Twice in three years, Milltownpass have diced with death on the relegation front and survived each time. Their knack for producing the Houdini act saw them survive one of the toughest tests yet as the defeated neighbours, and keenest of rivals, St. Mary's Rochfortbridge, to retain intermediate status last year. Damien Maher caught up with club Secretary, Andy Devine, an impish forward who once again played a key role in the club's battle for survival in 2007. On their day, Milltownpass can be a match for any team in the intermediate grade, but their problem for the last couple of years is producing it in the championship. Their league form suggests they should be a force, but just one win in the 2007 campaign highlights vulnerabilities and one feels that if they continue living on the edge, eventually they'll be pushed off. "Naturally, we'd be disappointed to have slipped into another relegation battle, but the intermediate championship is very tight and there's not much between any of the teams," opines Andy Devine, whose performance at corner forward was crucial in Milltownpass's narrow victory over their neighbours in last year's play-off. "We won the relegation game again, which is never easy, and we'll be looking to improve on that. However, we are in a very tough group with Tubberclair, who'll be everyone's favourites, and Shandonagh, who were in the final last year. Rosemount, who many feel should never have been relegated, came back up from junior and will be flying, while Ballynacargy are a tough side to beat also. So we know from the start what lies ahead this year," he added. Last year Milltownpass were managed by Vinny Hoey, a man highly regarded by Devine. "What happened to us is no reflection on Vinny Hoey. He has worked with a lot of us at underage level in the past and is a very good manager." To freshen things up, however, Milltownpass have installed Gerry Feery as manager for the year ahead. Feery last year led Ballinagore to the intermediate title and will now be in charge of both clubs for the 2008 season. "It will be fine as long as Ballinagore and Milltownpass don't meet," quipped Devine. "Gerry expressed an interest and we're delighted to have him involved. If the attitude if the players is right things will definitely improve for us. We're a team that can make things happen if we get on a run," he adds. Milltownpass will be boosted by the return to action of Joey Loran for the year ahead, while former Westmeath under 21 star, Stephen Burke, is also set to return. "It's great to have Joey and Stephen back. We have a panel of about 25 for training and need everyone if we're to do well, remarked Devine. Milltownpass began their intermediate championship campaign when they took on Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall in The Downs. A first half goal by Seamus Faulkner was a real tonic, but it was Finea who led by 0-8 to 1-3 at half time and, after dominating the scoring stakes in the second half, emerged six-point winners (1-12 to 1-6). For the 'Pass, it was a disastrous start. In the second round, Ballinagore provided the opposition. This proved a much closer contest and a late first half goal by Shane Donoghue ensured Milltownpass of a slender lead at the break, 1-3 to 0-5. However, they could manage just two further scores from play (points by Darragh O'Connor and Donoghue) as Ballinagore rallied to record a three-point victory (0-10 to 1-4). In the third round, it was Ballymore who provided the opposition at the popular Castletown Geoghegan venue, but there was further frustration for Milltownpass, who suffered an agonising one-point defeat (1-8 to 1-7). A second half goal by substitute, Karl Reid, wasn't enough to rescue a result for Milltownpass, in what was a dour struggle at times and, with three defeats on the trot, they were now facing a real test of character. Round four pitted them against one of the leading contenders, Maryland. Having just managed one point in the first half through Adriel Farrell, Milltownpass trailed by four at the interval (0-5 to 0-1) but, despite a poor half hour, remained very much in contention. But although Kevin Reid bagged a goal to bring them back within two points, Milltownpass faded and Maryland went on to win by 1-12 to 1-5. In their final game of Division 2, Milltownpass faced Ballynacargy, where a win was essential if they were to avoid another relegation battle. It was Ballynacargy who dominated, however, and led by seven points at half time, before pushing on for a 1-14 to 0-10 victory - a superb point by substitute, Kevin Kelly, failing to inspire a Milltownpass revival. That meant Milltownpass faced their second relegation battle in three years and it was neighbours, St. Mary's Rochfortbridge who awaited. Played in Castletown Geoghegan once again, it proved a pulsating game, with Milltownpass showing their great resolve to grind out a narrow, two-point victory (0-10 to 0-8). At half time, St. Mary's had their noses in front on a 0-6 to 0-5 scoreline, but with Kevin Reid popping over five points and Andy Devine instrumental in attack, Milltownpass recorded a famous two- point victory. In the end it came down to scoring power and it was Milltownpass who had the edge in this critical area. Elsewhere, Milltownpass reached the semi-final of the intermediate cup where they lost to Ballinagore. They enjoyed a great run in Division 2 of the All County League also, finishing third after being only defeated by the likes of Tubberclair, Shandonagh and Ballynacargy. "We seem to be good at winning the one-off games, like the one against St. Mary's last year. But we have a lot of players heading for the 30-year-old mark and now is the time to deliver on a more consistent basis. There's a tough challenge ahead, but our aim is to get out of the group this year and take it from there," adds Devine. "It's tough, but of you're going to win the championship, you have to beat everyone that's put in front of you. If the attitude is right and we can learn from our mistakes, Milltownpass can definitely improve on last year's run," he enthused. Clann Braonain make their mark At underage level, Milltownpass were heavily involved with the Clann Braonain side which reached the minor premier championship final where they lost to St. Pat's. Players like Shane Flanagan, Mark Gorman, David Devine and Stephen Treacy were part of the side. Clann Braonain went one better at under 16 level, winning the premier title, with Flanagan, Gorman and Aidan Wright all pivotal players. Milltownpass's under 12 footballers enjoyed an unbeaten run in their league and went on to defeat Athlone in the final, which was played under flood lights at Kinnegad late in the year. "We have a very good underage structure and a good working relationship with the other clubs involved on the Clann Braonain group team," remarked Devine, who was a selector on the minor side which reached the final. "There is great interest in the underage and on a Saturday mornings up to 30 under eights and 10s are coached in the pitch. It's vital that these players are brought through," he added. Tweet

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