NATIONAL LEAGUE SEMI FINAL
MONAGHAN V DUBLIN – GAELIC GROUNDS DROGHEDA 3.00 PM
This Sunday sees our Senior ladies team back in action again in the Bord Gais league semi final. Their opponents are Dublin. When they met earlier in the league, only a point seperated both sides with Monaghan lucky to scrape the victory. It has been quite some time since Monaghan reached the National league final and when I talked to Gregory Mc Gonigle their manager during the week, I asked him did he believe that reaching the league final was something that Monaghan football needs.
He said that he believed that it would help this Monaghan Team by playing in more finals and getting more big match experience ,and would help with the development of the team ,but if you think back to last year it did the team no harm in not making the league Final as they went on to reach the championship All Ireland final. However he said that reaching a league final would be a great boost but it is by not means the main target for the season. Having played Dublin already in the league where just a point seperated the sides I asked him did he think Sunday’s encounter would be another close game. He said that games between Monaghan V Dublin over this last few years have been close. Dublin are a very well organised team and are hard to break down. He expected it to be a tight affair and whatever team makes the fewest mistakes will win…
How Monaghan players approach the game will have a big bearing on the game. He felt that Monaghan have not put up a lot of great performances in the league. They have struggled with form and as much as they have won 6 from 7, He personally has not been happy with the teams performance levels. Attacking, he feels has been very disjointed and he also feels that the team have had a poor enough scoring return. He believes more is needed from the forwards, and he thinks collectively as a team they are not working as hard as last year. Talking about the team, I then asked him had he a full panel to select from and were there any injury worries. He pointed out that Ellen McCarron is struggling with a ankle knock but hopefully she may play some part. Caoimhe Mohan is back fit after picking up an ankle injury against Tyrone, but so far this year he believes she has not hit the standards of last year. He is hopeful however that she will come good on Sunday as she has serious pace and potential.. Catriona McConnell is another player who has had a few nightly injuries but hopefully she will also be ok.
Finally I asked him who he thought were the players to watch out for on the Dublin side. He went on to say that Dublin have a very strong team ,which we struggled with for long periods the last day. The likes of All Star forward Sinead Ahearne, Denise Materson, midfielder Sinead Goldrick and the likes of Niamh McEvoy and Natalia Hyland… They have a well organised defensive system and have loads of quality forwards so we know we are up against a quality side….
Speaking to Gregory I was left under no illusion of the task ahead for the Monaghan girls this Sunday. I know their main aim this year is to get back to Croke Park, but I believe reaching a league final would be a huge stepping stone for the girls and a major confidence boost before the championship begins. Dublin are one of the up and coming teams and Monaghan were lucky to come out on top the last day. They will have to be really on top of their game to overcome this Dublin side, but the talent is there. We just need a really big team performance from the girls on Sunday.
On behalf of the county board, I would like to wish the team and management the very best of luck, and I would like to encourage everyone out there to come out and give these girls the support they deserve. The venue for Sunday’s game is the Gaelic Grounds Drogheda. Throw in 3pm
Monaghan Minors V Fermanagh Saturday 21st April 2012
Monaghan 4 -06 Fermanagh 3 -12
Monaghan bowed out of this years Ulster minor championship after a battling performance at Tyholland on Saturday last. After twenty minutes of the opening half Monaghan looked to be in control playing against a slight breeze when they lead the visitors on a score line of Monaghan 3 – 3 Fermanagh 0 -5, after Allana O Donohue had struck for Monaghan’s third major, but the introduction of Danika Beatty for Fermanagh was to have a major impact and after a well taken point from the same player who would add a further one goal and two points to the tally to leave the half time score Monaghan 3-3 Fermanagh 1 -8. Fermanagh opened the scoring with a point by Sarah Mc Causland but Monaghan’s Barbara Ward was quick to reply with Monaghan’s opening minor and the next Monaghan attack by the same player was well finished to the Fermanagh net by Niamh Markey. Fermanagh’s Emma Kiely struck again with a point but this was cancelled out by an Abbie Mc Carey point and another good Monaghan move involving Muireann O Rourke and Allanna O Donohue was superbly finished off by Barbara Ward for Monaghans second major. Fermanagh’s mid fielder Roisin O Reilly pointed for the visitors however this score was quickly cancelled out by an Allanna O Donohue pointed free.
A brace of points by Sarah Mc Causland left the score 2-03 to 0- 5 before Monaghans Allanna O Donohue’s goal, but in the last ten minutes of the first half Fermanagh’s dominance lead to points from Danika Beatty, Roisin O Reilly and Aine Mc Manus punctured by a goal from the very lively Sarah Mc Causland to leave just a point separating the sides at the break. Monaghan had introduced Charlotte Mc Kenna just before the break and Tara Mc Meel was also introduced at the start of the second half. An early second half blitz left Monaghan reeling as Fermanagh crashed home two early goals and a point, from Maura Mc Donald 1-0 and Danika Beatty 0-1.
The introduction of Leona Hughes to Monaghan’s mid-field was rewarded with a Charlotte Mc Kenna point, but again this was cancelled out by a point from Aine Mc Manus to leave Monaghan trailing 3-04 to 3-10. However, Monaghan now gained the upper hand going in to the start of the third quarter and this was rewarded when the referee signalled a penalty after a foul on Monaghan’s Barbra Ward. Allanna O Donohue made no mistake and Monaghan’s dominance was further rewarded with points from Abbie Mc Carey and Amy Mc Kenna, but try as they might and despite a number of missed chances Fermanagh held on to their one point lead and Monaghan’s hopes of at least a draw was shattered by two very late points by Maura Mc Donald and Sarah Mc Causland to end Monaghan’s involvement in this years Ulster ladies minor championship.
A huge effort was made by the Monaghan girls with some great defending from Kate Duffy, Eimear Kelly, Louise Connolly and Ciara Mc Dermott. In the mid-field area Abbie Mc Carey, Muireann O Rourke and Jessica Drohan (until she picked up an injury) worked very hard and in attack Barbra Ward played an inspiring captains role ably assisted by Allanna O Donohue and Charlotte Mc Kenna. Monaghan line out: Fiona Callan, Kate Duffy, Louise Connolly, Eimear Kelly, Abbie Mc Carey 0-2, Ciara MC Dermott, Michaela Mc Quaid, Jessica Drohan, Muireann O Rourke, Emma Mc Kenna, Allanna O Donohue 2-1, Ciara Larney , Niamh Markey1-0, Barbara Ward Cpt 1-1 ,Amy Mc Kenna0-1, subs used: Tara Mc Meel, Tiarna Lavelle, Leona Hughes, Charlotte Mc Kenna 0-1, Amy Murray: Panel, Laura Mc Daniels, Aoife Brady, Caoimhe Lonergan, Joanne Cullerton, Anna Mc Kenna, Siobhan Farell, Sandra Mc Connell.
Fermanagh: Niamh Gillon, Cliodhna Jackman, Ciara Mc Hugh, Dion Gallagher, Blanid Corrigan, Stephaine Dolan, Courtney Murphy, Roisin O Reilly 0-2, Shannon Mc Quale, Jessica Curran, Aine Mc Manus 0-1 , Maura Mc Donald 1-0, Sarah Mc Causland 1-4, Julie-Ann Mc Breen, Emma Kelly 0-2, Danika Beatie1-2.
COUNTY U14 GIRLS TRAVEL TO DONEGAL WITH AN ULSTER FINAL PLACE AT STAKE
The county U14 girls travel to Convoy Donegal this Saturday in their final round game against Donegal. Tyrone are already assured of an Ulster final spot. Monaghan could claim that other final position with a win over Donegal. Donegal beat Monaghan in the Ulster blitz, but there was very little between the sides and if the Monaghan girls play to their full potential, there is no reason why they cannot reach the final. We wish them the very best of luck. Throw in for Saturday’s game is 2pm.
Players are asked to take note of the following pick points for Saturday
Carrickmacross – Inver College – 10.30 am
Mc Caheys Shop – 10.40 am
Glencarn Castleblayney – 10.50 am
St Marys Church Clontibret – 11.00 am
Sams Diner Monaghan – 11.10 am
Emyvale – 11.20 am
Truagh – 11.25 am
Please make sure to bring all proper Monaghan gear and also packed lunch.
EMYVALE RETAIN THE FEILE TITLE AFTER A EXCELLENT WIN OVER DONAGHMOYNE
The first trophy of the year came Emyvale’s way on Monday evening last, when they retained the Feile title after a hard earned win over Donaghmoyne in Clontibret. Both teams have to be commended for the excellent display of football they served up and the final scoreline isn’t a true reflection on how close this game was. It was only in the final quarter that Emyvale pulled away, but they fully deserved their victory, and they will now represent Monaghan in the Feile finals in Laois in June
It was Emyvale who opened the scoring with Dolores Hughes firing over the bar. Donaghmoyne were very unlucky not to score a goal, with their first effort coming off the post and then Stephanie Lynch taking off a fine save to deny them once again. Emyvale then went on the attack with Dolores Hughes unlucky not to hit the net for Emyvale, her shot also coming off the post. Ellen Mulligan fired over the bar to put Emyvale 2 up, but Donaghamoyne soon equalised with Rosemary Courtney and Lauren Mc Crossan firing over the bar. It was end to end action and the first goal of the day came with a fine move from Emyvale, with Dolores Hughes blasting to the corner of the net giving the keeper no chance.Dolores then added another point and Natasha Hughes followed up with another to put Emyvale 5 points up but then Donaghamoyne took control with 3 goals within the space of 5 minutes one a piece from Emma Keenan , Aoife Caraher and the lively Rachel Mc Connell to put Donaghmoyne 4 points up. Emyvale showed what true champions they are, when they fought back and a great ball from Natasha Hughes to Dolores Hughes resulted in a goal with Dolores Hughes once again firing to the net to leave just one point between the sides and soon after Dolores got her hat trick to leave Emyvale going into the break 2 points up.
Half time score Emyvale 3-4 Donaghmoyne 3-2
The second half resumed with Emyvale having to make a substitute. Their on form Dolores Hughes after scoring 3-2 in the opening half , had to come off with a leg injury and was replaced by Derbhla Treanor. Gamma Corley also carrying an injury moved out of the full back position with Saoirse Treanor moving back in to help marshal the defence.However, Emyvale were quickest off the blocks with the impressive hard working Ellen Mulligan firing to the net to put Emyvale 5 points up. Donaghmoyne continued to pressurise the Monaghan defence but excellent defending by Gemma Corley , Amy Hamill and Kathleen Connolly full back kept Donaghmoyne at bay. Emma Keenan fired over a point for Donaghamoyne to reduce Emyvale’s lead to just 4 points . Emyvale re introduced Dolores Hughes but then Donaghamoyne were hit a cruel blow, when Eimear Finnegan had to retire through injury and this seemed to have a big impact on the Donaghmoyne girls as Emyvale took control of the game with Eimear Mc Anespie leading by example from the middle, ably assisted by Verity O Connor . Dolores Hughes got her 4th goal of the day and then two well taking goals from Eimear gave the Emyvale girls some breathing space and when Aideen Murray also had to retire through injury, the game was all but over. Two more points from Dolores Hughes put the game beyond reach, but Donaghmoyne to their credit never gave up, but they found the Emyvale defence impossible to penetrate. Three further points in the last minutes, 2 from Ellen Molloy and another from Eimear Mc Anespie, finished off what was an excellent second half performance by the Emyvale girls. Final score Emyvale 7-9 Donaghamoyne 3-3
There were jubilant scenes as the Emyvale captain Saoirse Treanor received the Feile shield. As stated earlier, the scoreline wasn’t a true reflection on the game as Emyvale were pushed all the way, in particular in the opening half. Losing Eimear Finnegan and Aideen Murray was also a big blow for the Donaghmoyne girls but Emyvale showed in the second half what a great team they are, when despite a number of players carrying injuries, they took control of the game and in the end they were very worthy winners.
Team line outs
Donaghmoyne Claire Deery, Aideen Murray, Sarah Coleman, Marina Cunningham, Nicole Walsh, Aisling Callan, Aoife Ni Riordan, Rosemary Courtney (0-1), Siobhan Keenan, Emma Keenan (1-0), Eimear Finnegan, Lauren Mc Crossan (0-1), Rachel Mc Connell (1-0), Aoife Caraher (1-0), Louise Kerley
Emyvale Stephanie Lynch, Chloe Mc Quaid, Gemma Corley, Ellen Molloy (0-2 1f), Ella Moran, Amy Hamill, Kathleen Connolly, Verity O Connor, Eimear Mc Anespie (2-1), Dolores Hughes (4-4 1f), Ellen Mulligan (1-1), Saoirse Treanor, Sarah Jo Treanor, Natasha Hughes (0-1), Sadhbh Deeney.
Subs used Dearbhla Treanor, Cara Mc Kenna, Chloe Mc Kenna
RESULTS
Feile Final
Emyvale 7-9 Donaghmoyne 3-3
Division 1 League
Truagh 6-9 Donaghmoyne B 1-1
Emyvale A 4-14 Magheracloone 0-10
Aghabog 3-8 Inniskeen 2-11
Donaghmoyne A w/o from corduff
Scotstown 4-6 Monaghan Harps 4-1
Division 2
Latton 2-14 O Neills 2-4
Emyvale 2-8 Aughnamullen 1-12
Doohamlet 3-9 St Brigids 2-3
U14 Division 2 13 a side
Seans 5-7 Killanny 2-8
O Neills 4-11 Eire Og 1-0
Inniskeen 4-5 Tyholland 7-4
Aughnamullen 10-17 latton 2-4
Division 3 11 a side
Doohamlet 6-8 Magheracloone 6-7
Aghabog 4-17 St Brigids 2-6
Doohamlet bt Emyvale B (round 3)
FIXTURES
BORD GAIS LEAGUE SEMI FINAL – Sunday 29th April
Monaghan V Dublin – Gaelic Grounds Drogheda @ 3pm
RESERVE LEAGUE DIVISION 1
Emyvale V Corduff – Saturday 28th @ 6pm
Truagh V Aghabog – Saturday 28th @ 6pm
Monaghan Harps V Donaghmoyne – Sunday 29th @ 12.30pm
RESERVE LEAGUE DIVISION 2
Latton v Doohamlet – Friday 26th @ 7pm
O’Neill v Killanny – Sunday 29th @ 12.30pm
St Brigids v Sean’s – Sunday 29th @ 12.30 pm
Carrick v Aughamullen – Friday 26th @ 7pm
U16S – tonight Thursday 26th April @ 7pm
Division 1 15 a side
Carricmacross V Monaghan Harps
Scotstown V Emyvale
Donaghmoyne bye
Division 2 13 a side
Killanny V Inniskeen
Latton V Eire Og
Magheracloone V Seans
O Neills V Truagh
Division 3 11 a side
Corduff V Aughnamullen
Killevan V Doohamlet
St Brigids V Tyholland
Aghabog bye
U14s – All games Monday 30th April @ 7.00pm unless otherwise stated
Division 1 15 a side
Monaghan Harps V Scotstown
Donaghmoyne V Carrickmacross
Emyvale V Truagh
Division 2 13 a side
Killanny V O Neills
Eire Og V Tyholland
Aughnamullen V Inniskeen
Latton V Seans
Division 3 11 a side
Corduff V Emyvale – Tuesday 1st May @7pm
Killevan V Doohamlet
Aghabog V Magheracloone
St Brigids bye
ANNUAL JOEY GARTLAN MEMORIAL CHARITY MATCH
Carrickmacross Ladies are holding the Annual Joey Gartlan Memorial Charity Match on Sunday 6th May
in Emmet Park Carrick at 3pm. Proceeds this year go to the Solas unit helping children with Autism.
The match will involve players from the Monaghan Ladies team of 92/95 and Carrick Ladies.
Please come and support this worthy cause and enjoy the day. For more info contact any member
Carrick Ladies.
MONAGHAN HARPS LADIES 21ST BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
On Saturday night last I attended the Monaghan Harps 21st birthday celebrations. Monaghan Harps was the first club I played with having joined it in 1991 and playing with them until 2005 when I moved to Emyvale. I have many great memories of Monaghan Harps ladies and I have to say the effort put into organising last weekend’s event was excellent and as usual down to the efforts of Eileen, Jennifer and Alison and others. Alison put into her own words the history of the club and anyone there would agree with me in saying her speech on the night was just excellent and one I feel should be shared by all those who have an interest in ladies football .
“Monaghan Harps Ladies GFC celebrate 21 years of Ladies Gaelic Football in Monaghan Town In 1991 many historical & momentous events took place, Freddie Mercury died, Joe McElderry was born, Bryan Adams remained at the top of the Irish charts for 10 weeks with Everything I do (I do it for you) but something even more important happened a lot closer to home, 5 young people from Monaghan Town, namely, Damien Morgan, Jennifer Treanor, Eileen McElvaney, Seanine McConnell & Eilis Ní Mhurachada founded a ladies gaelic football club which became known as Monaghan Harps Ladies GFC. And 21 years later, we celebrated that decision, last Saturday night in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan. For some, 1991 is something you learn about in your history books at school. To those who graced the green pastures of Gavan Duffy Park in Latlorcan, 1991 was the beginning of a very bright future for Monaghan Harps Ladies but at that stage we did not know what lay ahead in the years to come. In the early years of Ladies Football within County Monaghan, Monaghan Harps Ladies GFC was undoubtedly to the fore. We competed consistently in the Division one League & Senior Championship successfully throughout the 1990’s with many intense and heart stopping battles that were fought on the field of play during those early days. During the 1990’s, Monaghan Harps Ladies moved home from Gavan Duffy Park in Latlorcan, to temporary residence in St Macartans College whilst the current facilities at Gavan Duffy Park Rooskey were being developed. In 1991, Monaghan Harps Ladies GFC contested the County Final against Aghabog in Rockcorry. This was the first ever Ladies County Final played in Co. Monaghan. This was the second highest attended ladies gaelic football match in Ireland second only to the Ladies All Ireland Final that year. In 1992, we won the first of our 6 Senior County Championship Titles in County Monaghan after a thrilling display in Drumhowan against a strong Donaghmoyne outfit. We lifted the Senior County Championship again in 1996 & 1998. And we won our only 2 Senior League titles during the 1990’s in 1993 & 1995. During the 90’s, we started to think more about the future and having entered minor competitions when possible since the offset, in 1994 we entered an U12 team in the community games competition and also commenced training from U10’s through to U14’s. And as the years have passed from 1994, our juvenile ranks have increased and we continuously strive to play in the 15-a-side competitions when at all possible. As we progressed into the 21st century, Monaghan Harps Ladies were to achieve something that had never been done before by any other Ladies or Mens Senior Gaelic Football Club in County Monaghan. In 2000, Monaghan Harps Ladies won the AIB Senior All Ireland Club Championship title by defeating Timahoe in a memorable final in Mullingar. This historic year is undoubtedly one of the most significant highlights of our Club’s 21 years of existence. To all who were involved in the years before this All Ireland Senior Club Title, you too were instrumental in this victory as the groundwork had been laid in the years beforehand. As we progress through the 2000’s we remained in the top flight of football, playing Division One and Senior Championship football and we participated in many Senior Championship deciders during this era, including our 5th & 6th Senior Championship titles in 2001 & 2002. This is a testament to the dogged mentality of the Harps girls as well as the tremendous & dedicated work that is ongoing within our juvenile set up in the club. It is also imperative that we mention 2011 and our first time in Intermediate Championship football, and in turn, our first Intermediate Championship title. In true Monaghan Harps Ladies style we actually even surprised ourselves. For all involved with last years senior panel that it was only when we reached the final, in fact only in the second half of that final, that we truly realised how much we wanted this title and even more importantly how much we needed it. Some close associates of the Monaghan Harps Ladies Club who are no longer with us must also be mentioned, Abbey Fanning, Player, Nora Callan, Committee Member & Brendan McCann, Committee Member & Mentor. Everyone has inevitably lost someone who has been dear to them over the years and the Monaghan Harps Ladies Club is no different. Abbey never got to progress through the ranks of this great club and fulfil her undoubted potential as a fantastic footballer and both Brendan & Nora would undoubtedly have been central to the 21st Birthday celebrations but we must remember only for this club we would not have crossed paths with Abbey, Nora & Brendan. On a happier note, Monaghan Harps Ladies has had its fair share of births & marriages over the past 21 years, as we attempt to restock our juvenile teams! Thanks to anyone who contributed to our birthday party on Saturday night, thanks to everyone who attended, well done to everyone who has been involved with the Ladies Club since 1991, no matter what role you have taken from jersey washing, , making sandwiches, supporter, fundraiser, playing, coaching, committee, etc. your input has been crucial to the survival of our Club. Well done to all, for the last 21 years of Monaghan Harps Ladies GFC and here’s to many more years ahead of us.
By michael Tue 24th Apr
