Annaghdown GAA | Photo Gallery

The Annaghdown Team that won the 1982 Under 16 'B' League Title

Back Row: (L to R) : Gerry Coen(Mentor), Paddy Lardner (Mentor), Joe Forde, Tom Dooley, Jimmy Forde, Michael Cahill, Micheal Naughton, Tommy Greaney, John Heneghan, Michael Higgins (Mentor), Gerry Scully (Mentor), Willie Kavanagh (Club Chairman).
Front Row (L to R) : Jonhhy Burke, Martin Joe Potter, Michael Greaney, Noel Halloran, Sean O Neill, Joe Lardner, Kevin O Neill, Gary Kavanagh.

The following is an extract from the 1982 Galway GAA Yearbook

Success for Annaghdown's Juveniles Too

by GERRY COEN

Annaghdown has not been a force in under age football in the county for some time. Not since the days of Tom Naughton, P. J. Burke and Brendan Corbett has success come our way.

Promise was shown by a number of teams over the years but to a great extent, individual talent was depended upon. A decision to coach from a younger age group may be the major factor in this year's success. Tom Naughton took charge of the under 14 squad of two years ago. This squad made an ideal foundation to build upon. Willie Kavanagh, Jarlath Creaven and Gerry Coen attained certificates on coaching and tried to pass on some of the knowledge acquired.

Paddy Lardner and Gerry Scully took control of the under 16 team. Both men set about to train a panel, competition for position on the team was evident from an early stage. Kilconly were their first opponents. In a thrilling game Annaghdown were victorious with a score 2-13 to 3-9. Goalie, Michael Cahill and midfielder Michael Naughton were stars.

Against Headford the forwards were to show their worth, Annaghdown winning by 10 points. Forwards, Michael Greaney and Jimmy Forde were superb. Caherlistrane provided the opposition in the divisional final. Annaghdown were again the masters, by 6-7 to 2-4. The half-back line of the O'Neill brothers, Kevin and Sean, and Johnny Burke were outstanding. Burke, wearing the number five jersey, shown all the skill of his older brother, P. J. In the semi-final, Michael Breathnachs were their opponents. Armaghdown trained hard for this game. Again the forwards were to emerge as a striking force to be reckoned with. Martin Potter, GarryKavanagh and Joe Lardner were outstanding. And so the final.

A year previous, Glenamaddy defeated an Annaghdown under 14 team. Paddy Lardner and Gerry Scully were only too aware of this. Strict objectives were laid down to the Annaghdown back line. This was evident during the game, from the tight covering of Tom Dooley, Noel Halloran and Joe Forde. At midfield, Tom Greaney and Michael Naughton were always on top. Up front, Michael Greaney took on the defence while John Heneghan took on a Bomber Liston role of smart flicks to running forwards. A total team effort, and a will to win saw Annaghdown victorious by 1-12 to 0-3.

Not forgetting the subs., as one old timer said on the day of the final "A team is as good as its subs."

Many of these names you will hear in Annaghdown football in the future. John Hession who was injured for most of the league campaign is a promising player and was unlucky not to play in the final. Only two days previous to the final the senior team won the County title after 51 years. The spirit was very high in the parish and the youngsters were captivated by the response given to the victorious team. It was their dream some day to take the limelight of their idols. Little did we think it would be so soon.

Annaghdown now know if a team is to win, in either senior or under age football, a dedicated panel of players who are prepared to work and train for the task on hand, is the answer for success. The team wish to thank Michael Higgins, M. J. Flaherty and Robert Flaherty for providing transport.