Congratulations to Clones legends Lonan Maguire and Darren Freeman who were fundamental in winning the County Intermediate Championship in New York at the weekend.  Both lads are playing for Monaghan in NYC and Lonan is Club Captain and a significant part of the New York county panel, it’s a particularly proud day for both men the club and their families.  We’ll be delighted to welcome Darren home in September with his county medal for the remainder of our league and championship fixtures.  Lonan I know would love to be back for the rest of the season too but circumstances prevent this, we wish him and all the Clones men in New York the very best and continued success both on and of the field.

Congratulations to all our members who received their Leaving Cert results last week.  There was great excitement around the town and decisions are now being made for their next steps, be it into the workforce or into further education.  Well done on your achievements and continued success into the future, remember to focus on the values learned on the field, honesty, respect, hard work, fairplay and the desire to be the best that you can be.  Keep the boots handy as you’ll always be needed at home too.

Commiserations to our county minors who lost nothing in defeat against a very impressive Mayo team.  Our boys have been nothing only outstanding all season, Ulster Champions on the double ending a 68 year drought they’ve given us months of entertainment and we hope that this success is the foundation for success into the future.  Thanks boys and well done on doing so well all season.  It was great to see the flags bunting and banners up to support the team and a word of thanks to Ciaran Mulhall, Kevin Lynch and Phelim MacElwain for their hardwork.

Seniors: A busy schedule for the senior team this week saw them take on Drumhowan last Wednesday and Inniskeen last Saturday in the league.  First up was Drumhowan, this was a massive game for both Clubs, with both teams needing the win this was played with the intensity of a championship final.  Drumhowan got off to the better start leading by two points early in the match; following from some fantastic fielding in the middle of the park by Fintan Kelly Clones were able to convert possession into scores and led by a point after twenty minutes a free from Ady.  Drumhowan then scored a goal and it was end to end stuff played with great intensity and passion by both teams.  Clones got the next four scores from Ethan, Dev and Ady to leave it at half time Clones 0:10 Drumhowan 1:05.  Clones commenced the second half at a blistering pace which saw them score three unanswered points inside the first five minutes of the restart.  Another goal from Drumhowan and all the hard work put in by Clones was undone.  The game was really in the melting pot and from a position of ascendancy Clones were struggling to remain fully focused and close out the game whilst Drumhowan were scoring at will.  With the game tied at 0:15 to 2:09 and five minutes left it was down to who wanted it most.  Thankfully Fintan and Dutchy were at hand to put the game out of reach for Drumhowan who scored a consolation point at the end.  FT Clones 0:17 Drumhowan 2:09, Clones showed great character and grit to come back and seal the win.  Well done to both team and management.  Team Sheet: Ciaran Morgan, James Gibson, Eugene Holland, Paul Shiels, Declan McQuaid. Daragh Graham. Micheal Treanor, Daragh Holland, Adrian Alford, Fintan Kelly, Danny Rooney, Ethan Audely, Sarto Quigley, Emmet McEntee, David Freeman Subs used Cian O’Connor.  Clones played Inniskeen away on Saturday night who gained revenge for their loss to us in the championship running out victors on a scoreline of Inniskeen 1:14 Clones 0:10.  Next game is against Currin in the league at home on September 8^th.

Minors: St. Tiarnachs have put their feet firmly into the semi finals of both the league and the championship.  They play Emerald Sarsfields in the semi-final of the league this coming Tuesday.  This Clones&Eire Og amalgamation have been doing very well and I would encourage all of you to support this minor team, some of our current and future county stars are on this team.

Under 16’s; were successful away against Inniskeen last Thursday, this victory 1:14 to 4:15 gives them home advantage in the league semi-final which is today (Thursday- Throw-in 6:30pm).  This is a great group of players and the management of Stephen Adamson, Ady Alford and Phelim MacElwain have worked tirelessly with the players all season, having missed out to Inniskeen in the championship semi-final we’ll be hoping history doesn’t repeat itself.  They would all appreciate your support so bring your colours and flags.  Cluain Eois Abu.

U14s Div 1 team played Emyvale last Friday and performed very well, there were great performances through the spine of the team with Oliver Clerkin in midfield, Daniel Lynch at centre half forward and a very effective full forward line of Declan McKernan and Tiarnan Monaghan.  Full Time Score Clones/Currin 6:16 Emyvale 1:20.

U14s Div 5 have to play Monaghan Harps in a play-off with date, time and venue yet to be decided.

U12 Div 2A the very best of luck to this team who are the first of the clubs teams through to a final this year.  They play Killanny on Saturday in Drumhowan, this is a big occasion for players, parents and management and we wish them all well.

U10s – took part in a blitz last Saturday in Clontibret, they performed very well and there are certainly the basis for some fine players for the future.

Best Wishes to Danny Rooney who played his last game for Clones last week, he’s heading off to Australia with Lorraine and we wish them all the best.  “Infamous Aussie Rules scout Ricky Nixon was very impressed with recent performances by Danny and had no hesitation in signing him up for the Sydney Swans”.  All joking aside this very versatile player will be sorely missed by the club and his team mates,  in defence or attack Danny gave his all every game he leaves big boots to fill.  A tower in the dressing room and brilliant with young players Danny’s loss will be felt by us all.  But our loss in Oz’s gain and he goes out to join his two brothers and we’re fully sure that they’ll make a success of it.

Best Wishes to Fr.Larry Duffy who’s moving back closer to home and Magheracloone after many good years in Clones.  Fr.Larry will be sorely missed and we wish him well, the club is very appreciative of the use of the parish field over the last few months, thanks again for everything Fr.Larry.  We welcome Fr.Mohan to the parish and wish him well in his endeavours; hopefully he keeps his sermons short on big match days and has influence with the man above because like the referee he’s also a man you need have on your side.

Lotto:  Results for draw on 26^th August, Jackpot €9,400.  Numbers drawn 4,17,18&27 No Winner.  Lucky Dip winners, Ann O’Harte Mullinamoy, Inez Williams NTB Rd. Kevin Reilly Clonkeencole, Patricia Slowey Clonmore, Gerard Trant C/O Paragon.  Sellers Prize Cosy Bar.  Thanks for all your Support.  As the Jackpot gets nearer to the €10,000 mark we’d encourage as many players and members as possible to sell and buy tickets as this is a very important revenue stream for the club which pays for buses and training gear etc. Who wouldn’t want to win next weeks Jackpot of €9,500.  Next Draw Creighton Hotel.