In 2003, Milltown lifted the junior football championship title and in their side was 17-year-old Frank McLoughlin, who in his first year at adult level could have been forgiven for thinking that success was going to come on an annual basis.

Eight years and three county final defeats later and Frank is now one of the more experienced players in the squad. His leadership qualities came to the fore in 2010 when he helped guide the side to the county junior final, but Milltownpass proved too strong on the day.
His team mates' faith in Frank as a leader sees him return as captain for the 2011 campaign and despite their near misses in recent years, he admits that their hunger and desire to lift the title has not waned one little bit.
"We were disappointed to lose last year's county final as we put in a huge effort throughout the year. We always knew that Milltownpass would be a very tough team to beat, but at the same time we didn't fear them," admitted Frank.
"The defeats are hard to take and it takes a while to get over them, but I do believe that it has made us stronger as a team and we will give it our best shot this year again."
Frank revealed that there is a wealth of talent coming through from the underage ranks and this has meant that there is plenty of competition for places, which he feels is essential.
"No one is guaranteed their place on the team, and the lads know that. We would have a fairly strong squad and there are a good few young lads coming through, which keeps things, freshened up."
Three county final defeats in just six years is hard for any side to take, but Frank is adamant that they must put those losses behind them, if they are to progress.
"We need to get those losses out of our head. It can become something of a mental block, but we need to focus on this year and forget about what happened last year or any year for that matter. We see this year as a great opportunity and we are going to give it our all."
Experienced coach Frank Mescall has been drafted in as manager this year as Milltown leave no stone unturned in their quest to win the championship. They are a close knit group down Rathconrath way and this has seen them through many highs and lows over the years as this rural club epitomises the foundations that the GAA are built on.
"There is a lot of optimism within the club and that has been there as long as I can remember. We have a good mix of youth and experience in the side. When I first came through, I looked to the likes of Tom Dillon and Damien Gunning for experience. Both of these men have been massive servants to the club over the years. Damien has decided to call it a day, but even up to last year he was one of the fittest lads at training.
"Tom has had problems with his knee, but he just can't get away from the game and he is still playing with us. His experience is invaluable and he still has something to offer the side."
The 2010 campaign saw Milltown qualify for the semi final stage with relative ease as they lost just one match in the group stages and that was to championship favourites Milltownpass.
"We were pleased enough with the way the group stages went and although Milltownpass beat us, we felt that we hadn't peaked at that stage of the year yet. The format of the championship means that you don't have to peak too early in the year."
Milltown went on to meet Tyrrellspass in the semi final and playing a second string side of a senior club always brings about its own uncertainties.
"You never know how strong a club's second team will be and it's very hard to plan against them. They are always a danger and you definitely wouldn't take any of them for granted."
Two goals in the second half paved the way for Milltown to book their place in the final as both Frank and Fergal Reilly found the back of the net, while Joe Kenny's frees also helped the side to a 2-6 to 0-4 victory.
"It was great to be back in the final. Even though we won by eight points, it was a difficult match and the weather conditions didn't help either side."
The final saw the Rathconrath outfit take on title favourites Milltownpass as Milltown entered the decider as underdogs, but Frank believes that suited them.
"It took the pressure off us slightly, but we still knew that we would have to perform better than ever on the day if we were going to beat Milltownpass."
The first half was a closely fought affair as the sides exchanged scores as Frank and Joe Kenny found their range, but Milltownpass held a slender two-point lead at half time (0-7 to 0-5).
It was all to play for in the second half and the green and whites were very much in the game, but it was the 'Pass that pushed on and goals in the 39th and 57th minute helped them secure a 2-11 to 0-8 victory.
"It was a fair blow to lose again, but we just didn't play well at all, particularly in the second half. The goals really knocked us back and we never recovered from them. But, the important thing is that we look ahead to this year and come back stronger."
Emigration is something that has affected almost every club in the country and rural outfits seem to be hit harder than most. Milltown are fortunate in that they have only lost one player so far, but as Frank explains, it's a loss that has hit them hard.
"Stephen Somers is gone to Australia and he will be a massive loss to us. He has been one of the top players for us over the last few years. But, as I said we have a good few young lads coming through and hopefully we can push on without Stephen."
The 2011 campaign sees Kilbeggan Shamrocks compete in the junior grade, having been relegated last year and as always the team that comes down will be tipped to make an immediate return to the second tier.
However, Frank feels that this year of all years is a great opportunity for Milltown, although he admits that the usual adversaries will be standing in their way.
"Kilbeggan are down this year, but in my own opinion I feel we have a great chance of winning the championship. Of course it will take a huge effort and a lot of hard work. Kilbeggan will want to make a quick return as the previous winners, while you also have the likes of St Paul's, who are a strong side and tough to beat. Then you have some of the teams on the other side like St Lomans and Mullingar Shamrocks, who are always fairly good, so it will be an interesting campaign to say the least." Tweet

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