Club Secretary's report 2001
Presented at the AGM on 6th January 2002.
Today without doubt we look
forward to the prospect of our team competing in the Cavan Senior Championship
2002 before that however let us review the events of last year . 2001 will live
in the hearts and minds of all our members and supporters as one of unique
achievement , a year when our first team squad remained undefeated in
competitive competition completing double of Intermediate Championship and
Division 3 League.
The year started at our last AGM , Gerry Brady was returned as our chairman .
Tony Brady was appointed team manager taking responsibility of both the
Intermediate and Minor teams.
Adult Competitions
Training started before the end of 2000 , a good start to Division 3 vital if
promotion was to be achieved. First up a drawn match against Kill followed by a
number of good wins against Cornafaen,Maghera, Lavey and Butlersbridge . A hard
earned draw was gained against Kildallan the first signs of this groups
determination not to lose being displayed in this match. A further win against
Arva leaving the team in pole position in division 3 with the championship about
to start .
The league stage of the Intermediate championship seen us drawn in a group of 3
with Ballyhaise and Kill . The Ballyhaise game won by the minimum margin on a
very wet evening in Killygarry. This win left the team well placed going into
the game against Kill in Bhreifne park.
Another one point victory and on to the quarter final. Killygarry was once again
the venue for a another win which set up a semi final against Ballinagh. A drawn
game then a replay was required to reach the Intermediate Championship final of
2001. The first game resulting in a draw , the second a famous victory . The
league program finished with victories over Mountnugent and Munterconnaught
leaving Castlerahan top of the division and with this automatic promotion. Not
finished the Team completed the year with comprehensive wins over Kill and
Kildallan . The second half of the league final producing a particularly
memorable display . Our thanks to Tony and his team , selectors Barney
Mulvey,and PJ lee, Physio Carmel Smith who prepared the team to the highest
standards . Our thanks especially to the remarkable squad of players who gave so
much of themselves for the club this past season, entertaining our supporters
and mostly for restoring pride in the Maroon Jersey.
Minor & U-16
At minor the club was well represented in the minor league roinn B where the
team after some excellent football reached the final , unfortunately victory in
the final was not to be .
St Mary's
At senior grade St. Mary's fell at the first hurdle when they were defeated by
St. Joseph's in the preliminary round.
The Minors fared much better reaching the county decider only to be denied on
the day by a good Cavan Gaels side completing a 4 in a row at this grade for
their club.
The U-16 tried hard but success was not to be theirs this year .It has to be
said that several of these lads excelled at minor grade and the club was
represented at county U-16 level by End Mulvey . Well done Enda .
Juvenile
Anything our older lads could do the juveniles were more than able to match . It
was another wonderful year at underage levels . The all conquering U-14 side
providing great entertainment all year . Wining leag ue and championship doubles
as well as representing Cavan at Feile and winning our own Ian Smith Memorial
Shield. Our thanks to Noel Flanagan and his team who looked after this group of
footballers so well . Success was also achieved at cumann na mbunscoll
Level , great thanks must go to Tony Brady our Juvenile chairman and all the
people who give of their time , coaching the youth of the parish. It is nice to
see all their hard work and dedication paying off ,
Fay Cup Tournament
Congratulations to Crosserlough winners of the 2001 Fay cup tournament ,
Sponsored by Noel and Kay McSherry of Reasons. Our thanks to the referees and
clubs for taking part .
Ladies Football
Castlerahan / Denn Ladies Football Club continues to go from strength to
strength . We congratulate the ladies on their achievements to date and wish
them the best of luck for 2002.
General
Once again the 50 / 50 draw provided a welcome source of revenue . Our thanks to
all our 50/50 patrons and cardholders and to Seamus and Michael for their
efforts in running the draw. Our aim for 2002 should be to continue to improve
the success of this draw.
The club ran the community council Blotto draw on a few occasions this year .
Our thanks again to all our ticket sellers .
As there was no Race night in 2000 , two Race nights were held in 2001 one early
in the year in The High stool. The other later on in Reasons . Our thanks once
again to John McGinn and Breen McInerney and their helpers who helped run both
events so successfully . The race night has established itself as one of the
great social nights out for our club as well as being a successful fund raiser,
we look forward to Race night 2002 .
Referees , Our thanks to Pat Fitzpatrick , Tony Brady and Michael Farrelly who
once again represented the club as referees on the playing fields of Cavan in
2001.
At County level the club were well represented with Alan Mulvey at U-21 level ,
Sean Brady at Minor and Enda Mulvey at U-16. Indeed congratulations to Alan on
his man of the match award in the Intermediate Final and his recent inclusion
with the Cavan Senior team. To Sean Brady on winning the Cavan Intermediate
player of the year award, a young man who has represented his family and club so
well over the year . Well done lads , it is good to see our players being
recognized by other Gaels in Cavan. Also congratulations go to Tony Brady on his
appointment as Cavan Minor Team manager for 2002.
On the development side , more work was carried out on the pitch with over 100
ton of special sand being introduced to the playing pitch . The wall and
sponsorship signs have been put in place and brighten up Fay park . Well done to
Rosie and the community scheme workers for all their hard work .
On behalf of the club I would like to extend our sympathy to those in the club
bereaved in 2001.
In conclusion I would like to thank all my fellow officers and committee members
for all their hard work in 2001 . To all our sponsors , our deepest
appreciation. I would especially like to thank those who never failed to help on
match days Umpires Norbert Reilly and Joe Linane , Linesman Johnny Mc Breen ,
Gate collectors Michael Callaghan and John Keegan and of course our Chairman
Gerry for ensuring that the field was ready .
Finally to all the players , who have enthralled and delighted us in 2001 and
given us reason for hope looking forward to 2002 with the prospect of Senior
Football. Good luck lads you deserve it.
Is mise le meas
Neil McCabe ( Runai ) , 2001