Statistics for the 2003 league season will read:

Played 15. Won 6. Drew 1. Lost 8

Exited championship in first round

Thirteen points left, just above the precarious relegation zone. In truth a disappointing return from a promising start.

Pre season training began on January 5^th. Spirits among the thirty plus players were lifted with the news that D.C.U. facilities would be available to us once a week, courtesy of Niall Moyna. Six weeks of arduous stamina work was eased by the novelty of having twenty footballs at our disposal. Hopes were high in anticipation of our first league engagement against Fingallians, fixed for Pitch 34, Sunday 23^rd February. A tremendous victory by the smallest of margins boosted squad confidence. When this was followed by an away win in Whitehall, Niall Scully of Evening Hearld fame, waxed lyrically of Clontarf’s resurgence in football fortunes! I don’t intend to give details of the ensuing thirteen league games, suffice to record that we extracted four wins and one draw from those fixtures.

An analysis of squad attendance at training, will reveal an average turn out of less than 50% for the year. This compares miserably to successful Division One teams where that figure is almost 80%! Indeed in no less than six of the league games, the game turned in the second half – testament to their lack of squad fitness. Personally I found this situation increasingly frustrating and finally resigned after our second last league game. It was with deep regret that I made this painful decision. Fellow mentors, Shay McCaffrey and Colm O’Connor followed suit after our final league game.

I would like to sincerely thank Shay and Collie for their support and encouragement through the year. To the squad members who consistently trained I extend a heartfelt thanks. To Don and the club executive who entrusted me with the task of training and managing the senior team, I thank them for the privilege of serving my club in that capacity. Finally I wish the seniors every success for the forthcoming season and beyond.