February 22nd. ‘11
County U16’s reach Ulster Final
Monaghan Under-16 camogie team got off to a great start on Saturday last when they defeated Donegal in the semi-final of the Ulster Championship. The match was played in perfect conditions in Aughnamullen.
It was the first outing for both teams and they were very evenly matched. Both sets of defence played extremely well and managed to curtail attacks from the opposition and indeed it was fifteen minutes into the game before Donegal opened up Monaghan’s defence to score a nice point from play.
Despite several attacks from Monaghan they were unable to get on the scoreboard and Donegal were unable to capitalise on their lead leaving the narrowest of margins separating the teams at halftime. The Monaghan girls stepped up a gear in the second half and were extremely unlucky on several occasions not to have scored, Donegal also missed chances and it looked as though the game would end without any further scores. However, with just 7 minutes remaining, a tactical move for Monaghan of bringing their goalkeeper outfield, seemed to provide the impetus they needed in the forward line and within minutes Elaine Mc Kernan scored a fine point to put Monaghan on the scoreboard for the first time and draw level.
The last 5 minutes were very tense with both teams doing everything in their power to get the illusive winning score. Fortunately for Monaghan, it was full forward Olga Tavey who got the vital touch and finished beautifully with a goal that shattered Donegal and raised the hearts of the Monaghan girls to finish strongly and thus book their place in the Ulster Final against Tyrone next Saturday.
Well done to all the girls and to Mary and Gerry Murphy for the work they are doing with the U16 team and we wish them the best of luck in the final. The match was refereed by the experienced Rosie Hughes-Merry and both teams received very welcome refreshments afterwards. Our thanks to Aughnamullen G.F.C. for the use of their facilities.
Tyrone have already beaten Armagh in the preliminary round and Cavan in the other semi-final, so we are under no illusion that they are a very strong, skilful side and Monaghan have their work cut out for them, but the girls showed great courage and commitment last Saturday and we know they will do the same against Tyrone in the final on Saturday next 26th February. Venue and time TBD. In the event of a draw there will be extra time played 10 mins each way & 5 mins half time.
Monaghan Panel:
Emma Forde, Rachel Mc Bennett, Jane Brady, Ciara Kelly, Emma Heavin, Kelsey Lam (captain), Kiera Morris, Elaine Mc Kernan, Karen Markey, Orlaith Maguire, Olga Tavey, Toiréasa Mc Manus, Claire Boyle, Shauna Mc Aree, Arlene Leonard, Shauna Murphy.
County Senior Team
Plans are currently being drawn up for a number of challenge matches for the County Senior team in preparation for their first match which will be at home to Cavan in the Ulster Junior Championship on 16th April. Monaghan will have a tight schedule in the 2 months of July and August. Once again they are involved in the All Ireland Junior B Championship which gets off to a flying start when they take on Wicklow at home on Sunday 3rd July and will have a full diary with home and away matches pencilled in on five consecutive Sundays. Training continues in Cloghan on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings.
Fixtures
The fixtures committee of Aisling Mc Geeney Inniskeen, Dympna Kerr Clontibret, Noeleen Mc. Bride Castleblayney and Lorraine Mc. Kenna Truagh met in Clontibret Community Centre on Monday evening last to draw up fixtures for the season. These will be ratified at the next Board Meeting on March 7th.after which a fixtures booklet will be forwarded to clubs.
Finance
A number of ideas were put forward for much needed funding at the finance meeting which also took place in Clontibret on Monday, some of which will also be put in place at the March meeting.
By michael Tue 22nd Feb
