Lannleire GFC began the 2007 season back down in the junior ranks and like many who had suffered due to the restructuring of the leagues, began the year with high hopes of making an immediate return to the intermediate grade. However, in what proved to be a very disappointing year for the club they failed to make any real impression on the league and although they made it through to the knock-out stages of the championship, their interest in the competition was ended at the quarter-final stage. Lannleire began their preparations for the season early in the new year under manager Stephen Flood, and with Tommy Kearney acting as selector and John O'Connor the team trainer, they were hoping to build up confidence by making an early impression on the league. Unfortunately they made a disappointing start to the league and after falling off the pace in the early rounds they never looked likely to bridge that gap and club PRO, Fergal Dunne, concedes that overall it was poor season. "The Division 3 league turned out to be nothing short of a disaster for us as we managed to win only one out of twelve games." It might have been different if they had enjoyed a bit more luck in the opening stages, as they were narrowly beaten on a number of occasions. "We lost out first three games by two points and they were all games which they probably could have won. Unfortunately it was all downhill after that with the only win coming away to Dowdallshill in what was probably our best performance of the year in both league and championship", said Fergal. Although that wasn't ideal preparation for the all-important championship campaign but despite this, there were some encouraging performances to give hope for the future. "In respect of the Championship things went a little better for us with the team qualifying for the knock out stages. We defeated Annaghminnon Rovers, Westerns, John Mitchels and drew with St. Fechin's. "Our only defeat came against Stabannon Parnells in which we didn't field and as a result controversially lost the game and with it the chance to reach the semi-final by virtue of finishing top of the group." That meant a meeting with Dowdallshill in the quarter-final and the Dunleer men went into that game with a fair degree of optimism as they had defeated the Hill in the league shortly before that game. Unfortunately, Lannleire suffered a blow prior to the game in Ballybailie in early September when Nicky Malone was ruled out through injury. Despite recovering from a slow start Lannleire found themselves in a strong position entering the closing stages couldn't hold on as Dowdallshill hit back to claim a two-point victory. "We started off badly trailing 1-4 to 0-2 in the first quarter but recovered well to go 2-7 to 1-5 up early in the second half. We were looking in a strong position to advance at that stage but unfortunately only scored one point for the last twenty minutes and went down to a 2-10 to 2-8 defeat. The Lannleire team and scorers on that day were as follows: Thomas Martin; Francis Caffrey, Peter Neacy, Paul Kearney; Barry Dunne, Richard Kieran, Paul McGeough; Shane Kennedy, Robert O'Rourke; John Boylan, Patrick O'Connor, Mark Dunne; Alan Murphy, Carlos Lambe, Darren Noone. Subs: John Farrelly for P O'Connor; Andrew Flanagan for B Dunne. Scorers: Darren Noone (1-1), Carlos Lambe (0-3, 3f), Mark Dunne (1-0), Alan Murphy (0-2, 1f), John Farrelly (f), Barry Dunne (0-1 each). Although it was a disappointing campaign for the Division 3 team, there was some good news on the field of play for the club with some of the other teams turning in encouraging displays. Among them was the Division 4 team under the guidance of managers, Declan Dowd and Mickey Murphy which enjoyed a impressive season. "Our second team had a fairly solid year. In the 2B Championship we defeated Hunterstown Rovers and St. Kevin's before losing narrowly to O Raghallaighs in the quarter final where the team struggled to recover from conceding three goals in the first ten minutes," revealed Fergal. "In the Division 4C league we recovered from losing our first game to go on and win nine and draw one of the next ten games to reach the semi final. In that game we played St. Mochtas and were cruelly defeated by one point after a Mochta's goal came with the last kick of the game. "The progress of this team was not helped by the lack of games that saw them only play one game in 15 weeks," stated the PRO. There were also some notable performances by players from the club who competed on the minor team along with St Kevins and all in Lannleire are hoping those players can progress to make an impression at adult level over the coming years. "The Minor combination of Lannleire and St. Kevin's competed in the Division 3B league in which they had a good year reaching the semi final. Unfortunately they were narrowly beaten by Naomh Finbarra in a closely fought game," added Fergal. "In the Championship they also reached the semi final where they lost to St Nicholas in the Gaelic grounds in what was another well contested game. "All in all a promising year for the minors and a lot of the credit goes to selectors Declan Dowd and Fintan McGeough who put in a big effort of the course of the season. Hopefully this team go a step further next year." Overall it was a mixed year for Lannleire but Fergal is optimistic about the future and feels that with the emergence of some of the young players and a renewed effort, the club can make a challenge for honours in 2008. "All in all Lannleire hope to push on and go a step further in the Championship and make a vast improvement in respect of the league. Hopefully a few of the young minors will make a break through next year and hopefully the team will not suffer as many injuries as they did in 2007." Off the field of play, Lannleire continue to make efforts to improve their facilities, as Fergal pointed out. "In 2007 Lannleire installed four flood lights to go along with the existing four already erected to bring the field up to modern day standards. "The club also erected a wall on the dug out side of the field with a barrier; they have levelled out the banks behind the wall to secure greater capacity and we have further plans in 2008 to continue improving the grounds." The club also held a ceremony to honour one of Lannleire's most dedicated members, Patsy Mulroy. "On Friday July 13, the club erected a plaque in memory of Patsy Mulroy who for many a year was the heart and soul of Lannleire. The unveiling of the plaque was performed by the first chairman, Patsy Maguire, and first secretary, Padraig Faulkner," revealed the PRO. Fergal also paid tribute to those who had helped during the year. "The club would like to say a special thank you to Bernard Dunne for all the hard work he put in through out the year, it was much appreciated. "Also Lannleire would like to thank Eamonn Victory of Centra Dunleer for his sponsorship of the adult teams, which is also greatly appreciated." Tweet

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