Abbey Fanning Memorial 7 A Side Tournament
Sponsored by the Squealing Pig Bar, Monaghan
Hosted by Monaghan Harps Ladies GFC
Saturday 11th of June 2011
Proceedings will begin at Gavan Duffy Park, Monaghan on Saturday the 11th of June at 10:00a.m. SHARP. The following teams have entered the competition this year:
- Monaghan Harps, Co. Monaghan
- Knockbride, Co. Cavan
- Galbally, Co. Tyrone
- Latton, Co. Monaghan
- Donaghmoune, Co. Monaghan
- Donaghmoyne, Co. Monaghan
- Emyvale, Co. Monaghan
- Truagh, Co. Monaghan
- Truagh, Co. Monaghan
10. Magheracloone, Co. Monaghan
11. Clann Eireann, Co. Armagh
12. Clontarf, Co. Dublin
13. Scostown, Co. Monaghan
14. Aghabog, Co. Monaghan
15. Sean Mc Dermott’s, Co Monaghan
16. To be confirmed
Many thanks once again to our main sponsor Raymond Aughey & the Squealing Pig Bar, Monaghan who helps to make this day a memorable and sporting occasion for all. Without Raymond’s essential financial support we would not be able to continue to organise, co-ordinate & participate in this extra special day’s football.
Abbey Fanning was a valued member of the Monaghan Harps Ladies Gaelic football club. Abbey’s life was tragically cut short following a road accident in 2000. She represented the club at Under 10, 12 & 14 levels. Abbey was a fun loving, vibrant breath of fresh air and made her mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. On the field of play she was a tenacious forward with constant enthusiasm to just play football.
Abbey formed a lasting impression on the Monaghan Harps Ladies Club and for this reason we host this 7 a side tournament in her memory, so that many other girls may experience the fun of gaelic football which Abbey truly loved.
If we look at the form of 7’s competitions to date in 2011, it leaves for interesting reading. In the Crossmaglen 7’s held back in February, Clann Eireann emerged as the Cup winners defeating Donaghmoyne in the Final.
More recently, in the Marie Hoye Memorial 7’s, hosted by Clann Eireann, Emyvale progressed to the final of the Cup competition only to be defeated by the hosts Clann Eireann. Whereas Donaghmoyne participated in the Shield competition and had some retribution for their Crossnmaglen 7’s defeat earlier in the year by defeating the Clann Eireann 2 team in this Shield Final.
So the Monaghan Harps Ladies Abbey Fanning Memorial competition could be the deciding factor in establishing who is to the fore in 2011 in 7’s, as to date Clann Eireann are leading the way with 2 Cup titles under their belts, with Donaghmoyne and Emyvale snapping at their heels.
The host club Monaghan Harps would love to get back into winning ways in this competition, as the last time the title was captured by the host club was 2000. In 2010, the Harps were defeated in the Cup final by Emyvale so are hoping this year to feature strongly again in this competition despite the loss of a significant number of key players through emigration and transfers abroad.
Donaghmoyne would have to be considered the frontrunners for the title this year, with a point to prove against Clann Eireann as well as 6 Cup titles and 2 shield titles to date in this competition, their experience could help them return to reclaim the cup title they have won in the past.
Clann Eireann would complete the hat trick of 7’s cup titles in 2011 if they win on Saturday, as they would be adding to the Crossmaglen 7’s title and the Marie Hoye Memorial 7’s title.
Truagh are definitely a team to watch in this year’s competition as they are playing in the top flight of football in 2011 in both the Division 1 league and the Senior Championship so featuring strongly in this 7’s would be an ideal start to their summer.
Emyvale are understrength for this 7’s compared to last years cup winning panel, however, it would be foolish to write any Emyvale team off due to the extensive strength and depth they have to their senior panel.
Magheracloone have participated in the Crossmaglen 7’s this year already and this recent 7’s experience will be a significant advantage on the day.
Latton last featured on the winners rostrum at the Abbey Fanning Memorial 7’s in 2006 and it is anticipated that they would be anxious to return to winning ways at this year’s 7’s.
The Galbally team progressed in the Cup competition in 2010 only to be defeated by a strong Clann Eireann team in the cup quarter final. They have the advantage of being from outside the County and being an unknown entity is always an advantage so they could be considered the dark horse of this year’s competition.
Scotstown have had a successful league campaign to date and they are definitely a team to be considered to take home some silverware on the day.
Knockbride of Cavan were defeated by the hosts, Monaghan Harps, in last years Cup semi final so it is expected that they will be serious contenders again in 2011 and would be hoping to progress to the final stages this year.
The Clontarf club from Co. Dublin have entered the Abbey Fanning Memorial 7’s this year for the first time so everyone will be eager to establish the calibre of this team. It is safe to say that any club team from Dublin will be travelling to this 7’s intent on winning and making their mark in this popular competition.
Aghabog last featured as winners of the shield competition in 2009. With strong minor teams over the last number of years boosting their senior panel, Aghabog must not be written off in this 7’s competition.
Sean Mc Dermotts although new to this 7’s competition will be aware of what it takes on the day to progress to the final stages. They are a well drilled team and will know the players to watch as the games progress in this year’s competition.
One thing is certain; there will undoubtedly be a feast of football on display in the spectacular Monaghan Harps GAA Grounds of Gavan Duffy Park, Monaghan. Best of luck to all teams on the day and here’s to an enjoyable day’s football for all concerned.
By michael Tue 7th Jun
