Since winning the senior championship for the first time in 2008, Castledaly have failed to build on that success, although
being crowned Division 1 league champions last year is certainly seen as a step in the right direction.

Former Roscommon footballer Enon Gavin has been replaced as manager by another well known inter-county player and former All-Star, Meath's Graham Geraghty and club secretary Joe Sheerin explained to 'Maroon & White' that no stone will be left unturned in their quest to lift the Flanagan Cup once again.
Failure to get out of the group stages was hard to take for the former champions, despite a decent start to the campaign when they opened with a draw and a win from their opening two matches.
"We played The Downs in our opening match and this was a game that we felt we should have won. We were on top for long periods, but just couldn't put them away and it ended up being a draw," said Joe.
The next outing saw the 2008 champions play St Malachy's and they really found their form in this game running out six-point victors on a scoreline of 2-8 to 1-5. Despite missing a number of players through injury and emigration, Castledaly produced an impressive display against Mullingar Shamrocks in the third round of group matches to earn their second draw of the campaign.
"We were missing a few lads for the Shamrocks game, but in fairness the lads that were there played very well and we could have easily won that match. But, it was good to come away with a point."
Following the Shamrocks game, Castledaly were due to play Garrycastle a couple of weeks later, but the game was brought forward at the request of the defending champions, which didn't suit their opponents and this reflected in the scoreline.
"The Garrycastle game was moved at short notice and it certainly didn't suit us as we were missing a good few, but in fairness we were very poor on the regardless of who we had playing. It was the worst performance of the year by a long stretch."
Even though it was still all to play for going into the last match against Tyrrellspass, Joe admits that the effort was not as intense as it had been at the start of the championship.
"The bite just wasn't there by the time the last game came around and we were easily defeated. It was a disappointing end to the campaign, but the loss of key players during the year, didn't help our cause."
Of course one of the losses not only effected the club, but the county also as Westmeath stalwart Derek Heavin was forced to hang up his boots after he suffered a horrific knee injury during the Leinster semi final defeat to Louth.
"Derek was a pivotal part of the team for many years and an inspiration to all around him. He will be sorely missed on the playing field as he has been a great servant to club and county for many years.
"We also lost Brendan and Paul Kelly last year as they headed off travelling for the year, while we had a few other lengthy injuries that didn't help us, but to be fair we have a strong panel and the players to come into replace them."
Castledaly's league form was impressive to say the least as they recorded only one defeat throughout the campaign and that was to Mullingar Shamrocks which left them with a record of played nine, won four, drawn four and lost one.
The defining game came in the last round of matches when they needed a point from their clash against St Loman's and despite the Mullingar side having little to play for as they were relegated, a close contest ensued and there was nothing to separate the sides at the final whistle as they played out a 1-12 each draw.
"It was nice to win the league and to go through the whole campaign and pick up just one defeat was good. It wasn't always easy to get lads out for midweek games, but in fairness they all made a big effort and it was worthwhile in the end."
Joe admits that the aim for this year is to win the championship and he revealed that a committee was put in place to find a manager, whose reputation would send out a message to other clubs.
"The decision was made months ago to put in a big effort this year and a committee was formed to find a new manager. We went up and met Graham and we were pleased by his attitude towards us and we are delighted that he is on board for the year.
"The onus is now on the players to put the effort in. We know we have the panel of players to do very well. There are a few young lads coming through also and that will help the cause.
"We have no lads heading off at the moment, but when the summer comes and college is over that could be a different story. Hopefully, lads can get sorted with work around here. It's tough times and you can't blame them for heading off, work is more important than the GAA."
The club's underage structure is in a healthy state according to Joe and success in the under-16 'B' championship bodes well for the future.
"We beat Delvin in the final of the under-16 B and this was a great game of football played at a very decent standard. There was only a point separating the sides at the end and there are a number of lads on that team who have a very bright future in the game."
Joe revealed that the club is fortunate to have decent numbers looking after the relevant teams at underage level, which is proving very beneficial to the youngsters playing.
"The only grade that we struggled to field at was minor, all the rest are in a fairly healthy state. We try to have three adults look after each of the teams and we find this very effective," added Joe, who is in his fourth year as adult secretary, having served as underage secretary for the previous 17 years.
This year is set to be a massive year for the club at senior as they seek another county title. There is no doubt that Castledaly have the players at their disposal to go all the way, but no championship is a 'given' and the work will have to be put in throughout the year. 
 
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