Navan O'Mahonys ended a 20 wait for a MFC in 2000. To mark the 25th Anniversary of that win we take a look back at how Royal County Meath Yearbook summed up the occasion.

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.

Once upon a time Meath minor football championships were as common in Navan as traffic jams were on the two hills, Brews and Flower. How things changed, on the football front that is, right through the '80s and '90s. What was once plentiful developed into a real old rariety.

Yes, Simonstown did bring home the bacon in '88, '90 and '95 but when Meath football folk and especially those of a traditional ilk talk about Navan, they usually refer to O'Mahonys and up to recently De La Salle in underage terms.

Well, the famed Salles nursery, after a lean period by their own high standards, became redundant in the late '80s and came under the O'Mahonys banner. The change over was not an immediate success but tremendous work was completed behind the scenes and gradually the underage cups again made their way up by the Chinese, beyond Annavilles and to headquarters at Brews Hill. From 12 to 17 every trophy was garnered and on Sunday evening July 30th the haul was complete when County Board Minor Vice Chairman Eugene Comiskey handed over the Delaney Cup to O'Mahonys captain Stephen MacGabhann. His side had just handed out a wee bit of a hammering to old rivals St Colmcilles, 3-9 to 1-6 and the town youngsters were full value for their nine point success.

One to savour for the O'Mahony faithful, probably the commencement of another good run at this level and a number of talented youngsters, many of whom are still underage in 2001, to recharge O'Mahonys somewhat decaying efforts at senior level.

We mentioned hard work behind the scenes and the arrival of Navan O'Mahonys as minor champions in the summer gone was certainly no accident. Its roots tail back over a decade when raw youngsters were shown the skills of the game on the broad spaces circling O'Mahonys clubhouse. Challenges and tournaments were organised (and county success at under 8 and 10 levels) swiftly followed. The class of 2000 had already every achieveable medal in their back pocket.

But the minor was still the elusive one and previous talented blue and white fifteens had made no major impression in this grade like in 1999 when Blackhall Gaels just pipped the town combination at the semi-final stage.

And the warning signs were there when Seneschalstown nearly carried out a repeat 2000 semi-final beating in Kilberry. The sides were level 1-9 apiece entering the home straight and the future champions had to dig deep to scrape home on a 1-12 to 1-10 score line. Ironically the biggest obstacle placed in O'Mahonys path was that provided by the midfield pairing of the Sheridan brothers, Joe and Damien, both former O'Mahony stars.

The Pairc Tailteann decider against Colmcilles saw O'Mahonys produce a different, more telling brand of football. It was O'Mahonys play at its best, running, supporting, short passing and some slick moves up front. Colmcilles had got the better of this particular Navan combination on previous occasions and forewarned, O'Mahonys tore into the opposition from the onset. Within five minutes Philip Treacy rattled the seasiders net following a fine pass from Darren O' Toole.

By half time the winners had shot 2-3 to 1-2 clear, John Brennan the other goal scorer following fine work from Lee Russell. Colmcilles threatened briefly on the turnover but once diminutive Simon O'Connor struck for his side's third goal mid way through the half, young McGabhann had one hand on the trophy.

An exciting young team O'Mahonys had stars right out from keen eyed keeper John McLarney right up to the run all day corner forward O'Connor. McGabhann played a captain's part on the edge of the square and was helped by corner backs Thomas Heery and Kieran Smith. The O'Mahonys half back trio of Paul Quinn, Lee Russell and Gerard Brennan are typically Navan outer defenders. Not the biggest in stature, but very quick and also willing to come forward.

This Navan O'Mahonys XV was peppered by members of the successful St. Pats All-Ireland winning colleges combination. Shane McKeigue captained that school team and with Christy Blake, who lined out in a similar position for Pats, he formed a formidable midfield duo. Both sampled senior club fare in 2000 and will form a vital part of future O'Mahonys combinations.

A very similar description for central attackers Darren O'Toole and Philip Treacy. Both are eligible again in 2001 and look certain for Meath minor involvement. Right half forward Paul Comey had a brilliant final while on the opposite wing, Stephen Murray continues to improve with each outing. Last but by no means least, corner forward John Brennan, Gerald's brother who finished his sides top scorer with a total of 1-2.

Navan O'Mahonys did introduce one substitute, young flame haired Ian Matthews. Ian was another to play a huge part in that Pats success and was also a vital cog in the O'Mahonys combination. Injury prevented Ian from starting on final day as he is one of the few real automatic choices.

We mentioned earlier about the huge amount of groundwork put in behind the scenes at O'Mahonys. People like Peter O'Toole (Darren's father) and Eamonn Dunphy, both selectors in 2000, were involved with this bunch of youngsters from the very moment they pulled the famed blue and white over their shoulders. Another was Ian Matthew's father, Oliver, the 'legend' as he was often referred to on Brews Hill. Ollie was a selector, mentor and friend to this bunch of talented youngsters and we are sure when the Delaney Cup was brought that short journey to the O'Mahonys clubrooms, a silent reflection of 'this was for you Ollie' touched all involved.

Cathal O'Bric acted as team manager while former O'Mahonys favourite Colm Ratty took over the hot seat during the latter stages of the championship and what a fine job he did.

The O'Mahonys team and scorers were: J McLarney, T Heery, S MacGabhann, K Smith, P Quinn, L Russell, G Brennan, C Blake, S McKeigue 0-1, P Comey 0-2, D O'Toole 0-1, S Murray 0-1, J Brennan 1-2, P Treacy 1-1, S O'Connor 1-1. Sub - I Matthews. 

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