Analysis... Battling Ultan's on the way back despite defeat

Towards the end of Saturday's game at Sean Newman Park the St Ultan's manager Stephen 'Sam' Yore could be heard calling out to his players: "Come on girls, we are not giving up in the last two minutes."

There was still a minute or two to play, but the game was over. Well over. Raheens led 5-7 to 1-11 at that stage and they added another point. They had their ticket secured to the next round, no doubt, yet Yore wanted his players to battle on - and they did just that, tussling for every ball like the teams were level. Like they were still contenders.

St Ultan's didn't win on Saturday but the manager's comment, his call to arms - added to the players' willingness to keep hunting for scores - gave an insight into why the team in green and blacks fashioned a remarkable turnaround in their fortunes this year.

If there was a prize (which there isn't) for the 'Most Remarkable Turnaround of the Year' handed out by Meath LGFA the Saints would surely win it.

Consider the facts for a moment. Over the last three years St Ultan's struggled so much so that they couldn't win a game in the championship - at least that is what was reported. Nobody appeared particularly eager to take charge of the team for 2022. Step forward Yore. He decided to take up the reins along with his selectors Conor Martin and Fiona Mackin.

At the start of the year they started out in earnest to prepare the team for the campaign ahead. There was no long-term, detailed plan. Instead Yore and his charges took the age-old approach that so many have taken in football over the years.

"We never looked any further than one game at a time," he said on Saturday as he stood on the lush surface at Newman Park and reflected on year for his team that had many special moments.

"I have young kids involved at underage level, it wasn't my first option (to become manager) but when I saw there was no interest in the role I decided to take it up. I knew they weren't that bad, they had a lot more potential."

Reflecting on how the last 10 months have gone it might have been expected that Yore, a Bohermeen man through and through, would consider his team's victory over Moynalvey (after extra time) in the JFC final as special. After all it was the team's first county title in a number of years. You might think that, but you would be wrong.

Instead it was a nondescript championship game, their opening round against Duleek/Bellewstown. That was a win that held a special place in his heart, deep and there was just a hint of emotion as he recalled that day.

"That was a must win game for us we felt, as it would put us in the driving seat as regards what we wanted to do for the rest of the championship. The delight on the faces of some of the girls coming off that field and some of them saying that was our first championship win in three years. That was my highlight.

"We were successful even if nothing else happened after that game but to me, in the back of my mind, that was the stepping stone we needed in the championship." From there the Saints pushed on.. and on until the title was landed. St Ultan's, of course, have a fine tradition in Ladies football.

The team’s maiden voyage was in 1991. There were triumphs and sickening setbacks too. The Saints reached the senior ranks, fell back down the ranks, got back to senior. They were somewhat unfortunate to fall under the shadow of a great Seneschalstown side.

As local historian and great Bohermeen community man Stephen Ball pointed out to the Meath Chronicle St Ultan's lost eight, that's right, eight SFC finals between 2001 and 2014. That was the pain. There were the good times too in 2004, 2010, 2015 and 2016 when the senior titles were landed.

Then the barren times returned and for past number of years St Ultan's have found themselves in the wilderness. Now they are on a different trajectory. Upwards and onwards.

New Meath manager Davy Nelson was among the attendance at Newman Park on Saturday and he must surely have been impressed with the performances of players such as Rachel Casserly, Lesley Buchanan, Trisha Marley, Kathleen Yore, Mary Coyne. Others too could get the call. Their county's call.

Yore is now back living in his native county after many years in America working in the construction sector. He played a lot of football in Gaelic Park and coached in the States and had considerable success too. He knows that no matter what side of the world you are in if you are managing a team there is no hope of success unless the players have talent and, most of all, have the right attitude.

He paid tribute to the St Ultan's players on Saturday. On the way they trained with diligence and commitment; they way they sought to represent the green and black by giving it everything in training and in games.

"I have a passion for the game but no matter who you have on the line you need the players on the field and credit always has to go back to the players."

Looking to the future he pointed out how the St Ultan's underage structure was "thriving." It's clearly only a matter of time until the Saints are once more in the senior ranks. The fact they were playing in a Leinster championship game is a clear sign they are moving in the right direction.