U-17 Development Squad
Last Saturday saw Monaghan U-17’s continue their winning streak to the season. After victories over Antrim, Derry and Meath, they played Armagh in hot conditions in Emyvale as they prepare for an Ulster semi-final in late August. Straight from the throw-in the Monaghan team set the tone, with a return of 1-2 in the first six minutes from Aaron Lynch and Ronan McNamara. Dermot Gleeson of Eire Og then pounced for a goal in the 10th minute after making a lung bursting run from his own 21 yard line. This was to be Monaghan’s last score for 16 minutes with Armagh hitting something of a purple patch scoring 1-1. However with 5 minutes to go to half-time these boys wrestled control of the game with 4 points in quick succession from Conor McKenna, Aaron Lynch, Dermot Gleeson and John McGuirk. Monaghan led at half-time 2-6 to 1-1.
Monaghan started the second half slowly allowing Armagh to use the breeze to their advantage scoring 1-3 without reply. But half-time subs Aaron Jones and Daithi Colton scored two points to keep the team out in front. After a 10 minute period of wasteful shooting and good defensive work by both teams, the Monaghan team displayed superior fitness levels by scoring 1-5 in the last 10 minutes of the game to seal the deal. A brace of points by Conor McKenna was followed up by scores by Kevin McVicar, Niall Duffy and Michael Tierney before Ronan McNamara scored his second goal of the game after a great solo-run ended any Armagh hopes.
Team Manager Garrett Coyle will be happy with his team’s displays, all his forwards scored and defensively his charges only conceded 9 scores. Preparations continue for the Ulster semi-final with training every Thursday night.
Team Picture: Back row L to R: Garrett Coyle (Team Manager), Aaron Lynch, Mark McGee, Kevin McVicar, Caolan McElwaine, Thomas O’Brien, Caolan McGee, Michael Metzer, Ronan McNamara, Michael Tierney, Conor McKenna, Frank Brady (Minor Manager).
Front row L to R: Fergal Lonergan, Aaron Jones, Dermot Gleeson, Mark Kelly, Mustafia Gamal, Aaron Treanor, John McGuirk, Daithi Colton, Niall Duffy.
