Milltown not fazed as Garrycastle fancied to return to senior grade

“We will respect Garrycastle, but our young players won’t fear them.”

That’s the message from Milltown manager Pete Ballesty as his side go into Sunday’s Westmeath Intermediate football final as outsiders against one of the most experienced teams in the county.

Ballesty is preparing his team for their biggest challenge yet, and he and his compatriots are enthused with the way the team have gelled in recent years. “We were in the quarter-final and two semi-finals before, so it’s great to get there. At this stage, anything can happen.”

For Milltown, this marks their first appearance in an intermediate final, while Garrycastle come into the game as seasoned campaigners, having won eight senior titles and a Leinster club title in 2011.

The intermediate grade has long been known for its tight and competitive nature, something that Ballesty acknowledges. “It’s such a great competition. Even the likes of Garrycastle, they were flying, and then all of a sudden, Tubberclair beat them. Any team can beat anybody on any given day.”

Ballesty is well aware of the task ahead, noting Garrycastle’s reputation. “Nobody has to tell us how good they are. They have some really good players, and we know we’re up against it. But we’re confident in our own ability, too.”

Garrycastle’s experience won’t be overlooked either. “It’s only a few years ago they were in the senior final, and they were unlucky not to win it. They’ve been a really good side for years; they were certainly unlucky to be relegated from senior last year,” Ballesty said.

This is his first year as Milltown manager, stepping up after no one else was available. “I just put my hand up, offered to do it, and the players were in agreement. I worked with many of these lads at underage level, including my son, Peter, Sean Dillon, and Jack Duncan, so we’ve got a good bond.”

Milltown’s squad are youthful, and Ballesty highlights the potential in his midfielders. “Dylan Murtagh is only 20, and Jack is 22. There’s still a lot for them to learn, but in time they could be great players, even for Westmeath, as could a lot of these young Milltown footballers.”

Their success so far is partly due to this strong crop of young players. “We have six good forwards now, like the Gunning twins (Luke and Matthew), Jack Duncan and Nathan Creagh. There’s also Conor Dillon, who’s strengthened the backline, and a lot of experience mixed in,” Ballesty added.

They have come together nicely, benefiting from a good underage structure with Millmore Gaels (a combination of Milltown and Ballymore) in which they played at a high level, taking on and beating some of the biggest clubs in the county.

Player development has been evident over the years and Milltown now possibly have the best team the club have seen, even allowing for their achievements in the 1990s when they played in a couple of junior football finals before making the climb.

Ballesty provides a link to then and he is well aware that clubs like Milltown face a challenge to hold young talent, as Joe Halligan and Jarlath Boyce are lost to emigration.

Working alongside Ballesty is Seán Loughlin, their trainer, from The Downs, as well as James Gunning and Michael Connell. Paddy Somers joined them for a period when he was out injured, but he has now returned to playing duties.

“We have a good local feel to the team, and the lads have really bought in to the way we want to play football. Seán Loughlin is influential to the whole set-up,” said Ballesty.

Milltown have built momentum throughout the championship, peaking with a strong semi-final performance against Rosemount. “I felt we never got to fourth gear until then, but in Cusack Park, we played some nice football and defended well. Rosemount are a good side, so we’re happy with how we played.

“There’s a great buzz with flags everywhere, but we’re focused on our training. Young lads play with no fear, and that’s great going into a final.”

Ballesty knows his team face a formidable opponent, but he remains optimistic. “We know Garrycastle will be serious opposition, but on the day, the best team will win.”

Milltown’s first intermediate final follows their centenary celebrations last year.