Commiserations to our senior girls who were defeated on Sunday in the Monaghan League final, by Castleblayney, on a score-line of 5-8 to 3-9. By all accounts this was a terrific contest, nip-and-tuck all the way. Our cailiní will feel disappointed that they didn't capitalise on a few more score-able chances, while at the other end of the pitch occasional, poor defensive decisions cost us dearly. That said, it was a solid team performance with great leadership being shown by the more experienced players and tenacity and courage being shown by the younger team members. After 3 years almost non-stop training/playing, during which we notched up 2 Monaghan senior championships, 2 Ulster junior titles and a Division 1 Armagh League title, the panel can now have a bit of down time, take in a few camogie matches in the Ulster championship and reflect and learn from the past 3 years. It will also give the management a chance to plan and prepare for 2016. A huge 'Thank you' to all the players who made so many sacrifices, to make training and matches - dashing from work/study, swapping work shifts with others, travelling long distances to matches, scheduling family and holiday arrangements to accommodate matches, arranging/ attending medical appointments/physiotherapy in an attempt to recover in advance of matches etc. Rest assured girls your endeavours did not go unnoticed and are very much appreciated by those of us lucky to manage you. Many thanks also to others 'behind the scenes' who made very valuable, but perhaps 'quiet' contributions - those who officiated at matches especially in the League and Championship finals, Noel Mullaney, our club referee, Aoife for her tasty meals, those involved in sponsoring club equipment, leisure-wear, meals etc., those who faithfully attended matches throughout the year and those who offered administrative assistance and advise. It all adds up to make the club what it is!
Next Saturday a one-off County U-15 Blitz takes place in Trim Co. Meath. At the time of writing there is still uncertainty as to whether Monaghan will be able to field a full squad due to a shortage of players (in truth, from Clontibret!). Hopefully there will be a late 'rush' and we will have enough to compete. Monaghan play Roscommon, Donegal and Wicklow in this event.
Sifting through 'recent' Northern Standards last weekend, I chanced upon an article by our own Emily Madden on her experiences with Triathlon Ireland Junior Academy throughout the year. Emily has been hugely successful in triathlons both locally and in places like Howth, Co Dublin, where there would be a strong tradition of water sports and aquathons, The Curragh, Limerick and Letterkenny. For the winter Emily now returns to swim training (at ungodly hours in the morning, I hasten to add!) in Slieve Beagh. Congratulations Emily on quite a marvellous sporting year!
Our deepest sympathy is extended to our senior captain, Nicola, valued member Cara, and the extended Morgan family on the recent death of their beloved Granny Minnie. Minnie was a much loved mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and neighbour. Like her late husband, she loved sport and instilled this love into each generation of Morgans. She would have been so proud to see Nicola lead the Clontibret senior team on to the pitch on so many occasions this year and would have whole-heartedly approved of Arthur Snr's unequivocal support for our senior team wherever they played. May her gentle soul find eternal rest.
Birthday greetings to Katie Carragher who celebrates her 14th birthday this weekend!
Finally, best wishes to O'Neill Shamrocks who embark on their Ulster junior championship campaign this Sunday.

Tweet

Most Read Stories