Clontibret Camogie Club
Yes it’s been a while, I know … but with summer here to stay and the senior championship underway, not to mention lots of underage activity, it’s time to get writing again!
Pride of place this week goes to our very gallant U-14 team who, for the 3rd successive year, have reached the Louth League Final to be played this Friday. This is a wonderful achievement for a little team which essentially has a lot of players on transition from the ranks of the U-12 team – and then a few ‘elders’ with U-16 experience supporting them. They meet old rivals St Kevin’s in Knockbridge at 6.45, Friday evening and if past experiences are anything to go by, this could go right down to the wire. So please come along and support our young players.
Panel: Chloe McGuigan, Sioneen Morgan, Emily Madden, Ríoghnach Duffy (Capt), Abbie McArdle, Emma Deery, Catherine Mohan, Amy Gorman, Neasa Boyle, Katie Leonard, Clíodhna Moran, Becky McArdle, Katie Carragher, Shónagh Myers, Emma Leonard, Sophie Silvester, Sarah Fitzpatrick, Kerrie McNally, Jennifer Duffy, Émer McGlone, Kirsty Morgan Chloe Markey and Lisa McEneaney (inj).
The opening shots in the Senior Camogie Championship were fired a fortnight ago when our cailini stamped their authority on the competition and emerged victorious over reigning Ulster champions, Castleblayney, with a score-line of 2-20 to 0-4. That same evening Truagh defeated Inniskeen – 3-11 to 0-4. It was anticipated that Clontibret and Inniskeen would do battle this Friday evening, but in an unprecedented move, Inniskeen have conceded the game due to a local wedding involving a number of players, and players on holidays. Meanwhile Truagh and Castleblayney will slog it out in Emyvale, also on Friday, at 8pm in what promises to be an intriguing encounter.
Since their championship win our seniors defeated Port Mór in the Armagh League and are working very consistently under the guidance of Ned McCann for whom this is a ‘first’ as regards training camogie teams. So far, so good, Ned!!!
Meanwhile our U-16s have been excelling and they too have reached the League final in Louth, to be played next month. They are also well placed in the Armagh League. On Tuesday evening they made the long journey to Aghagallon and secured a resounding victory. Many thanks to Marie McKenna who made the bus journey with the team.
Although the U-14s are playing in a higher division than they should be in Armagh, they too have gone from strength and are benefitting from every outing. This Tuesday they travel to St Brigid’s for a league match and could we appeal to parents to provide transport on this occasion please as the venue is relatively close. Texts regarding time etc will be forwarded .
Our U-12s had a very good run in the Louth U-12 League where they defeated St Anne’s, Inniskeen and Mattock Rangers. But 2 defeats this week to Cooley and St Kevin’s saw them exit the competition. In fact these 2 teams will contest the final on Thurs 25th. Well done to this bunch of great workers and many thanks to those who came along to support them or provided transport. A particular word of thanks to Patricia Duffy who has travelled on busses with a number of our underage teams recently and Michael and Mary Duffy who, along with Brian McDonald, have officiated at matches. This support means a lot to the children and the club. Although some of the children may be finished playing competitively the younger members still continue to train with Marie each Thursday while the ‘older’ panel members will continue to work with the U-14 team.
For the first time ever we are have entered Minor team in Louth and their competition commences on the week of August 26th when they play St Kevin’s, followed a week later by St Brides and finally Mattock Rangers.
Our ‘Rose of Tralee’ finalist Eleanor has a hectic schedule of events lined up in the coming weeks. One with great community appeal is a Dance being held in the Community Centre on Fri Aug 9. The Parents Association of Scoil Mhuire are the organisers of the event which will include music by Gerry McMahon followed by the very popular Beetroot. The ‘Rose’ herself will be the Guest of Honour and a great night is guaranteed. Tickets have gone on sale priced at €10 and ticket sellers are calling door-to-door. Marie has a consignment for the Camogie Club and players /parents can place their orders with her.
Congratulations to the very popular Helen Moen and her husband Ambrose, who are ensuring that the future of camogie remains bright, with the birth of their 3rd little girl, Emily, recently.
Also congratulations to Dympna Kerr, one of the clubs most loyal supporters and a fine exponent of the game in times gone by, on her recent retirement from Monaghan County Council.
Finally what a wonderful year it is proving for senior player Muireann Atkinson. Already an Ulster Minor title in Ladies football ‘under her belt’, she added a senior provincial title on Sunday last when Monaghan defeated Tyrone. This Saturday she plays in the All-Ireland Quarter final. The club wishes you continued success Muireann.
And of course the club also wishes the Monaghan men’s senior football team, especially the Clontibret contingent, every success on Sunday against Donegal in the Ulster final.
By fmctiernan Wed 24th Jul
