Inside Track: Kelly wins big prize in debut season with Kingscourt

If he read last week’s Inside Track, Colin Kelly would be justified in asking ‘What about me’. Benny Gaughran would also have a question, while the late Eugene Sheelan and Ardee’s Seamus McGivern were others who weren’t served recognition.

And what of Stefan White? And Liam Shevlin? And Gavin Devlin? The brain cells must be closing down quicker than I thought.

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To recall, the piece was about Louthmen who had made their mark in other counties. And there was also mention of others who are currently in the news, lads like Conor Early and Shane Lennon.

Former Oliver Plunkets clubman Early plays with Na Fianna in Saturday’s Dublin senior final – while Lennon’s hope of landing a big prize in his first venture into club management came unstuck when Crossmaglen Rangers, having enjoyed a considerable lead at one stage, went down to a surprise defeat to neighbouring Cullyhanna in an Armagh championship semi-final.

In contrast, it was a good weekend for Colin Kelly. Having taken over the running of Cavan’s Kingscourt this season, the former county manager could only have been pleased when his new charges raced to victory over Gowna in the championship final.

This was another one for the bookies. Gowna, it seemed, had only to turn up. Star turn for Kingscourt was Jordan Morris, the Meath corner-forward, who is also in new colours this season. He scored nine points in the Blues’ 2-16 to 0-13 win.

The much-travelled Kelly has managed four county teams as well as several at club level, some of them in this county. In his time as Louth manager, he oversaw two wins in the National League, taking the Reds from Division Four to Division Two in successive seasons.

Last Sunday week’s win was his most significant at club level. Next up is the Ulster Championship, which Kingscourt have yet to win.

After his hugely successful term with UCD, winning Dublin, Leinster, and All-Ireland medals, Benny Gaughran transferred to Civil Service, and in his new jersey won the metropolitan title in 1980, playing alongside Louth and St Patrick’s player, Eugene Sheelan.

Back in the 1940s, Ardee St Mary’s clubman, Seamus McGivern, lined out for a winning UCD team.

The biggest prize in football was won by former Mattock Rangers and Louth footballer. After crossing the border to play with Seneschalstown, Ollie Geraghty earned a place on the Meath panel for the 1967 All-Ireland final, in which the Royals beat Galway.

Stefan White got to within an ace of playing in an All-Ireland final. On transferring to Castleblayney Faughs from O’Connell’s, he didn’t take long to win club championships and then make it on to the Monaghan county side.

Wearing the No. 15 blue-and-white jersey he togged out for the 1988 Ulster final win over Tyrone, and was in the same position for the meeting with Cork, which the Rebels won before going on to lose to Meath in the final.

Liam Shevlin was a winner in Louth football, playing with Naomh Finbarra and Dreadnots, and figured on the county team. When he went to live in Mayo and join forces with the Westyport, he couldn’t have imagined becoming part of an historic success.

Westport’s 2022 senior championship win was their first ever, and the Louthman played a significant role in the defeat of Ballina Stephenites in the final. Westport are through to this year’s final, in which they will meet Ballina.

From Mayo to Derry. Coming up is the county final, Magherafelt against the holders, Newbridge. This will be an awkward one – well, maybe only slightly awkward – for Gavin Devlin.

The new Louth manager is in charge at Magherafelt, having previously been on the line with Newbridge. He’s a busy man, managing in Derry and taking in several Louth matches in preparation for next season.

It’s for certain Tommy Durnin will be taking instructions from Devlin. The big man has no intention of quitting the county scene, and will also be hoping to make it pay with his new club, St Mary’s.

While most of those mentioned earlier had success after changing counties, Durnin has yet to strike it rich at club level. On his switch from Westerns to Inniskeen, he played in a Monaghan senior final, but had to share defeat.

The bookies’ odds suggested a win for him in his first season with Mary’s. But it didn’t happen. Meanwhile, Inniskeen are readying themselves for a tilt with Scotstown in the Farney final.

That’s it – maybe just for the time being. There may be others who’ve been winners or made a contribution, beyond this county. If a reader knows of any, bang the info off to the email address at the top of this page.