So Eastern Gaels GAC's first men's Meath GAA Championship season comes to an end. It was an honour to compete as Meath’s newest club and we are very proud of all of our players.

We had a number of players returning to play after long absences and some who never played the game before. In a very short space of the time the whole group have bonded remarkably well which augurs well for the future.

Our debut season was certainly a tough slog but the players and management exhibited great resilience and determination to compete to the end in what was often an uphill battle. The team always gave 100% and played the game in the spirit it should be played.

To be honest we would like to have been a little more competitive in our first season but it was not to be. The real disappointment is that we had eight players who were really looking forward to playing Championship football but who spent the season on the sidelines – blocked from playing any football at all.

We are at a loss to know how this benefits anyone – our club, Meath GAA and not least of all, the players themselves.

Hopefully the situation can be righted in the coming time and these players can enjoy playing Gaelic football again with Eastern Gaels.

Thanks to all our opponents – Cortown GFC, Kilmainhamwood Gfc, Drumconrathgfc Droimconrachclg, Clonard GFC and St. Marys GFC Donore Rossnaree - we received a lot of encouragement during each of our games and were urged to keep battling on ... and we will.

We were hosted by Seneschalstown GFC, who marked our debut in a way that was really appreciated, Rathkenny Gfc, Blackhall Gaels GAA Club and St Vincents GFC Ardcath – thanks to all those clubs for your welcome and hospitality. Thanks too to the match officials who also gave us great encouragement throughout the season.

Eastern Gaels now look forward to continuing a busy Championship campaign with our Ladies who will travel to Slane GFC this Sunday (17th September) for Round 3, throw in at 6pm. The teams have already met in the Masita Cup and we look forward to another entertaining encounter.

The Ladies made history last time out with a first ever Championship win for our club and continue to make great progress. If you can get along to Slane next Sunday your support would be much appreciated.

Starting a new club is an onerous undertaking and requires a huge effort. We really appreciate the help we have got from many quarters, including our generous main sponsors, HQ Electrical Wholesale Ltd., Tara McDonnell Murphy and Northern Trust.

Finally from the Men's side, thanks to everyone who came to the games and supported us and thanks to the players themselves. We are very proud to be part of Meath GAA and look forward to making a big contribution in the county in the years ahead. Onwards and upwards.

Gaels abú!

Go raibh maith agaibh go léir!