Doctor McKenna Cup: Monaghan began their campaign with a victory over St. Mary’s, Belfast in the first round of fixtures at Clones on Sunday, with Darren Hughes captaining the side and Rory Beggan as goalkeeper. The next fixture is a trip to Ballybofey to take on the All-Ireland champions Donegal next Sunday, throwing in at 2pm.

Juvenile Coaching: Anyone interested in coaching juveniles in 2013 should contact Youth Officer Gary McQuaid on 086-0551835, or Coaching Officer David McCague on 087-6202242.

Mouthguards: Following the GAA’s Annual Congress in April 2012 a new rule was enacted that made it mandatory to use a mouthguard in all Gaelic football matches and training sessions from January 1st 2013 (for all age grades up to and including minor). The rule will not come into effect at Under 21 and Adult level until January 1st 2014. Players will not be covered under the player injury scheme if they are not wearing a mouthguard. There are three types of mouth guards: stock mouthguards (around €5), boil and bite mouthguards (€15-€20) and custom fitted mouthguards (€60 – €120). Custom fitted mouthguards purchased in bulk in this manner should cost around €30 to €50 each. The decision on which type of mouthguard a player should obtain is a matter of personal preference. The Stock and Boil & Bite options will suffice for compliance with the new rules, but only if the product carries the CE mark. Official Opro GAA/GPA stock and boil & bite mouthguards will be available for purchasing through local retailers: Supervalu, Centra, Lifestyle and Elverys. For more information on this subject, please see the official GAA website.

Congratulations: Scotstown club referee Donal Connolly took charge of the Ulster Club Minor Football Final on New Year’s Day in Belfast. Watty Grahams of Maghera defeated Killeavy by 4-7 to 1-7 on the day to take the title.

Club Membership: Club membership fees for 2013 can now be paid to Frankie McCarey, Cormac Sherry or Matt McCrudden. The fee is €30 for adults, and €10 for juveniles. Corporate membership is available for €150 which also includes Ciste subscription for the year, and entry to all home games for the season.

Awards: The Monaghan GAA annual award winners, in association with The Northern Standard will be presented on January 19, 2013 at 7:30pm in the Hillgrove Hotel. Scotstown club referee Gerard McCarron will pick up the Monaghan County Senior Referee of the Year award for 2012, while Sean McCrudden collects the Hall of Fame award. The special guest on the night will be Michael Duignan, and tickets are available from assistant county secretary Anita Finnegan on 086-6679440.

Monaghan GAA Yearbook: The official Monaghan GAA Yearbook is still available at outlets throughout the county priced at €12. This is the only county yearbook produced by the clubs, with proceeds from sales going back into Monaghan GAA.

Condolences: Sympathy is extended to the families and friends of the recently deceased, who include Frank Boyle, Knockatallon; Jason McGovern, Knocknagrave; Peter Joseph Hughes, Tyholland; Kathleen O’Neill, Armagh; Peg Cormack, Ballymena (nee McKenna, Druminane); Paddy O’Donoghue, Newmarket-on-Fergus.