Monaghan Harps stay at intermediate grade was short and sweet,just as the doctor ordered. By David Keelaghan.

When composing the story of a club's season, it is preferable to try and remain positive whenever possible. Finding a silver lining isn't always that easy of course, but rare is the case when absolutely no signs of promise are forthcoming.
At the end 2008, Monaghan Harps had just embarked on a campaign were one win and one draw was the sole consolation for their efforts. As the defeats stacked up, and morale plummeted, Gavan Duffy Park had become a pretty dark place. As is always the case, however, nothing is ever as bad as it seems.
The Harps had been relegated - that much was true, but to say they were totally humiliated wouldn't be an accurate appraisal. A young team that had lost its manager right before the new season, and another midway through - it was always going to be a difficult term.
It was believed then that Senior football had been a step too far for a side still its formative stages. Another year back at Intermediate would be to their benefit; giving further development in a richly competitive environment.
Those proclamations could have been considered a case of putting a brave face on a bad situation, but recent events have proven them to be true.
Composing the story of Monaghan Harps 2009 didn't require much in the way of silver line exploration.
The success of the team this year is obvious - the Paddy O'Rourke Cup nestles in the Gavan Duffy trophy cabinet as we speak.
Undefeated in the Championship, the Harps have developed a steely mentality over the past 12 months.
Relegation obviously left its emotional and psychological scars, and the response has been emphatic.
Clearly the club has a long-term vision of Senior football. That isn't new; the difference now comes with personnel.
There is genuine belief down at Rooskey that the current side have what it takes to establish themselves at the top table of football in the county.
In the 2008 Monaghan yearbook, newly appointed club chairman Dermot Brannigan outlined his ambitions for the Harps.
In his opinion, key to the resurgence would be a policy of recruiting from within. This saw club stalwart Declan McArdle approached to take the manager's hot-seat.
Having served as selector and trainer under Adrian Trappe, Fergus Coyle and Seamus McEnaney - the prospective boss had some key conditions before taking the post.
"It wasn't a tough decision for me, but it depended on getting the people I wanted - Brian Lenehan and Garret Coyle. Between the three of us, we had coached every player on the senior team at one stage or another. Brian and myself had taken underage Harps teams from u-12 up, and Garrett had worked with the Sem boys. I sold the idea to Garrett by explaining the potential of the panel; it's unreal the potential here."
His backroom team assembled, the hard work of preparing the Harps for the testing campaign ahead could now begin. As many clubs before them have found to their detriment, coming down from Senior is no guarantee whatsoever of a quick return. The Intermediate league of 2009 would prove even more competitive than usual. In this environment a good start was essential.
An opening day victory over Rockcorry was exactly the response Declan McArdle wanted from his players, as subsequent wins away to Corduff and Aughnamullen left them early pacesetters.
With six points already in the bag, things were looking good; good enough for the clouds to lift over Gavan Duffy Park, and good enough for a long-departed sense of optimism to return. Any ideas of a season of plain sailing would quickly fall by the wayside, however.
"I think the boys thought they let themselves down a bit the year before; motivating them wasn't a problem. Going into the league you set targets. The least you aim for is staying at Intermediate football, so picking up early points was vital. We managed to win our first three games, and that left us on six points. Those points were very important because shortly after we began to suffer a lot of injuries. We had around 8-10 players missing at one stage or another. Some of those were long-term; Nicholas Treanor only returned recently from a knee injury, Donal Hahessy was out twice, Colm Reilly still isn't playing. We had a settled team for our first few games, but after that when injuries crept in our form suffered"
After three wins from three to start the campaign, the Harps next run of games brought a draw with Tyholland and defeat to Drumhowan and Eire-Og. With the Championship opener with Aghabog fast approaching, a return to winning ways was required. Saving the management the need for any scouting expedition, the next league opponents were convenient ones - Aghabog. Declan McArdle's team prevailed in that encounter 0-16 to 0-7, which preceded an even more impressive 2-21 to 0-6 scoreline in the next game. The manager recalls an optimum performance from his players.
"Aghabog in the Championship was the best football we produced all year - we haven't managed to match that level since. The movement from the whole team was very good and everything just clicked. You're never going to have an easy game against Aghabog, but that's the football this group are capable of. It's just unfortunate it was the only time we saw it this year."
The failure to sustain that level could be attributed to a number of factors, but injuries and key absentees must figure highly in the final reckoning.
"After the Championship game injuries started to pile up again. Neil McAdam and Con O'Hanlon went to America at that stage too, so we struggled to put out a settled side. From the Aghabog match until the end of the season, we normally had 7-8 changes every game. We were really digging deep into the panel during the summer."
The Harps form during this period was patchy at best. Draws with Cremartin and Donaghmoyne put a few more points on the board, but then there were frustrating loses to Rockcorry and Corduff. The Harps weren't the only side failing to put together a run of victories, as everyone bar Drumhowan stole points from one another. It made predicting this year's Intermediate league a difficult pursuit, and not just for the layman.
"I thought all our loses were disappointing, but because we picked up some early points, it was never panic stations from us. At the start of the year I said to Garrett that 14 points would keep you up. That was a major blunder on my part because 14 points would have seen us relegated. We managed to get to that amount fairly early, so after that it was a matter of trying to get 16 points and over. There are no easy games in the Intermediate league. Going to places like Eire-Og and Corduff is always difficult, and even more so when you don't have a full panel. These games usually come down to a kick of a ball."
With over half the season already gone, the Harps had 11 points to their name - a steady rather than spectacular return. Relegation would now take an unparalleled collapse in the latter half of the campaign, so targets could safely be set higher. Promotion still remained the primary aim, but to achieve that goal the team needed to rid itself of its glaring inconsistency. According to Declan McArdle, the league game in Pairc Fontenoys provided a significant step in the right direction for his players.
"The result against Donaghmoyne was a turning point. It was the same players who had been there during our dip, but everything changed in that game. The new boys started to take more ownership of the team. After that the injured players started to come back. They were looking to get back into the team, but weren't sure if their places was safe."
With the treatment room at Gavan Duffy starting to dwindle in numbers, the stage was now set for the Harps to push on and confirm themselves as promotion contenders. The route back to Senior was best thread along Championship lines, but first Drumhowan, then Eire-Og, lay in wait.
Declan McArdle gives his recollection of that vital period.
"It was a good few weeks for us. With the players coming back, training was going really well. Drumhowan had gone on a 14 game unbeaten run up until that point, but we knew they could be beaten. After that was Eire-Og and there was a real edge to that game. They had beaten us a week before in Gavan Duffy, and the match was in Emyvale under lights. It wasn't a wonderful game of football and scores were at a premium. It came down to frees, so luckily we had Donal Hahessy and Nicky Treanor back. They were both missing for a large proportion of the season; Eire-Og was probably the first game we were full strength since the start of the year."
The club were in the Intermediate Championship final; their first since meeting Carrick Emmets in 2006. That game ended in defeat; success in the competition was even further in the past - 1999 to be exact, when Fergus Coyle managed the side. Selector then was Declan McArdle; now manager of the team, the decider with Drumhowan wasn't without its anxious moments.
"We had beaten them in the league and championship already, so we were trying to find a different edge to motivate the boys. I wouldn't say we froze in the first-half, but it didn't go well. Luckily enough we didn't fall too far behind. Drumhowan were considered by many to be the best team in Intermediate football; I think going three points down spurred the boys on to show they were the best."
A final score of Monaghan Harps 1-10 Drumhowan 0-10 was much closer than those at Gavan Duffy would have wanted, but the end result was the same - Senior football. Ultimately, the same prize was considered a step too far after the club's last promotion. Will it be any different this time round? Rather than grandstanding over the successes of the past few months, Declan McArdle gives an honest assessment of his team and their chances next year.
"There needs to be commitment from everyone in the club to succeed at Senior level. That's from the management, the players, the supporters and everyone else involved with the Harps. If that commitment is there then I can't see any reason why we can't stay in Senior football. Looking at Clontibret, I don't think there is much difference between us in relation to skill. The difference is with the core strength and physical ability they have. We have to improve in that way, and that will be up to individuals putting the work in over the next few months."

Coyle Cup glory

The first Under 12 league game was away to Truagh, and was a very good start to the campaign for U 12 team. Overall it was a very good team performance. Team - Conor Flynn, Adam Treanor, Darragh Hannon, Kyle O'Leary, Dillon Mc Kenna, Kevin Lyden, Aidan Burns, Remi McKenna, Shane McKenna, Aaron Woods, David Lowry, Conor Duffy, Ruari Forde, Conan Fowler, Shane McMahon Scorers -R. McKenna 2-01, S. McMahon 2-1, Ruari Forde 1-2, Conan Fowler 1-1,Conor Duffy 1-1, Kevin Lyden 1-0, A. Woods, D. Lowry 0-1 each. Next game home V Donaghmoyne March 28 th. Training sessions continue as per TM's instructions.


Coyle Cup: the 2nd round score, Monaghan Harps 1-14 Donaghmoyne 1-3
The Coyle Cup team had their 2nd round game at home to Donaghmoyne, playing with the aid of a strong breeze in the first half they built up a half time lead of 0-10 to 0-0. A strong defensive performance in the second half as well as fast moving counter attacking play saw them run out deserving winners. The whole team played as a unit and all were equally comfortable defending or attacking. Conor Flynn in goals was very safe and assured - Adam Treanor, Darragh Hannon, Kyle O'Leary, Dylan Mc Kenna, Kevin Lyden and David Lowry all defended well- John Mulligan and Remy McKenna gave a constant supply to the forwards - while up front Conor Duffy, Aaron Woods, Ruari Forde, Aiden Burns, Conan Fowler and Shane Mc Mahon combined well and created a lot a chances. The three subs Shane McKenna, Cathal Power and Alex Mallon all played their part when introduced. Scorers - Conor Duffy 1-3, John Mulligan 0-5, Remy McKenna 0-3, Shane McMahon 0-1, Shane McKenna 0-1 and Aaron Woods 0-1
The youngest Monaghan Harps competitive team made it three wins out of three with an away win against Scotstown. The Harps began the game slowly and were behind at half time by 4-1 to 1-7. They however turned in a much improved performance in the second half and showing great determination confined the home team to one point and a goal scored with the last kick of the game to run out winners on a score of Monaghan Harps 4-9 Scotstown 5-2. Team - Conor Flynn, Cathal Power, Darragh Hannon, David Lowry, Aaron Woods, Kyle O'Leary, Dillon McKenna, John Mulligan, Kevin Lyden, Aiden Burns, Remy McKenna, Conor Duffy, Ruari Forde, Shane McMahon, Shane McKenna. Sub Conan Fowler came on before half time. Scorers: Remy McKenna 1-5, Ruari Forde 1-1, Conan Fowler 1-0, Conor Duffy 1-0, John Mulligan 0-2, Shane McKenna 0-1.

Round 4 of the Coyle Cup saw the U12's travel to Castleblayney. Producing their best performance of the competition so far they made it four wins from four starts. All played their part in producing some fine attacking football watched by a big travelling support. Team - Conor Flynn, Adam Treanor, Darragh Hannon, David Lowry, Aiden Burns, Kevin Lyden, Aaron Woods, John Mulligan, Shane McMahon, Dillon McKenna, Remy McKenna, Kyle O'Leary, Shane McKenna, James Owens, Conor Duffy. As has been the policy in each game 3 different players were named as subs, this time Conan Fowler, Cathal Power, Ruari Forde, and came on before half time with further rotation in the second half. Scorers R McKenna 4-5, J Mulligan 0-8, D McKenna 1-1, A Woods 1-0, J Owens 0-2, S McKenna 0-2, R Forde 0-2, S McMahon, D Hannon 0-1, K Lyden 0-1, K O'Leary 0-1.

The Coyle Cup team had a very convincing win at home to Carrick in round 5. With conditions difficult for both young teams the Harps led at half time 4-6 to 0-4 and ran out winners by 6-7 to 2-7. Aaron Woods, usually a half back, captained the team from goals and brought off a few fine saves with his handling of the greasy ball being safe and secure. Best in defence were Aiden Burns, who was often the man breaking up Carrick attacks, Darragh Hannon who had a very strong second half with his long clearances being a feature. Great support came from tenacious corner backs Adam Treanor and David Lowry and half backs Kevin Lyden and Cathal Power. At midfield John Mulligan and Shane McMahon excelled, linking well and giving a constant supply to the forwards. All six forwards showed up well. Half forwards Kyle O'Leary, Dylan McKenna and Ruari Forde picked up a lot of breaking ball and set up a number of attacks. The full forward line of Shane McKenna, James Owens and Conor Duffy were all on the score sheet and were a constant threat. Young Michael Mulligan, because of injury and a clash of events, was our sole sub and acquitted himself very well when introduced.

The club's Under 12 Division 1 team remain undefeated, but only just, when defeating Emyvale in round 6 on a scoreline of Monaghan Harps 1-8 Emyvale 1-5, after trailing 1-3 to 0-3 at half time when playing against a stiff breeze. With the game heading for a draw Ruari Forde slotted home a well taken goal and the Harps held on for a hard earned victory. David Lowry was very safe and secure in goals, best in defence were Darragh Hannon, Conor Flynn, Cathal Power and Dillon McKenna with great support from Adam Treanor and Aaron Woods. At mid-field John Mulligan and Shane McMahon combined well together. Best forwards on the day were Aiden Burns, Conor Duffy and Remy McKenna, well supported by match winner Ruari Forde, Shane McKenna, James Owens and subs Conan Fowler and Kyle O'Leary. Scorers - Conor Duffy 0-3, Remy McKenna 0-3, Ruari Forde1-0, Conan Fowler and John Mulligan 0-1 each. Final game is at home against Killanny.

The Coyle Cup team completed their league campaign undefeated with a good win over Killanny on Friday evening. A good team effort left the Harps ahead at the final whistle on a scoreline of 1-12 to 2-2. Team - Aaron Woods, Adam Treanor, Darragh Hannon, Cathal Power, Dillon McKenna, Conor Flynn, Aiden Burns, John Mulligan, Remy McKenna, Shane McMahon, Kyle O'Leary, Shane McKenna, Conor Duffy, James Owens, Conan Fowler. Subs on the night were Ruari Forde, David Lowry and Kevin Lyden. Scorers - Conor Duffy 0-5, John Mulligan 1-2, Darragh Hannon 0-2, Shane McMahon, Remy McKenna and Shane McKenna 0-1 each.

Under 12 Division 1: Coyle Cup semi-final Monaghan Harps 1-9 Carrickmacross 1-5. The Coyle Cup team progressed into the final of the competition with a hard fought victory over Carrick. Harps turned round 0-6 to 0-2 ahead at half time and it took a great all round team effort to maintain this 4 point lead and win through to the final. Aaron Woods showed his versatility, switching from outfield and had a very sound game in goals. All six backs performed well. Cathal Power, David Lowry, Dillon McKenna and young Aiden Burns on the wings all defended stoutly while in the central positions Darragh Hannon and Conor Flynn turned in very assured performances. At mid-field John Mulligan and Remi Mc Kenna got through a great amount of work and both got on the score sheet. Best in the forwards were Shane Mc Kenna, Conor Duffy and Shane McMahon with good support from James Owens, Kevin Lyden and Kyle O Leary. Adam Treanor, Conan Fowler and Ruari Forde all came on to good effect particularly Ruari Forde who gained vital possession in the later stages of the game and finished the scoring with a vital free from a difficult position. Team and scorers - A Woods, C Power, D Hannon, D Lowry, D Mc Kenna, C Flynn, A Burns, J Mulligan, R McKenna, S McMahon, K Lyden, K O Leary, S McKenna, J Owens, C Duffy. Subs A Treanor, R Forde, C Fowler. Scorers J Mulligan1-3, C Duffy 0-2, K O Leary 0-1, K Lyden 0-1, R Mc Kenna 0-1 and R Forde 0-1. This young team now progress to meet Donaghmoyne in the final which is fixed for Saturday th July 4.
The Under-12 team defeated Donaghmoyne by 2-5 to 0-5 to win the Division 1 Coyle Cup for the first time since 2002.
Their victory over a strong and determined Donaghmoyne team was the culmination of a lot of hard work by the U12 panel since preparation began last October. The fact that this young team remained undefeated in challenge games, 7 league games, semi-final and eventually the final is a great testament to their determination and dedication. Most players were also uniquely involved with either Gaelscoil Ultain or St. Mary's Boys School who both won their respective school competitions. The panel had a light run-out in Gavan Duffy in ideal conditions, but unfortunately by throw-in time in Clontibret the skies had opened and we had rain for almost the entire game. The slippery conditions made ball handling difficult but both teams served up some great passages of football. The Harps got the perfect start with an early goal, when Kevin Lyden reacted quickest to the breaking ball and found the net with a low shot. The Harps had a lot of possession at this stage but failed to convert a number of good opportunities until John Mulligan from a '45 and Ruarí Forde from a very difficult free added to the lead. Donaghmoyne pulled a point back from a free and came more into the game but great defending by the Harps backs and goalie broke up a number of dangerous Donaghmoyne attacks. John Mulligan moved up field for a point and the same player got on the end of a fine passing movement to solo in and crash the ball to the net. Half time Harps 2 -3, Donaghmoyne 0 - 1. The second half began with Donaghmoyne attacking strongly and cut the deficit with two early points from play. Again, however, the Harps defence was in uncompromising mood. The Harps regained control around the middle of the field and points from John Mulligan and a well-struck free from Conan Fowler clinched victory with Donaghmoyne replying with 2 frees. Cathal Power, because of an ankle injury, moved into goals for the final and came through not only with a clean sheet, but also on a number of occasions coming off his line to clear the danger. Kyle O'Leary used his speed and anticipation to great effect at corner back, never putting a foot wrong. Conor Flynn at full-back had a great game and gave an exhibition in the second half of high fielding under pressure. Alongside him David Lowry, just back from holidays, was often the man to emerge from defence and his accurate passing set up numerous attacks. At centre-half Darragh Hannon has improved with every game and on Saturday gave a great display of how to change defence into attack with his long deliveries and committed play being a feature. Either side of him, Aidan Burns, still U-10, showed his Kerry connection by giving a great display of attacking half-back play, often linking with the forwards and Aaron Woods also produced an all action performance, another player who improved greatly as the season wore on. He missed the after-match celebrations having to rush off to Dublin airport to go on holidays. John Mulligan captained the team from midfield and as well as being top-scorer also showed his athleticism by dropping back to help out the defence. Remy McKenna produced another all-action display of skill and determination, always looking to attack. Up front Shane McMahon was always in front looking for possession and his ability to use either foot really stood out in a top-class display. Ruairí Forde started on the '40 and got through an amount of unselfish work, showing nerves of steel. Shane McKenna was another whose hard work throughout the year paid off in a final when he gave a great display of wing-forward play often linking with the overlapping player. Full-forward Kevin Lyden got the vital first goal which really settled nerves and proved a real handful for the Donaghmoyne defence. Conor Duffy covered every blade of grass and won a lot of vital possession which he used brilliantly. James Owen completed the full-forward line and was always in the thick of the action, winning a lot of good possession. Conan Fowler came on to good effect, was very effective in the latter stages and got his name on the score sheet with a well taken free. Adam Treanor also showed good affect and had some great displays in earlier leagues games as did Ciarán Cassidy and Marc McDonald. A key player missing Saturday was Dylan McKenna who played some great games all year at half-back and played his part in getting the team to the final. Mentors Ciarán Mulligan, Joe Ó Gallchóir, Brendan Burns, First Aid Una Forde and young Adrian Duffy, who helped with water and balls. Tweet

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