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MONAGHAN GET THIER 2012 SEASON OFF TO A WINNING START
Monaghan got their season off to winnings ways, beating Fermanagh in the first round of the O Dowd cup. Only 6 of the All Ireland final starting team started on Sunday, giving the management team a chance to look at new players. Indeed a number of younger players made their first ever appearance in a Monaghan senior ladies game.
It was Monaghan from start to finish with Catriona Mc Connell opening the scoring with a well worked move involving Isobel Kierans and Ciara Mc Anespie. Indeed it was Catriona who increased Monaghan’s lead, when a shot on goal from Ciara Mc Anespie rebounded off the crossbar. Catriona was quickest to react and fired to the back of the net.Fermanagh did push forward but in fairness Monaghan’s defenced stood firm. Their full back line of Niamh Lynch, Joanne Courtney and newcomer Ciara Mc Dermott stood up to whatever pressure Fermanagh put to them. And the half back line of Lavina Connolly, Laura Mc Eneaney and Aoife Mc Anespie forged forward making Fermanagh’s job even more difficult. This attacking play and combined with
great work by Isobel Kierans and Eileen Mc Kenna in the middle of the field kept Monaghan in control. Further points from Caoimhe Mohan(4) Anita Newell(1) Ciara Mc Anespie(2)and a further point from Catriona Mc Connell put Monaghan in a commanding lead at half time 2-9 to 0-1.
The second half continued in much the same fashion, with Monaghan in full control giving the management the chance to add new faces to the side. A brace of scores from Caoimhe Mohan in the opening ten minutes put the result beyond doubt and in the end Monaghan ran out comfortable winners 5-21 to 1-3.
It is always good to get off to a winning start especially when you are missing a number of regulars, but the newcomers all gave a very good account of themselves, and this new blend of experience and youth can only be good for the future.
Line Out
Linda Martin, Ciara Mc Dermott, Niamh Lynch, Aoife Mc Anespie, Laura Mc Eneaney, Lavina Connolly, Isobel Kierans(0-1)Eileen Mc Kenna, Barbara Ward (0-1) Eilen Mc Elroy, Anita Newell (0-3) Caoimhe Mohan, (2-8), Ciara Mc Anespie (-0-2)
Subs Niamh Kindlon(0-2) for Catriona Mc Connell, Christine Reilly for Laura Mc Eneaney, Amy Murray for Ciara Mc Anespie, Ellen Mc Carron (0-2) for Eileen Mc Elroy, Shauna Coyle for Lavina Connolly Roisin Mc Kenna for Barbara Ward
Monaghan were due to play Armagh last night in the second round. Details on this next week.
DINNER DANCE
The county board Annual Dinner Dance is on Friday 24th February in Scotstown, Music is by Rula Bula. Tickets will be on sale €15. Guest of honour on the night will be Monaghan ladies first ever All Ireland winning team – 1992 Junior All Ireland Winners. 20 years on, and they will be joining with our current successful senior squad and U16 Ulster winners in their medal presentations.
Also on the night presentations will be made to U14, U16 , Minor and Senior County Player of the Year, and Div 1, 2, 3 and 4 players of the year. There will also be an award for overall club of the year, and most improved club of the year
This should be an enjoyable night for all as we look back on what was a wonderful year for Monaghan ladies football. So keep Friday 24th free in your diary.
UNDERAGE MANAGEMENTS
The county board are currently looking for managers for each of their underage teams – U14 U16 and Minor. Nomination papers have gone out to club secretaries so all clubs are asked to forward nominations for the various positions. If anyone is interested in applying for any of these positions, please apply by e mail to either Sharon Meel secretary ssmcmeel@eircom.net or Marie Brady Chairperson. monaghanchair2010@gmail.com
LOOKING BACK AT 2011
Following on from last week, I will now take a look at what happened in July, August and September
JULY
Rebecca Hughes Emyvale is runner up in All Ireland Feile skills competition
Monaghan senior ladies retain Ulster Senior championship title with a 3-18 to 0-10 victory over Tyrone
Another Ulster title comes Monaghans way with the U16s beating Tyrone to win the U16 Ulster title.
Scotstown lose out to Aghabog in Intermediate club championship.
Gloria Corrigan Memorial Tournament sees St Laurence form Kildare win the cup competition and Killanny winning the Shield. Ellen O Brien Emyvale wins overall Player of the Tournament
JULY
Ronan Tournament sees Donaghmoyne beat Magheracloone after extra time to win the Cup competition. Emyvale beat Inniskeen to win the shield.
Inniskeen beat Emyvale in the Junior championship semi final.Latton beat Donaghmoyne B in the other semi final. Aghabog beat Magharacloone in the Intermediate semi final and Monaghan Harps beat Corduff in the other Intermediate semi final.
Paul Swift represents Monaghan as a referee in the North American Championships.
U16s lose out to Kerry in the All Ireland Quarter final.
Carrickmacross win the Div 2 U12 league.
Monaghan senior ladies beat Meath in an impressive All Ireland quarter final game 2-13 to 0-8, with Grainne Mc Nally being named as TG4’s player of the match
Monaghan Harps beat Aghabog to win the Intermediate championship
Inniskeen beat Latton to win the Junior championship
Emyvale beat Donaghamoyne to clinch the U14 Div 1 league
SEPTEMBER
Monaghan seniors book their place in Croke Park with an impressive win over Kerry, Sharon Courtney is named TG4 Player of the Match.
Therese Mc Nally wins Irish News All Star Award
Doohamlet win reserve championship final.
Doohamlet U13 girls are successful in Croke Park Competition.
Donaghmoyne beat Emyvale to win their 9th consecutive Senior county championship.
Doohamlet win development league final.
Emyvale win U14 championship title beating Monaghan Harps in the final
Preparations in full swing for Monaghan’s All Ireland final showdown against Cork
Another ex Monaghan player, Catriona Brady prepares for her Croke Park final, this time with New York.
After an heroic performance, the girls lose out to Cork in the All Ireland final.
Next week I will take a look at what happened at the latter end of the year, but for now I would like to take this opportunity to wish all the teams the very best of luck for the coming year.
