The new face at the helm of the Monaghan's senior ladies team believes there's an All-Ireland title in the county and he's determined to see the good times return, writes Alan Gunn.

The Ladies County Board appointed Derry man Gregory McGonigle for the forthcoming season to hopefully guide their senior side back to the top of the pile. Six different counties have raised the Brendan Martin Cup since Angela Larkin carried the famous trophy into Monaghan back in 1997. Since then, three further trips have been made to HQ for finals day but each time they have returned disappointed, their latest defeat at the hands of Cork in 2008. For a county that had returned five All-Ireland Club titles since then, many, both inside and outside Monaghan, believe the Oriel girls should have a better return than two All-Ireland titles.
"I wouldn't be taking Monaghan or travelling if I didn't believe they had a realistic chance of winning an All-Ireland. We see Monaghan as a chance to win an All-Ireland. It is ambitious but we believe everyone in Monaghan - the county board and players - are now focused on winning an All-Ireland so it is up to us to complete the triangle and deliver the Brendan Martin Cup."
McGonigle is certainly one not to talk the talk without being able to deliver, but this test, will by far be one of his biggest. The Dungiven man has enjoyed huge success with the UUJ ladies team and as Ulster inter-provincial manager as well reaching the heights of the game. He has also taken a number of county teams over the past few years as well, the likes of Armagh and Down, but success there has been minimal. At the start of each new season, expectations in Monaghan are high, and none will be higher than this year's.
"The talent that would be available in Monaghan and having coached and taken some of the girls with Ulster for the last couple of years and managed teams against them I know the players are in Monaghan and they are a side I believe has the potential to win an All-Ireland," he said.
"If you go back to '08, they had a tremendous year, but they probably have gone back since that between injuries and losing key players last year.
"Personally I think they haven't performed to the level they should be. If they look at their neighbours Tyrone, who I would know a lot about, who made the final this year, and Dublin, who came back from losing in '09 to win it well, that is where Monaghan should be. Monaghan should be looking to be in the semi-final or final every year with the panel they have."
There is no doubt McGonigle believes he has the talent at his disposal to deliver what the Oriel County want. The foundation at club level has produced five All-Ireland titles since the county last achieved the honours with Tyholland, Monaghan Harps, Donaghmoyne and Emyvale all lifting club titles. The Jordanstown boss agrees that with Donaghmoyne and Emyvale proving their capabilities and the talent they have produced the players are in the county.
"Most definitely and also Truagh would be coming strong. You also still have the likes of Magheracloone with players like Niamh Kindlon so you have a good blend of experience as well as new talent coming through. You also have had St Louis, Monaghan winning All-Ireland's at schools' level so there is plenty of young talent coming up."
Monaghan did claim the Ulster title in 2010 but overall it was a disappointing year with players dropping off the panel during the year making the headlines and overshadowing what was happening on the playing field. That though is now water under the bridge and the new manager is just looking to the future and keen to get the best players togging out next year.
"Players sometimes need a break but last year was under a different management team so it is up to us to see why they were not there - was it injuries or work commitments? We will have to facilitate everyone and get the best possible players out for Monaghan, and hopefully try and unearth new talent and develop some more talent that has not been seen yet at county senior level."
Although the management team is not finalised, McGonigle has already secured both Peter Clarke and John Downey as part of his backroom team. Both were along with McGonigle when they guided Ulster to the Inter-provincial title back in May. Clarke who hails from Dublin is no stranger to Monaghan as he managed the Emyvale side this season that almost ended Donaghmoyne's county championship dominance before losing out after a replay, but they did get the better of the Fontenoy's when they won the Division One league title. He is a man McGonigle has high regard and respect for.
"Peter, I have come to know over the last couple of years having managed Jordanstown and Peter was over DCU. We have always had great battles and he came on board with me this year when we managed Ulster to the Interprovincial title
"I am delighted to have Peter along with me because, looking at the improvement Emyvale have made, there would have been a lot looking him so it is a massive coup to get Peter involved with us and having known him over the last few years you would definitely rather manage with him then against him."
On his fellow county man John Downey, McGonigle said: "I have brought in another Derry man in John Downey who is a first rate trainer and has worked with me at Jordanstown. He has been involved with Derry Development squads and also coached in St Pat's Maghera, so he comes highly recommended."
The new management team are not going to leave any stone unturned as they scour the county for the best players with the aim to end the year in September with All-Ireland honours.
"We are going to go across every division and try and give everybody their chance," said McGonigle. "We will be putting in the ground work to try and get the best players out for Monaghan."
Their first game will be an interesting one to say the least as they face Tyrone in the opening league game in February.
"What we will be doing in February will have very little impact on what we will be doing in August and September. There is a lot of training to be done and players to be looked at. As much as we will be putting in a lot of hard training we still want to be there or there about come the end of the league."
There may be one Dungiven man with the name Joe Brolly, not a favourite among Monaghan people but one thing for sure if this Dungiven man can guide Monaghan to All Ireland success he will be very much a favourite. Tweet

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