The U-21 team took part in Grade 2 and managed to reach the Semi Final of the competition when they suffered a heavy defeat to Greencastle. I would like to thank the Senior management team of Paddy Mc Guigan, Tom O Brien and Malachy Coyle for their effort and hard work throughout the year. They were forced to work in difficult circumstances for a big part of the season with the large numbers of players missing due to injury and other reasons but they kept working at it and for this they must be credited. A word of thanks also must go to the players for their hard work and application during the season. The large numbers at training right up until the final game against Kildress game was a credit to the lads and the club are appreciative of their efforts. At the end of the season Paddy Mc Guigan stepped down as Senior manager thus bringing an end to his three-year tenure. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Paddy for his three years at the club and wish him all the best for the future. Looking ahead to 2010 the Club have appointed former Tyrone player, Noel Mc Ginn, as manager and a former Senior player from the club, John Mc Elholm, as trainer. Everyone would like to wish them and the players all the best for the season ahead. On the Youth Football front I am happy to report that the club had a very promising year at all levels. Sean Pol Harte, Matthew O Brien and Gussy Mc Aleer were in charge of the Minor team who competed in Grade Three. The side was unfancied at the start of the season but their efforts and hard work paid off as they won four of their six league games and qualified for the league quarter final when they went down to the challenge of eventual winners Aghyaran on a 0-11 to 1-12 score line with a late goal for the visitors proving to be the decisive score. In the Championship the side defeated Glenelly and Gortin to make it to the semi-final but unfortunately could not make it to the final as they were defeated by Drumragh 1-12 to 0-10. All involved can be very pleased with the progress that was made during the past year and with the large majority of the lad’s underage at this level next season, then the future looks very bright indeed. The U-16 team managed by Stephen Mc Cullagh, Patrick Mc Cullagh, Damian Mullan and Mick Meenagh played in Grade Two. The side won nine of their ten league fixtures and qualified for the knock out stages. In the League knock out stages they defeated Eglish and Newtownstewart to book a place in the final against Donaghmore. In this game played at windswept Kildress on 2nd October the side showed good character in the second half to record 0-13 to 1-7 victory thus ensuring they won the Grade 2 league title. In the Championship the side defeated Donaghmore, Stewartstown and Galbally to qualify for the final against Ardboe. In this game played at O Neill Park Dungannon the side never managed to reach their potential and were defeated on a 2-5 to 0-5 scoreline. Although the season ended in disappointment the lads can be proud of their efforts and to win a county title is no mean feat. Hopefully in two years time this side can make the step up to Grade 1 and compete with the best sides in the county. Contd .
