be far away. |
|
1998
|
Alive
and kicking
Dunsany juvenile football awoke from its slumber in 1998.
Will that spell a revival in the adult team's fortunes? Royal County asked
the questions. Under 14 manager and club vice-chairman, Mick Ryan, was only
too willing to provide the answers. |
| |
|
| Dunshaughlin |
|
2011
|
So
close to SFC glory
For a team which was completely overlooked when the predictions
were being bandied about back in the spring, Dunshaughlin made a remarkable
input to the 2011 Senior Football Championship and came agonisingly close
to claiming the Keegan Cup for the fourth time. |
|
2010
|
Three
one-point losses halt Ônew lookÕ Dunshaughlin
After dominating the Meath SFC in the first three years of
the 21st century, Dunshaughlin are now trying to climb back up the football
ladder with a new wave of talent. 2010 will be remembered for a series of
one-point championship losses which meant they claimed just one win from
their five group outings. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2009
|
The
boys Dun good
In their first year as a single entity in the Minor Football
Championship, Dunshaughlin broke the stranglehold enjoyed by south Meath
rivals Donaghmore/Ashbourne. TP Toolan, a member of the championsÕ four-strong
management team, spoke to Royal County. |
|
2008
|
A
sting in the tail
The man who guided Dunshaughlin to so much success in the
early years of this decade masterminded their elimination from this year's
Senior Football Championship when they lost to Blackhall Gaels at the quarter-final
stage after cruising through the group campaign with four wins from as many
outings. |
|
2007
|
Kings
of the knock-out
Last year, Dunshaughlin missed out on the knockout stages
of the senior football championship for the first time since 1998, this
year there was a discernable improvement as Leo Turley's charges topped
Group A of the revamped SFC with four wins from five starts. By Liam O'Rourke. |
|
2006
|
Draws
provide little comfort
Dunshaughlin's Meath SFC title treble triumph in the first
three years of the new century added an exciting new chapter to the Keegan
Cup competition. But how things have changed since that golden period for
the black and amber brigade and in 2006 a place in the closing phase eluded
them for the first time since 1998. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2005
|
Charlie's
charges just miss out
Given the changes to the squad in recent years many might
expect Dunshaughlin to struggle. That certainly hasn't been the case as
Paul Clarke explains. |
|
2004
|
A
worthy hall of fame winner
There could hardly have been a more popular and merited recipient
of the Dunshaughlin GFC Hall of Fame Award than John O'Sullivan who has
given approximately half a century of the most dedicated work on behalf
of a club which has risen to tremendous heights in terms of success over
more recent years. |
|
2003
|
No
regrets
Just after seeing Dunshaughlin fail in their bid to land
the 1999 Meath SFC title as Skryne won the final with seven points to spare,
losing manager Eamon Barry remarked of his charges: "This team is mainly
a young side and there is a sound foundation to build on. Dunshaughlin football
should have a bright future." |
|
2002
|
Dunshaughlin
join all time greats
Every so often, something or somebody comes along and does
something that will assure them of a place in history. Istabraq, DJ Carey,
Maurice Fitzgerald and Tony McCoy are just some of the sporting characters
that will be remembered in years to come as being a bit better than all
their respective fellow stars. |
|
2001
|
Final
justification
Just to prove that their inaugural senior championship was
earned and not given, Dunshaughlin cast any of their scattered doubters
into silence by retaining their title in 2001. |
|
2000
|
Champions
With a performance of textbook football Dunshaughlin became
the latest name to be put on the Keegan Cup. Royal County looks at their
winning year. |
|
1999
|
The
surprise packets of 1999...
Two years ago the Dunshaughlin club were celebrating a long
awaited Intermediate championship success, this year they came to within
sixty minutes of landing Meath football's blue riband prize. |
|
1998
|
The
boys are back in town
Senior football returned to the ever-expanding town of Dunshaughlin
in 1998. How did they adapt? Royal County finds out. |
| |
|
| Gaeil
Colmcille |
|
2011
|
League
win eases IFC final loss
Losing the IFC final in late September represented a huge
disappointment for the Gaeil Colmcille club, but the players were rewarded
for their commitment and consistency when they claimed the A League Division
3 title three weeks later. |
|
2010
|
Bringing
through the next generation
GAA clubs have placed a greater emphasis on their underage
structures in recent years as the need to bring younger players through
to adult level was greater than ever. |
|
2009
|
Gaeils
cause a stir
The decision to play the Meath minor hurling championship
at the start of the year was one that the Gaeil Colmcille club will not
be arguing over as the North Meath side lifted the premier title for the
first time in 15 years when they defeated Kilmessan in the final. |
|
2008
|
Back
with the big boys
The day was much the same weather-wise as approximately a
year earlier, but this time Gaeil Colmcille were singing in the rain at
the end of the 2008 Intermediate Hurling Championship final. |
|
2007
|
Closing
in on the top flight
When Gaeil Colmcille went on a successful revenge mission
to nearby Ballinlough in the fourth round of the 2007 Intermediate Football
Championship they must have started to believe that this might just be their
year and that a first outright triumph in the grade since 1986 was within
reach. |
|
2006
|
Real
potential
When Gaeil Colmcille suffered heavy defeats in their opening
two matches of the group stages of the Intermediate Hurling Championship
it looked odds-on that they were in for a repeat of their 2005 campaign
and a battle to hold onto their status in the second tier. |
|
2005
|
A
matter of pride
Most of the time, it simply comes down to pride in the jersey,
pride in the club. Gaeil Colmcille are a big club. But as 2006 dawns the
Kells outfit remains an enigma, a fish out of water. By Gordon Manning.
|
|
2004
|
No
complaints as Kells do down
It had been on the cards a while … and so it came to
pass in 2004 that Gaeil Colmcille finally surrendered their senior status,
much to the obvious disappoint-ment of key forward Simon Cahill. |
|
2003
|
Murphy's
law
It's a sunny August afternoon in Kells and the pungent smell
of freshly cut grass drifts through the melting streets. Joe Murphy sits
back and smiles. Back in 1966 he and his Gaeil Colmcille colleagues embarked
on a memorable adventure in the SFC. At the end of their crusade they were
paraded through these streets as kings. |
|
2002
|
One
fine day
In the end it didn't really matter! Gaeil Colmcille's senior
footballers had just outplayed and outclassed Dunboyne in the opening round
of the 2002 championship. They had become contenders, genuine contenders.
However an inexplicably beleaguered performance followed against a struggling
Summerhill side and their first round heroics had suddenly been cancelled
out. Gaeil Colmcille had enjoyed one fine day, but it was short lived. They
had crushed Goliath but been slaughtered by David. |
|
2001
|
Flanagans
Ball
Meath's All-Ireland SFC title-winning celebrations of 1954
may not have been the original of the species but they were enjoyed to the
full nonetheless by gaels across the Royal County - none more so indeed
than by former county player of the time Bernard Flanagan. |
|
2000
|
Something
to ‘Smile' about
Gaeil Colmcille narrowly avoided relegation to the intermediate
ranks for the second year running so they'll be hoping that it won't be
a case of third time unlucky in 2001. Long serving forward Paul Smith should
be fully recovered from a knee injury which restricted his involvement in
the recent campaign to a mere supporter and is hoping to enjoy better fortunes
in the year ahead. |
|
1999
|
A
Tower of strength
It's been a while since the Round Towers juvenile club have
had a championship success to celebrate but, this year, their U12s set the
record straight, by cruising to the U12 Division 1 title. |
|
1998
|
The
Colmcille Clan
A footballer and hurler of unquestionable pedigree, Conor
Ferguson holds strong views on Gaelic near and far. |
| |
|
| Kilbride
|
|
2011
|
Kilbride
keep the faith
While John Bruton has seen more lows than highs in his 10
years as a Kilbride footballer, the desire to emulate his father Pat by
winning a junior championship medal with the Dublin-border club still burns
brightly. |
|
2010
|
ItÕs
a numbers game for Kilbride
Fifty years after winning the Meath JFC title for the one
and only time in the clubÕs history, the present day junior footballers
of Kilbride were unable to equal the heroic deeds of their predecessors
of half a century ago. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2009
|
Keeping
the flame burning brightly
This time 40 years ago Kilbride had just completed the first
leg of their great hat-trick of victories in the Meath Senior Football Championship,
but four decades later their ambitions were less lofty as the club looked
back on a junior campaign which failed to deliver knockout football and
a big struggle in the league. |
|
2008
|
Promotion
Kilbride may have ended their Junior Football Championship
campaign with a heavy quarter-final defeat, but they can certainly look
back on 2008 as a progressive year which suggested that they can look forward
to the future with renewed optimism following their promotion in the league. |
|
2007
|
Late
show
This time 40 years ago Kilbride were Senior Football champions
and had provided a brilliant full-back to the Meath team that brought the
county its third All-Ireland SFC title. |
|
2006
|
Getting
closer all the time
There were definite signs during the 2006 Junior Football
Championship campaign that Kilbride might be getting nearer to a stage where
they will make a serious challenge for honours in the grade as they won
five of their seven group matches to qualify for a preliminary quarter-final
where they bowed out of the title race against Drumbaragh. |
|
2005
|
Back
on track
It's over 40 years now since Kilbride arrived on the scene
with a bang to establish themselves as the undisputed kingpins of Meath
football. |
|
2004
|
No
longer the yo-yo boys
Despite being less than a dozen miles from our country's
capital city, Kilbride had yet to experience the population surge that has
boosted the fortunes of neighbouring clubs in recent years. |
|
2003
|
Bright
sparks
Kilbride Football Club possesses a highly successful and
proud past and, with an eye on the future, they are very optimistic that
further glory will come to them in the years ahead. |
|
2002
|
Kilbride's
Islander
Sometimes we all end up in the strangest places. Sometimes
we open our car door and step out into the last village or town we ever
intended to set foot. Sometimes fate plays its trump card and intervenes
with our plans. Sometimes along life's dusty highway we take a wrong turn,
and it turns out for the best. Sometimes. |
|
2001
|
Twin-track
approach
All belonging to Kilbride GFC are hell-bent on maintaining
a twin-pronged approach to achieving progress within Meath's Gaelic games
arena. The past year saw that very policy work to a tee. |
|
2000
|
Kilbride
deserves a Pat on the back
Recent times have been difficult for the ever enthusiastic
gaels of Kilbride but there is light at the end of the tunnel as Royal
County found out when it spoke to club secretary Pat Donnellan. There
were many encouraging signs during 2000 to suggest a bright future for
the south Meath club.
|
|
1999
|
Big
Martin
In 1998 the Kilbride club celebrated its Golden Jubilee
and memories of their five Keegan Cup wins in the sixties and early seventies
came flooding back. Royal County talked to Martin Quinn about the good
aul' days and the current state of play in the Dublin border club.
|
|
1998
|
The
Golden times of Kilbride
This year Kilbride celebrated their Golden Jubilee, and
they did it in style with festivities aplenty and promotion to Division
Four of the league. Royal County chronicles the story.
|
| |
|
| Kildalkey
|
|
2011
|
Three-in-a-row
for champs Kildalkey
For a club which previously found it so difficult to get
over the winning line in the battle for the Jubilee Cup itÕs extraordinary
that Kildalkey have claimed the last three Senior Hurling Championship titles
and have become the undisputed best team in the county. |
|
2010
|
Double
champions
KildalkeyÕs elevation to the dominant force in Meath hurling
has been remarkable considering what happened to them just four years ago.
It was truly a day to forget as Rathmolyon inflicted a 24-point defeat in
an SHC semi-final, but from that low they have risen to become the undisputed
best team in the county. |
|
2009
|
Kildalkey
end 57-year wait
After so many disappointing final days over the last few
decades, Kildalkey eventually found a crock of gold at the end of the rainbow
when proving too good for Dunboyne in the 2009 Fox Bookmakers Meath SHC
decider played at Pairc Tailteann on the first Sunday of October. |
|
2008
|
Coming
closer
Once again it was a case of so near and yet so far for Kildalkey
as they failed to lay their SHC final bogey with Kilmessan outpointing them
in the replay, having gone tantalisingly close to getting their hands on
the elusive Jubilee Cup seven days earlier. |
|
2007
|
Now
a dual club
A failure to turn possession into scores on a consistent
enough basis cost Kildalkey a place in the semi-finals of this year's Senior
Hurling Championship and the opportunity to make amends for a very heavy
defeat at the penultimate hurdle 12 months earlier. |
|
2006
|
All
blue and white
Many rural GAA clubs have struggled to keep up with their
urban neighbours in recent years when it comes to success, but although
Kildalkey have a small catchment area to choose from, titles were secured
at underage level in 2006. |
|
2005
|
Final
heartbreak for resurgent Kildalkey
Kildalkey surpassed many people's expectations by qualifying for their first
senior hurling championship final since 1990 this year. But their defeat
to Killyon still came as a disappointment to up-and-coming midfielder Sean
Heavey. |
|
2004
|
Late
stutter halts championship charge
A good start is supposed to be half the battle, but for the
Kildalkey hurlers it didn't prove enough as they faltered after the brightest
of openings to their 2004 Senior Championship campaign. |
|
2003
|
Patience
finally rewarded
Meath hurling needs clubs like Kildalkey. The small ball
game has always been the county's poor relation in GAA terms. However, Kildalkey
have proudly kept the flag flying high. |
|
2002
|
Playing
Russian roulette
Survival was very much the name of the game for Kildalkey
in the 2002 Senior Hurling Championship and it was a case of mission accomplished
thanks to two victories over reigning champions Trim, the second in a relegation
play-off. |
|
2001
|
Play-off
heartbreak for Kildalkey
Kildalkey's bid for senior hurling championship honours was
ended by Trim in a play-off last August. County senior panelist Dan Fagan
looks back on a year that promised much but delivered little as he explains. |
|
2000
|
A
doer
Steely, stoical and stalwart members of Meath's hurling fraternity,
the gaels of Kildalkey are proof positive that God loves a trier(s). Chairman
of the club's juvenile committee, Pascal Carr, embodies the spirit within
the club. |
|
1999
|
Kildalkey
continue to build foundations
Frank Dempsey looks at the proud traditions of the Kildalkey
club and the bright future that is ahead of them. |
|
1998
|
Unlucky
thirteen
Sean Kealy has been trying to win the Jubilee Cup for 13
years with Kildalkey. Royal County discovers that the desire to succeed
is stronger than ever. |
| |
|
| Killyon
|
|
2011
|
Job
done
However, former Meath star and current manager Martin Massey
admitted to the Royal County Yearbook that survival was the main aim in
2011. |
|
2010
|
Killyon
on the up
After holding their own with two of the most consistent sides
in the Meath SHC over the last few years, Kildalkey and Dunboyne, in the
group games, Killyon comfortably reached the last six in the race for the
Jubilee Cup but then bowed out when losing to Trim in a quarter-final clash.Ê
|
|
2009
|
Can
do more
This yearÕs campaign saw the Killyon senior hurlers fail
to progress beyond the group stages of the championship, something that
they will be hoping to rectify in 2010. |
|
2008
|
Kit
Mitchells 34 years as Killyon chairman
After lifting the Jubilee Cup for the first time in 14 years
in 2005, Killyon have since struggled in the Meath SHC and after bowing
out at the quarter-final stage the following year, they failed to get out
of their group in each of the next two campaigns. |
|
2007
|
Killyon
ready to rock
When Killyon won their eighth senior hurling championship
title in 2005 we expected that side to dominate Meath hurling for the following
few years, but that has not been the case as the last two campaigns have
ended in disappointment for Sean Ryan's charges. |
|
2006
|
Bounce
back factor
Having won the senior hurling championship in 2005, Killyon
were looking to build on that success this year, but as club chairman Kit
Mitchell explained that was always going to be hard, especially with the
loss of some of their main players. |
|
2005
|
Killyon
grab gold
There was a change at the top in Meath hurling in 2005 with the Kilmessan-Trim
stranglehold of the last few years being broken as Killyon returned to the
summit, taking the SHC title for the seventh time and enjoying a first outright
triumph since 1991. |
|
2004
|
Always
aiming to improve
While Killyon surprised themselves and Kilmessan by winning
the Meath senior camogie title for the first time in eight years, the club's
hurlers failed to make it to the knockout stages of the SHC. |
|
2003
|
Playing
catch up
Having reached the penultimate hurdle the previous year,
only to lose out to Kilmessan after a replay, Killyon might have been expected
to make a serious assault on the Senior Hurling Championship in 2003. |
|
2002
|
Rub
of the Greene
Killyon last won the Meath SHC in 1991. On the last Sunday
of September the same year Kit Mitchell came off the Killyon bench and scored
the winning goal in the junior hurling final against Donaghmore. The club
had won both the senior and junior titles. At the time hushed whispers about
a continued reign of Killyon dominance echoed ominously around clubrooms
all across the county. |
|
2001
|
Junior
success for Killyon
While the Jubilee Cup once again eluded them, Killyon were
victorious in the junior hurling championship. Goalkeeper Paul Leacy played
his part in a success which Killyon supporters hope will lead to greater
things. |
|
2000
|
St
Brigid
Royal County wanted to find out how life was treating the
camogie players of Killyon and Meath. We were told there was only one person
to contact: Killyon and Meath Camogie chairperson Brigid Carney. |
|
1999
|
Killyon's
future looking good
Appearances in the senior and junior finals, as well as underage
success, bodes well for the future of Killyon. Frank Dempsey talks to Kit
Mitchell about this year and next. |
|
1998
|
Killyon's
Paddy Quinn
Small in stature, perhaps . . . big in heart, definitely!
Royal County traces a remarkable career - which isn't necessarily over yet! |
| |
|
| Kilmainham
|
|
2011
|
Tailteann
Cup glory and a second promotion for Kilmainham
The continuing rise of Kilmainham shows no signs of stopping
as the Kells parish side gained their second consecutive promotion in the
All County Leagues and also bagged the Tailteann Cup. |
|
2010
|
Ross
wants Kilmainham to push on
KilmainhamÕs efforts to make it back to the Junior Football
Championship final met with major disappointment in 2010 when they failed
to reach the knockout stages after a group campaign which saw them win three
matches and suffer two defeats. |
|
2009
|
Jordan
keen for junior honours
After falling at the final hurdle in the Meath JFC in 2006,
Kilmainham have not been able to get further than the last eight in the
three subsequent races for the Matthew Ginnity Cup. This year local rivals
Drumbaragh dashed their dreams of promotion to the intermediate grade. By
Noel Coogan. |
|
2008
|
Father
to son
It was a case of the son following the lead set by the father
when Kilmainham's Michael Newman made a big impression with the Meath minor
footballers this year, winning a coveted Leinster Championship medal in
the process. |
|
2007
|
Itching
to get back
Losing a county final is a shattering experience and takes
time to recover from. But when winter turns to spring and the evenings start
to stretch the feeling of hope, even optimism, gathers momentum and the
new championship campaign just can't come around quick enough. |
|
2006
|
Edging
that bit closer
Losing a final can be a major setback for any club and although
that is exactly what occurred to Kilmainham this year, team captain Trevor
Lynch believes the appearance in their first junior ÔA' final should be
looked on as a stepping stone for this young side. |
|
2005
|
Kilmainham
make strides
Since winning the junior 'B' football title back in 2001,
Kilmainham have more than held their own in the 'A' ranks and following
this year's performances, it may not be too long before the next step is
made up to the intermediate championship. |
|
2004
|
Home
sweet home
While their trophy cabinet may be relatively bare compared
to some of the Royal County's bigger hitters, Kilmainham GFC remain a success
in their own right |
|
2003
|
Right
direction
Two-thousand-and-three was another decent year for Kilmainham.
Even though key man Petsey Curran was sidelined with a rib injury for some
crucial outings, they preserved their junior 'A' status and put down a clear
marker for the coming season by winning Division 5 of the All County Leagues. |
|
2002
|
Field
of dreams
It is the height of winter, a bitterly cold December morning
in North Meath. The field is pale white with frost and the soil is granite
hard. A robin redbreast whistles by overhead. There is nobody around. The
early morning fog makes it difficult to see, but then, there is not much
to see. As Kilmainham folk rise from their beds and make their way to work,
the field lies eerily quiet. |
|
2001
|
Kilmainham's
big day
Kilmainham are often titled Meath smallest club and amazingly
the Kells parish outfit once went 5 years without winning a game. But 2001
proved to be a year amongst years for the men wearing the Down colours.
The Junior B Championship trophy at last found itself in Sam Blacks. |
|
2000
|
So
close ...
Three close-calls prevented 2000 from being the most amazing
year ever in the career of Barry Lynch. In the end it just turned out to
be unforgettable. |
|
1999
|
On
the winners podium
Kilmainham's Under 21 success at the tail end of 1998 was
due reward for the perseverence of the club. As well as being a morale booster,
it paved the way for an excellent season in ‘99. |
|
1998
|
Black's
the name
When people think of Kilmainham they think of Sam Black.
Royal County puts the question to as loyal a GAA man as you'll come across.
Gaelic football and hurling at local level like all sporting organisations
produces its fashionable teams, who tend to have a large playing base, and
invariably smaller unglamorous sides, with scarce resources. |
| |
|
| Kilmainhamwood
|
|
2011
|
Not
out of the woods yet
KilmainhamwoodÕs objective in 2011 was obvious: to get back
out of junior ranks at the first time of asking. However, despite demonstrating
decent form for most of the year, the ÔWood failed to deliver their best
form in the championship, the result being that they didnÕt progress beyond
the group stage. It was disappointing, no doubt, but long-serving attacker
Ray Magee is confident that the North Meath men will begin their climb back
up through the grades sooner rather than later. |
|
2010
|
Time
to regroup for Kilmainhamwood
Less than a year after being one step away from making an
instant return to the senior ranks Kilmainhamwood suffered the bitter disappointment
of enduring a second relegation in the space of three seasons when they
surrendered their intermediate status in 2010. |
|
2009
|
The
ÔWood rediscover their strength
When Kilmainhamwood's stubborn resistance was finally broken last year and
they surrendered their senior status, few could have expected that they
would mount such a serious challenge in their pursuit of an immediate return
to the top flight in 2009. |
|
2008
|
The
senior candle finally burns out
A dozen years after the club's 'day of all days' Kilmainhamwood
slipped out of the senior ranks when they lost the relegation final to Rathkenny
in mid-September, but while they were in the top flight of Meath football
the Wood certainly enjoyed numerous occasions of significance. |
|
2007
|
Third
time running
Kilmainhamwood achieved an unusual treble when defeating
Ballinlough at Kells in October to again preserve their senior football
status. It was their third year in a row to win the final SFC relegation
play-off. |
|
2006
|
Confounding
the critics
In recent years the fortunes of Kilmainhamwood in the SFC
have had all the components of a gripping thriller and 2006 saw the latest
sequel unfold as the Ôwood once again performed a great escape to avoid
sliding into the intermediate ranks. By David Jennings. |
|
2005
|
Relegation
scare to spur the ÔWood
Relief was the overriding feeling in Kilmainhamwood after
the North Meath outfit retained their senior status by virtue of a relegation
play-off victory over Dunderry at the end of October. As relieved as he
was, long-serving secretary Francie Owens is anxious that the ÔWood avoid
a similar scenario in 2006. |
|
2004
|
Mixed
emotions
Kilmainhamwood aren't that far away from being serious Keegan
Cup contenders, judging by most of their performances in 2004, but the clock
is ticking on the class of 1996. |
|
2003
|
Preservation
all important
Kilmainhamwood preserved their senior status for another
year when they beat Ballivor 1-8 to 0-8 in a relegation decider at Kells
on Saturday, September 6. |
|
2002
|
Too
good to struggle
Kilmainhamwood might have expected to challenge for senior
honours in 2002, but instead they found themselves with relegation on their
minds at a time when they would have hoped to be thinking in terms of possible
silverware. |
|
2001
|
Wood
you believe it
Kilmainhamwood's 0-15 to 0-8 defeat of Simonstown in A FL
Div. 1 decider in Pairc Tailteann on Saturday 20th October saw the north
Meath club annex league silverware for the second successive year having
won Division 2 in 2000. The victory went some way towards atoning for the
club's SFC quarter final defeat at the hands of Skryne |
|
2000
|
Out
of the blue!
Although blitzed by Dunshaughlin in the Senior Football Final,
Kilmainhamwood can look back on their achievements in 2000 with pride and
a large degree of optimism for the future. Royal County reviews an eventful
year for the North Meath Club |
|
1999
|
The
Wood from the trees
Kilmainhamwood's footballers will look back on 1999 with
mixed emotions - regret and relief. Many people's ante-post favourites for
championship glory, they found themselves in the unenviable position of
being in a relegation dog fight to stay in the top flight at the end of
the season. Long time selector Denis Farrelly reviewed an eventful year
with Royal County. |
|
1998
|
The
‘Woods' man of Steel
Sean McCormack played for Meath at the highest level. Royal
County explores an era that is a million miles away from the life we now
live in. |
| |
|
| Kilmessan
|
|
2011
|
Extra
heartache for Blues
Following on from last year's defeat to Kildalkey in the
county final, Kilmessan set about to make amends in this year's campaign.
Possessing some of the most talented hurlers that the county has ever produced,
Kilmessan are annually regarded as one of the favourites for the title and
rightly so. |
|
2010
|
Effort
to regain title falls short on final day
After taking the title for the 28th time in 2008, Kilmessan
have had to settle for the bronze and silver medal positions in the last
two renewals of the Meath Senior Hurling Championship. Last year they lost
out to eventual winners Kildalkey in a replayed semi-final and then after
progressing one step further, they lost to the same opposition on October
10th last. |
|
2009
|
Close
to greatness
On foot of regaining the Meath SHC title in 2008, Kilmessan
went on win the Leinster Club intermediate hurling title before the year's
end. This year saw them fall short at the 'semi' stage in the two major
competitions they bid for. By Liam OÕRourke. |
|
2008
|
Champions
once more
After being surprised by neighbours Kiltale in the previous
yearÕs decider, there was no slip-up by Kilmessan in the 2008 M. Donnelly
Meath Senior Hurling Championship with Kildalkey being overcome at the second
attempt as the title was annexed for the 28th time. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2007
|
Final
disappointment for Kilmessan
One hundred years after winning the Meath SHC title for the
first time, Kilmessan had high hopes for 2007 but they failed to deliver
the goods in the Jubilee Cup decider as well as falling at the final hurdle
in the JHC. |
|
2006
|
Abundance
of silverware obtained
Kilmessan's failure to reach a second consecutive senior
hurling championship final may be seen as something of a failure for a club
of its stature, but secretary Dominic Doyle revealed there was plenty of
silverware obtained in 2006. |
|
2005
|
Clynch
sends out warning
Kilmessan's bid for a fourth consecutive SHC title ended
at the semi-final stage this year. However county star Stephen Clynch is
adamant that the blue and whites will return as strong as ever in the next
campaign. |
|
2004
|
‘Miley'
made his mark!
The contrast in sporting fortunes between the two halves
of one parish could hardly be starker. For Dunsany GFC, the long wait for
an emergence from the JFC continues on for another year while the Kilmessan
HC bandwagon just keeps rolling on. |
|
2003
|
Kilmessan
equal record
The 2003 Meath senior hurling championship title was annexed
by Kilmessan once again at the expense of latter day rivals Dunboyne at
rain swept Pairc Tailteann on September 5th, the blue and white's 26th triumph
in the Jubilee Cup. |
|
2002
|
A
25th success
Following the frustrations of 2000 when they failed to fulfil
the Jubilee Cup final against Trim because of a dispute over the fixing
of the game, Kilmessan's SHC triumph in 2002 was especially sweet. More
especially because it was achieved in the club's Centenary Year and also
because it was their 25th outright success. |
|
2001
|
Hurling
is Horan's first love
Kilmessan and Meath hurling star Nicky Horan won't recall
2001 with happy memories in the future., as it was the first time in the
club colours that he didn't get to tog out on Meath SHC final day.
|
|
2000
|
Kilmessan
- The hurling tradition
We look back at the proud record of Kilmessan GHC and those
who brought it to prominence. When the Kilmessan club made the decision
not to fulfill their Senior Hurling Final engagement on October 1st in this
millennium year, it wasn't just a matter of any old club making a protest.
|
|
1999
|
Hurling's
Aristocrats
Kilmessan put their name on the Meath roll of honour for
the 24th time in October. Royal County reviews their successful year. |
|
1998
|
On
the home straight
Leading National Hunt jockey Adrian Maguire's interest in
the Meath football team has never waned ... as Royal County discovered. |
| |
|
| Kilskyre
|
|
2011
|
Gilsenan
eager for hurling boost
Kilskyre chairman Tom Gilsenan has just completed his first
year in the position and he speaks to the Royal County Yearbook about the
past 12 months, which have been eventful to say the least. |
|
2010
|
So
near, yet so far
When Kilskyre were relegated from the intermediate hurling
ranks at the end of the 2009 season, it was seen as a step back for the
club, but it was a move that was to rejuvenate this north Meath side.
|
|
2009
|
Suffering
from the numbers game
This time 40 years ago Kilskyre were celebrating success
in the Intermediate Hurling Championship, but four decades on the contrast
couldn't have been any greater as they endured a torrid time in the middle
grade competition and were relegated back to junior ranks. |
|
2008
|
Soldiering
on
This year marks the 60th anniversary of Meath's 1948 All-Ireland
Junior Hurling Championship success and it is only fitting to chronicle
the considerable contribution that players from Kilskyre made to that significant
triumph. |
|
2007
|
Kilskyre
left wondering what if
Intermediate hurling in Meath is sometimes frowned upon by
its peers, but the players that take part in the campaign are pre-dominantly
just as determined and committed as any club player in any grade. |
|
2006
|
Fade
out after early promise
After contesting two semi-finals and one final since 2002,
Kilskyre were once again expected to be in the shake-up for intermediate
hurling championship honours this year. But they failed to progress beyond
the group stages with former player and PRO Mark Owens attributing their
disappointing year to injuries and a lack of commitment. |
|
2005
|
Heartache
for Kilskyre
The 2005 Meath intermediate hurling championship produced
a number of surprises as both the favourites for the title exited at the
semi-final stage. Kilskyre were one of those sides to bow out at the penultimate
stage and captain Seamus Byrne told the Royal County GAA yearbook of the
club's disappointment. |
|
2004
|
Kilskyre
capable of better
After reaching the intermediate hurling final in 2002 and
the semi-final last year, Kilskyre were expected to be in the shake-up for
honours this year. But they failed to live up to expectations with full
back Barry Smyth citing a lack of commitment as the reason for their disappointing
year. |
|
2003
|
Minors
carry flag
Having contested two intermediate hurling finals in the last
four years while reaching the semi-finals on an annual basis, Kilskyre can't
be blamed for wondering will they ever have a change of fortune. |
|
2002
|
Heartbreak
only intermediate
It has been seven years since Kilskyre last played in the
senior hurling championship and although they were beaten in this year's
intermediate final by Wolfe Tones, it may not be too long before this young
side are back among the senior ranks. |
|
2001
|
Renehan
recalls a famous win
Eugene Renehan was a member of the Kilskyre team which won
the junior hurling championship of 1945. Here, he recalls that memorable
victory and much, much more besides. |
|
2000
|
Passion
to Byrne
Over the years, the parish of Kilskyre has produced some
great GAA men - the redoubtable Peter Byrne among them. |
|
1999
|
A
Kilskyre stalwart
Mickey Reilly has been a driving force behind Kilskyre since
the club was revived nearly 40 years ago. Here, he talks to us about his
lifelong involvement in Kilskyre and the club's unlucky defeat in the recent
intermediate hurling decider. |
|
1998
|
In
defence of the last line
Paddy Muldoon played between the sticks for Kilskyre for
a lifetime. Royal County explores a career and a person-ality that are second
to none. |
| |
|
| Kiltale
|
|
2011
|
Donoghue
keen on final push
Since winning the senior hurling title in 2007, Kiltale have
been regarded on an annual basis as one of the favourites to lift the Jubilee
Cup, but despite their continued success at underage level, they have failed
to reach the decider. |
|
2010
|
KiltaleÕs
semi-final bogey
Getting back to the Senior Hurling Championship final is
proving difficult for Kiltale and when they lost to neighbours Kilmessan
at the semi-final stage in 2010 it was the third successive year that they
bowed out at the penultimate hurdle. |
|
2009
|
Clean
sweepers
When it comes to underage hurling, Kiltale could not have
asked for a better season in 2009. Four county titles, along with a minor
crown carried over from Õ08, clearly indicates that there are promising
times ahead for the club in the near future. Now they know they will need
to nourish the talent. |
|
2008
|
Penultimate
loss - underage again delivers
After gaining outright honours in the Meath Senior Hurling
Championship for the third time in 2007, the task of retaining the title
proved beyond Kiltale as Paddy KellyÕs men fell to the sword of Kildalkey
at the penultimate hurdle |
|
2007
|
Jubilee
cup for young guns
The 2007 M Donnelly Meath Senior Hurling Championship had
a remarkable home run with Kiltale continuing to defy the odds and finishing
the campaign in a blaze of glory with a sensational victory over Kilmessan
to take the title for the first time since 1983. |
|
2006
|
Underage
success bodes well
After going close to reaching the decider the previous year,
Kiltale endured a difficult 2006 Senior Hurling Championship campaign and
instead of challenging for the Jubilee Cup they diced with death for much
of the campaign. It was only when they drew with Kildalkey in the final
round of group matches that they knew for certain they would hold onto their
top grade status. |
|
2005
|
Sky's
the limit for Durnin
Kiltale's interest in this year's senior hurling championship
may have once again ended at the semi-final stage, but the club continues
to head in the right direction. Kiltale captured the minor hurling title
in 2005 and top forward Peter Durnin believes it may not be too long before
a SHC title is annexed. |
|
2004
|
Things
are looking good
The sun shone brightly on a hugely significant and proud
day in the history of Kiltale Hurling Club when the official opening of
their fabulous new pitch and clubhouse facilities at Grange took place on
Saturday, May 1, 2004. |
|
2003
|
Junior
success
Kiltale hurling club have gone through somewhat of a barren
spell with regards to success at adult level over the past decade or so,
but a win in the junior II championship this year is the boost needed in
the area according to long serving player Paul Regan. |
|
2002
|
Starting
a winning habit
Winning the Under-12 Hurling Championship title made 2002
a year to remember for the Kiltale club and it certainly augurs well for
the future as they bid to return to the glory days of two decades ago when
the Jubilee Cup was won in successive years in 1982 and ‘83.
|
|
2001
|
Kiltale
make progress
Kiltale might not have qualified for the latter stages of
the senior hurling championship but it was a satisfactory year nonetheless
according to manager Tommy Donoghue. |
|
2000
|
A
Tale to tell
Francis Lynch talks about the effort involved in keeping
Kiltale among the higher order of Meath hurling. As we look back on the
2000 GAA season, not just in Meath but in all of Ireland, it is hard not
to notice what the experts have been saying about hurling these past 12
months. The game, it seems, is in crisis again. |
|
1999
|
It's
a long road from Tipperary
One of the county's most respected hurling men is Kiltale's
Noel Keating. Here, the Tipperary native chats to Royal County about his
career, his involvement with Kiltale and his fantastic achievement in guiding
Meath to Under 21 and Junior All-Ireland glory this year. |
|
1998
|
A
guiding force
Paddy Kelly knows enough about Meath hurling to put anybody
in their place. Royal County was on the receiving end of a lesson about
the small ball game in Meath. |
| |
|
| Longwood
|
|
2011
|
Mission
possible
For any team that moves up a grade, the main aim is to establish
themselves at the higher level and that is what the Longwood hurlers have
set about doing since their return to the top flight of Meath senior hurling
two years ago. |
|
2010
|
Longwood
on the rise
After the heady success of 2009, the past 12 months proved
a bit quieter for Longwood at adult level, although St FinianÕs, the minor
amalgamation with Ballivor, secured a Division 2 league crown. Royal County
caught up with dual star Enda Dixon and Rory Maguire, the Meath junior ace
who guided the minors to glory. |
|
2009
|
Double
delight in Longwood
What a year it has been for Longwood! A return to the top
flight of Meath hurling thanks to their stylish success in the Intermediate
Championship was followed by a first Junior Football Championship triumph
in 70 years, making 2009 extra special. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
Competing
on two fronts
As the Longwood club reflects on 2008, they will harbour
some regrets after falling at the penultimate hurdle in both the IHC and
JFC with a good number of players giving service to both teams. |
|
2007
|
Lady
luck deserts Longwood
In the last couple of years, Longwood have been touted as
potential JFC winners and although they have traded blows with the best
in the business, they are still awaiting a breakthrough to the Intermediate
ranks. 2007 marked another frustrating year for the club as they failed
to progress to the knockout stages, despite only suffering one defeat in
six outings. |
|
2006
|
A
learning curve
For the second year running, Longwood reached the junior
football championship semi-final, only to lose to St. Ultan's. While disappointed
not to have gone a step further, selector Noel Kerrigan believes another
year in the junior championship might not be such a bad thing for the improving
south county outfit. |
|
2005
|
Longwood
land on their feet
After winning the Junior B FC title in 2004, Longwood did
well to get to the last four in the Junior A FC this year and another highlight
of the south county club's season was winning the B Football League Division
6 title. |
|
2004
|
Reward
at last
We can only hope that Longwood's great football double in
2004 is not a portent of doom and gloom. The club's most memorable successes
were achieved against a background of tragic conflict on the world stage. |
|
2003
|
Within
range
Longwood came close to reaching the semi-finals of the Senior
Hurling Championship of 2003 but, after winning promotion in the All-County
A Football League for the second year running slipped up in the Junior B
Football Championship. |
|
2002
|
Promotion
to open new doors
Longwood can look back on their exploits in 2002 with immeasurable
pride. After 17 years of honest endeavour, the club's footballers finally
brought home an adult football title in the form of the Division 5 All County
'A' League. Selector Barry Ennis reviews an eventful year. |
|
2001
|
Underage
delight for Longwood
Successes at under 11, under 14, under 16 and under 17 level,
made it a year to remember for Longwood's underage section. |
|
2000
|
Back
to the Future
Since its inception in September of 1904, Longwood GAA has
experienced its fair share of ups and downs. Club secretary George Stagg
pointed Royal County in the direction of ‘club historian' James Farrell
to find out more. |
|
1999
|
Longwood
a club with serious intent
Longwood are a club on an upward spiral in both hurling and
football. Frank Dempsey takes a close look at Meath's ‘Lilywhites'. |
|
1998
|
Justice
at last
Longwood have finally claimed their rightful place at the
senior hurling table. Royal County examines the successful championship
year. |
| |
|
| Meath
Hill |
|
2011
|
Meath
Hill look to the youth
In a year when they narrowly missed out on a place in the
knockout stages of the JFC, Meath Hill could take encouragement from the
performances of their up-and-coming players as chairman Mickey Crosby explains.
|
|
2010
|
Meath
Hill on the rise again
Meath Hill advanced to the knockout stages of the Junior
Football Championship for the first time since 2007, but when the do or
die action commenced they were eliminated at the quarter-final hurdle by
Ballinabrackey. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2009
|
Nearly
30 years on
Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of Meath Hill's
1980 Junior Football Championship triumph, but their efforts to scale such
heights met with further frustration this year when they failed to negotiate
the group stage in the race for the Matthew Ginnity Cup. |
|
2008
|
Terrible
luck
When the sour taste of defeat is experienced only once in
a championship campaign, you would have expected the side in question to
be bang in contention at the business end of the competition. But for Meath
Hill, a solitary loss in this yearÕs LynchÕs Pharmacy JFC was enough to
knock them out of the race for top honours before the knockout stages had
even commenced. |
|
2007
|
Tremendous
progress for Meath Hill
Meath Hill may have suffered disappointment in their quest
for Junior Football Championship honours in 2007, but it still represented
a year of tremendous progress for the club, particularly with the installation
of their fabulous new Prunty pitch. |
|
2006
|
Top
of the north
There were definite signs during the 2006 Junior Football
Championship that Meath Hill might well be on the verge of bridging a gap
that now extends over a quarter of a century. This proud club from way up
in the north of the county has to look back to 1980 for its last success
in the grade, but they shaped well enough in the campaign gone by to suggest
that they are building up a head of steam that might just bring the desired
breakthrough in the very near future. |
|
2005
|
Hill
knocking on that door
Back in 1979 Meath Hill held a handsome lead over St Mary's
at half time in the Meath JFC final and on the way off the Pairc Tailteann
pitch one of their players lifted the cup off the table and raised the trophy
in front of the packed stand. The celebrations were premature as Mary's
staged a strong recovery in the second half to force a replay in which the
East Meath side proved best. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2004
|
Mission
accomplished
North county outfit Meath Hill set their stall out at the
beginning of the year to regain their Div. 4 ‘A' league status and
make it to the knockout stages of the Junior ‘A' Football Championship.
Club secretary and captain Tadhg Boyle reviewed the year. |
|
2003
|
Kieran
scales the heights
In 2003, a disappointing year in terms of club results, one
of Meath Hill's own flourished away from the playing-fields of junior club
football. Barry Kieran finished the summer with an All-Ireland medal in
his back pocket after playing his part in the success of the county's controversial
juniors. |
|
2002
|
King
of the Hill
Paddy Owens has been a Meath Hill favourite, both on and
off the field, for many years now. In recent times 'The Hill' have been
rapping on the intermediate championship door and although a key figure
in this himself, Paddy says that he deserves none of the plaudits. Those
plaudits, he argues, should be placed upon only one set of broad shoulders,
those of trainer Tommy Dowd. |
|
2001
|
Far
from over the Hill!
In the best tradition of sporting parlance, Meath Hill would
be classed as an ‘up and coming' team. Club stalwart John Cunningham
goes along with that view and looks forward to the club getting its hands
on some silverware, sooner rather than later. |
|
2000
|
One
of Meath Hill's best
Charlie Boyle's name is synonymous with Meath Hill. Here
he talks about the past and the future. Organised by the Meath County Board,
The Sean Gael Awards held in the Simonstown Gaels GFC clubhouse was one
of the highlights of the local GAA year. |
|
1999
|
Best
supported club in Meath?
If there was an award for the best supported club in the
Royal County, Meath Hill would top most people's lists. The north Meath
club is blessed with a large following which would put some of the senior
clubs to shame. |
|
1998
|
‘The
First Lady' of Meath Hill
Celine Nulty eats, sleeps and breaths Gaelic Football. As
a player, coach and most recently as an administrator she loves the game
with a passion. Royal County caught up with the hard working Meath Hill
secretary and reviewed an eventful year for the North Meath Club. |
| |
|
| Moylagh
|
|
2011
|
Familiar
story for Moylagh
It was a familiar story for Moylagh this year when their
JFC interests were ended at the quarter-final stage. While admitting that
their failure to show their true form in knockout games has been a huge
source of frustration, Moylagh chairman Declan Flood refuses to be disheartened.
|
|
2010
|
Moylagh
so close to that final push
Moylagh have impressed with their consistency in the Junior
Football Championship in recent years, but when it has come to the knockout
action, despite their potential, they just havenÕt been able to push on
strongly enough to get through to the final. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2009
|
Knockout
bogey continues
Moylagh have been Ôthere or thereaboutsÕ in the Meath JFC
over the last few years and in 2009 they were again strong contenders for
the Matthew Ginnity Cup before Dunsany dashed their hopes of outright glory
at the semi-final stage. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2008
|
Success
with both codes
After the promise demonstrated in 2007, Moylagh could justifiably
have gone into this year's Junior Football Championship with hopes of winning
the title, but instead they bowed out at the last eight stage against one
of the most consistent teams in the grade, Dunsany. |
|
2007
|
Within
touching distance
If natural progression can be taken at face value Moylagh
should reach the Junior Football Championship final in 2008. Last year they
advanced to the quarter-finals where they lost to Dunsany and this term
they went a step further by making it to the semi-finals where Moynalvey
eliminated them from the title race. |
|
2006
|
Worth
waiting for
Thirty-one years is a long time to wait and Moylagh GAA Club
was justifiably thrilled at Pairc Tailteann on an overcast Saturday in September.
The club from the north-west of the county headed to Navan that day in the
knowledge that it wasn't since their memorable IFC triumph back in 1975
that they had managed to win an adult championship title. |
|
2005
|
Genuine
contenders
For a while there, Moylagh's junior footballers looked like
contenders in 2005. Genuine contenders. But somewhere along the way the
wheels came off. By Gordon Manning. |
|
2004
|
A
busy year
Moylagh were pipped at the post for a place in the knockout
stages of the Junior ‘A' Football Championship, made it to a Junior
‘D' semi-final final, a Junior ‘A' hurling semi-final and continue
to make great stride at underage level. |
|
2003
|
Gerrys
gra for Moylagh
Having lost nine of the team - through injuries and retirements
- that went under to Navan O'Mahony's in quarter final of the 2002 Junior
'A' championship, Moylagh weren't expecting to set the world on fire in
2003. Former player and long-time administrator Gerry Grall reviewed the
year. |
|
2002
|
No
regular Joe
Moylagh midfielder Joe Melia could be forgiven for turning
off his mobile phone, placing a large 'do not disturb' sign on his bedroom
door and burying himself under a tog-15 duvet for a few days. |
|
2001
|
The
Moylagh Flood
Johnny Flood's reminiscences on the travails and joy experienced
as a player with his native Moylagh in times past are redolent of an era
when football was a synonym for religion. |
|
2000
|
Hurling
prospering in Moylagh
The underage hurlers of Moylagh have been making plenty of
waves of late and the progress being made was illustrated with the annexation
of two championships in recent years. That success bears testimony to the
hard work which is being carried out by the likes of underage hurling secretary
Paul Foley and many other dedicated coaches. |
|
1999
|
Moylagh
came so close
Moylagh's poor record in county finals came back to haunt
them in ‘99, but that bogey will surely be laid to rest in the near
future. |
|
1998
|
Strapped
to the electric Chair
Resurgent Moylagh made it to the semi-final of this year's
junior championship. Chairman Brendan Dolan tells Royal County that the
best is yet to come. |
| |
|
| Moynalty
|
|
2011
|
Moynalty
crave consistency
Moynalty are facing into their eighth year in the junior
ÔBÕ football ranks after bowing out at the quarter-final stage of this yearÕs
championship to Clonard. Team captain Donal Lynch believes a lack of consistency
is preventing the north Meath club from playing at a higher level. |
|
2010
|
The
final heartbreak has to end soon
Moynalty have developed an unwanted habit of losing finals
and after finishing in second place in both the Junior B FC and the Division
5 FL in 2009, they again got to the championship decider this year only
to again fall short. |
|
2009
|
Final
failures mar Moynalty season
After reaching the final of both the Junior B Football
Championship and the Division 5 FL, 2009 promised to be a memorable year
for Moynalty but David Jennings found out that heartbreaking defeats in
those deciders were a bitter pill to swallow in what was a very promising
campaign for the club.
|
|
2008
|
Striving
for success
Moynalty has gained plenty of headlines for its Tidy Towns
achievements and the popular annual Steam Threshing Festival and it is now
pushing to create a name for itself once more on the football fields. |
|
2007
|
Knocking
on the door
Moynalty's bid for Junior B Football Championship honours
came to an end at the quarter-final stage in 2007 when they lost to Wolfe
Tones, but they demonstrated plenty of character in that match which went
to extra time. |
|
2006
|
Good
work continues
Moynalty Juvenile section followed up last year's successful
season with a year to remember in 2006. To say this small parish is on an
upward curve is an understatement. The North Meath club is on a crest of
a wave after its U14 side completed the double by capturing the league and
championship in the same season. |
|
2005
|
There
are some tidy footballers in Moynalty
Moynalty lifted their first under 14 league title since 1994,
when they overcame the challenge of near neighbours, Ballinlough in the
Div. 4A title decider at Carlanstown at the end of June. Juvenile chairman
Tom Lynch reviewed the year with John Loughran. |
|
2004
|
A
cruel blow
Moynalty had hoped to be in the knock-out stages of the Junior
‘A' Football Championships at the business end of the season. In contrast
they found themselves embroiled in a relegation play-off, which ultimately
led to relegation. Club secretary Joe Curley reviewed an average season.
|
|
2003
|
Moynalty
answer county call
They hide it well in Moynalty. Deep among north Meath's rolling
hills, the Red and Whites have constantly managed to churn out remarkable
talent. County stars, county managers and All-Ireland winners. |
|
2002
|
Clearly
Red and White
Damien Lynch was only seven when he pulled on a Moynalty
jersey for the first time. In the 18 years since, football has afforded
him the pleasure of good days and the pain of bad ones. Unfortunately 2002
produced plenty of the latter, as Moynalty now find themselves at a football
crossroads. |
|
2001
|
Looking
to the future
Moynalty has produced more than its share of officials and
great servants of anything GAA over the decades. Club stalwart Paddy Gaynor
reflects on his time with his native club. |
|
2000
|
Vaulting
ambition
Sean Boylan has shown time and time again that there's no
glass ceiling policy in place when it comes to giving youngsters their head.
Moynalty young gun Stephen Smith is ready, willing and able to be a Boylan
Babe. |
|
1999
|
The
life of Reilly
Charlie Reilly, a selector with the Moynalty Intermediates
this year and former player, reflects on a poor year for the north Meath
club. They narrowly escaped relegation to the junior grade but off the field
they continued to make progress. |
|
1998
|
Moynalty's
Lynchpin
If ever there was a player that epitomised the spirit which
exists in Moynalty then it's Thomas Og Lynch. Here he chats to Royal County
about the reasons behind the club's poor performance in ‘98 and their
prospects of winning the Intermediate championship in the near future. |
| |
|
| Moynalvey
|
|
2011
|
A
year of riches for Moynalvey
Moynalvey are one of the younger GAA clubs in the county,
yet in their relatively short history they have achieved two outstanding
leaps to prominence, the most recent this year when they rejoined the senior
football ranks. |
|
2010
|
Moynalvey
more than hold their ground
In their third year since rejoining the intermediate ranks,
Moynalvey were drawn in a tough group that included eventual winners, Nobber,
and didn't make it beyond the initial phase. |
|
2009
|
An
upward learning curve
After claiming county and provincial junior football titles
in 2008, Moynalvey found the going a little difficult on their move up to
the IFC and won just one of their four games. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2008
|
Climbing
the ladder again
The road back to a final can seem long and rocky after you
have lost one, but Moynalvey successfully negotiated the journey this year,
before they went on to be thoroughly worthy winners of their first Junior
Football Championship title since 1981. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2007
|
The
final step
Losing a county final is always a shattering experience and
it was no different for Moynalvey in 2007 when Clann na nGael edged them
out in the Junior Football Championship decider at Pairc Tailteann on the
first Sunday of October. |
|
2006
|
Turning
corners
Moynalvey is certainly on the way up. 2006 will be remembered
as the season progress was made. Foundations for the coming years were cemented
as the stars of the future won three underage titles. The MFL division 3
crown, U-12 division 3 south and the U-14 division 4 FL were captured in
a successful period. |
|
2005
|
Adults
falter as kids show the way
For much of the Junior Football Championship campaign it
looked as if Moynalvey would make it through to the knock-out stages, but
there was ultimate disappointment as they just failed to qualify for the
business end of the competition. |
|
2004
|
Youth
create confident glow
Firsts in anything are always extra special and that's exactly
how it was for the Moynalvey club in 2004 as they clinched an historic and
highly significant first triumph at under-14 level. |
|
2003
|
Waiting
to bounce back
Moynalvey know what it's like to mix it with the big guns
and they possess a real desire to bounce back from recent disappointments,
but their first campaign back in the junior ranks failed to bring the desired
success in 2003. |
|
2002
|
Girls
just wanna have fun
Picture the scene! It is a bright but breezy August evening.
The Moynalvey dressing rooms are a hive of activity. Inside the smell of
musty sweat from years past fills the air as the footballers pull on their
socks and slip into their muddy boots. Most talk, some joke and a few prepare
quietly. Others bounce the polished white O'Neill's football on the ground
or off the wall in front of them. |
|
2001
|
Finding
their feet
Moynalvey, in their first year as an intermediate side after
relegation from the senior ranks in 2000, struggled to gain the level of
consistency required to make a concerted challenge for the title.
|
|
2000
|
17
year stay over ... for now
Moynalvey's spell in the senior grade came to an end. But
the potential is there to ensure a quick return. |
|
1999
|
Moynalvey's
great escape
Moynalvey demonstrated their survival instincts last season
when retaining senior status at the expense of Slane. Goalkeeper Derek Bannon
outlines to Royal County the importance of remaining in the top flight.
|
|
1998
|
Jekyll
and Hyde Moynalvey
1998 will not hold many fond memories for the gaels of Moynalvey
- with the exception of their 2nd round, championship defeat of Simonstown.
|
| |
|
| Na
Fianna |
|
2011
|
Historic
Leinster hurling success for Na Fianna
No question what the highlight of Na FiannaÕs year was Ð
an historic Leinster Hurling Division 3 title which was claimed after a
bruising replay against Shanahoe of Laois. |
|
2010
|
Little
room for error for Na Fianna on two fronts
The Na Fianna senior hurlers and intermediate footballers
were both in with a chance of reaching the knockout stages as the group
phase of their respective championships drew to a conclusion, but neither
managed to make it through to the business end of the competitions. By Paul
Clarke. |
|
2009
|
A
coming force
Na Fianna went for a high profile football manager in 2009
when former county star Graham Geraghty took over from Kit Henry, but their
Intermediate Championship campaign ended in bitter disappointment when they
were just edged out of a qualification place. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
Hard
earned status preserved
In their second year in Meath hurlingÕs premier grade, Na
Fianna avoided the drop back down to the intermediate ranks and they made
progress in the IFC by getting to the quarter-finals only to lose out to
Gaeil Colmcille after extra-time in Athboy. |
|
2007
|
A busy year
for Na Fianna
Most club players never get the chance to play at county
level in their career. Never mind play for three different county sides
in the one year. But Jamie Queeney is part of a rare breed and the imposing
full-forward accomplished that feat in 2007 by lining out for the Under
21's, the juniors while also featuring in Colm Coyle's senior panel that
made it to the All-Ireland semi-final. |
|
2006
|
Senior
hurling Awaits
A year after suffering intermediate hurling final heartache
against Blackhall Gaels, Na Fianna made amends with a well deserved win
over Dunderry to claim their place amongst the senior ranks of Meath hurling
clubs for the first time. |
|
2005
|
An
eventful year on all fronts
Na Fianna's footballers had two objectives for the 2005 season
Ð an improved league performance and a place in the knockout stage of the
IFC. They achieved one of these with ease (pushing hard for promotion to
Division One) but fell well short on the other score (managing just two
wins in Group 2 of the intermediate championship). The hurlers, meanwhile,
went all the way to the IHC final, only to be edged out by surprise packet
Blackhall Gaels. |
|
2004
|
Getting
stronger
In their fifth year as a club, Na Fianna had their share
of ups and downs in 2004. The Enfield/Baconstown outfit failed to make it
through to the closing stages of the IFC, they got to the last four of the
IHC only to lose to Gaeil Colmcille, were beaten finalists in the MFC but
enjoyed a minor/under 16 B hurling double success. |
|
2003
|
Treble
joy for na fianna
Outright success in three under-age football competitions
helped make 2003 a highly successful year for the Na Fianna club and certainly
suggested that the Enfield/Baconstown combination can look forward to a
very bright future. |
|
2002
|
Kelly's
Heroes
Success. A sporting illusion of grandeur to sit at the winner's
table, or a fleeting moment in time when for once the spotlight is directed
upon somebody different? Sometimes, just sometimes it is not about the competing,
it's about the winning. And success has not been long coming to south Meath
club Na Fianna. |
|
2001
|
Knocking
on the door
Just two years after coming into existence, south Meath amalgamation
Na Fianna are knocking on the door of the senior championship. Their star
forward Paul Hanley was disappointed by the club's narrow failure to qualify
for the intermediate semi-finals in 2001, but he believes that with consistency
and a bit of luck, Na Fianna could make it to senior level before long.
|
|
2000
|
New
kids on the block
Na Fianna were the new kids on the block in 2000 and their
performances in both the football and hurling championships proves that
the decision of the Enfield and Baconstown clubs to join forces was an inspired
one. The south Meath club has the potential to become a major power in Royal
County GAA circles in the coming years. |
| |
|
| |
|
| Nobber
|
|
2011
|
Nobber
hold their own
2011 was an excellent year for Nobber and they can take encouragement
from their performances in what was their first season back in the top flight.
|
|
2010
|
Nobber
back with the big boys
Since Nobber won the Junior Football Championship in 2002
they have been consistently fancied to move another step up the ladder by
adding the intermediate title and they finally delivered this year when
powering past Carnaross in a surprisingly one-sided final. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2009
|
Closing
on a senior return
Nobber's search for a return to the senior ranks goes on
after their latest attempt to win the Intermediate Football Championship
ended in bitter disappointment when they lost to neighbours Kilmainhamwood
in a replayed semi-final this year. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
Favourites
falter during run-in
In the early stages of the race for Mattie McDonnell Cup
honours, Nobber were nicely positioned and looked highly likely to play
a big hand in the finish. But the second half of the season proved disastrous
for Ciaran ConlonÕs charges and two defeats from their final three outings
consigned them to a shock exit at the end of the group stages. |
|
2007
|
Will
be warm favourites again
Although Nobber were tipped as possible winners of the Lagan
Group IFC back in April and were the 2/1 favourites with just four teams
left in the title race, they were fallers at the second last hurdle. |
|
2006
|
Drawing
comfort
Nobber earned the tag of draw specialists during the 2006
Intermediate Football Championship when they finished level in four of their
seven group matches. That might be termed consistent, but it was a trend
that threatened to derail their qualification hopes before they eventually
scraped through to the last eight. |
|
2005
|
Nobber
are one step away
On the 25th anniversary of their last outright success in
the Meath Intermediate Football Championship Nobber failed to lift the Mattie
McDonnell Cup, bowing out at the semi-final stage for the second year in
a row. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2004
|
Ready
for that opportunity
Nobber's young guns aren't a million miles away from winning
the Intermediate Football Championship judging by their performances in
2004. |
|
2003
|
The
winning run continues
Following their Meath JFC success of 2002, there were further
visits to the winners' enclosure for Nobber this year with outright victories
in the All-Ireland Junior 15-a-side and seven-a-side competitions as well
as taking the All County A Division 4 League title. Later the Under 21 B
trophy travelled up Proudstown Hill. |
|
2002
|
Nobber
bite back
Between the early ‘70s and the ‘80s Nobber rose
from the humble abode of junior B ranks to become one of the top senior
football sides in Meath. When this writer started covering the GAA scene
in the Royal County tin 1972 they were in the lowest of all the adult grades
but four years on they got to the JFC final only to lose to Curraha. |
|
2001
|
Nobber
bounce back
Nobber gaels will have gleaned much satisfaction from the
performance of their junior team in this year's championship where they
reached the semi-final stages. Team trainer Andy Hayes hopes it is the beginning
of a reversal of fortunes for the north Meath club. |
|
2000
|
Nobber
claim U14 league title
Royal County looks back on a year when Nobber defied the
odds and won their second ever U14 league title. |
|
1999
|
The
middle man
Nobber's Eugene McDonnell is one of the longest serving referees
on the Meath GAA club scene. He talks to Royal County about his whistling
career and says that, contrary to popular opinion, it's not a thankless
existence. |
|
1998
|
A
Loyal servant
Over the years Nobber GFC have been blessed with dedicated
gaels. Honourary Club President Peter Eogan is just one example. Here he
talks with Royal County about the current state of play in the North Meath
club and his lifelong involvement. |
| |
|
| Oldcastle
|
|
2011
|
Feis
Cup consolation for Oldcastle
Victory in the delayed 2010 Feis Cup final, coupled with
a fine All-County League Division 2 campaign, were the highlights of the
disappointing year for Oldcastle whose championship interests were ended
at an early stage. |
|
2010
|
If
the injuries recede, Oldcastle will prosper
The awful prospect of losing their senior status within a
year of securing a very impressive intermediate championship title loomed
large for Oldcastle as summer turned to autumn in 2010, but a precious victory
over St UltanÕs in a relegation play-off in early September secured survival.
By Paul Clarke. |
|
2009
|
OldcastleÕs
due reward
It was a real rags to riches story as Oldcastle claimed the
Lagan Group Meath Intermediate Football Championship title in spectacular
style, having had to survive a relegation play-off the previous year. By
Noel Coogan. |
|
2008
|
All
the way to the wire
After going agonisingly close to reaching the final in 2006,
Oldcastle's life in the Intermediate Football Championship has been a big
struggle and it went all the way to the wire as they won the relegation
rattle against Ballivor. |
|
2007
|
An
uphill challenge
One game above all others probably summed up Oldcastle's
struggle in the 2007 Intermediate Football Championship. In 2006 they defeated
Gaeil Colmcille by eight points in a quarter-final at Ballinlough and played
well enough to suggest that they might just be ready to go all the way in
the very near future. The Kells combination easily reversed that result
in this year's championship. |
|
2006
|
Consistency
comes
Oldcastle will look back on 2006 and wonder how their intermediate
footballers didn't manage to claim some silverware. Few clubs could match
their level of consistency which saw them lose only one competitive game
in league and championship, yet they ended the campaign with nothing to
show for their efforts. |
|
2005
|
Third
time lucky for Oldcastle Under 16s
Oldcastle's victory in the Under 16 Football League Division
3 final augurs well for the North Meath club, according to team manager
Harry Taggart. |
|
2004
|
Moores
almanac
Oldcastle will have to wait for another year for an opportunity
to regain senior status, following their exit from the 2004 Intermediate
Football Championship at the hands of Nobber in the quarter-finals. Selector
Eamonn Moore reviewed the year |
|
2003
|
A
legend
Batty McEnroe is a living legend in Oldcastle football circles.
As man and boy he has given more than 60-years service to the club |
|
2002
|
Bowing
out
After 15 years in the top flight, Oldcastle lost their Senior
Football Championship status in 2002 when they were edged out by survival
specialists Summerhill in the relegation final which was played in atrocious
cold, wet and windy conditions at Kells in late October. |
|
2001
|
The
Gallant John Joe
John Joe McEnroe made his bow in 2001 as chairman of Oldcastle
GFC but he's no rookie GAA administrator. Far from it. Fact is the man in
the hot seat has been an almost ever-present member of the club's think-tank
team and was secretary of the blue and whites as far back as 1975. We chat
to the bold J.J. |
|
2000
|
Eamon
for more success
The much-travelled Eamon Gillic is back on home soil after
spells in nearby Munterconnacht and a wee bit further afield in San Francisco.
Four years on from steering his adopted Young Irelanders to back-to-back
North American titles, the Oldcastle-based businessman had cause last July
to celebrate the lifting of the Meath Under 16 Division Three title.
|
|
1999
|
Oldcastle's
Feis
In winning the Feis Cup Oldcastle finally got some reward
for the enormous effort exerted over the past couple of years. |
|
1998
|
Towering
‘Castle
Continually written off, Oldcastle proved all doubters wrong
and made people sit up and take note of north Meath football |
| |
|
| O'Mahonys
|
|
2011
|
League
and U21 glory bode well for OÕMahonyÕs
Navan OÕMahonys missed out on the big prize for the third
successive year, but there was some compensation for their senior footballers
in the shape of the A League Division 1 title, while the success of their
under-21s certainly augurs well for the future. |
|
2010
|
A
fitting year to win the Delaney Cup
The manner in which unfancied Navan O'Mahonys won the minor
football championship was a fitting tribute to the memory of the club's
legendary mentor, Paddy O'Brien, who passed away in June. |
|
2009
|
Busy
on Brews Hill
Navan O'Mahonys began the year in possession of the Keegan
Cup but were relieved of it after a SFC semi-final replay against Wolfe
Tones that was tinged with controversy. |
|
2008
|
In
a class of their own
After falling short in the two previous Meath SFC finals,
it was do or die for Navan OÕMahonys in 2008 and they made no mistake with
an unbeaten campaign enabling them to gain possession of the coveted Keegan
Cup for the first time in 11 years. |
|
2007
|
Promise
unfulfilled
For the second time in a little over a year Navan O'Mahonys
had to watch as their final opponents carried the Keegan Cup out of town.
That hurts for such an outstanding club which has won the Senior Football
Championship more times than anybody else. |
|
2006
|
Pipped
at the post
Adding a 17th Senior Football Championship title is proving
to be a very difficult task for Navan O'Mahonys. The most successful club
in the history of the competition hasn't taken possession of the Keegan
Cup for almost a decade and 2006 brought further frustration when they were
the latest to suffer from the magnificent surge that Wolfe Tones have made
through the ranks in a short space of time. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2005
|
What
if?
In years to come the question will be asked what team beat
the eventual senior football champions twice in the one campaign. That achievement
is one Navan O'Mahonys would rather cash in on for a tilt at the Keegan
Cup. By Liam O'Rourke |
|
2004
|
Holding
their own
Back in the senior ranks after a two-year sojourn at intermediate
level, O'Mahonys comfortably retained their status and were within a kick
of the ball of making the knockout stages. |
|
2003
|
The
boys are back in town
Navan O'Mahony's marked the Golden Jubilee of their first
Keegan Cup success by regaining their senior status after two tough years
in the intermediate ranks. |
|
2002
|
So
near but maybe not so far
Though the year ended in disappointment for Navan O'Mahony's
first teams in both hurling and football, there are grounds for optimism
for 2003. However, looking at the bigger picture Club Chairman, Louis Kinsella
feels clubs deserve a better deal form the County Board. |
|
2001
|
Delaney
Cup stays in blue ribbons
They say good teams win championships, great teams retain
them. It is also true to say that once you get to the top, the hardest thing
is to stay there. Navan O'Mahonys reached the Delaney Cup summit last year
and this term they scaled those dizzy heights again. Brendan Boylan charts
the glorious journey. |
|
2000
|
Back
on Brews Hill
The Delaney Cup winged its way back to O'Mahonys after a
20 year wait. Too long of a wait judging by the talent on offer in the Navan
club. |
|
1999
|
The
post master
When interviewed for Royal County 1996, former Meath and
O'Mahonys forward Finian Murtagh had the following words to say about Paddy
O'Brien: |
|
1998
|
Embarrassment
of riches
When it comes to underage success, O'Mahony's have no peers
at present. We take a look at their wins in football, hurling, camogie and
ladies football. Need we say any more. |
| |
|
| Rathkenny
|
|
2010
|
Rathkenny
revelation
The last four in the 2010 Meath SFC was made up of three
teams who had celebrated with the Keegan Cup in the previous six years.
Rathkenny were the exceptions with the wearers of the red and black making
a remarkable turnaround to come so close to ousting holders Seneschalstown
just a few months after being concerned in relegation strife. |
|
2009
|
Survival
of the fittest
Rathkenny's survival instincts were at work again in the
2009 Senior Football Championship as they defeated Walterstown in dramatic
fashion in a relegation play-off to preserve their status in the top flight
before an appeal made things complicated. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
Senior
status sustained and minors victorious
2008 can be looked on in a few different ways. I would hope
that a club which retains its senior status and wins a minor league final,
(in a year when we are playing as one club for the first time in many years),
as well as having a county star in Brian Meade, a County Chairman in Barney
Allen, and a senior championship winner in David Donegan (with McAnespies
in Boston he won the North American Championship), can be regarded as a
good year indeed. By club PRO Gerry Gavagan. |
|
2007
|
Revelling
in the top flight
Though Rathkenny's first year back in the Senior Football
Championship ended with a heavy quarter-final defeat against Dunboyne, they
certainly proved beyond doubt that they are more than fit for life in the
top flight. |
|
2006
|
Rathkenny
in wonderland
ÔMagical win for Rathkenny ends barren 72 years' was the
heading over one report of the 2006 Meath Intermediate Football Championship
final after a team which was totally unconsidered early in the year went
away with the Mattie McDonnell Cup. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2005
|
League
honours were thoroughly deserved
Rathkenny made 2005 a year to remember by scooping the all-county
Division Four ÔA' league title on the last Saturday of September. Full forward
Richie Timmons, who delivered seven of his side's eleven-point tally in
the defeat of Kilbride at Walterstown, reflects on a satisfactory year for
the Red & Black. |
|
2004
|
Rathkenny
youth cause optimism
On the surface, not a lot changed for Rathkenny this past
year. They remain in the Intermediate Championship for 2005 and also in
Division 4 of the All County A Leagues. |
|
2003
|
Reid
the script
It's been one of those years for the Rathkenny club, sprinkles
of radiance overshadowed by bucket loads of insipidness. They just didn't
leave the traps in 2003. |
|
2002
|
Back
home
In years to come Rathkenny folk will no doubt mull over David
Heery's GAA travels in the comfort of their clubhouse. |
|
2001
|
Steady
Eddie
Rathkenny may not be regulars in the winners' enclosure but
they've got their fair quota of staunch GAA people nonetheless as we discovered
when he bumped into long-time stalwart Eddie Bellew. |
|
2000
|
Rathkenny
revel in U14 success
The future of Rathkenny GFC appears to be in safe hands if
their performances in the Under 14 grade this year is anything to go by.
Here, the team's coach, John Martin, relives the successful campaign. |
|
1999
|
Rathkenny
‘C' bright future
The Rathkenny club celebrated the capture of the Junior ‘C'
crown during the past twelve months. Here we examine how they got their
hands on the silverware. |
|
1998
|
A
family tradition
Certain families are naturally associated with clubs, as
Royal County discovered when he tracked Paddy Timmons down. |
| |
|
| Rathmolyon
|
|
2011
|
Pearle
backs Rathmolyon to recover from double disappointment
There was double disappointment for Rathmolyon in the space
of a week in October when they lost both the IHC and Division 1 league finals
to Boardsmill and Kildalkey respectively. However, one of the clubÕs unsung
heroes, the evergreen Terry Pearle, is confident they will bounce back in
2012. |
|
2010
|
A
big change for Rathmolyon
Just four years after they experienced the thrill of winning
the Senior Hurling Championship, Rathmolyon lost their status in the top
flight when one of the best players the club has ever produced guided Navan
OÕMahonys to victory in the relegation final. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2009
|
Rathmolyon
ready for a real go
After the joy and satisfaction of snatching victory from
the jaws of defeat in the 2006 final against Dunboyne, Rathmolyon's efforts
to get back to the Senior Hurling Championship final have met with disappointment
and frustration.
|
|
2008
|
Chasing
Jubilee
It must have been a strange day for John Gorry when Rathmolyon
faced Dunboyne in a Senior Hurling Championship quarter-final at Ashbourne
on the third Sunday of September this year. He was at the helm for the St
Peter's men during so many near misses in their bid for the Jubilee Cup,
but here he was in the opposite corner for his native Rathmolyon attempting
to plot DunboyneÕs downfall. |
|
2007
|
Champions
go down with a fight
There's no substitute for class and experience and Mike Cole
used both in abundance during the 2007 Senior Hurling Championship as he
did everything in his power to guide Rathmolyon to a second successive Jubilee
Cup and a fourth in 15 years. |
|
2006
|
Come
on the village
The most dramatic conclusion to any Meath GAA final in 2006
was in the Senior Hurling Championship decider when Rathmolyon snatched
the title from the grasp of Dunboyne with a sensational goal in added time
at the end of an entertaining encounter. By Noel Coogan |
|
2005
|
Fate
conspires against Rathmolyon
It's fast approaching a decade since Rathmolyon last won
the Meath Senior Hurling Championship and there were times during the campaign
gone by when the club's supporters might have been tempted to think that
a nine-year gap just might be bridged |
|
2004
|
The
long distance hurler
If George Bagnall decides at some stage in the future to
put pen to paper and catalogue his lengthy loyalty to the Rathmolyon cause,
only one title will suffice: ‘The loneliness of the long distance hurler'.
|
|
2003
|
Cole
comfort
Ten years on from their first ever senior championship success,
Rathmolyon's hurlers found themselves in a battle to avoid relegation in
2003. |
|
2002
|
Getting
stuck in
Women occupying positions on GAA club executives were almost
as rare as hens teeth up to a few years ago, but the trend of male-dominated
committees is gradually changing and more females are getting involved in
the running of clubs all over the country. |
|
2001
|
Rathmolyon
under 14s make history
In a year when the Rathmolyon senior hurlers failed to build
on their performances in 2000, it was left to the club's under 14s to provide
the highlight. Club chairman Declan Regan looks back on the year's happenings. |
|
2000
|
No
more unlucky 13s for Rathmolyon
The year 2000 was a special one for Rathmolyon. The Royal
County caught up with the man who was mostly responsible for that. |
|
1999
|
Rathmolyon
hang onto senior status
Nineteen-ninty-nine was one of Rathmolyon's most difficult
seasons since the club attained senior status nearly a quarter of a century
ago. Club stalwart John Gorry believes that they may have turned the corner,
though, as Royal County recently discovered. |
|
1998
|
Rathmolyon's
Marathon man
Royal County talks to Seamus Murray about the possibility
of Rathmolyon going the full distance in 1999. |
| |
|
| Ratoath
|
|
2011
|
Minor
footballers claim first Delaney Cup
The future of football in Ratoath looks extremely bright
following the historic success of their minors who brought the Delaney Cup
to the club for the first time in the autumn of 2011. It was a triumph which
made up for the disappointment of losing last yearÕs final to Navan OÕMahonys
and one which demonstrated the value of having sound under-age structures
in place. |
|
2010
|
Youth
is the key in Ratoath
When Ratoath lost the 2008 Junior Football Championship final
to Moynalvey the hope was that they would bounce back and win the title
the following year. It didnÕt happen when they failed to reach the knockout
stages and the same happened this year when they accumulated only five points
from a possible 10 in their group. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2009
|
Leinster
success for Ratoath hurlers
Ratoath lost three Meath junior championship finals in the
last two years, and although disappointed again at the end of the 2009 JHC
decider against Kildalkey, there was some compensation with outright success
gained in the Leinster JHL. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2008
|
Final
heartbreak
Ratoath's bid to make an instant return to the intermediate
grade ended in bitter disappointment when they under-performed in the Junior
Football Championship final against Moynalvey at Pairc Tailteann in late
September and suffered a comprehensive defeat. |
|
2007
|
Young
stars of Ratoath
A fabulous historic double of championship and league successes
by the under-14 footballers was a glowing highlight of the year for Ratoath
GAA Club and demonstrated that the highly talented young players are being
produced who will secure a bright future. |
|
2006
|
Growing,
growing, growing
Ratoath went for one of the most respected authorities in
the game to manage their Intermediate Football Championship team in 2006
but, unfortunately, they didn't manage to mount a serious challenge for
a place in the knockout stages, though they gave a good account of themselves
and were seriously hampered by injuries which worked against them in a big
way. |
|
2005
|
Big
breakthrough at underage level
Ratoath's U14s made light work of playing in Division One
for the first time, storming to the 2005 all-county U14 Div 1 FL crown with
a series of superb performances Ð the club's first top-flight juvenile title.
Dub Clive O'Reilly of Na Fianna fame (who took charge of the team in conjunction
with Marty Mannering and Dermot Rooney) thoroughly enjoyed his first stint
in juvenile management and was delighted to contribute to a historic breakthrough
for his adopted club. |
|
2004
|
Double
delight
With advances and progression the name of the game both on
and off the pitch, Ratoath scaled new heights in 2004. |
|
2003
|
Laying
the foundation stone
Ratoath may have suffered disappointment at the final hurdle
in the Junior Football Championship, but they can certainly look back on
2003 as a highly progressive year, both on and off the field. |
|
2002
|
Ratoath
on the up
According to the most recent census Ratoath has seen an 88
per cent explosion in population in the past six years, posing all sorts
of challenges for the village and its sporting bodies. Brian Hayes - a relative
newcomer to the area - tells how the GAA club is responding to the challenge. |
|
2001
|
Complementary
progress
Want to finger a club which boasts a catchment area of rich
potential, a burgeoning well of player numbers and the sort of work-in-progress
off the field befitting All-Ireland club champions? Look no further than
Ratoath GAA. |
|
2000
|
The
money Man
As a player, team mentor and officer, Paddy Dolan, who was
Ratoath's Sean Gael recipient this year, has given Ratoath GAA club a lifetime
of distinguished service. Here the current club treasurer talks to Royal
County about days past and his ambitions for the future of the club. |
|
1999
|
Ratoath
move closer to the dream
Although still at an early stage, the development of Ratoath's
new club grounds is taking shape. Confident that the blue and golds will
be plying their trade in new surroundings within two years is Club Secretary,
Rose Moore. |
|
1998
|
A
man for all seasons
Martin Lynch is a top soccer coach. He's also from Dublin.
An obvious choice then as manager of the Ratoath gaelic football team! As
Royal County reveals, he's done a great job, living up to his own high standards. |
| |
|
| Seneschalstown
|
|
2011
|
Common
sense from Seneschalstown
A bit of common sense goes a long way in any walk of life
and Seneschalstown GAA club is certainly adopting a sensible approach to
life, protecting its future carefully by investing great endeavour into
its juvenile structure. In 2011, more hard graft was put in at underage
level. An ultra-busy juvenile section should ensure that Seneschalstown
is not just a club with a great history but also one with a bright future.
We spoke to juvenile chairman Ian Maguire about the ongoing work. |
|
2010
|
No
two-in-a-row despite all the goals
Seneschalstown just fell short in their attempt to become
the seventh club to lift the Keegan Cup in successive years when losing
out to Skryne by the narrowest margin in a memorable Meath SFC final on
the last Sunday of September. |
|
2009
|
Keegan
returns as Seneschalstown pace themselves to perfection
Seneschalstown made the most of scraping through to the last
eight of the 2009 Commons Hardware Meath Senior Football Championship by
improving considerably in the home straight to claim the title for the second
time in three years and their fourth overall. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2008
|
Back
to back Feis Cups
Defending a championship title is difficult, but when playing
resources are diminished through injury it's impossible, as Seneschalstown
found out in 2008. Still there was the consolation of retaining the Feis
Cup after a memorable extra time win over Dunboyne. By Liam OÕRourke. |
|
2007
|
Yellow
Furze delight
When Cormac Quinn wrapped his powerful arms around the Keegan
Cup as the light began to fade at Pairc Tailteann on the first Sunday of
November, the scene illuminated the lives of so many people who had worked
towards that glorious moment. |
|
2006
|
More
consistency required
Anybody walking into the Dunsany GAA grounds on the first
Sunday evening of September, 2006 could have been forgiven for thinking
they were looking at the county champions in the blue and yellow jerseys,
such was the confidence, authority, fluency and accuracy of Seneschalstown's
performance in the opening half. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2005
|
U14s
were a Furze to be reckoned with
One of the most impressive teams in Seneschalstown in 2005 was the U14s,
who claimed the Division Three league crown and also reached the semi-final
stage of the Division Two championship. Senior club secretary Ian Maguire,
who managed the side in conjunction with selectors Phonsie Gilsenan and
Francis Flynn, was delighted with how the lads stood up over the course
of a testing year. |
|
2004
|
Small
steps lead to progress
A decade has passed since Seneschalstown last won the Senior
Football Championship and their efforts to bridge the gap met with disappointment
in 2004 when they were eliminated at the quarter-final stage by Trim. |
|
2003
|
More
than a lick of paint!
A drive through the village of Kentstown tells its own story
- that of an area which is growing rapidly as housing developments appear
to shoot up out of the ground almost overnight. |
|
2002
|
Knocking
on the door
After a number of disappointing SFC campaigns, Seneschalstown
made their way to the last four in 2002 and that was a fine achievement
considering that the team had to put up with much restricted training facilities
over the last few months. |
|
2001
|
Furze
Underage finds its feet
Seneschalstown enjoyed a successful year at underage level,
with the Yellow Furze under 12 and under 14 teams contesting county finals.
Pat Sheridan was involved in coaching the under 12s and was understandably
proud of their achievements. |
|
2000
|
A
first for Seneschalstown
Seneschalstown are the undisputed kingpins of Meath Ladies
football following their thoroughly deserved final success over Summerhill
and judging by their performances this year that appears to be a title they'll
hold on to for many years to come. |
|
1999
|
Father
and son
Seneschalstown's very own Graham Geraghty led Meath to All-Ireland
glory this year. Royal County talks to his father, Ger, about a memorable
twelve months for the Geraghty family. |
|
1998
|
The
original ‘Supersub'
Few have given a more lengthy and loyal contribution to Seneschalstown
GFC than Mattie McCabe. Here he talks to Royal County about his playing
days with both club and county and what the future holds at the Yellow Furze
club. |
| |
|
| Simonstown
|
|
2011
|
Simonstown
back on track
Having survived a relegation scare in 2010, Simonstown Gaels
looked more like their old selves this year when they qualified for the
last eight of the SFC. Secretary Barry Gorman was delighted with their change
in fortunes and insists there is a lot more to come from Sean BarryÕs young
team. |
|
2010
|
New-look
Simonstown hold their own
When Oldcastle defeated St Ultan's in a Senior Football Championship
relegation play-off at Ballinlough in early September everybody associated
with the Simonstown Gaels' club could emit one collective sigh of relief.
|
|
2009
|
Cruel
results sequence halts Simonstown
After a beginning that promised so much, SimonstownÕs championship
season ended at the group stage yet again, after the most unlikely sequence
of results saw the north Navan side lose out on scoring difference by just
two points. It was a frustrating season for the sky blues and former Cavan
player Mickey Brennan, who returned from Drumalee in the Breffni County
to his roots in Navan last year. By David Sheehan. |
|
2008
|
Transitional
times
After losing out to the eventual winners, Wolfe Tones and
Seneschalstown, at the penultimate stage in each of the previous two Meath
SFC campaigns, Simonstown Gaels failed to get out of their group in their
latest attempt to get their hands on the elusive Keegan Cup. |
|
2007
|
Silverware
on show
Once again it was a case of what might have been for Simonstown
Gaels as they fell at the penultimate hurdle in their latest attempt to
lift the elusive Keegan Cup. However, there was a consolation prize as Des
Lane's charges took outright honours in the Division 2A League. By Noel
Coogan. |
|
2006
|
Northside
blues
After falling at the final fence in the race for the Keegan
Cup in 2003 and 2004, Simonstown entered the 2006 campaign looking to shed
their tag of underachievers but like many sides in the SFC this year, Colm
O'Rourke's charges fell victim to the rapid rise of Wolfe Tones at the penultimate
hurdle. By David Jennings. |
|
2005
|
The
missing year
The hope of every Simonstown Gaels supporter going into the
2005 Senior Football Championship was undoubtedly that it would turn out
to be a case of third time lucky and that the Keegan Cup would make its
way to the north Navan club following the final defeats of 2003 and 2004. |
|
2004
|
More
final heartache for Simonstown
A first-ever senior trophy continues to elude Simonstown
Gaels. In 2004, the north Navan men returned to the county final stage but
were beaten in a second successive SFC decider. |
|
2003
|
Mixed
emotions
It's often said that football is a ‘funny old game'.
Simonstown Gaels supporters would surely concur and you can be sure that
the players and mentors are of like mind. |
|
2002
|
Underage
scene moves up a gear
The U-12s and U-16s contested championship finals while the
jewel in the crown, the U-14s, came agonisingly closing to winning Meath's
first ever Feile Peil na nOg title. |
|
2001
|
Simonstown's
Mr. Reliable
Simonstown came perilously close to becoming embroiled in
a SFC relegation play-off against Syddan this year before their group play-off
success over Ballinlough spared them the indignity. It was too close for
comfort for the north Navan gaels and Ronan McGrath is one individual who's
eager to avoid a repeat scenario next year. |
|
2000
|
Worth
waiting for ...
Simonstown celebrated a long overdue Under 12 championship
success in June of this year. Eddie Maguire was joint-manager, along with
Brian Moran, and here he recounts the team's road to glory. |
|
1999
|
Investing
in the Youth
The Simonstown club's motto is ‘mol an oige agus tiocfaidh
si'. It's a motto which has served them well in the past and they should
reap further rewards in the coming years. |
|
1998
|
No
ordinary Joe soap
The glimmer of hope which existed in the eyes of Simonstown
Gaels GFC founding member Joe Clarke in 1965 has fertilised into a bright
shining light boasting one of the top GAA clubs in the county. Members of
the north Navan club owe a lot to Joe. |
| |
|
| Skryne
|
|
2011
|
Lenehan
keen to bounce back
Following the highs of last year's Keegan Cup win, Skryne
were brought back down to earth in 2011 when they failed to reach the knockout
stages of the senior football championship. However, county star Ciaran
Lenehan is confident that the blues can bounce back next year. |
|
2010
|
No
unlucky 13 for champions Skryne
When a team scores 21 points in a football match the chances
are that they will win comfortably, but such was the nature of this yearÕs
thrilling Meath Senior Football Championship final that such a magnificent
tally only just saw Skryne past champions Seneschalstown. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2009
|
One
off day in a near perfect season
When Skryne emerged from their group with a 100 per cent
winning record in the 2009 Senior Football Championship they looked capable
of really troubling the big guns when the serious business of the knockout
stages came into play. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
Both
sides of the league coin
Since the publication of the last yearbook, Skryne finished
2007 on a high note by winning the Division 1 FL title for the first time.
However, their hopes of reaching the business end of the SFC this year ended
with narrow elimination at the group stages. |
|
2007
|
Blue
is the colour
After failing to reach the closing stages of the Meath SFC
in each of the previous two years, having been champions in 2004, Skryne
made a little bit of progress this year by getting to the quarter-finals
where they lost out to Simonstown Gaels. |
|
2006
|
Transition
time
For a team that brought the Senior Football Championship
title to the club for the 12th time in 2004, it has to be regarded as something
of a surprise that Skryne haven't managed to reach the knockout stages in
the last two campaigns. |
|
2005
|
A
strange follow up
One of the biggest surprises in the 2005 Meath Senior Football
Championship was the failure by defending Keegan Cup custodians Skryne to
reach the quarter-finals. The Blues won just three of their seven group
games and the third enabled them to avoid the embarrassment of figuring
in a relegation play-off. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2004
|
Skryne
come good when it matters
Although such an outright triumph did not look likely earlier
in the campaign, Skryne came good in the home straight to take the Meath
Senior Football Championship title for the 12th time. |
|
2003
|
Dowd
of the Blue
Despite winning seven of their eight senior championship
matches, eternal contenders Skryne failed to reach even the last four in
2003. |
|
2002
|
Looking
through the Skryne door
Skryne, we watch them, fear them. In times past The High
King of Tara sat upon his throne and also inspected the surrounding countryside
from his elevated viewpoint on top of the hill. In more recent years the
Hill of Tara has become a place where Skryne footballers are trained to
become senior champions. |
|
2001
|
The
silver is not enough
Champions two years ago, last four losers in ‘00 and
beaten finalists in 2001, and the underlying feeling in Skryne is one of
vast underachievement. Is it now win or bust for a club dogged by expectation?
|
|
2000
|
Skryne
2000 - What went wrong?
Colum Cromwell delves into the history books and finds out
that when most is expected of them, Skryne normally flatter to deceive.
|
|
1999
|
Skryne
are kingpins for the 11th time
What a year for the Skryne club, two All-Ireland medal winners,
two international heroes, and best of all a senior team to be proud of.
|
|
1998
|
On
the big Skryne
Skryne returned to winning ways at juvenile level this year
with their U-16s collecting the Div. 3 title at the expense of Nobber. Willie
Rogan and Dan O'Leary masterminded the success. Former player Willie reveals
the secret ingredients behind their winning formula to Royal County. |
| |
|
| Slane
|
|
2011
|
Slane
turn the corner
Slane captain Shane Coyle believes that things have finally
bottomed out for the Boynesiders after their best season in four years,
with promotion back to Division 4 accomplished. |
|
2010
|
Survival
is key for Slane
Slane have slipped down the Meath football ladder over the
last few years and after a less than distinguished season in 2010, they
breathed a big sigh of relief when avoiding dropping another rung out of
the junior A ranks. |
|
2009
|
Getting
closer
After slipping out of intermediate ranks in 2006, Slane are
finding it difficult to get back up MeathÕs football ladder and in this
yearÕs JFC the five points garnered from a possible ten were not sufficient
to enable them qualify for the quarter-finals. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2008
|
Starting
from scratch
In their second year back in the ranks of junior football,
Slane failed to build on the promise shown in 2007 when reaching the quarter-final
stage. This year they failed to get out of their group when only winning
one of their four outings in the LynchÕs Pharmacy JFC. |
|
2007
|
Peaks
and valleys
In their first year in the ranks of junior football since
1952 Slane had their hopes of an immediate return to the intermediate grade
dashed by Moynalvey at the quarter-final stage of the 2007 JFC, having gone
through their group games without suffering a defeat. |
|
2006
|
A
new challenge awaits
Slane escaped the drop after a big scare in 2005, but there
was no way out a year later as Na Fianna beat them in the Intermediate Football
Championship relegation play-off at Dunsany in mid-October to send them
crashing out of the middle grade and down to the junior ranks. |
|
2005
|
Progress
all round
It's only three years ago that Slane reached the semi-finals
of the Intermediate Football Championship, yet this year they found themselves
in a battle for survival in the second highest grade - a battle that went
all the way to a relegation play-off. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2004
|
Looking
forward, not back
It's difficult to believe that two decades have passed since
Slane won the Intermediate Football Championship with a final victory over
a St. Colmcille's team that included emerging stars in the shape of Bob
O'Malley and Bernard Flynn. |
|
2003
|
The
Gough and the tumble
While Slane GFC couldn't be dragged into the dock and accused
of setting the world on fire in 2003, they did nonetheless take an important
step along the learning curve that all clubs must negotiate to earn a seat
at the top table |
|
2002
|
Slane's
three-year itch
It has been a long three years for Slane. Following their
relegation down to the Intermediate Championship in 1999 they had hoped
to bounce straight back up within 12 months. However for the time being
the notorious middle grade remains their competitive home. |
|
2001
|
Mullery
puts his shoulder to the wheel
It's not so long ago that Slane GFC were competing against
the cream of the crop in Meath GAA circles. Nothing would give club members
more satisfaction than to reclaim their spot amongst the Skryne's, Dunshaughlin's
and Dunderry's of this world. Club secretary Jim Mullery spoke with Royal
County and outlined the club's ambitions for the future. |
|
2000
|
Keeping
the flag flying
Slane GFC haven't enjoyed too much success at underage level
in recent times but the likes of Peter O'Brien continue to persevere.
|
|
1999
|
It's
a topsy turvyworld
1999 was a year of mixed emotions for the Slane club and
its followers. The All County Division 3 League success was their first
adult success since 1993 but their relegation from the senior grade was
a bitter pill to swallow. |
|
1998
|
A
bitter sweet Smyphony
Internationally renowned for its rock concerts, Royal County
discovers that Wayne Harding would dearly love to see the footballers of
Slane grab the headlines instead. |
| |
|
| St.
Brigids |
|
2011
|
Early
defeats prove costly for BrigidÕs
When the draw for the 2011 Junior Football Championship was
made back in the spring St BrigidÕs must have been hopeful that they could
make it to the knockout stages, but defeats in their opening two group matches
inflicted serious damage and despite an improvement in form they failed
to advance. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2010
|
Onwards
and upwards for St. BrigidÕs
St BrigidÕs are bubbling away with near annual progression
to the knockout stages of the junior football championship and an underage
setup that is the envy of most. With brilliant facilities to boot, the Ballinacree
club is certainly one on the up. |
|
2009
|
A
knockout blow for BrigidÕs
After failing to advance from their group of the Meath JFC
in 2008, St BrigidÕs reached the quarter-finals this year but bowed out
of title contention with a heavy defeat to eventual winners Longwood. By
Noel Coogan. |
|
2008
|
Transition
year
After winning the JFC B title in 2006 and then reaching the
semi-finals stage in their first year back in the junior A championship,
Ballinacree club St BrigidÕs failed to emerge from the group stages in the
2008 race for the Matthew Ginnity Cup. |
|
2007
|
St.
Brigid's aiming to move up the grades
Situated in the north west corner of the county, St Brigid's
from Ballinacree is one of Meath's smallest GAA clubs but they held their
own in their first year back in the junior A grade in 2007, getting to the
semi-finals where they lost to eventual winners Clann na nGael. |
|
2006
|
Sky
blue in the rain
After losing out in the Junior B FC final in 2005, St Brigid's
made no mistake this year by going all the way and claiming the title as
they became the first holders of the Larry Kearns Cup. |
|
2005
|
Dream
double eludes Ballinacree men
St. Brigid's came tantalizingly close to capturing both the
junior B football championship and Division 4 titles in 2005. But their
failure to win either prize was a source of great disappointment to leading
scorer Tomas Blake. |
|
2004
|
Silverware
returns to Ballinacree
St. Brigid's collected their first piece of silverware in
a decade when they saw off Meath Hill in a closely fought Div 5 League final
at Kells on Sunday October 17. Fergal Hennessy reviewed the year. |
|
2003
|
Seeking
the promised land
St Brigid's, Ballinacree will have to wait another year to
regain their cherished Junior 'A' status, having been beaten at the quarter-final
stage of the 'B' competition in 2003. Club secretary Padraic Fanning believes
2004 could be the year when they return to the promised land. |
|
2002
|
Real
spirit
Deep among the rolling green pastures of northwest Meath,
a small group of Ballinacree Gaels keep their proud GAA flag flying high.
|
|
2001
|
A
Brigids runner
Athletics may be Mick Heery's abiding passion as far as the
world of sport is concerned but there'll always be a place for Gaelic football
in his heart. That said, all matters pertaining to Ballinacree are very
dear to him in fact as we found out in chatting to him. |
|
2000
|
Moving
on up?
St Brigid's of Ballinacree didn't enjoy the best of years
in 2000 but according to Niall Hennessy the club's future outlook looks
positive so don't be surprised to see them celebrating a Junior championship
win in the not to distant future. |
|
1999
|
St.
Brigid's aim for a swift return
A disappointing year for St. Brigid's, Ballinacree culminated
in relegation to the junior ranks. Team selector George Plunkett informs
Royal County of the club's burning ambition to make a quick return to intermediate
status in the season ahead. |
|
1998
|
The
belief in Brigids
Peter Farrelly represented Meath and London in championship
football, but his priorities always lay with St. Brigids. Royal County talks
to the affable football-aholic |
| |
|
| St.
Colmcilles |
|
2011
|
U14s
steal the show
In a year when their intermediate team once again underachieved,
St. ColmcilleÕs looked to their underage teams and, in particular, their
talented under 14s for encouragement as club chairman and former star Oliver
ÔJackserÕ Kavanagh explains. |
|
2010
|
The
life of Reilly
While St ColmcilleÕs may have underachieved in 2010 by failing
to reach the knockout stages of the IFC, their star player Graham Reilly
made the breakthrough on the inter-county stage and his relays his fairytale
season to David Jennings. |
|
2009
|
Junior
C side end 21-year wait
Although St ColmcilleÕs exited the IFC at the quarter-final
stage, there was some consolation for the seaside club with the second string
gaining outright honours in the Junior C FC, the clubÕs first adult championship
triumph in 21 years. |
|
2008
|
25
and 50 years ago
Eleven years after the St Colmcille's club was formed they
made a highly significant breakthrough by winning the Junior Football Championship
in 1983 with a team that included two young players who were soon to become
household names not alone in Meath, but on the national GAA scene. |
|
2007
|
Mixing
the good with the bad
Although St Colmcille's qualified from their five-team section
of the Lagan Group IFC, they finished that campaign on a low note when going
down surprisingly to an 11 points defeat to St Ultan's in a preliminary
quarter-final played under lights at Pairc Tailteann. |
|
2006
|
Plenty
of talent by the sea
While the men's football team may not have delivered on their
potential, there were enough encouraging signs within the St. Colmcille's
club to prove that the east-Meath outfit is certainly moving in the right
direction. |
|
2005
|
Seasiders
make waves
St. Colmcille's are expected to be among the leading contenders
for intermediate football championship honours in 2006 after reaching their
first semi-final in many years this season. Veteran full forward Mickey
Conlon believes that with greater consistency, they could be operating at
senior level before long. |
|
2004
|
The
production line keeps on rolling
So many other clubs around the county will undoubtedly have
taken note of the significant strides St. Colmcille's have been making in
recent times and that was certainly in evidence during 2004 when they highlighted
another progressive year by winning the Under-16 Football Championship.
|
|
2003
|
Young
and able
St. Colmcille's club was formed in 1971 and in 1973 they
captured their first success at under-14 level. Thirty years later the sons
of some of the panel of 1973 returned the compliment, delivering an U-14
Division 1 title to the club. |
|
2002
|
A
busy year
Success in the Reserve League Div. 2 proved to be the highlight
of the 2002 season for the St. Colmcille's adult football club. |
|
2001
|
Sky
blue heaven
There's nothing like an underage win to give everyone associated
with a club a big boost. The gaels of St Colmcille's know this only too
well having enjoyed some notable underage triumphs in recent years. This
year's U-12 Division I success was particularly sweet. Team manager Colm
Hilliard recounts his side's march to glory. |
|
2000
|
‘Cilles
on the comeback
When those entrusted with the task of selecting the Meath
GAA ‘Club of the Year' award sit down to choose the 2000 recipient,
St Colmcille's will undoubtedly feature high amongst the list of candidates. |
|
1999
|
A
minor disappointment
St. Colmcille's failed to make an impression in this year's
Intermediate championship but, according to club chairman and minor manager
Finbarr Ronan, there is light at the end of the tunnel. A wealth of underage
talent promises to propel the seaside club back amongst the elite of the
Royal County club scene. |
|
1998
|
A
club reborn
Bettystown outfit St. Colmcilles have had their fair share
of troubles in recent times, but according to intermediate manager Dermot
Hilliard, they're on the way back. |
| |
|
| St.
Marys |
|
2011
|
Encouraging
signs for St. MaryÕs
While another year in the Junior ÔBÕ championship may await
them, there were signs in 2011 that St. MaryÕs have turned the corner and
are ready to climb back up the football ladder again. |
|
2010
|
That
winning feeling returns to St. MaryÕs
After a few difficult years in the Junior Championship St
MaryÕs took the decision to seek regrading to the Junior B ranks for 2010
and their first campaign in the lower grade brought them as far as the semi-finals
where they were eliminated by Moynalty. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2009
|
Commitment
is not wanting
The members of St Mary's GFC reminisced on four decades
of activity when they celebrated their 40th anniversary in the CityNorth
Hotel earlier this year and the happenings of 1979 surely generated much
discussion and plenty of happy memories.
|
|
2008
|
Huge
investment in underage football in Donore
The work which will secure a bright and successful future
for St Mary's GFC was tackled with enthusiasm and determination during 2008
and all involved are to be applauded for their efforts to promote Gaelic
football among the youngest age groups in the club. |
|
2007
|
Patience
is the key
After a year of contrasting fortunes in league and championship
in 2006, St. Mary's probably went into '07 with the aim of achieving greater
consistency and with a burning desire to at least reach the knockout stages
of the Junior Football Championship. |
|
2006
|
Contrasting
fortunes
St. Mary's certainly experienced contrasting fortunes in
league and championship football during 2006. Their form in the A League
Div. 4 was so consistent that it brought them all the way to the final,
but the Junior Championship was dramatically different as they managed just
one victory from seven group matches and finished tied at the bottom with
St. Vincent's on two points. |
|
2005
|
Steady
progress
St. Mary's have a passionate desire to experience that winning
feeling in the Junior Football Championship again, but there was further
disappointment in the campaign gone by when they were eliminated in a preliminary
quarter-final by a Drumbaragh side which demonstrated considerable improvement
on the previous year. |
|
2004
|
Pipped
at the post
St. Mary's would undoubtedly have liked to mark the 25th
anniversary of their memorable Junior Football Championship triumph in 1979
by regaining the title this year, but it wasn't to be as they failed to
reach the knockout stages after a generally disappointing campaign. |
|
2003
|
Junior
hopes put on ice
St Mary's had high expectations for 2003, but one brief lapse
effectively cost them a place in the knockout stages of this year's junior
football championship. |
|
2002
|
In
search of Victory
St. Mary's prospects of claiming a first Junior Football
Championship title since 1979 were seriously undermined by the loss of several
key players for the 2002 campaign, but the Donore club remains upbeat about
the future and hopes are high that the coming year can be significantly
better given any sort of luck at all. |
|
2001
|
St.
Mary's look to the youth
It may have been a disappointing year for the St. Mary's
first team but the future could still have a silver lining according to
Pat Lenehan, junior selector and manager of the club's highly-rated under
17 team. |
|
2000
|
Craven
for success
St Mary's are still struggling to make it back to the Intermediate
ranks they departed four years ago. Niall Craven believes the club has to
get a few things right before that situation will change. |
|
1999
|
A
glimmer of hope
The Under 14 footballers of St. Mary's generated much optimism
for the club's future when they captured the Division 4 League title. Here
we talk to Francis Gogarty, manager of the successful team, about beating
Bective in the final, losing the championship decider to Yellow Furze and
what this success means to the club. |
|
1998
|
Been
there done that
He enjoyed the good times, he braved the bad but one characteristic
unified Liam Smith's career with St Mary's and Meath. That characteristic,
which will never die, was his sheer love for the game. |
| |
|
| St.
Michaels |
|
2011
|
Underage
success lifts St. MichaelÕs
In a year when their emigration-hit intermediate team failed
to live up to expectations, St. MichaelÕs looked to their underage sides
for inspiration and they certainly didnÕt disappoint with minor and under
16 league honours coming their way. |
|
2010
|
One
step further for St. MichaelÕs
Although progressing one step further in the Meath IFC than
in the previous two years, there was disappointment again for St MichaelÕs
when bowing out at the semi-final stage with a narrow defeat to local rivals
Carnaross. |
|
2009
|
Quarter-final
ending for second successive year
After running eventual winners St UltanÕs to two points in
a 2008 IFC quarter-final clash, St MichaelÕs looked a good bet to progress
further this year. However, that was not to be as they fell at the same
hurdle when losing to Kilmainhamwood. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2008
|
Brilliant
end to the year
When St Michael's lost their first two group games in the
2008 Intermediate Football Championship it looked odds on that they would
end up in a battle for survival in the grade just three years after winning
the junior title, but instead they picked things up to earn a quarter-final
place and also claim the Division 3 FL title. |
|
2007
|
Ladies
lead the way
There were plenty of red and black flags around Carlanstown
and Kilbeg in the autumn of 2005 when the St. Michael's men won the Junior
Football Championship and there was a fair amount of colour this year too
as the club's ladies scored a thoroughly merited victory in their JFC. |
|
2006
|
League
success
The main aim for any club which moves up a grade is to maintain
that status for the following year. St Michael's, Junior A champions in
2005, achieved that goal with considerable ease and had fortune been with
them on occasion, the Carlanstown outfit could well have been involved in
the business end of the intermediate championship. |
|
2005
|
St.
Michael's land the big prize
Of all the triumphant scenes that followed county finals
during 2005, one surely stands out more than any other. St. Michael's had
beaten Navan O'Mahonys to win the Junior Football Championship for the first
time since 1982 and everybody appeared to want to congratulate one of the
greatest Meath players of all time. |
|
2004
|
A
step away from the final
St. Michael's can look back on 2004 with a great deal of
satisfaction, despite missing out on Junior ‘A' Football Championship
honours, Ollie Cassidy reviewed the year. |
|
2003
|
Football
ladder
St. Michael's desperately want to move back up the football
ladder, but their hopes of doing so in 2003 were dashed at the quarter-final
stage in the Junior Championship when a highly talented Wolfe Tones side
beat them by six points at Kells. |
|
2002
|
Better
late than never!
Free-scoring St. Michael's attacker Daithi Regan was drafted
onto the Meath Senior panel for the first time in 2002, making numerous
appearances in the National League. Here he reviews his debut season with
the ‘Royals' and runs the rule over St. Michael's mixed fortunes in
the Junior Championship. |
|
2001
|
Out
on a high
In the times that are in it, clubs often find it difficult
to secure some continuity as far as the top table is concerned. In most
GAA clubs, it's a case of musical chairs from one AGM to another. At the
St. Michael's club, however, they've had the same chairman for the last
13 years. Gabriel Curtis take a bow. |
|
2000
|
U-16's
point direction to bright horizon
It was not all doom and gloom in St Michael's during 2000.
Okay, so junior football in 2001 may not appeal to a club with such a proud
tradition but the performances of their U16s in capturing the Division 4
crown suggests that more adult success may be just around the corner. Royal
County talks to Juvenile chairman Jimmy Farrelly who was also a selector
with the victorious team. |
|
1999
|
Tom
puts his thumb on it
St. Michaels return to the Intermediate grade this year didn't
have the happy ending that supporters of the Carlanstown club had hoped
for. Shane O'Brien caught up with long serving defender Tom Halpin who offered
his opinions as to why St. Michaels failed to make the knockout stages of
the championship. |
|
1998
|
The
stuff that Dreams are made of
St. Michael's has proven to be a home from home for Jim O'Reilly.
Royal County chews the fat with a North Meath stalwart. |
| |
|
| St.
Pats |
|
2011
|
Perhaps
the best year ever for St. PatÕs
When St PatrickÕs commenced their SFC campaign with a victory
over Walterstown and followed that with a win against defending champions
Skryne they looked to be well on course for a place in the knockout stages,
but two minimum margin defeats followed which derailed their qualification
prospects. |
|
2010
|
PatÕs
secure in their senior status
St PatrickÕs are a team which nobody dares to take for granted
in the Senior Football Championship, but after achieving some highly commendable
results in last yearÕs race for the Keegan Cup and reaching the knockout
stages they were less successful in 2010 and didnÕt progress beyond the
group phase. |
|
2009
|
Pushing
to get through to the last four
Over the last few years St PatrickÕs have consistently
reached the last eight or nine of the Meath SFC but advancing to the final
four has proved beyond them. In 2009 the Stamullen side again qualified
from the group stages before losing to Summerhill in a closely contested
quarter-final. By Noel Coogan.
|
|
2007
|
Injuries
take their toll on Pat's
St. Patrick's hopes of reaching their fourth senior football
championship quarter-final in five years were ruined by a crippling injury
list according to their long-serving defender Niall Russell who, along with
former county star Cormac Murphy, announced his retirement in the wake of
the play-off defeat to Navan O'Mahony's. |
|
2006
|
Close
to ending the quarter-final bogey
Although St Patrick's were the form team going into the knockout
stages of the Commons Hardware Meath SFC, and they finished the group phase
with the best score difference (plus 43 points), they bowed out when losing
to Wolfe Tones at the quarter-final stage. |
|
2005
|
Sullivan's
travels
Cormac Sullivan was his usual assured self at the heart of
the St Patrick's midfield in 2005, as the Stamullen men blazed their way
to the knockout stage of the county SFC, only to come unstuck with a disappointing
quarter-final defeat to Dunboyne at Ratoath on Sunday September 11. Gerry
Robinson spoke to the former Meath goalie about the Pats' impressive group
campaign and the increased expectations that go hand-in-hand with improved
form. |
|
2004
|
Making
hurling history
The strongholds of hurling in Meath have generally been based
in the south of the county, but a club from the east made a very noteworthy
and satisfactory breakthrough in 2004 when St. Patrick's won their first
adult title in the small ball code. |
|
2003
|
Closing
in on that shamrock day
St. Patrick's didn't win the Meath Senior Football Championship
in 2003, but their campaign certainly represented one of the success stories
in the race for the Keegan Cup. |
|
2002
|
“Not
so bad after all”
St. Patrick's will look ahead to the 2003 season in the hope
that they can make a much greater impact in the Senior Football Championship
after enduring a less than smooth campaign in 2002 when circumstances didn't
work in their favour. |
|
2001
|
St.Pat's
comfortably hold their own
St. Patrick's made their long-awaited return in the senior
ranks this year and came tantalizingly close to qualifying for the knock-out
stages. Club stalwart Myra O'Flaherty believes that it was a satisfactory
year for the Stamullen outfit. |
|
2000
|
St.
Patrick's are Intermediate champions ... at last
‘Perseverance brings success' was the title of the Walterstown
club's comprehensive history which was published in the mid 1980's. If the
maxim applied to Walterstown, then it is even more appropriate for the patient
footballers of St. Patricks. |
|
1999
|
Ivan-ho
No!
Royal County talks to St. Pats veteran Ivan Curran about
another disappointing year for the Stamullen club and their prospects of
gaining that elusive championship win in the not too distant future. |
|
1998
|
The
final hurdle
St Patricks are to the 90s what Dunderry were in the 80s,
an Intermediate final nightmare. Royal County reviews the year and argues
the future is bright. |
| |
|
| St.
Pauls |
|
2011
|
PaulÕs
and proud
After their run to last yearÕs JFC ÔBÕ quarter-final, St.
PaulÕs had high hopes of building on that this year. Alas, it wasnÕt to
be, but key forward Fergal OÕNeill refuses to be disheartened and is convinced
that better days lie ahead. |
|
2010
|
A
step in the right direction for St. PaulÕs
The last few years have been difficult for St PaulÕs with
all the uncertainty over where they could call home, but the clubÕs footballers
gave their supporters a fair bit to cheer about during the 2010 Junior B
Championship as they successfully negotiated the group stages. By Paul Clarke.
|
|
2009
|
PaulÕs
aim for a home of their own
Ten years ago St. PaulÕs were promoted to intermediate level
but in the intervening time they have moved back two grades of football.
A win over this yearÕs JFC ÔBÕ champions shows they are capable of making
the step up, all they need now is for the council to give them planning
permission for a new pitch in Clonee. By David Sheehan. |
|
2008
|
Trials
and tribulations
After a year that must have been difficult, disruptive and
somewhat sad in 2007, St Paul's made good progress in the Junior B Football
Championship this term, so much so that they advanced from the divisional
stages to play knockout football in late summer. |
|
2007
|
End
of one road for St Paul's
St. Paul's this year bade an emotional farewell to their
pitch in Clonee which is situated on the site of the new M3 Motorway. Despite
being without a home, the club is determined to carry on as chairman and
junior team selector John Curry explains. |
|
2006
|
Pauls
on parade
St. Paul's managed three victories and a draw in Group A
of the 2006 Junior B Football Championship, but a tally of seven points
in the qualifying stages wasn't sufficient to earn the Clonee side a place
in the business end of the competition. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2005
|
St.
Pauls never stop
There's no other GAA pitch in Meath that experiences the
volumes of traffic passing by its gates on a daily basis than that of St
Paul's. Yet, paradoxically, St Paul's are largely an unknown entity in Meath
GAA circles. By Gordon Manning. |
|
2004
|
A
brighter note
St. Paul's suffered their second successive relegation in
the league in 2004 (having dropped down from Div 3 the previous year) and
will ply their trade in Division 5 next year. |
|
2003
|
Watch
us go next year!
Nothing went according to plan for St Pauls in 2003 but the
team spirit and sense of camaraderie amongst the club is such that centre
forward Philip Connolly forecasts a dramatic return to form for the Clonee
men in the coming season. |
|
2002
|
All
change for St. Pauls
After two years competing at intermediate level St. Paul's
were relegated to junior ranks at the end of 2001, instead of bouncing back,
a combination of injuries and defections saw the Clonee side barely hold
onto Junior A status. |
|
2001
|
Through
the trapdoor
St Paul's were all set to enjoy life after breaking out of
the junior ranks in 1999. But in just their second year as an intermediate
side, they could not evade the dreaded drop, and will be back as a junior
side next summer. |
|
2000
|
Moyles
better
South Meath club St Paul's enjoyed a relatively successful
first season in the intermediate grade, consolidating their position in
the championship before going on to win the league late in the year. Predictably,
county man Anthony Moyles was again one of their key men in 2000. |
|
1999
|
St.
Paul's bypass Junior grade
St. Paul's arrived in the big time this year when they got
their hands on the Matthew Ginnity Cup. Royal County reports on an historic
year for the Clonee club. |
|
1998
|
Donnelly
the sponsor
Royal County meets Martin Donnelly who finds time out from
a hectic schedule which sees him treble up as sponsor of the Clare footballers,
the Poc Fada and St. Paul's. |
| |
|
| St.
Ultans |
|
2011
|
UltanÕs
retain status
St. UltanÕs PRO Tom Lynch is refusing to blame emigration
for a difficult 2011 which saw the club avoid relegation to the junior ranks
by virtue of a relegation playoff victory over parish rivals Cortown.
|
|
2010
|
UltanÕs
bow out, but theyÕll be back
That memorable day at Pairc Tailteann in the autumn of
2008 seemed a long time ago on the first Saturday of September this year
when St UltanÕs concluded a very difficult Senior Football Championship
campaign by surrendering their status in the top flight. By Paul Clarke.
|
|
2009
|
UltanÕs
have no problems mixing it with the best
Teams promoted from the Intermediate ranks always relish
the challenge that mixing it with the big boys brings, but facing up to
and matching that challenge thrown down by more experienced and battle-hardened
sides is always a tough task. By David Sheehan. |
|
2008
|
Welcome
to the top table
The tension was high around the dressing room area under
the stand at Pairc Tailteann approaching 4.0 on the first Sunday of October
this year. Parish rivals St Ultan's and Cortown were preparing to race out
onto the beautifully manicured Navan pitch for surely the most talked-about
IFC final in the history of the competition. |
|
2007
|
Pushing
hard for a double promotion
As St. Ultan's review their first campaign back in the intermediate
ranks they can certainly take encouragement for the years ahead as they
aim to make that giant step up to play with the big boys in the Senior Football
Championship. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2006
|
Bohermeen
men
A number of teams from Bohermeen parish have won the Meath
Junior Football Championship down the decades and St Ultan's were picking
up the title for the second time in seven years when becoming the latest
recipients of the Matthew Ginnity Cup in October. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2005
|
Good,
but not quite good enough
St Ultan's launched a two-pronged attack on silverware in
2005. Though they lost only four competitive matches over the course of
the season and were in the shake-up for honours in both the league (Division
Three) and the JFC, the Bohermeen Black & Green finished the year empty-handed,
much to the frustration of gifted attacker Paul Murray. |
|
2004
|
The
team to beat
St Ultan's gained promotion from Div 4 of the league and
bowed out of the Junior ‘A' Football Championship, when they went under
to eventual winners Ratoath in the quarter-finals. Colm Travers reviewed
an eventful year for the club. |
|
2003
|
Hurt
yet proud
They are still trying to pick up the pieces around Bohermeen.
Still trying to figure out where it all went wrong, why it all went wrong
in 2003. St Ultan's are a proud club, and relegation to junior football
has hurt. |
|
2002
|
St
Ultan's family affair
During a period nearly a century ago, a team called Bohermeen
made winning the Meath senior football title look as simple as taking sweets
off a baby. They won the championship six-years in a row between 1909 and
1914. Since then no other club managed a similar sequence of success. |
|
2001
|
Rogers
revels in saintly role
Amidst the highly-vaunted, bright young football talent at
St. Ultan's, Gary Rogers stands out as one of the brightest. A run with
the Meath seniors and a central role with the Meath juniors reflects his
innate promise. |
|
2000
|
St.
Ultan's bounce back
Football people in the Bohermeen/Martry area are united as
one happy family following the Junior Football Championship triumph by St.
Ultan's last September. |
|
1999
|
Back
in the limelight
Following a few years in the wilderness, St. Ultan's returned
to the Meath Ladies roll of honour this year after capturing the Intermediate
Football Championship crown. Team manager Jim Fitzsimons relives the profitable
year. |
|
1998
|
Hope
never dies
1998 was supposed to be a good year for St. Ultans after
a promising ‘97. Vincent Rennicks explains to Royal County where things
went wrong and offers the opinion that dedication will bring success. |
| |
|
| St.
Vincents |
|
2011
|
Silverware
for St. VincentÕs
In a year when they narrowly missed out on a place in the
JFC ÔBÕ final, silverware came St. VincentÕs way in the form of a Division
5 league title, making John SheridanÕs return to the managerÕs position
a successful one. |
|
2010
|
VincentÕs
pushing hard for that breakthrough
St VincentÕs bid to get back to the Junior B Football Championship
final met with disappointment again in 2010 when they were eliminated at
the penultimate hurdle by TrimÕs second string after they had pulled off
a dramatic victory over St PaulÕs in the quarter-finals. By Paul Clarke.
|
|
2009
|
St
VincentÕs left reeling in Ôwhat might have beenÕ
Widely regarded as one to watch in the Junior B Football
Championship this term, especially after securing the services of Martin
Barry, St VincentÕs didnÕt scale the heights that most predicted but David
Jennings reflected on how lady luck failed to shine on them in 2009. |
|
2008
|
The
final fence
After experiencing all the joy, excitement and elation that
goes with winning the title in dramatic fashion five year earlier, St Vincent's
were at the receiving end in the Junior B FC final in 2008 when the Donaghmore/Ashbourne
second string defeated them on a wet Saturday at Pairc Tailteann. |
|
2007
|
Vincent's
junior assignment failed
St Vincent's have a proud tradition in footballing circles
but 2007 proved a frustrating year for the Ardcath club as they were forced
to suffer the unfortunate fate of being relegated to the ranks of Junior
B. |
|
2006
|
Mixing
it with the big boys
An unfortunate run of narrow defeats, three of them by a
single point, ruined St. Vincent's chances of making it through to the knock-out
stages of the Junior Football Championship, but at least the Ardcath side
maintained their status in the battle for the Matthew Ginnity Cup for another
year and can live in hope that 2007 will bring better fortunes. |
|
2005
|
Ardcath
alive
St Vincent's hit the headlines when capturing the 2005 Meath
U14 FL Division 3B title, beating Dunsany in the final on May 23. It was
a landmark victory for the Ardcath outfit, who are engaged in an ongoing
battle against unforgiving demographics. Hopes are high that further success
will follow as the plucky Vincents endeavour to thrive against all odds. |
|
2004
|
A
shining example
St. Vincent's retained their the Junior ‘A' football
status for another year when they defeated Moynalty in a relegation play-off
at the tail end of the seasons. Chairman Gerry Tuite, and juvenile secretary
Ambrose O'Sullivan reviewed the year. |
|
2003
|
Late
penalty
The Junior B FC decider provided the most dramatic conclusion
to any of the Meath championship finals in 2003 with St Vincent's snatching
the title in sensational fashion with a late, late goal from a penalty.
|
|
2002
|
A
step in the right direction
The winds of change may have started to blow around Ardcath
in the past year. The St. Vincent's footballers reached the semi-final of
the junior B championship, the final of Division Five in the league and
claimed their first under-12 title in 22 years. |
|
2001
|
Ardcath's
Hill
Even in success-spoiled Meath, rich pastures don't entirely
dominate the county's football landscape. Amidst all the rich oasis of the
big ball game in the Royal County, areas like Ardcath yearn for a place
in the sun - at least just the odd time. |
|
2000
|
The
fast lane
Shay Lane was better known to everybody as “Shortie”.
Born and raised in Duleek in the 1950s, he showed even at an early age great
potential on the football field. He was part of the Duleek U14 team that
won county titles in 1970 and 1971. |
|
1999
|
St.Vincent's
remain upbeat
Highlights were few and far between for St. Vincent's in
1999. Hopeful of an upswing in fortunes in the coming season is youthful
club secretary, John Tuite. |
|
1998
|
No
Bowens about it
St. Vincent's Ardcath haven't been enjoying the best of times
recently. Royal County asks chairman Pat Bowens what the reasons behind
their poor form are and about the chances of them bouncing back in the not
to distant future. |
| |
|
| Summerhill
|
|
2011
|
Champions
once more
Paraic Lyons must have been tired listening to people reminding
him that he was the last Summerhill captain to be presented with the Keegan
Cup. To the delight off all involved with the club that distinction now
rests with Tony McDonnell after he led them to a first SFC title in 25 years
during 2011. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2010
|
County
and club calling
When Royal County made contact with Meath PRO Ann McDonnell
for this interview she was in Costello Print putting the finishing touches
to the match programme for Skryne's Leinster Club SFC semi-final clash against
Rhode of Offaly. |
|
2009
|
A
top four side
SummerhillÕs long wait for a return to the top of the Meath
football charts continues after they fell at the penultimate round in the
race for the Keegan Cup in 2009. For the second time in three years Seneschalstown
dashed their title hopes. |
|
2008
|
You
have to lose one before you win one
It was inevitable that sooner rather than later somebody
was going to suffer at the hands of Navan O'Mahonys in an SFC final . Unfortunately
for Summerhill it was them as the Brews Hill team made up for defeats at
the last hurdle in the previous two years by beating the other Hill XV in
the 2008 decider. |
|
2007
|
All
set to deliver
After spending a few years fighting survival battles, Summerhill
are moving in the right direction again and in 2007 qualifying for the quarter-finals
of the SFC was significant progress for their young side. |
|
2006
|
20
years on
Twenty years ago Paraic Lyons was basking in that sunny feeling
that comes with leading your club to the ultimate prize in Meath football.
Summerhill had beaten Seneschalstown in the final at Kells and were crowned
Senior Football Championship winners for the first time in nine years and
the fifth time in all. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2005
|
Glory
days to return?
After unprecedented success at minor and U21 levels in recent
years, Summerhill appear on the cusp of a return to prominence. County Board
treasurer Colm Gannon, who figured on the side that took Meath and Leinster
by storm in the mid-seventies, is confident that the present crop has something
unique to offer. Moreover, he believes that within three years the Keegan
Cup will nestle in Summerhill once again and talk of the glory years will
finally subside. |
|
2004
|
Minor
and league success
By taking a first MFC in 62 years and adding the ACFL Division
1 title later in the year, Summerhill's future has never looked brighter. |
|
2003
|
Coming
of age
Summerhill captured the 2003 Meath under 21 football championship
when defeating Seneschalstown by 0-16 to 1-10 in a thrilling replayed final
at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday November 23rd. |
|
2002
|
October
joy
Two Sundays in late October gave Summerhill's supporters
plenty to cheer about. First came a victory over Oldcastle that secured
the senior team's survival in the top flight and a week later the Junior
‘B' side completed a memorable campaign by winning their particular
championship, defeating Walterstown in the final. |
|
2001
|
Historic
underage success
The Summerhill U-16s carved a niche for themselves in the
history of the club last July when defeating O'Mahony's to claim the Benny
Caffrey cup for the first time ever. Club juvenile chairman and team mentor
Mick McGlynn recounts the team's road to glory. |
|
2000
|
Knockout
blows
For the past two years Summerhill have faltered at the quarter-final
stage. Jarlath Hughes talks about the need to move on a step. |
|
1999
|
Nearing
the ‘Hill's summit
How a club fared in a year is normally determined by the
amount of cups or trophies on display in the trophy cabinet but while silverware
may have proved a scarce commodity for Summerhill GFC in 1999, the performance
of their teams from minor to junior ‘C' to Reserve League and senior
will have provided the club's supporters with the second best thing to success,
optimism for the future. |
| |
|
| Syddan
|
|
2011
|
Much
better from Syddan
Relegation candidates in 2010, Syddan were much improved
this year when they came within a whisker of reaching the knockout stages
of the IFC. And had it not been for an unfortunate run of injuries, Syddan
captain Pauric Young believes they would have been in the shake-up for Mattie
McDonnell Cup honours. |
|
2010
|
Derby
win keeps Syddan safe
Since losing the replayed final to Duleek in 2005, Syddan
have only managed to reach the closing stages of the Meath IFC once and
this year their only cause for celebration was defeating local rivals Castletown
in the last round of the group phase to avoid going into the relegation
play-offs. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2009
|
Clear
of present danger
Syddan achieved only one victory in the 2009 Intermediate
Football Championship, but when it did arrive it was priceless. A decade
after they won the title things were so very different as they struggled
to avoid a relegation dogfight and steered themselves clear of one with
a win over Clann na nGael in their last group game. By Paul Clarke. |
|
2008
|
Tradition
remains strong
After failing to reach the closing stages of the Lagan Group
Intermediate Football Championship in each of the previous two years, Syddan
did better in the 2008 competition when winning four of their seven outings,
drawing one and losing two. |
|
2007
|
Agonisingly
close for Syddan
Syddan went agonisingly close to rejoining the senior ranks in 2005 when
they lost the Intermediate Football Championship final to Duleek after a
replay and the natural progression appeared to suggest that they would go
all the way last year. |
|
2006
|
A
year of memories
After losing the replayed IFC final to Duleek in 2005, Syddan
had good reason to be hopeful of rejoining the senior ranks this time round
but their hopes were dashed when injuries robbed them of key players for
crunch group games. On a happier note memories of their fourth and most
recent SFC success were recalled at a function held at the Newtown Country
Club in mid-September. By Liam O'Rourke. |
|
2005
|
Don't
look back in anger
Having lost the 2005 Meath intermediate football championship
final by one point after a replay, Syddan could be forgiven for looking
back on the year with something bordering on contempt. But this is not the
case. Veteran attacker Trevor Gilsenan reckons that, despite the obvious
disappointment of having been edged out by Duleek at Pairc Tailteann on
the second day of October, '05 nonetheless represented a thoroughly decent
year for the Green & Gold, who retain a positive outlook going into the
new season. |
|
2004
|
Penalty
woe
When Syddan bridged a gap of half a century in late 2003
by winning the Feis Cup they must have started to think that it was really
only a matter of time before they would achieve an even greater ambition
- that of being a senior club again. |
|
2003
|
One
step away
Syddan have a burning ambition to make it back to the senior
ranks, but Navan O'Mahonys frustrated their attempts in 2003 when eliminating
the north Meath side at the semi-final stage of the Intermediate Football
Championship. |
|
2002
|
Syddan's
Grand Master
Paddy Meegan had a long and distinguished career with club
and county. Here he recalls some of the highs and lows. |
|
2001
|
Mission:
Bounce back
Just two years after the jubilation of intermediate championship
success, Syddan find themselves back in that grade after relegation from
the senior ranks in 2001. But experienced defender Frank McKenna believes
the club's familiarity with the middle tier will help them back to the top
level at the first time of asking. |
|
2000
|
Syddan
savours senior status
Talked about as relegation candidates at the ouset of the
championship, the men from Syddan proved their doubters wrong. |
|
1999
|
Back
in the big time
Fifty years on from their first senior title, Syddan claimed
the intermediate crown with a second half come-back that will go down in
history. Royal County charts their success. |
|
|
| Trim
|
|
2011
|
Heffernan
quietly confident
Trim hurlers have been quietly making strides in the last
couple of years and after last year's semi final appearance, there were
hopes that similar progress could be made. |
|
2010
|
Transition
time in Trim
One of the greatest footballers Trim has ever produced performed
the dual role of manager and player with the clubÕs senior team in 2010
and while they didnÕt challenge for a place in the knockout stages of the
championship, they undoubtedly derived a great deal of pleasure from their
victory over Simonstown Gaels in the last round of group matches. By Paul
Clarke. |
|
2009
|
Out
of luck
A glance at Trim's results in the 2009 Senior Football Championship
suggests that, with any sort of decent luck at all, they might well have
reached the knockout stages. But instead they ended up nearer the bottom
than the top of their section and well out of contention for a place in
the business end of the race for the Keegan Cup. |
|
2008
|
Early
exits for both senior combinations
Trim possess a fervent desire to bridge the gap back to their
last Senior Hurling Championship title in 2001, but their thoughts during
the majority of this year's campaign weren't of lifting the Jubilee Cup,
but of holding onto their status in the premier grade. |
|
2007
|
Trim
hurlers' wait continues
Just like their football counterparts, the Trim hurlers failed
to advance from the group stages of the Senior Championship in 2007 because
of an inferior score difference and itÕs now a case of looking to next year
in the hope of adding a 27th title. |
|
2006
|
Near
and far
ÔThe Keegan Cup is likely to find a home in the shadow of
King John's Castle in the not too distant future' it was suggested in an
article about Trim in the 2002 Meath GAA Yearbook. They were beaten SFC
finalists that year and despite some very promising form since then, the
Reds are not any closer to making the big breakthrough. |
|
2005
|
Trim
keep on knocking
For the third successive year, Trim fell at the penultimate hurdle in the
Meath Senior Football Championship in 2005. After Simonstown Gaels twice
ended their dreams of glory, last September the Reds were well beaten by
Blackhall Gaels and the gap going back to their only Keegan Cup triumph
in 1962 gets wider. By Noel Coogan. |
|
2004
|
The
darkest hour is the one before dawn
Trim's heavy defeat by Simonstown in the SFC semi-final underlines
the difficulties faced by dual clubs who reach the business end of championships
in both codes, claims club secretary Fergal Flanagan. |
|
2003
|
Caught
on the hop
When Trim reached the Meath SFC final in 2002 they had an
extra incentive to lift the title as that year marked the 40th anniversary
of their only outright success in the championship. |
|
2002
|
A
good year
The dream of winning a first Senior Football Championship
in 40 years ended in bitter disappointment for Trim, but the 2002 campaign
suggested that the Keegan Cup is likely to find a home in the shadow of
King John's Castle in the not too distant future. |
|
2001
|
Jubilation
for Trim
In a year in which the GAA introduced a ‘back door'
All-Ireland football championship for the first time, Trim stumbled upon
a spare key to take the Meath Senior Hurling Championship title for the
26th time. |
|
2000
|
Marvellous
Murray
Trim captain Benny Murray got his hands on the Jubilee Cup
this year but would have preferred circumstances to have been a little different.
|
|
1999
|
A
Frank insight
Meath selector Frank Foley looks back on a year which was
wonderful for the county and disappointing for the club. |
| |
|
| Walterstown
|
|
2011
|
BlacksÕ
revival continues apace
WalterstownÕs disappointment at losing a second successive
SFC quarter-final was tempered by the realisation that they have improved
beyond recognition under Mick OÕBrienÕs guidance in the past two seasons.
|
|
2010
|
Walterstown
regain that winning feeling
After winning just one game in the group stages of the Meath
SFC in the previous three years, Walterstown, with the clubÕs most successful
manager, Mick OÕBrien, back at the helm, showed considerable improvement
to reach the last eight where they lost narrowly to Dunboyne. By Noel Coogan.
|
|
2009
|
Dark
days for the Blacks
The once-mighty Walterstown have hit upon lean times and
in the 2009 Meath Senior Football Championship the Blacks failed to win
a game from five outings and were involved in a relegation play-off for
the second successive year. |
|
2008
|
Pride
in the black jersey
It was case of dŽjˆ vu for Joey Farrelly and his Walterstown
team-mates in 2008 when they became embroiled in the SFC relegation play-off
but, just as twelve months previously, they overcame Kilmainhamwood to preserve
their senior status and the long serving midfielder predicts better things
to come in 2009. By Shane OÕBrien. |
|
2007
|
A
close escape
There was a time when it would be a surprise if Walterstown
did not reach the closing stages of the Meath SFC. However, there was a
different scenario this year with the Blacks finishing at the bottom of
their group and having to win a relegation play-off in order to avoid the
drop to intermediate ranks. |
|
2006
|
Able
and ready
Anybody who watched Walterstown concede four goals and go
down heavily to reigning champions Dunboyne in their opening Senior Football
Championship match couldn't possibly have predicted the manner in which
they would recover to win their remaining six divisional games and finish
on top of the pile. |
|
2005
|
50/50
for Walterstown and John
Walterstown's 2005 SFC form was hit and miss. From their
seven group outings, they won three, lost three and drew one Ð a precise
50% record. It wasn't enough to book a place in the business end of the
Keegan Cup competition, however, much to the obvious disappointment of powerful
midfielder John Davis. |
|
2004
|
Solid
foundation
This time two decades ago Walterstown were looking back on
a third successive Meath Senior Football Championship title and a fifth
in seven years. They may not be at that level right now but the foundations
are in place to make a surge in the near future. |
|
2003
|
A
league of their own
While Walterstown once again suffered disappointment in the
Meath SFC, there was some consolation in the annexation of the All County
Division 1 League title for the first time, with a dramatic final victory
over holders Dunshaughlin. |
|
2002
|
Daylight
robbery
Walterstown's dream of winning a first Senior Football Championship
in 18 years was alive and very well 12 minutes into the second half of their
quarter-final against Trim at Dunsany. They led by eight points and were
playing high quality football despite kicking 10 wides. |
|
2001
|
Progress
for the Blacks
Amazingly it is nearly 20 years since Walterstown last brought
the coveted Keegan Cup out the road to Johnstown. But through 2001 a young
Blacks selection continually placed down markers to say further glory days
lay ahead. |
|
2000
|
Let
the good times roll ...
With the amount of residential developments being currently
erected in Johnstown and its surrounding environs, Walterstown supporters
are rubbing their hands at the thoughts of the benefits the club should
derive from the increase in numbers. Walterstown secretary Sean O'Brien
reveals that plans are in place to maximise the potential which the population
increase should provide. |
|
1999
|
The
Walterstown School of Coaching
Former Walterstown players appear to be a popular choice
amongst clubs throughout the county when it comes to selecting the coach
for the coming year. Some have even enjoyed success on the intercounty front.
Royal County profiles the men who graduated from the Walterstown school
of coaching. |
| |
|
| Wolfe
Tones |
|
2011
|
McLoughlin
ready for new challenge
The Wolfe Tones club emerged on the senior stage in 2005
having won back to back junior and intermediate titles. Having consolidated
their place in the senior ranks in their first year, the Kilberry/Oristown
outfit caused a sensation by lifting the Keegan Cup twelve months later. |
|
2010
|
Tones
hurlers claim junior honours
In a year when the senior footballers of Wolfe Tones fell
short in their latest attempt to replicate the Keegan Cup success of 2006,
the club still had something to celebrate with the junior hurling team gaining
championship glory with a thrilling final victory over Kilskyre. |
|
2009
|
Marathon
run just falls short
As the Wolfe Tones players headed away from Pairc Tailteann
on the first Thursday night of November this year it was hardly of any consolation
to them that they had played a huge part in two gripping encounters to decide
the destination of the Senior Football Championship. |
|
2008
|
No
senior but silverware all the same
Wolfe Tones' hopes of winning the Senior Football Championship
for the second time in three years faltered at the semi-final hurdle when
Summerhill avenged an earlier group defeat to qualify for their first decider
since 1990. |
|
2007
|
Tones
get a rest at last
It is often said that successfully defending a title can
be more difficult than winning it in the first place and Wolfe Tones found
that out when failing to advance from the group stages of the 2007 Commons
Hardware Meath SFC. |
|
2005
|
Tones
comfortable at the top table
They say all good things must come to an end. And while Cormac
Reilly's final whistle on September 10th did mark the end of an amazing
few years for the GAA folk of Kilberry/Oristown, Brendan Boylan feels that
Wolfe Tones proved enough in their first year back in the top flight to
suggest that they may not be out of the limelight for very long. |
|
2004
|
Historic
achievement by Wolfe Tones
For those of us who can cast our minds back for a period
of 30 years, there is the compelling memory of the day that St. Johns beat
St. Vincents to win the intermediate championship. |
|
2003
|
Hard
graft at underage pays dividends
There is an old saying that goes along the lines of ‘long
threatening comes at last' and so it was in 2003 from the Wolfe Tones footballers.
|
|
2002
|
Mission
accomplished
Wolfe Tones returned to the senior grade at the first time
of asking when they overcame a spirited challenge from Kilskyre in the Intermediate
Hurling Championship decider at a wind and rain swept Athboy on Sunday October
20. With weather conditions reducing the contest to a lottery, club secretary
and centre half back Aidan Jordan was happy to have the winning ticket.
|
|
2001
|
‘Tones
enjoy their best ever year
Wolfe Tones came agonisingly close to winning the 2001 Meath
JFC. The Oristown/Kilberry/Gibbstown combination went all the way to the
county final, only to suffer the disappointment of defeat at the hands of
Curraha after a replay. But make no mistake: the Tones will be back. Intermediate
football is just around the corner. |
|
2000
|
‘An
Ever present'
Tom Claire arrived in Wilkinstown in the early seventies
from his native Ashbourne via Duleek. Since then he has been an integral
member of the Wolfe Tones club and is one of their most dedicated clubmen. |
|
1999
|
Silver
Jubilee
GAA President Joe McDonagh helped the members of the Wolfe
Tones club celebrate their silver jubilee this year at a function in the
Headfort Arms Hotel, Kells on Sunday, 24th October. Royal County takes a
look back at an eventful quarter of a century. |
|
1998
|
|
| |
|