In their second season of intermediate grade football Clans harboured high hopes of making a huge impact in an effort to regain senior status. After a tremendous victory over Dreadnots by 2-12 to 3-8 in their opening league tie back in April, they were knocked back by only securing a draw against O'Raghallaighs in Drogheda on a 0 - 9 to 1 - 6 scoreline. Worse was to follow as they went under surprisingly to a Sean McDermotts side who proved far superior in almost every area of the field at Clan na Gael park in late April. Sean's securing victory by 2-10 to 1-8. Almost a month passing before the league resumed due to championship fixtures, another defeat at the hands of Glyde Rangers was Clans fate on the resumption this time by 1-14 to 1-10. They got back to winning ways five days later on 25th May when overcoming local rivals Na Piarsagh 2-10 to 0-9 this success began a sequence in which Clans would remain undefeated for the remaining six matches in the league. Victorious over Hunterstown Rovers 3-10 to 1-7, Geraldines by 0-11 to 0-9 followed by success against Oliver Plunketts 3-10 to 1-8 and in late July a draw with fellow league contenders O'Connells 1-11 to Clans 0-14. No more league action until 2nd October when a one point victory over St Mochtas kept hopes faintly alive coming into the last round in the series. Clans along with O'Connells and Na Piarsagh all clung on the slim hopes of a slip up by either Dreadnots or Glyde Rangers in the final round on Sunday 26th October, Glyde holding the advantage by virtue of successes against Dreadnots in a match delayed due to the Clogherhead's participation in the Championship. In the event Glyde made no mistakes to gain promotion back to Senior League status. A last minute goal from Roche denied Clans outright second place, result Roche 2-7 Clans 1-10. joint second and a top four spot, this means no promotion to the higher grade for 2009. The season ended on a low note when the side were comprehensively beaten in the top four semi-final, played at the Rock Rd on Tuesday 4th November, the home side Na Piarsagh were easy winners on a scoreline of 6-14 to 1-3. The Championship turned out disappointing also as Clans were placed in a group comprising Young Irelands; St Josephs; Dreadnots; O'Connells; and Roche Emmetts. The top team in the group going through to the semi-finals with second and third facing respective opponents from the other group in quarter final ties. Clans began the campaign on 2nd May in fine style with a comprehensive victory over Young Irelands 4-11 to 0-6 . Defeat against Dreadnots 1-13 to 1-10 followed and then success again as they overcame O'Connells. A place in the quarter finals was guaranteed when beating Roche Emmetts 0-13 to 1-7 with a strong finish on 7th August. With still hopes of gaining an automatic spot in the semi-finals, the final tie against St Josephs was eagerly looked forward to, however the Joes proved better on the score of 1-13 to 0-8. So to a quarter final meeting with Oliver Plunketts at Louth village. Within twelve minutes of the start of this tie Clans were 0-5 to 0-0 behind, they rallied a little to score three points in three minutes, midway through the half these scores however were all they had to show at half time as Plunketts added two points to lead 0-7 to 0-3. The Drogheda men stretched their lead with the opening point of the second half. Clans however hit back and by the 48th minute the sides were level on 0-9 each. Just when it looked as if Clans might gain the upper hand the Plunketts rallied to add three points and lead with eight minutes left. Try as Clans would in those closing minutes a point was their only reward. At the final whistle Plunketts were in front 0-12 to 0-10. The club failed to gain success at junior level going out at an early stage in the 2A championship they remained in league contention for most of the season Minor and Juvenile This area of the club's activities was very successful with the capture of three league titles at under14; under 15; and under 16 highlighting a year which was busy at all grades from under 7 up to under 18. The culmination of these successes came on Monday 27th October and Wednesday 29th October with victory over Geraldines at under 16 and Wolfe Tones under 15. The Geraldines tie on Monday 27th at Haggardstown, a strong second half performance from Clans securing three goals in this period to help overturn a first half deficit of 0-9 to 1-2 was a big factor in this victory. The Geraldines half time lead could have been greater but for the display of Clans keeper Keith McEneaney. Clans goal was scored by Dean Shields. The Clans second half goals came from Niall McKeever, Ciaran Clinton and team captain Conor Tasker. All six points were recorded by full forward Conall McKeever. Final score Clans 4-6 Geraldines 1-12. Clans; Keith McEneaney; Ryan O'Shaughnessy; Oisin Drumm;Emmett Cooney; John Duffy; Karl O'Connor; Niall McKeever; Conor Tasker; Conor Macken; Ian Mostyn; Daragh Connolly; Dean Shields; Ciaran Clinton; Conall McKeever; Conor Lynch. Subs; Brendan O'Carroll; Ryan McKeown; Declan McAllister; Martin Dowling; Ciaran Taaffe; Paddy Savage. The under 15 title was garnered on Wednesday night at Darver in very cold conditions, the match provided a terrific battle between the Dundalk lads and Drogheda Wolfe Tones. Clans lead by 2-3 to 0-3, the goals provided by Stephen Cooney and Mark Newell, midway through the half. Hard as Tones tried in the second half Clans defence with Ryan McKeown at full back, goalkeeper Paddy Savage and wing half Craig Long in top form kept their goal intact. Mark Newell added two more goals in this half to complete a hat trick. As the final score of 4-5 to 0-5 suggests Clans ability to take their goal chances proved decisive in an encounter which saw Tones make a gallant effort to gain the honours. Clans team captain and man of the match Conall McKeever scored 0-2, Conor Macken, Ciaran Clinton and Stephen Cooney added the remaining points. Team; Paddy Savage; Ciaran Taaffe; Ryan McKeown; Ian Carr; Conall Cooney; Emmet Cooney; Craig Long; Dami Kusigbagbe; Conor Macken; Mark Newell; Conall McKeever; Conor Noonan; Ciaran Clinton; Brendan O'Carroll; Stephen Cooney; Subs; Wayne O'Shaughnessy; Pairic McKeever and Robert Curran. At the end of July Clans captured the first of their three titles when the under 14 team were successful at Dromiskin before a large crowd on one of the best evenings of the entire summer. Clans made a flying start and at one stage in the first half enjoyed a nine point lead against St Fechins early goal strikes from Stephen Cooney, two goals plus a point and Mark Newell 1-11 make things look black for the young Termonfeckin side, however they rallied and brought the margin down to four points by half time. Clans 3-3 St Fechins 2-2 On the resumption Clans hit top form and were in almost total control as they scored 1-8 in this period without reply, Stephen Cooney added 1-2 to bring his total to 3-3, Mark Newell 0-1, Pairic McKeever and Brendan O'Carroll 0-2 each and substitute David English 0-1. Man of the match was Emmet Cooney and others to do well were captain Craig Long, Ian Carr and Conor Noonan. Team; Ralwan Kadiri; Robert Curran; Craig Long; Shane Grey; Ian Carr; Emmet Cooney; Wayne O'Shaughnessy; Conal Cooney; Brendan O'Carroll; Dylan Thornton; Conor Noonan; Mark Newell;Pairic McKeever; Stephen Cooney; Tiernan Myles; Subs used; Ciaran O'Connor; Daniel English; Cody Magill and Jason Murphy. The club was also very active throughout the year in Og sport competitions in Darver where they participated in all the activities from under 7 to under 13 which included the feile competition. Mentors throughout all the under age grades included four McKeever brothers, Paddy who chairs the clubs juvenile section, Gerry, Martin and Benny. Sean McGeough; Larry Muckian; Fra Byrne; Fergus Byrne; Gareth Kelly; Derek McCabe; Eamon Kelly; Brendan Begley; Gerry Curran; Cathal O'Hanlon; Ciaran Sheridan; Niall Weldon; Niall O'Donnell; Bernie Donnelly; Martina Long; Debbie Lundy; Barry O'Connor; Andrew McAllister; Cormac Woods; John McShane. Paul Gray. The club also entered a ladies team for competition in and their second year acquitted themselves well without success. At the club's AGM in December 2007 the outgoing chairman was returned unopposed to lead the management committee for 2008. Other officers; Vice chairman Pat Cunningham Secretary Aidan Kirk Treasurer Fra Byrne Registrar Paul Gray Sub committee chairman; Finance Fergus Byrne Facilities Patsy Kelly Juvenile Football; Paddy McKeever Players representative; Cormac Woods Executive committee; Frank McDermott; Frank Kieran; Niall Weldon; Maurice Harrison(Jnr), Peter Brannigan. Team management for 2008 Intermediate - Barry O'Connor; Andrew Griffen; Colm Markey Junior - Gerard Smith; Mark McCann; Paddy McEneaney CLAN NA GAEL PRESENTATION AND AWARDS NIGHT Thursday 6th March brought a huge gathering of club members together to honour the memory and contributions of five outstanding Clan na Gael officers who between them provided guidance and friendship to so many over the period of the club's history. Honoured on the occasion by the presence of Uachtarain Cumann Luthcleas gaedhal Nicolas O'Brionain who performed the unveiling of scrolls, the celebration was hosted by Clan na Gael chairman Barry Cullen who welcomed the President and thanked him for the honour bestowed on the club by his presence. The Chairman also welcomed Louth County Board Chairman Paddy Oliver. Mr Brennan in his address congratulated the club on it's 42 years existence, also in their work for the community and urged the members to continue this effort in years to come. The President unveiled the scrolls to the memory of founder members and first President of the club in 1916 - John Dixon. John would still be a member of the selection committee for the team which won the 1959 Senior championship. Tom (Tit)McArdle again founder member and club chairman for 40 years, winner of senior and junior championship medals and also a selector for the 1959 team. Paddy Joe Cunningham, one of the most able administrators of his time and club secretary for over 40 years, especially active through the club's development. Edward (Ned) Laverty, Treasurer of the club from 1959 until the early 90's and like all the five men honoured assisted at all the club's projects. Finally Paddy Dixon, son of John, Paddy, active in the club from a very young age, holder of senior 1959 and junior 1954 championship medals, he served as Chairman for two spells, Secretary and finally in his latter years club Treasurer. He was also senior team manager but perhaps his long stint as minor team manager was the one he enjoyed most of all. Clans ladies committee provided a fine meal for the occasion and the evening was well attended especially by members of the families whose loved ones were being honoured. Club Chairman Barry Cullen made the family members especially welcome. Other speakers were Paddy Oliver and Peter Brannigan who acted as M.C. The President, apart from unveiling the scrolls (which are on display in the club's premises) also presented the club awards for 2007. Under 11; Kevin Carroll; Under 13; Stephen Cooney; Under 14 joint winners Conall McKeever; and Ciaran Clinton; Under 15; Carl O'Connor; Under 16; Brian McArdle; Under 18; Declan Grant Ladies joint winners ; Gillian O'Reilly; Sabrina Defulco Junior Gavin Neary Intermediate joint winners; Derek English; Mark McGeown Junior clubman; Brendan Coleman Clubman; Pat Cunningham Also special awards were made to Mrs Nancy McKeever and to Tony and Mary Curran. Tweet

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