Intent on climbing back to the summit of Westmeath football in 2007, Garrycastle renewed acquaintances with former boss, Martin McCabe, and looked to be developing into a real force as they emerged from Division 2 of the senior football championship to reach the semi-final. However, they came up short against eventual champions, Tyrrellspass, in the last four and had to settle for a double Feis Cup success in what will probably rank as a disappointing year for the ambitious Westmeath club. Here, Damien Maher reviews their year. For years now Garrycastle are among the perennial favourites in Westmeath and 2007 was no exception. Given his impressive track record with the club, the arrival of Martin McCabe as manager of the senior side further enhanced their prospects and many observes viewed the southerners as the main threat to defending champions, Tyrrellspass. Alas, Garrycastle bowed out in the semi-final having come up short against the reigning champions and, for now at least, it's back to the drawing board. Putting things down to a case of the team being on the slide following their heady years sounds a bit premature, though, and with so many talented players in their ranks, Garrycastle are sure to be back challenging for honours in Westmeath this year. Their 2007 senior football championship campaign began with a clash against old foes, Castledaly, at Tang GAA grounds in late May. It was a game in which Garrycastle showed their potential with a 1-13 to 1-10 victory, following an exciting championship tie. Garrycastle were well on their way to victory when leading by seven points at the interval (1-8 to 0-4), but they had played with the aid of the wind in the first half. Castledaly, as expected, mounted a second half revival, but Gary Dolan's first half goal was the score that ultimately proved decisive as Garrycastle made a winning start. In the second round Garrycastle faced Coralstown/Kinnegad and they did so without big midfielder, David O'Shaughnessy, whose season was plagued by injury. A first half goal from Dessie Dolan gave Garrycastle a three-point lead at half time, 1-3 to 0-3, but they were facing a strong wind in the second half and supporters wondered whether their lead would be sufficient. The second half remained close, but just when it seemed as if Garrycastle would do enough, they conceded a 53rd minute goal and both sides had to settle for a share of the spoils. It was back to Tang for round three and a clash against south Westmeath neighbours, Tubberclair. This was a strange game in many ways, with Tubberclair leading by five points at one stage in the first half, before McCabe's men produced a blistering finish which saw Alan Daly bag a goal to give them a 1-6 to 0-6 lead at half time. The second half contained plenty of tough, competitive football, but Garrycastle's greater strength in depth told and they swooped for a second goal late on through Gary Dolan (who had just been sprung from the bench) to win by 2-12 to 0-13. Round four pitted Garrycastle against novices, Bunbrosna, whose earlier form suggested they might push the former kingpins every step of the way. However, Garrycastle were back to their best on that July evening in Cusack Park as they recorded an emphatic 10-point victory, 2-9 to 0-5. Goals from Paddy Mulvihill and Robbie Fox really put Bunbrosna to the sword here and, at half time, Garrycastle were seven points clear on a 2-4 to 0-3 scoreline. Although they only registered five points in the second half, it was sufficient to see McCabe's men through. The final group game was against keen rivals, Athlone, and, after a gritty display, it was Garrycastle who won by four points on a 2-7 to 1-6 scoreline. That meant they topped Division 2 and were straight through to the semi-final. Garrycastle entered the last four confident of giving defending champions, Tyrrellspass, a run for their money and many observers felt it was too close to call. But a disastrous start by the southerners, during which they conceded two goals, left them 11 points adrift of Tyrrellspass with just 19 minutes played. Although they managed to stabilise things somewhat in the second quarter, there was eight points between the teams at half time, 2-6 to 0-4. Garrycastle were in unfamiliar territory now and they had to really chase this game, but they produced a second half display full of character, losing by just four points in the end (2-9 to 1-8). A fisted goal by Dessie Dolan gave them renewed hope and they could well have been closer, but Paddy Mulvihill's thundering shot came off the upright in injury time and there would be no grandstand finish. Garrycastle will reflect and wonder just how they failed to sparkle in the first quarter of this game, but they can take some solace from Tyrrellspass's great run to the Leinster club final. Meanwhile, in terms of consolation, Garrycastle can also look to the fact that they managed to win two Feis Cup titles in the same year, which is surely a unique feat in Westmeath football. Earlier in the year they won the 2006 Feis Cup when defeating Tubberclair and, in November, they hosted Tyrrellspass in the 2007 decider. This was an opportunity to gain some form of revenge for their defeat in the championship semi-final and, after a thoroughly entertaining game, Garrycastle emerged victors on a 0-12 to 0-7 scoreline. Played in difficult conditions that weren't conducive to open football, Garrycastle led by 0-5 to 0-3 at half time and controlled the second half to win with a bit to spare in the end. In August, Garrycastle also hosted the 2006 Feis Cup decider and, after a tough game against Tubberclair, emerged with a three-point victory (1-9 to 0-9). It was a wonder goal by Alan Daly which won the day for the southerners in a game played in relentless rain. They trailed Tubberclair by two points at half time (0-6 to 0-4) but once Daly's goal went in, were string enough to claim victory. Elsewhere, at underage level, the main highlight, though, was the performances of the under 12 team which won the Division 2 league. Garrycastle's minor footballer also reached the county semi-final which is important in terms of building for the future. "Overall, it was a mixed year at underage. When players get to 16 it's difficult to keep them together as they have part time jobs and different lifestyles than they used to," explained PRO, Matt Ryan. "Also the competition with soccer sand rugby means we have to be on our toes. We are planning a concentrated effort at under 16 and minor levels this year and will be trying to get players, who may have opted out for one reason or another, back into football." It promises to be another hectic year for the Garrycastle club. Martin McCabe is back as the senior manager for another term and is sure to bring great passion and determination to the role again. Those who have written off Garrycastle after last year's semi-final might well be forced to rethink before 2008 is out. The Garrycastle team which defeated Tyrrellspass to win the 2007 Feis Cup title was: Cathal Mullin; Doran Harte, Karl Henson, Tom McHugh; Padraig Rattigan, Sean O'Donoghue, James Dolan; Aidan Browne, Dessie Dolan; Mark Fox, Paddy Mulvihill, Justin McAteer; Alan Daly, Gary Dolan, Padraig Cosgrove. Sub used: John O'Shaughnessy. Tweet

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