A group of 75 people from the GAA Clubs across the county of Monaghan had a memorable day in Croke Park on Tuesday the 13th December. Two buses set out early in the morning from different parts of the county, collecting these prominent GAA volunteers along the journey. From Currin in the west and Truagh and Emyvale in the north, down to Donaghmoyne, Carrickmacross and Magheracloone in the south, 75 of our more senior members who have contributed so much to their clubs and to the GAA in Monaghan travelled to the capital. 
All were welcomed to the stadium with some appreciated warm refreshments in the Level 5 Celtic Suite, before commencing a varied and detailed tour of Croke Park that included the dressing rooms; player’s lounge; pitch-side; Ard Comhairle; Media Centre and the Museum cinema with a short film depicting All Ireland Final day in the stadium.
Everyone then enjoyed a well earned lunch after which they were joined by Paraic Duffy, Ard Struithuir. Pauric welcomed all present and said how delighted he was to see so many committed volunteers from his native county visiting Croke Park. He emphasised that it was only as a result of committed volunteers across the country and across the generations, that a stadium like this could have ever come about. Paraic then joined the full tour for a photograph to mark the occasion, on the steps of the Cusack Stand.
Everyone then enjoyed a short visit to the Museum to see many of the memories of previous years in the GAA, before making the journey back home.
It was great to see so many great players from former years among the gathering today, some of whom had graced this fantastic pitch in previous years.
This trip was organised by the Health and Wellbeing Committee of Monaghan GAA, supported by Croke Park and part funded by a small grant made available to the GAA to support Social Initiative events such as this by a sponsor, Irish Life Insurance. The transport was funded and organised by Cavan Monaghan Transport Coordination Unit as a Social Inclusion event, and our gratitude to Padriac Smyth from the Currin Club for his assistance in this. Lastly, many thanks to those who helped out today, Derinda Sherry, Fintan McTiernan and Derek McConnon. Please follow the link below for photos by Fintan from the day
https://flic.kr/s/aHskQt3yR1
By Majella Boyd Tue 13th Dec
