Cargin - Erins Own

When the founding fathers pf the GAA met in Hayes's Hotel, Thurles in 1884 their main aim was to create a renaissance of Irish heroes and to foster a love of culture and athleticism. It is with these aims in mind, along with a sense of community, and a pride of place, that Erins Own Cargin set about the 2008 season. When the 'clearer' evenings came along the training moved outside and soon the juveniles joined in with training for their respective campaigns. This was when the football really begins and it was a delight to see during the spring and early summer the numbers on the pitch each night going through their paces. It was especially heartening to see the kids, with their parents supporting them, enthusiastically putting in a couple of hours hard work with the mentors and other club members who gave their time to the club.

It wasn't long before we had the first two trophies of the year in the S.W. O'Cahan Cup and McCormick Cup. The next step was to defend our Division 1 League crown and prepare for the county championship. The only grumble about the leagues, and this was echoed by other clubs, was the stop/start of matches with 3 and 4 week gaps between games was detrimental to sides who wanted to keep a regular flow of games during the summer months while contesting both the various championships and leagues. Although this was agreed by CCC and the respective Antrim Management teams it still seems like a ludicrous decision but after the recent County Convention, Joe Edwards has said this matter will be addressed.

Cargin - Senior League Winners 2008

July saw the official opening of our second pitch which was a grand occasion but the summer weather tried its best to dampen the day. This pitch will ease the pressure put on the many teams Cargin put out but it must be stressed that the weather and number of games played during a year does not help a playing surface, no matter how good it plays or drains.

When it came championship time things were going ok and another three finals at Casement Park being contested and two victories from the U21's and Reserve Cup were won and the Reserve Plate being narrowly lost to a gallant Aldergrove side. After beating St Brigid's it was then the 'final' itself as we played St. Gall's in the semi-final. This was a defeat which was hard to take but the better team won on the day. Defeat was snatched from the jaws of victory.

But football was quickly forgotten about when the following morning one of our best senior players was involved in a road traffic accident which has left him with a serious injury. At the time of writing this article a Gala Fundraising Night next February is being organised for Niall and I am sure this will be a sell-out for this popular and personable young man. I am certain that Niall would want us all to look forward and would like to see, as well as everyone associated with Cargin, the championship trophy back in the club in 2009!

So, after contesting seven finals in Antrim from Under 16 to Senior and successfully defending the Division 1 League, going close in Divisions 3 and 4, an U21 county title, a S.W. Minor League and an U16 League title, things don't look too bad for us and so when it comes to January next year it all begins again with the same eagerness and ambition we had in 2008.