Today we take a look at St. Agnes ‘Best 15’ through the eyes of one of their stalwarts, Roy McLarnon. Roy has served the ‘Aggies’ as player, manager, chairman and many other roles throughout a lifetime dedicated to the Belfast club and has also given a lifetime of service to his county.

Roy was part of Eamon Grieve’s management team back in 1989 when Antrim reached the Division 3 final and the same year the Saffrons collected the Ulster U21 championship. The St. Agnes man remains deeply involved and is part of the present Antrim backroom staff and is well qualified to pick a St. Agnes 15.

Roy McLarnon’s ‘Best 15’ St. Agnes footballers

(1) KieranMcCoy Origionally from Moneyglass and current secretary. Very dependable and a good shot stopper who varied his kick outs to good effect.

(2) Diarmuid Kelly-Very quick about the full back line. Able to read the play very well and never gave a forward any room and got forward plenty himself.

(3) Maurice Massey-Tough, uncompromising, no nonsense are just some of the many adjectives attributed to Mo-Any full forward who faced him certainly knew they were in a game.

(4) Frank Caldwell, current chairman, Very consistent and again could read the game very well and played to his strengths. Captain and great leader and led by example.

(5) Brendan Grieve-Had Brendan from U12 right through. He came from a great pedigree and played county minor 97/98 and was part of the Antrim squads who lost to the great Tyrone teams of that era in consecutive years. A very versatile player who played in a number of positions with equal distinction.

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(6) Conor McQuaid-Came to us from St Enda’s /Omagh.  Conor was very committed and a great organiser at the back. One of four mentioned who won the All-Ireland Junior ‘7’s at St. Jude’s in 2001.

(7) Raymond Compston-One of the best man markers I have ever seen at any level. He never gave his man an inch, played to his strengths and done the simple things well.

(8) Kevin Lynch-Nearly didn’t include him. (He left to play for GNM for a few years) but came back to play his part in that good team of the noughties. Great fielder and very athletic with no little skill. .Rarely missed a game and played through many an injury!

(9) Joe Compston -Part of a great midfield with the aforementioned. Great fielder and scored plenty too. Perversely he played in goals on an Antrim U21 team I managed in 1990-His claim to fame was Benny Tierney playing at full forward for Armagh and never scored!

(10) Declan McLarnon –I’ll probably be accused of bias here but Declan’s feats speak for themselves. A very clever footballer who made his senior debut at 15 years of age and is still a regular on our senior team. He represented Antrim at minor level for three consecutive seasons 99/2000/2001 and U21 for two years. He played at a high level in Australia representing New South Wales winning the Australasia championship and also played for Abu Dhabi Na Fianna in the Middle East. St Judes All Ireland ‘7’s winner.

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(11) Vincent McCaffrey-Vinnie, probably our best player in the past 30years. A sight to behold in full flight. Represented his native Fermanagh at senior level. Unfortunately for him and us he sustained a serious knee injury which curtailed his career.

(12) Francis Zubier-Lightning quick and very skilful, “FRA” came through the ranks with big Joe and starred in many victories at that time. The late John Morrison R.I.P. after we played An Port Mor in a challenge match before our JFC final v Cargin described him as ‘Very unorthodox but very effective’.

(13) Kevin Burke-“Burky” was a very gifted footballer and great free taker of both feet. Perversely he represented Antrim at U21 level as a corner back and his claim to fame is he marked Pat Spillane in U21 all Ireland semi-final in Tralee 1975. Prolific scorer for many years and a club stalwart.

(14) Conor “Slim” McLean-I’ve placed Slim at full forward (he has played there) because I didn’t want to break up the Lynchy/Big Joe partnership (I would never hear the end of it) One of the best fielders the Aggies have ever had and still currently on Senior football panel.

(15) Declan Crummey-(The Big Yin) Declan joined us from St John’s now approaching  40 and was first choice full forward until the current crisis struck. Declan Mor agus Declan

Beag vied for leading scorer for many, many seasons. Versatile in that he could help out at midfield when required. Hopefully when normality returns he will be able to complete his career on a winning note in a currently promising “Aggies” team.

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Honourable mentions:

Kevin McVeagh-Goalkeeper with outstanding kick outs but left us before returning to assist me for many seasons.

Peter McGinnity-Very, very dependable full back.

Paul Jordan-Goalkeeper, midfielder, full forward. Mr. Reliable/Won “Man of the tournament” at St Judes “7”s

Finbar Fitzpatrick- From Latton, Co.Monaghan. Great footballer and scorer for 2/3 seasons.

Mark Caldwell-Very versatile player and gave 100% in whatever position.

Martin Duffy- Great midfielder

Conor Caldwell- At the veteran stage now but a very steady attacking half back.

John McIlhome- Played for us with great distinction in the early noughties. St Jude’s ‘7’s winner

Damien Hughes- prolific scorer.

Ronan Carroll- consistent and versatile, very good young player in the current team.

Today marks the 17th publication of ‘Best 15’ footballers sinced we launched this feature. It has been a resounding success and our readers have told us that it has generated healthy debate around their clubs as to just who was their ‘Best 15’.

We had hoped to feature every club in Antrim from the outset and currently have Glenravel, Davitt’s, All Saints and St. Brigid’s sitting as a draught waiting to be published in the next four days.

A number of clubs have not made a submission however and we would ask clubs like Aghagallon, Aldergrove, Sarsfield’s, O’Donnell’s, Pearses, Eire Og, St. Malachy’s, St. Patrick’s Lisburn, Ballycastle and Laochra Loch Lao to make their submissions ASAP.

It’s Just a bit of fun!

Submissions to ptrckmclwn@yahoo.co.uk or john.mcilwaine@yahoo.co.uk

Today we look at the ‘Best 15’ footballers through the eyes of former Moneyglass and Antrim footballer, Kevin Brady. Kevin represented St. Ergnat’s and Antrim for more than 2 decades and would have been the first name on both team-sheets at his peak but has modestly resisted putting his name on his St. Ergnat’s selection.

Kevin’s side contains players who saw success earlier in his playing career and is a formidable looking side. While not everyone will agree with his selection, it’s only one man’s opinion. ‘It’s just a bit of fun!’

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Kevin Brady’s St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass ‘Best 15’ footballers

As with all these teams I could have picked 3 players for every position and still left some good players out. Considering I was on the senior panel for 21 seasons I’m sure I’ve played alongside well over 100 players so this was an almost impossible task! I’ve gone for most of the old guard but I’m excited for what the future holds for Moneyglass as they have many fine young players currently playing on the Senior team. For me there weren’t too many Moneyglass men that put on the jersey that didn’t give their all. As a small club, with few numbers, I feel we punched above our weight for many years going between Division 2 and Division 1 for spells. We were always a real force to be reckoned with in any Intermediate Championship, the highlight of my club career being 2004 when we got to the Ulster Intermediate final.

Goalkeeper – Brendan Devlin

Moneyglass have been blessed with many excellent Goalkeepers down through the years with many of them tasting some County action as well. Benny Marron and Mark (Sparky) Carey were two of them but I have to plump for my old mate Benny Devlin. As well as playing in the Irish League Benny also played for Antrim for many years. Well before the days of Goalkeepers such as Cluxton, Morgan and Beggan influencing games with their kick-outs, Benny was ahead of his time. I often played in the half-forward line for the club and him and I had great telepathy on his kick-outs – he’d pick you out more often than not. He was also an excellent shot stopper and great craic in the changing rooms. (Psycho rating: 7.5 – always kept our defence on their toes and let them know when they weren’t)

Corner back – Donal Laverty

I had many a good duel with Donal in training games so I knew better than most how good a defender he was. Deceptively fast, he attacked the ball with pace and often broke the ball away from the forward before they could even get the ball in their hands. Tidy on the ball as well but was never convinced with his shooting despite what he may say! (Psycho rating: 5 – always very calm and measured even when things had gone to pot)

Full back – James Scullion

James had the build of a good full back, tall, strong and good in the air. He marked some really good players over the years and rarely got found wanting. James was Mr Dependable and very cool under pressure. His shooting was worse than Donal’s and for some reason he thought (wrongly) he had a left foot. (Psycho rating: 7.5)

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Corner back – Colm (Curly) McCoy

Most definitely not his best or favoured position but that was the thing with Curly – you could play him anywhere and he’d do a job. Played here to mark Joe Brolly in an Intermediate final loss to St. Brigids. Tenacious, skilful and with a work rate second to none, he probably did his best work at wing half forward. Curly was a man for the trenches and never shirked on the physical side of the game. Saw his fair share of red cards and referees had a love hate relationship with him but Curly had the respect of everyone in Moneyglass. (Psycho rating: solid 10)

Wing half back – John (Wee Chick) Neeson

Back in the early days it would have been common for wee Chick, Benny Devlin and Justin McErlain to light up a cigarette before, during (half time) and after games. But don’t let that fool you, John was a tough customer and liked to put his opponent on the back foot. He had a great turn of pace marauding up and down that right wing game after game. A big fan favourite in Moneyglass because of the way he played the game. (Psycho rating: 8)

Centre half back – Conor Boyd

Gerard Carey regularly played at No. 6 and read the game brilliantly but Conor gets the nod here and continues to play excellent football for Moneyglass. Blessed with great pace Conor is a defender who definitely could shoot, as is evident in his ability to hit scoreable free kicks out of his hands. The fact that he’s a neighbour from home has nothing to do with his selection Lol ((Psycho rating: 6)

Wing half back – Justin McErlain

With John Neeson on one side Justin brought great balance to the side playing down the left wing. Naturally left footed, he was a strong, no nonsense defender. We had many feisty battles in places such as Falls Park, Woodlands and Cherryvale and Justin was always a good man to have with you rather than against you. (Psycho rating: 8.5)

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Midfielders – James (Painter) Marron, Adrian McKeefry, Ryan Boyd and Tommy (Big Chick) Neeson

I’ve gone for a quartet of midfielders here as all were excellent in their own way. Painter tasted some senior action for the County and was a real luxury to have in midfield. He was as skilful as most forwards and racked up huge scoring tallies over the years. (Psycho rating: 10) 

Adrian was a box to box midfielder with a great engine. He was the leader of the team continuing to drive everyone on in training and matches. He’s as fit and strong now as he’s always been and could probably do a job for the club yet. (Psycho rating: High 10)  

Ryan was similar to Painter in many ways in that he was a very natural footballer. When he was on his game he was practically unplayable and sometimes hit 8 or 9 points a game. (Psycho rating: 9.5) 

Big Chick was one of Moneyglasses most popular players despite doing his cruciate on at least one occasion and later in his career moving to live in San Francisco. But before he did he also played for Antrim and was the first man on the teamsheet on any Moneyglass team he played on. Another gas man in the changing rooms, he kept the spirits up on many a tough day. (Psycho rating: 8.5)

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Wing half forward – Darren McCormack

Darren was one of Moneyglass’s finest ever underage and school’s players. While at St. Mary’s Magherafelt he earned the right to represent Ireland at U17 level in Compromise rules games v a travelling Australia squad in Croke Park. Always looking the part he could certainly back it up with his performances. Skilful and with a good eye for goal, he was a key performer on many of our best days. (Psycho rating: 6.5)

Centre half forward – Mick Marron

Mick was extremely talented and equally good off either foot. He was also a great fielder of the ball as well as doing his bit to keep the scoreboard ticking over. He played in many positions for Moneyglass over the years such was his versatility. Had some questionable haircuts but we’ll not hold that against him. (Psycho rating: 7)

Wing half forward – Colm (Smiley) Duffin

One of the current crop of fine young players in Moneyglass, Smiley is now the leader of the team. He’s been getting better and better every year and is now a regular on the County team. Has also mixed it with the best at University level. Born leader and natural scorer. (Psycho rating: 8)

Corner forward – Stephen Griffin

Griff is built like Diarmuid Marsden and played like him in many ways too. A strong carrier of the ball he often did a lot of the donkey work in the forward line. Strong as an ox he would tackle the life out of defenders coming out with the ball. Really fast and powerful and an important link in our team. (Psycho rating: 9 – could lose it with the best of them)

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Full forward – Paul McErlain

Played in the infamous MacRory final of 1996 and had a spell with the County as well. Paul was a great ball winner and very smart at winning frees with his route 1 approach. Scored some crucial goals over the years. (Psycho rating: 10 – just ask any Goalkeeper or full back who played against him, the kicking tees were regularly fired back over the end line)

Corner forward – Kevin (Kindo) Marron

As naturally talented a player as I have seen in Moneyglass, Kindo had a wand of a left peg. When I played in the full forward line I loved the long diagonal balls Kindo could ping in from as far back as left half back. Great peripheral vision and could pass the ball through the eye of a needle. Scored some outrageous goals and points in his career and still going strong. (Psycho rating: 8)

Gort na Mona 2-5 Cargin 1-7

In 2004 Gort na Mona won their only Minor Football Championship and today we take a look back at that historic success for the club from off the Mona Bypass. The Gorts were to go on and become a very successful club in Antrim and in 2019 they retained their division 1 football league status.

They also won the Antrim Junior Hurling championship and got to the Ulster semi-final of the same competition before losing to the Down champions

Gort na Mona are a strong club and Enright Park is one of the nicest venues to attend a game and as we get ready to hopefully, experience some belated action in 2020 Gort na Mona look in rude health and ready for action.

Today we look back at that historic day in 2004 when Gort na Mona staged a strong comeback to defeat a strong Cargin side in an excellent MFC final at Casement Park. Gort na Mona were in good shape going into that final despite losing in the final of the AC Minor league to neighbours, St. Johns.

They would have started that MFC final as underdogs against a Cargin team who contained a number of players who went on to play senior football for the Toome club and are now household names in Antrim football. Amongst those wearing the green jersey that day were Tomas McCann, Gerard McCann, Justin Crozier and Enda McGroggan in a side that was widely fancied to lift the cup.

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With seven minutes remaining everything looked to be going to plan for the South West side when they led by five points. It didn’t seem to be going the way of the Gorts when they had a goal disallowed but substitute Patrick McCafferty instigated a sensational comeback when he fired to the net from the penalty spot and the momentum was now very much with his side.

Gort na Mona pressed in the closing minutes and two late points from Michael Pollock saw them home by the minimum as their supporters raced onto the field amidst scenes of wild celebrations. This group went on to win the U21 championship in 2007 while four of them started the 2005 Intermediate final and three more were on the bench as Gort na Mona claimed the title.

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 This panel had the potential to achieve great things but for various reasons many of them didn’t progress to senior level. Seven of that panel emigrated which was a great loss to this group and the club. However 16 years later there are a number who are still involved at senior level and are pivotal members of the present senior side.

Indeed two of them featured in Niall Enright’s recent Gort na Mona ‘Best 15’ in the Saffron Gael with Paul Conlan and Michael Pollock making his selection. Unfortunately for Gort na Mona Pollock transferred to St. Gall’s shortly after that success and has gone on to be one of the top players the county but the Gorts remain a major force in Antrim.

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The Gort na Mona side who brought success on that famous day in 2004 were:

 1-       Joe Smyth

2-      John (Bap) McCann

3-       Dermy McCabe

4-       Conor (Scuzz) Finnegan

5-       Conor Fegan

6-.       Phil Keaveny

7-       Kevin Franklin

8-       Marty Ward (C)

9-       Paul Conlon

10-   James McNally

11-   Colm Taylor

12-   Jim Donnelly

13-   Kevin Kennedy

14-   Michael Pollock

15-   Colm Keenan

Subs that came on

16-   Ciaran Quinn

17-   Paddy McCaffrey

18-   Noel Green

19-   Joe Cadell

Managers:

Sean Nolan & Paul Pollock

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Today we take a look at the ‘Best 15’ from O’Donovan Rossa through the eyes of former keeper, Hugh McGettigan. Hugh has a long association with Rossa and Antrim and managed the county to the Ulster U20 semi-final in 2019 where they lost narrowly to eventual winners, Tyrone. He has been instrumental in the development of many of Rossa’s juveniles for more than a decade but has gone back to the 80’s for most of his selection. Not everyone will agree with choice but it’s only one man’s opinion. ‘It’s just a bit a fun!’

Hugh McGettigan’s Rossa ‘Best 15’

Like all the previous contributors I found this a difficult task having played for Rossa from the late 70’s and played with many great footballers. ‘The Rossa best 15 I played with’

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1- Dominic McEnhill was an excellent keeper and also played for the county; although when I started playing Brian McCaffrey kept goals and he was an unbelievable shot stopper and character and Paul McAteer was a fine minor keeper who also played a lot of senior football.

2- Gerard Morgan gets the right corner back slot. He was ever dependable and a dedicated trainer. Brendan McCormick was also a fine corner back but Gerard gets the number 2 jersey.

3 Gerard Rogan, a brilliant fullback and he was an excellent reader of the game. Gerard had a massive kick out which was an important asset for any full back in the 1980s, but which generally left Gerard   one of the busiest player on the field.   He is the first of a number of dual players I’ve selected.

4-Mickey Brady completes the full back line and he was really an outstanding footballer. However, he headed to Chicago not long after winning his second senior championship medal in 1991 and this proved to be a great loss to the club. John McCavanagh also made a considerable contribution to Rossa in this position.

5- Mark Barr is the selection for right half back and was an outstanding defender not only for Rossa but for the Ranch and Antrim. Mark came back from a serious knee injury to win two championships and is another dual player.

6- Pat Armstrong was one of the best footballers in Ulster and a brilliant club and county player. Pat had the ability to play any position and was a superb fielder and had impeccable timing. Adrian Murray was also a fine centre half back and was unlucky not to gain a defensive position.

7- Peter Murray I would consider to be one of the best footballers the club has ever produced. He had a brilliant left foot and tremendous energy for an attacking half back. He juggled his Gaelic football with a successful soccer career at both Glenavon and Cliftonville. 

8- Stephen Faulkner was a fine mid-fielder and played for both Queen’s University and the county. His career was curtailed as he moved to London and was another great loss to the club. Damian Barr was also a fine mid -fielder and worthy of a mention as another excellent catcher but Damian headed to Boston and again was another great loss to the club.

9- Brian White another big character and a fine fielder who takes the second midfield position. Whitey was always prepared to do the hard work and was a great team player. Jim Fagan is another superb dual player who plied his trade around the middle of the field for many seasons.

10- Jim Close gets the number 10 jersey but was a versatile player who was equally good in defense or attack. Jim was always committed to every tackle and always had an eye for goal. Another dual player who proved to be a great servant to the club .Tony Austin was also a fine half forward and was the fastest player in the club during his club career.

11- Donal Armstrong was always a crucial footballer and hurler for Rossa and probably played his best football as a centre half forward. Donal was strong in the air and could deliver a deadly pass and always ended up on the score sheet .He was a star footballer both at Queen’s and for Antrim.

12- Pat Kane was always a footballer I admired whether he was playing for Rossa and for Antrim .Pat who played during the 1970’s and early 80’s was an excellent free taker and an excellent score taker and overall top footballer .Ciaran Austin was also a fine half forward with unbelievable speed and had the ability to carve up defences when he went on a run.

13- Colly Murphy  gets the corner forward jersey and is another dual player who had great tenacity and will to win. Colly always had an eye for goal and had a fabulous ability to score goals at vital times. He pips Ciaran Barr to the corner forward position and although not well known as a footballer  Ciaran was another dual player who could play anywhere in the forward line .

14- Aidan Hamill was finishing his career as I was starting but what a great footballer he was. Aidan was a winner both as a footballer and hurler and was a player who was unstoppable once he had possession. Noel Murray was another excellent forward and free taker and also another fantastic dual player.

15- Gerard Armstrong (Yash) gets the corner forward jersey and was probably the outstanding club player in Antrin for many years. Not only could he take a score, but when he gained possession was almost impossible to dispose. Other corner forwards of note include Sean Fleming who was a accurate free taker with a great left foot. Brian McGurk was a speed machine and would have been very much suited to the modern game.

The ones that got away

16- Mark Reynolds was another dual player and another great loss to the club after winning a couple of football championships. He headed to San Francisco and left  a big hole in the Rossa defence. Mark was strong and tenacious and a wonderful competitor.

17- Brian Teddy Quinn was the standout underage dual player in Rossa during my time. He only played a short time for the seniors before heading to Everton and then on to California where he   continued his soccer career. But Teddy was sorely missed by Rossa;  as a forward and a free taker he was top class .

18- Gerard Clarke was another brilliant  underage footballer who only played senior for a short time. Gerard was another ace forward but left for Australia and again was greatly missed by everyone at Rossa .

19- John Murray RIP was murdered in Milltown Cemetery in 1988. He was a great character and was greatly missed by everyone at Rossa .John was an outstanding underage footballer and cross country runner while at St Mary’s CBGS and was a tenacious attacking wing half back for the senior footballers.

Today we looked at St. Enda’s ‘Best 15’ footballers through the eyes of Declan Steele (head of football development at St. Enda’s). He has picked his best team over the last 30 years. Declan has come up with an impressive looking side. It won’t get everyone’s approval but it’s just one person’s opinion. ‘It’s just a bit of fun!’

Declan Steele’s ‘Best 15’

Great initiative by you and a bit of craic. A really difficult task to do this as like any club we have had numerous quality players over the years. I made my full debut as a teenager in our clubs first ever Division 1 senior game v Cargin in 1989 so this selection is based on players who I have played with, watched and managed over the last 30 years.

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1-Paddy Flood: Straight forward enough selection here. Paddy despite being only 30 seems to have been about a lifetime. Was between the posts for Antrim’s championship 7 goal thriller v Fermanagh in Brewster Park under Liam Bradley. Good hands and has a great kick out.

2-Micky Ferguson: Was a teak tough defender throughout the 90’s. Had an unbelievable engine, tidy on the ball and nobody ever got anything too easy from him.

3-Enda Hayes: Played in late 80’s and through most of the 90’s. Just a natural full back. 6ft 2in tall and quick with it. Enda attacked the ball at every opportunity and was excellent in the air.

4-Damian Gault: St. Malachy’s College only Ulster Colleges football All Star. Natural corner back. Small in stature but quick, strong and read the game brilliantly. Damian also represented his county at all levels.

5-James McAuley: James is one of the new breed of players in St. Enda’s who came through very successful juvenile teams. Played a lot of his youth football in the forward line but recent years has seen him cement his position in the half back line for both club in their run to the All-Ireland Intermediate final and this season with the county.

6-Kevin Devlin: A club stalwart who played senior for over 20 years from the late 70’s through to late 90’s. Kevin was hard as nails as many an opponent will testify but could certainly play a bit too. Read the game brilliantly and always knew where to be.

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7-Peter Healy: Still only in his early 20’s. Part of a star studded UCD team that won a Sigerson medal in recent years. Blessed with great pace and ball carrying skills, Peter was phenomenal in the 2018 run to the All-Ireland final and has cemented a place as a regular in the current county senior team.

8-Paddy (Scrubber) Dornan: Paddy was known to all who played against him in 90’s and noughties. Probably the strongest player I ever played with. Built like a brick shit house (and yet never lifted a weight in his life) and pace to go with it. Great engine in him and was renowned for carrying the ball up the field with players hanging off him.

9- Brendan Prenter: ‘Empty’ as he was known graced the county hurling team for quite a few years and played in good Antrim teams that were competitive on the All Ireland scene, but what a footballer he was too. So graceful and athletic with such a cultured left foot who could take points from 40 metres and beyond.

10- Kristian Healy: Another player who has shone in recent years for the club. Blessed with phenomenal pace which can leave all defenders in his wake. Kristian scored a number of crucial goals in the 2018 championship run. Has struggled with injury since but still in his mid-twenties.

11- Michael Coogan: ‘Coogie’ was an unbelievable talent who played in 90’s and noughties and was a mainstay on the senior team that got to the senior county semi-final in that era. Two footed with great hands and lovely balance he flitted between midfield and full forward very effectively.

12- Philly Curran: Versatile player Philly started playing senior when he was 16 and 20 years later is still looking a game J. Good hands and stamina and an ability to read the game.  Philly played on St. Enda’s teams that struggled throughout the noughties but eventually and deservedly won several championship medals in both codes in the last couple of years.

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13- Paul Darby: Paul only came to the club when Pearses folded in the early 90’s but what a player he turned out to be for the club. Played senior up until he was 43 he was one of the best strikers of a ball I have seen. Represented the county at senior level and would have played for more years than he did at county level only his first lecturing job taking him to Liverpool for a few years when he was in his prime. Undoubted class.

14- Odhran Eastwood: Another classy player who has come through the ranks. Two footed with great balance Odhran’s greatest asset is his vision on the pitch and his ability to take out 2 or 3 members of the opposing team with a killer pass. Has recently become an integral part of the county panel and was really starting to find his feet at county level before lockdown hit us all.

15- Gerard Crossey: Nearing the end of his career now, Gerard marked Donegal’s Michael Murphy as full back in an Ulster minor football final at Croke Park. Was an unbelievable ball winner and when he started playing club senior football at 16 he was unmarkable. Gradually moved up the field where he utilised his ball winning skills and natural strength to great effect.

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Some quality players on the bench

Ruairi Scott – a very skilful player who can play from No. 8-15

Conor Maxwell-Fitness fanatic Maxi captained the team in my 4 years as manager and would have been on the team that got to an All-Ireland only for injury

Tommy Kelly ‘Tucker’ was a half forward who never stopped. His legs moved as fast as his mouth which was something J

Charlie O’Kane  A very speedy utility player who played senior until a broken cheekbone forced his retirement at 40. Now doing great work coaching U-12’s.

Terry McGoldrick A native of Dromore in County Tyrone who played for the Red Hands. Terry came to us in his late 20’s. What a set of hands and gave us 10 years solid service between midfield and full forward.

Some quality players on the bench

Ruairi Scott – a very skilful player who can play from No. 8-15

Conor Maxwell-Fitness fanatic Maxi captained the team in my 4 years as manager and would have been on the team that got to an All-Ireland only for injury

Tommy Kelly ‘Tucker’ was a half forward who never stopped. His legs moved as fast as his mouth which was something J

Charlie O’Kane  A very speedy utility player who played senior until a broken cheekbone forced his retirement at 40. Now doing great work coaching U-12’s.

Terry McGoldrick A native of Dromore in County Tyrone who played for the Red Hands. Terry came to us in his late 20’s. What a set of hands and gave us 10 years solid service between midfield and full forward.