MONAGHAN PLAYERS PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN ULSTER’S SUCCESS
Monaghan definitely played their part in Ulster’s success last weekend with no fewer than 10 Monaghan girls starting in the final. It was Ulster’s second inter-pro’s tournament in three years. Inspired by player of the tournament Caroline O Hanlon Ulster won all three round robin games before beating Munster in the final 0-15 to 1-9.
In the first game goals from Caroline O Hanlon, Geraldine Mc Laughlin and Ciara Mc Anespie helped Ulster to beat holders Leinster 3-8 to 0-9. They then followed that win with a comprehensive 2-11 to 0-5 victory over Connacht with the majors coming from Ellie Mc Carron and Ciara Mc Anespie. Going into their last round robin game Ulster had already qualified however this didn’t stop them turning on the style. Goals from Tyrone sisters Joline and Cathy Donnelly secured a 2-15 to 2-9 win over Munster. Throughout these round robin games all thirty players selected to represent the province played their part.
In the final Ulster dominated the first half however a late goal from rebel pocaher Valerie Mulcahy left just a point between the sides at the break, Ulster leading 0-8 to 1-4. In the second half Ulster added another 7 points and while everyone understandly tired towards the end the defence stood firm and Ulster went on to deservedly win by three points. Midfielder Carloine O Hanlon who was playing in her sixth consecutive inter-pro tournament was named most valuable player.
A big congratulations to the management and players.
The full squad was: Mairead Cooper and Claire Timoney (Antrim), Sinead Mc Cleary and Caroline O Hanlon (Armagh), Aisling Doonan (Cavan), Geraldine Mc Laughlin, Aoife Mc Donnell and Ciara Hegarty (Donegal), Clara Fitzpatrick (Down), Ciara Mc Anespie, Aoife Mc Anespie, Therese Mc Nally, Nicola Fahy, Caoimhe Mohan, Christina Reilly, Niamh Kindlon, Sharon Courtney, Cora Courtney, Amanda casey, Linda Martin, Cathriona Mc Connell, Ellen Mc Carron and Laura Mc Eneaney (Monaghan), Shannon Quinn, Shannon Lynch, Cathy Donnelly, Joline Donnelly, Laura Mc Gillion, Tori Mc laughlin and Gemma Begley (Tyrone).
The Backroom team was: Gregory Mc Gonigle, John Downey, John Joe Brady, Paddy Donnelly, Joe Lagan, Abbey Brady and Fiona Kindlon.
This was a great win for Ulster and indeed a great day for Monaghan with so many players playing a part. Now the focus for the Monaghan girl’s is their upcoming championship tie against Tyrone. This game takes place Saturday week, June 16th as a curtain raiser to the men’s Derry/Tryone game in Ballybofey. Monaghan will not be taking Tyrone for granted as they have always been a tough hurdle to encounter and Monaghan will have to be on top of their game if they are to progress to the Ulster final. More on this championship game next week.
MONAGHAN TAKE ON MAYO IN U14 ALL IRELAND SEMI FINAL
This Saturday sees the county U14 girls take on Mayo in the All Ireland semi final. Monaghan had that fantastic win over Tyrone in the Ulster final a few weeks back and if they repeat that performance, then they will definitely be in with a chance. I spoke to Sean Gavan their manager and asked him how preparations have been going since the Tyrone game.
He said that they had given the girls a week off after the Ulster final, but that since then, they have knuckled down and worked hard. They played a challenge with the Co U16 team last week. This proved to be a good run out. There were a few players missing due to community games and other commitments, but it gave management a chance to try players in different positions . Also, the All Ireland blitz gave the management a chance to look at some of the subs as there were quite a number of the starting 15 in the Ulster final unavailable.
Sean also pointed out that he got a chance to look at Mayo at the All Ireland blitz. They seemed to be a very big team but also very mobile. He was impressed with their half forward line and they seemed to be strong around the middle. However it was hard to read too much into their performance that weekend, as he wasn’t sure if they were at full strength.
Focussing back on Monaghan, Sean stated that he is more than happy that the work has been put in. It will now be down to the day and if they play with that “Never Say Die” attitude then he believes they have the ability to go all the way. He believes that they need to approach the game with the same attitude as the Tyrone game. They need to do the simple things well and not panic on the ball.
Unfortunately there are a few injury worries but Sean is hopeful that the players concerned will have recovered.
It has been quite a while since Monaghan have reached an All Ireland decider at underage level. Sean believes it has been far too long but this team is capable of making the breakthrough. Underage football is very competitive within the county at present and clubs have started to put a big emphasis on their underage teams. This hard work will hopefully pay off on Saturday.
On behalf of the county board we wish Sean and the rest of the management team and players the very best of luck on Saturday.
The venue for Saturday’s game is Ballinamore in Co Leitrim. Throw in 2pm.
BUS ARRANGEMENTS FOR SATURDAY’S GAMES
Players are asked to take note of the following bus pick up times for Saturday’s game
Inver College Carrickmacross 10.15am
Mc Caheys Shop 10.25am
Glencarn 10.35am
St Mary Church Clontibret 10.45am
Mc Nallys Car Park 10.55am
Clones 11.15am
RESULTS
Sean Gavan talked in his interview about how competitive underage football is within the county, and on Monday evening last one U14 final and 3 semi finals took place. Each of these games showed just how high the standard of U14 football is at present and all of the games produced some excellent and exciting football.
In the Div 2 13 a side final, Aughnamullen and O Neills have it all do to again as the game ended all square after an excellent display of football by both sides.
U14 – Division 2 League – 13aSide…..Report…..04/06/2012
Aughnamullen V O’Neill’s
O’Neill’s were first of the blocks when two great points one from a free and one from play were scored by Sarah Grimley, however Aughnamullen came storming back with points from Saoirse Duffy, Keva Morgan and Saoirse followed this up with a goal to put Aughnamullen firmly in the driving seat. From the resulting kick out, O’Neill’s Hannah Mc Skeane got her name on the score sheet with a well taken point. Aughnamullens Eimear Conlon cancelled this out with one of her own in the 10th minute of play. Despite brilliant defending by Aughnamullen, O’Neill’s Kerrie Mc Eneaney pointed from way out. O’Neill’s goalie was then made to stretch her body on the line to deny Aughnamullen Leah Marron a certain goal from a well taken 45.
With 15 minutes gone Aughnamullen stretched their lead with points from Saoirse Duffy and Leah Marron. Some great defending by Aughnamullen kept O’Neill’s at bay, but finally they were awarded a free which Kerrie Mc Eneaney pointed and after the kick out she pointed once again. As the clock ticked down for the first half Aughnamullens Erin Hamill pointed, while the final scores went to O’Neill’s with points from Kerrie Mc Eneaney and Sarah Grimley to leave the half time score in favour of Aughnamullen at 1-6 to 0-8.
Aughnamullen were forced to withdraw defender Aoife Hamill from any further part in the game, when she had turned on her ankle just before half time and Caoimhe Murnaghan was introduced into the forward line.
Orlaith Hamill scored a point for Aughnamullen in the first five mins and then Aughnamullen goalie Megan Hannaway who was under immense pressure was forced to make two great saves, the second resulting in a 45, from this kick Arlene Leonard caught the ball and somehow got through many defenders to place the ball in the back of the Aughnamullen net. Aughnamullen Orlaith Hamill (who had a smashing game) pointed and when Leah Marron was fouled, Leah pointed herself. In the 13th minute Aughnamullen got their second goal from the boot of Nicola Duffy, but points followed for O’Neill’s from Sarah Grimley, Emily Madden, Sarah (2) to leave it all square at the full time whistle. Augh 2-9 O’Neill’s 1-12.
Aughnamullen: Megan Hannaway, Caithlin Mc Quillan, Aoife Hamill, Emma Mc Geough, Caoimhe Brady, Eimear Conlon, Orlaith Hamill, Keva Morgan, Andrea Duffy, Leah Marron Erin Hamill, Nicola Duffy, Saoirse Duffy. Sub used Caoimhe Murnaghan.
O’Neills: Niamh Kerr, Mary Duffy, Alex Duffy, Claudia Power, Sorcha Mc Donald, Emily Madden, Emma Kerr, Niamh Kiernan, Lucy Ward, Hannah Mc Skeane, Arlene Leonard, Kerrie Mc Eneaney, Sarah Grimley.
In the Div 1 semi final , Donaghmoyne came out on top after a very spirited display by Scotstown. Donaghmoyne now go on to meet Emyvale in the final. This is a repeat of the Feile final where Emyvale came out on top, but there is nothing between these 2 sides so another close game is forecasted.
In the Div 3 semi finals, Aghabog came out victorious by a single point against Doohamlet who had been unbeaten during the league campaign,and in the other semi final, Magheracloone put up an excellent second half performance to beat Emyvale’s B team.
**Replay is scheduled for Monday next the 11th of June as are other finals but this is to be confirmed at county executive meeting**
Clubs will be notified when decision has been finalised.
U14 Div 2 Final
Aughnamullen 2-9 O Neills 1-12
U14 Div 1 Semi Final
Donaghmoyne 6-9 Scotstown 4-7
U14 Division 3 Semi Finals
Magheracloone 2-9 Emyvale 1-3
Aghabog 3-6 Doohamlet 2-8
FIXTURES
U14 ‘A’ Championship Semi Final
Mayo v Monaghan, Ballinamore, 2.00pm
CHURCH GATE COLLECTION
On behalf of the county board I would like to thank all those who supported our church gate collection at the weekend. Your support is greatly appreciated.
REGISTRATION
NB: It is very important that all clubs ensure that all their players are registered. Anyone who has not payed their registration money is now ineligable to play. Any club found to have played unregistered players in any game could be asked to forfeit relevant game. Registration payed last year is only valid for games played up to and including 31/5/2012. It is up to each player to ensure that they are registered.
By michael Tue 5th Jun
