A wonderful year for Maryland was capped by the club's first intermediate football championship triumph since 1980, which was achieved after a dramatic replay victory over Ballynacargy. Undoubtedly benefiting from their success in RTE's inaugural 'Celebrity Bainisteoir' competition in the early part of 2008, Maryland were crowned intermediate football champions for the first time in 28 years following an epic two-game battle with Ballynacargy at Cusack Park in October. Over 140 minutes of enthralling action finally ended after teenage sensation Callum McCormack showed nerves of steel to score the winning point from a '45' with the last kick of the replay which went to extra-time. The final whistle was greeted with scenes of unbridled joy that even surpassed those which were witnessed after Maryland's 'Celebrity Bainisteoir' final victory over Cork side Mayfield at Parnell Park on May 16. Despite their limited playing resources, Maryland had long been viewed as perennial underachievers in the intermediate championship prior to last year's historic breakthrough. The south county club has consistently provided players to Westmeath teams at all levels, but for some reason failed to win promotion until now. Their victory over Ballynacargy was sweet revenge for their defeat to the same opposition after two replays in the 1999 final, and also atoned for the disappointment of their 2006 replay defeat to Bunbrosna. Maryland captain James Reynolds summed up the feelings of the Drumraney parish when saying: "It's unbelievable. I can't believe it anyway. When the final whistle went, it was just amazing. It was almost like a shock, especially after the drawn game when we came so close." Team manager Finbar Egan, who guided the Mayo ladies to All-Ireland glory in the 1990s and managed his native Athlone a few years ago, was thrilled his team had come through such a massive test of character and resolve. "We are delighted. It was an absolutely tremendous effort because what could have gone against us did, but we still came out on top," he said. "We lost wing back, Ronan Moran, a fine young player who has played well for us all year, and young Trevor Farrell came in and did a great job. "We were three points up the last day, but conceded a late goal and people were saying we probably threw it away. It was the same today - we went a point up at the end of normal time, but they scored with the last attack. To be honest, you begin to think 'this is not your day'. "We were also reduced to 14 men and went two points down in the second period of extra-time. But the players' resolve and character came to the fore. I must pay tribute to David Reynolds because, prior to being sent off, he had taken the fight back to Ballynacargy when we were under pressure. "All of the players stood up to the challenge and we got our scores from a variety of players. But the last kick to win it was just tremendous," the Maryland boss added. Maryland's success in the 'Celebrity Bainisteoir' competition, which made for compulsive TV viewing every Sunday evening back in the springtime, filled the players with the belief that they could finally crack the Westmeath intermediate championship. It also gave them a vital edge over their rivals in terms of fitness, having been in training since the end of last year. The Drumraney Blues made their championship bow exactly one week after their 'Celebrity Bainisteoir' final victory against south Westmeath rivals Caulry in Moate's Hogan Park. The first half was evenly contested with the sides going into the break level on 1-6 each. When Caulry registered the first two points of the second half, Maryland looked to be in trouble, but they steadied the ship and a flurry of points from Stephen Martin, Joe Harte, David Martin and Damien Reynolds saw them claim a 1-12 to 1-9 victory. Maryland made it two wins from two when they defeated neighbours Ballymore 1-11 to 0-8 in their next outing at Cusack Park. Ballymore took the game to their opponents early on and led by three points before Tom Browne's 20th minute goal brought Maryland back into it and they went on to lead by 1-4 to 0-5 at half-time. Finbar Egan's charges resumed with four unanswered points in 11 minutes to take a firm grip on proceedings, and further scores from John Reilly, Anthony Reynolds and Callum McCormack sealed the deal in the final quarter. Maryland's title challenge continued with a 2-18 to 1-5 demolition of Kilbeggan Shamrocks at Cusack Park in late July. Maryland had needed two late goals to beat Kilbeggan in the 2007 quarter-final, but less than 12 months on, the result was never in doubt with the Drumraney men in total control. The game was well and truly over as a contest at half-time with Maryland leading 1-11 to 0-2. There was no respite for Kilbeggan in the second half as a second goal from Joe Harte rounded off an emphatic victory. Maryland assured themselves of a quarter-final spot with a narrow 0-6 to 0-5 victory over Moate All-Whites at Pairc Chiarain. In a poor contest, Maryland led 0-4 to 0-1 at the break and had stretched their advantage to 0-6 to 0-2 midway through the second half. But they were made sweat it out in the final quarter as Moate reduced the deficit to the minimum. Maryland's 100 per cent record was ended by the other unbeaten side in the division, Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall, who by virtue of their 0-10 to 0-7 victory at Cusack Park, went straight through to the semi-finals. The blue and whites could have few complaints about the outcome, having been outplayed for long periods by the more committed north county outfit. Finbar Egan's men trailed by just a point at half-time, 0-3 to 0-4, but they could never quite get to grips with Finea and eventually lost by three. The Drumraney men got back on track with a narrow 1-8 to 0-10 quarter-final victory over neighbours Tang. A punched goal from Joe Harte in the 48th minute proved all-important as Maryland squeezed into the last four, despite kicking a number of poor wides. Having trailed 0-5 to 0-8 earlier in the tie, Harte's major gave Maryland a 1-8 to 0-8 cushion, but they had to withstand a late rally from their underage partners before securing their semi-final place against championship favourites Tubberclair. In what was another close and hard-fought contest at Pairc Chiarain, Maryland had substitute Damien Reynolds to thank after he fired over the winning point in the second minute of injury-time. Maryland were slow out of the starting blocks and trailed by 0-1 to 1-2 after 15 minutes with Paul O'Brien accounting for the Tubberclair goal. But a similar score by Tom Browne saw them trail by the minimum at half-time, 1-2 to 1-3. With young Callum McCormack making his presence felt at full forward, Maryland had taken a one-point lead within four minutes of the restart. But Tubberclair had regained parity before Reynolds' crucial stoppage-time strike gave Maryland a dramatic 1-7 to 1-6 victory. Just as in 1999, Ballynacargy were now all that stood between Maryland and Peter Geraghty Cup success. Frank Mescall's charges had hit a hot streak of form in the run-up to the final, scoring a whopping 14 goals in just three games. Maryland, by contrast, had eeked out successive one-point victories and were all set to go the distance once again. Maryland's successful 'Celebrity Bainisteoir' manager Marty Whelan was among the large attendance at Cusack Park which was treated to an absorbing contest. Favoured by the wind, Ballynacargy started brightly and scored 1-2 between the eighth and 12th minutes to establish an early foothold. But a timely goal from Joe Harte saw Maryland go into the break trailing by just a single point, 1-3 to 1-4. Kieran Martin levelled within five minutes of the restart before the sides exchanged the next four points. Maryland then enjoyed their most productive spell which yielded 1-3, and included a goal from Martin, to put themselves in a winning position. Leading by three points in injury-time, Maryland's long wait looked to be coming to an end, but there was one final twist which saw Ballynacargy earn a penalty that was successfully converted by substitute Michael Loran to send the final to a replay on a 2-10 each scoreline. The replay on October 26 was equally tense with little or nothing to separate the sides. Ballynacargy had the advantage of the elements in the first half, but it was Maryland who started the brighter and were rewarded with a 24th minute goal from Kieran Martin. Ballynacargy, however, finished the half strongly to take a one-point lead into the break. A pointed free by Callum McCormack had Maryland on level terms within two minutes of the resumption. Further scores from Kieran and David Martin and McCormack had opened up a 1-5 to 0-5 lead with 18 minutes remaining. But Ballynacargy refused to throw in the towel and they regained the lead when Mark Murphy netted in the 53rd minute. Anthony Reynolds and Tom Browne replied with points to edge Maryland back in front, only for Dwayne Maher to equalise for Ballynacargy with the last kick of normal time. The sides faced into extra-time level on 1-7 each, but Ballynacargy had taken a 1-9 to 1-8 lead when Maryland were reduced to 14 players following the dismissal of midfielder David Reynolds on a second yellow card. When Michael Loran made it 1-10 to 1-8 at the start of the second period, Ballynacargy appeared the most likely winners, but in a dramatic finish, points from substitute Damien Reynolds and 17-year-old Callum McCormack handed Maryland a famous 1-11 to 1-10 victory. The Maryland team which defeated Ballynacargy in the IFC final replay was: John Murray; Philip Rainey, John Cunningham, Conor Farrell; Ronan Farrell, Eoin Farrell, Ronan Moran; David Reynolds, David Martin; Tom Browne, Kieran Martin, James Reynolds; Joe Harte, Callum McCormack, John Reilly. Subs used: Trevor Farrell, Anthony Reynolds, Damien Reynolds and Richie Browne. Marty's Maryland land the spoils The footballers of Maryland captured the public's imagination last spring when they swept to national glory on the hit RTE reality TV programme 'Celebrity Bainisteoir'. It was a fairytale victory for the Drumraney parish outfit who were managed by popular broadcaster Marty Whelan. Maryland put themselves firmly on the map on May 16 last when they recorded an emphatic victory over Cork opponents Mayfield in the final of RTE's 'Celebrity Bainisteoir' competition which was played in front of thousands of supporters at Dublin's Parnell Park. The success was the culmination of a memorable campaign for the tiny Drumraney-based club who also defeated Ballymanus (Wicklow) and Faughanvale (Derry) to claim the novel national title. In scenes reminiscent of an All-Ireland final, Maryland's inspirational captain David Martin received the specially commissioned cup from GAA president Nickey Brennan, while celebrity manager Marty Whelan was carried shoulder high off the Parnell Park pitch after a victory - and occasion - that will be talked about in Maryland for many generations to come. Whelan, who only took charge of Maryland after their original manager Mary O'Rourke had opted out due to work commitments, was almost lost for words after the 2-9 to 1-4 final victory which netted EUR10,000 in prize money for the blue and whites. "This is going to charge the club forever. I feel incredible, I feel brilliant," said the overjoyed broadcaster, whose Westmeath connections are through his Kilbeggan-born mother. His opposite number and 'solicitor to the stars' Gerald Kean, who had spent an estimated EUR40,000 on designer suits and five-star hotel accommodation for his players, as well as organising team talks from Celtic manager Gordon Strachan and Newcastle and Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given, was gracious in defeat. "It's devastating, but Maryland are a great team," he said. "Maryland are a superb bunch of fellas and, to be honest before the game, I did say to my selectors that this was going to be an incredibly difficult match. "I was very, very impressed by them, they're a great bunch. I had to try to do something to upset them or psych them out but it didn't work. It's a well-deserved win. Maryland were the better team on the day. For eight weeks during the months of March, April and May, 'Celebrity Bainisteoir' was compulsive viewing for GAA fans every Sunday evening. The primetime RTE One show combined the raw passion of the GAA grassroots with the glamorous world of celebrity. The programme took eight Irish non-sporting personalities and threw them in at the deep end as they were put in charge of an intermediate club football team in an official GAA tournament. The competing celebrities were Marty Whelan, Gerald Kean, model Glenda Gilson, journalist Nell McCafferty, comedian Jon Kenny, TV presenter Baz Ashmawy, former Rose of Tralee Aoibhinn Ni Shuillebhain and bookmaker and ex-Fine Gael TD Ivan Yates. Each manager was assisted by a well-known mentor and advisor, and in Marty Whelan's case this role was filled by Westmeath captain Dessie Dolan. The eight competing clubs were - Ballymanus (Wicklow), Galtee Gaels (Limerick), Crumlin (Dublin), Taghmon-Camross (Wexford), Kiltimagh (Mayo), St. Mary's, Faughanvale (Derry), Mayfield (Cork) and Maryland (Westmeath). Maryland, whose best known players are 1995 All-Ireland minor winner David Martin and 1999 All-Ireland under 21 medallist Richie Browne, were drawn away to Ballymanus in their quarter-final. Having been largely written off before the tournament ever got underway, their task looked even more difficult when local Fianna Fail TD Mary O'Rourke was forced to step down as manager at any early stage. But Marty Whelan proved a very capable replacement and, despite his lack of GAA knowledge, the players immediately warmed to him and they duly beat Baz Ashmawy's Ballymanus by 0-7 to 0-5 on a rain-soaked night in Baltinglass. Maryland made the long journey north to Derry city for the semi-final against Nell McCaffrey's Faughanvale. This was another tough draw, but once again the Westmeath underdogs rose to the challenge to register a magnificent 2-7 to 1-6 victory. Football fever gripped the people of Drumraney in the lead-up to the final with flags and bunting decorating every house. Supporters from all over Westmeath travelled to Parnell Park to lend their support to Maryland and they were not be disappointed as the team turned in a superb display to run out easy winners over the much-fancied Cork opposition. David Martin gave the blue and whites a dream start when he latched onto a Joe Harte free and fired past Mayfield goalkeeper John Kearney for the opening goal. Harte tagged on a point before Mayfield opened their account midway through the half. When Harte restored Maryland's four-point advantage, the Westmeath side looked to be in complete control but then Mayfield suddenly burst into life and scored 1-1 without reply to regain parity. Marty Whelan's charges refused to panic, however, and after the sides traded scores, Harte and Tom 'Scats' Browne hit points to leave Maryland ahead by 1-5 to 1-3 at the interval. An early second half point from Browne was quickly cancelled out by a fourth Mayfield point. But, amazingly, this proved to be the Cork team's only score of the half with Maryland going on to dominate the remainder of the final. The Drumraney men had increased their advantage to four points before man of the match Martin stole in for his second goal to end the game as a contest. Mayfield were then reduced to 14 players following the dismissal of their captain Eoin Crowley and it was left to 16-year-old Callum McCormack to round off a famous Maryland win with the final point in injury-time. The victory was a dream come true for everyone associated with Maryland who, as David Martin pointed out afterwards, had been starved of success for far too long. "I'm nearly 16 years on the first team and I've never won anything with Maryland. Apart from some medal (All County League Division 3) back in 1997, I've just been on the losing side so many times. It's been a dream to go up to the stand with your club mates and to lift the cup," he said. "I've been fortunate to win stuff with my county which is great and I'll always remember that, but with your club it's different, you're playing with the lads you grew up with, your brothers, you've cousins on the team, neighbours are there - it's just fantastic." The Maryland captain said the EUR10,000 in prize money would "help our club and will get the younger kids in the area to become involved. It'll bring them up to the pitch and keep Maryland strong in the long run." Team mentor Dessie Dolan remarked: "It's brilliant, it's fabulous for Westmeath as well as everything else. Maryland have been incredible, they've been incredible throughout the competition. You see the parish spirit there today was incredible, that's what it's all about." He added: "The crowd were great, they were brilliant support up in Derry, but today they really came out in their colours. I think the club sold an awful lot of merchandise for the final and walking along the pitch we could see the blue and white, so it's fantastic. I didn't actually think there are this many people in the Maryland parish so they're borrowing people at the minute! I'm delighted for them." Maryland's 'All-Ireland' winners were: John Murray; Aidan Reynolds, Eoin Farrell, Conor Farrell; Philip Rainey, Richie Browne, Ronan Moran; David Reynolds, Damien Reynolds; Joseph Harte, Anthony Reynolds, James Reynolds; Kieran Martin, Tom Browne, David Martin (captain). Subs used: John Cunningham, Stephen Martin and Callum McCormack. Tweet

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