The Curate's egg
November 30, 2004
Colin McAree made his mark on the 2003 Monaghan JFC decider by scoring a point in his side's 0-12 to 0-9 win over Cremartin. What followed in the subsequent 12 months has, he says, left an even more indeliable mark on him.
For Colin McAree and the rest of the Harps, 2004 is one which may, arguably, be best forgotten.
What it delivered may be banked by the county town stalwarts and used in the coming seasons to re-energise, motivate and stir the passions of the players. Whatever about the lessons to be learned from it, it will not be forgotten; especially by the long-serving McAree who insists it was his swan song with the green and whites.
What started off so beautifully ended up leaving a really sour taste in the mouths of everyone affiliated to the cause of Monaghan Harps. Relegation back down to junior ranks wasn't something 29-year old Colin bargained for.
"It was promotion we were thinking of at the start of the year, not relegation. We looked around us and didn't see any team at intermediate level that we needed to be afraid of. There were no outstanding teams around, we thought. But at the end of the year, a few of the teams who had two or three quality players were the ones who got the better of us and others who fell short of their targets."
After nearly thirteen years as a senior player, last year's demotion for the team hit Colin bad, really bad.
"It was the lowest for me. The way things went in 2004 was an even bigger blow than when we were relegated down to junior a couple of years ago. In 2004 we had brought in a lot of new lads who had done well at McRory Cup level with 'Macartans; we thought we had a good shape and balance about the side and fellas who really wanted to play for the Harps."
Fulsome in his praise of the job done by former team-manager Seamus McEnaney for the Harps in 2003 and 2004, Dublin-based Colin can still scarcely take in what happened his beloved club in '04, especially given the lift the team received by dint of their Ulster club JFC title success. Certainly things couldn't have looked much more rosy for the Harps than they did at the outset of 2004.
In the team's opening intermediate league clash, they walloped hosts Drumhowan by 3-7 to 0-5 with the in-form Nicholas Treanor bagging 2-3 of his side's impressive tally. The Drumhowan result came just four weeks after the team's opening salvo in the Ulster club JFC when they handed Fermanagh champions Derrygonnelly a 0-10 to 2-13 defeat after striding into a 0-8 to 0-4 lead by the interval.
"We got off to a flyer against them and never really looked like losing out, " Colin recalls. Indeed the Harps looked far from relegation prospects on the domestic front as they knocked over seven points without reply between the 6th and 19th minutes of the first half and notch goals (from Gareth Treanor and Darren Swift) to pave the way for their ultimately comfortable and morale-boosting win.
"Our priority in 2003 had been to get out of junior and then as 2004 came in we wanted to really go for it at intermediate level. The Ulster club campaign turned out to be a fabulous experience though and the dedication and commitment shown by everyone at the club was tremendous," the club's most seasoned campaigner reflects.
The Harps continued to hit the high notes in the novel championship with mid-February bringing with it a comprehensive 1-11 to 0-8 semi-final victory over Tyrone champions Eskra, once again at the Cremartin ground.
The Monaghan men were never headed in the match with a 3rd minute goal by Stephen McAleer and later a brillant save by Mark Hughes serving to give the would-be victors just the leg-up they required to go on and secure a useful 1-6 to 0-5 lead at the interval.
"The longer we stayed in the competition, the more confident and hungry the lads became. We were doing as much training as any county team would do at that time of the year and the players really got their teeth into doing well against the best teams around in Ulster," explains Colin who starred with arguably the best Harps team in recent years, the 1997 team which included the likes of Joe Coyle and Darren Swift and which forced champions elect Clontibret to a replay in the SFC.
Their victory over the O'Neill County's finest was a tremendous filip for the Harps, the team's solid full-back testifies. The final in early March at Cremartin pitted the green and whites against Limavady from Derry, conquerors over Lavey (Cavan) and Donegal's Naomh Brid. Pre-match pundits suggested that it would be a final befitting the memory of Paul Kerr and so it proved.
At the end of a thrilling hour's football, it took a point by substitute Michael McCoy on the hour mark to tie the game at 2-8 to 1-11 at the death.
"The final was by far the toughest game we had in the campaign. It was a fairly physical game but we stood up and were counted. We were ahead by just one point at half-time so it always looked as if it was going to go straight to the wire. I remember they got a goal with just a couple of minutes left in the game to put them a point in front but we fought back and snatched a draw in the end, something I think we deserved."
Martin Cutmore's goal for the Derrymen in the 58th minute would indeed have sunk many a team but McAree and co. were in inspired form in the provincial club championship and they almost seemed destined to lift the cup. Captain in the final in the absence of Gary McAleer, Colin isn't so sure about the destiny theory funnily enough.
"I don't know whether our name was on the cup but I knew in my heart that no other team was better prepared than us and fitter than us at that stage. Winning every game up to the final had given us so much confidence and belief in ourselves that we honestly believed that we could achieve anything. Our preparations for the replay left no stone unturned. We had a video of the drawn game which we used to pick out their weaknesses and ways of how we could improve our own game. We done our homework in a big way between the drawn game and the replay and we got our reward," says the former senior countyman who looked to have a long future at inter-county ahead of him when utilised by then county supremo Eamon McEneaney.
The finalists crossed swords again on Sunday, March 21st. This time around, Monaghan's flag-bearers made no mistake, winning comfortably and emphatically by 1-12 to 1-2 in yet another tough and dramatic clash. In difficult playing conditions, the match was a real war of attrition but thankfully for McAree and his team-mates, the Harps won the majority of battles and, ultimately, the war.
The Harps were in imperious form in the first half by the end of which they had practically sewn up the tie as they sauntered into a 0-10 to 1-0 lead. The second half began in dramatic circumstances with the dismissal of a player from each side. By the end of the game, Limavady were reduced to 12 men.
As for the football played, it was Monaghan Harps who did the business with a goal by Gary Murray in the 8th minute of the second half helping to put the issue well beyond the Oak Leafers. Ahead by eleven points at that juncture, the Harps proceeded to limit their opponents to just two further points. It was as professional and as efficient display as any Harps dye-hard could have wished to see.
"We were delighted to win the Ulster title; delighted for the club's supporters, delighted for ourselves. It didn't matter whether there wasn't the same kudos attached to the win because the final was in Monaghan. For us, winning the cup and giving the whole club a great lift after what had happened in 2002 and that was all that counted. And if we got plaudits from the rest of the county, well that was good as well but it wasn't important to us.
" It was such a pity that the rest of the year just fell apart though.
"We didn't have the strength in depth to extend our provincial club championship form into the summer months. A lot of our younger players had already played a lot of football come March or April and we just hadn't the players to come in and stand in for them when the year moved on. As captain I felt very low when we went down. I felt personally responsible in a way but there's a new challenge in front of the club now and everyone has to stand up to the plate and meet that challenge head on. If the young talent can be kept harnassed to the club, there's not just hope there but real potential and hopefully the club will bounce back straight away."
Whether the inspirational McAree will be around to help steer the Harps to better climes, one doesn't know but all Monaghan football supporters, countywide, will doubtless be hoping that 2005 will still see him star on the local club scene.
McAdam leads Harps to Under 16 glory
A five-star display by midfielder Neil McAdam was pivotal as Monaghan Harps secured the Under 16 Division One Championship title with a 4-11 to 3-5 victory over Truagh Gaels in Castleblayney in early September. McAdam was in brillant form as he helped himself to a 2-3 tally but, in fairness, the ace midfielder had plenty of lieutenants on hand to help steer the county town side to the first part of an impressive league and championship triumph. In this regard, the influence of full-forward Dean Fanning and Gary White's achievement in banging home two timely goals should not be overlooked, nor should the overall work ethic and ambition shown by the winners. And, all credit to Truagh too for the energy and combativeness they showed against what was an extremely focussed and well-drilled Harps side.
Played as a curtain raiser to the JFC final, this was a game which saw the Harps lead from pillar to post and underpin their reputation as a class apart among their peers in 2004. Ironically the Harps were a bit out of sorts in the opening stages of the match and actually fell behind by four points after less than five minutes. But the winners-elect rose to the challenge and a hat-trick of points in as many minutes got them right back into the game as they trailed their opponents by just a single point, 0-5 to 1-3, by the end of the first quarter. In double-quick though, the Harps were in front. Neil McAdam won possesion from the kick-out and proceeded to weave his way through the heart of the Truagh defence before firmly planting the ball into the net to put his side into the lead for the first time.
Significantly, it was a lead that the Harps never looked like relinguishing thereafter. Minutes later a foul on Gary White gave the aforementioned McAdam the opportunity to goal from the penalty spot. Young McAdam duly obliged, thus leaving Truagh facing into a five points deficit. The Harps continued to dictate the pace and pattern of the game right up to half-time with further scores coming from Dean Fanning and Donal Hahessey. By half-time, the green and whites were well and truly in pole position as they led by 2-7 to 1-4. However Truagh went onto prove worthy finalists and a converted penalty after 12 minutes gave the Harps a timely reminder of their obligations. And bang on cue, Dean Fanning popped up two minutes later to re-install his side's four points lead. Then in the 18th minute, the issue was all but done and dusted when Gary White made good some fine work by Dean Fanning to blast the ball to the net. Now seven points in front, the Harps looked home and dry but back came Truagh with another goal to prompt the Harps into top gear once again. And like true champions, the would-be champions stepped up a gear Gary White bagging his second goal and young McAdam and Dean Fanning adding points to seal the game in polished fashion.
The following was the Harps team, scorers and subs, that did duty against Truagh in the Under 16 Division One Championship final:
Niall Brannigan; Sean Egan, Ciaran Boyce, Mark O'Connor; Paddy Connolly, Robert Moyna, Gearoid Lenehan; Conor Galligan, Neil McAdam (2-3); Emmet McArdle, Tiarnach McGinnity (0-1), Donal Cuddy; Gary White (2-0), Dean Fanning (0-6), Donal Hahessey (0-1). Subs; Mark Meehan, Raymond Treanor, David Hughes.
Harps complete delightful double
Hot on the heels of securing the team's championship triumph, the Harps' under 16 aces made sure of a magnificent double last October with a 1-13 to 1-7 Division One League final victory over Castleblayney in Clontibret. In what was a fascinating battle of wits, just the like the drawn game this was a real war of attrition with the resolute county town side managing to win most of the battles. The Harps were well worth their victory but they had to do it from behind with their opponents having stolen into a 1-1 to 0-1 lead after ten minutes. Indeed the Faughs almost stormed into a more decisive lead but a smart clearance from Mark Meehan and an excellent save by Niall Brannigan kept the Harps alive and kicking. Slowly but surely the Harps began to overturn 'Blayney's early dominance and when Dean Fanning was fouled in the square, Neil McAdam did brillantly to fire home the resultant penalty.
The would-be winners continued on the forefoot and two fine Emmet McArdle points and an inspirational score by Robert Moyna served to ease the Harps ahead. Leading on the restart by 1-6 to 1-5, the Harps were shaken somewhat when 'Blayney rifled over the opening two points of the second half.
However that was as good as it got for the Faughs as the Harps defence went onto completely shut out their opponents in a masterly display.
Elsewhere the Harps forwards began to come into their own. With Nicholas Scott playing out the role of playmaker supreme, the 'Blayney defence came under increasing scrutiny but they must have sensed the writing was on the wall when first Tiarnach McGinnity fired over a wonder score from out near the sideline and, secondly when Donal Hahessey did very well to threat a ball through a forest of bodies to set up the eager beaver Donal Cuddy for the lead point. However despite the Harps' often fluid and skilful play, the spoils continued to dangle in front of both teams.
With added-on time fast approaching, it was obvious that one final surge from either team would work the oracle. 'Blayney pressed forward with intent as the Harps worked overtime to hold onto their three point lead. It was end-to-end football at this juncture with scares aplenty at both business ends of the field. A 'Blayney effort flashed across the face of the Harps goal and still the game continued at one hundred miles per hour. The tension was almost unbearable. But showing the grit and conviction of true champions, the county town side hung in there. And like good champions, the Harps proceeded to tag on three further points in the dying minutes to seal a tremendous double.
The winning Harps team, and scorers, was as follows:
Niall Brannigan; Mark Meehan, Ciaran Boyce, Mark O'Connor; Paddy Connolly, Conor Galligan, Philip Drohan; Robert Moyna (0-1), Neil McAdam (1-3); Tiarnach McGinnity (0-2), Nicholas Scott, Emmet McArdle (0-2); Donal Hahessey (0-1), Dean Fanning (0-2), Donal Cuddy (0-2). Subs; David Hughes, Gary White, Sean Egan, Gearoid Lenehan, Raymond Treanor, Gary Martin, Gareth Treanor, Francie McGarry, Matthew Mullen.
Major win for minors
The bookies didn't fancy them; they were understrength going into the final; and MFC winners 'Blayney had the incentive of the 'double' to achieve. But, true to form, the cream of the Harps' under 18 football talent shredded the script to come good in the MFL Division One decider against the Faughs last October. And leave it to the Harps' finest to secure the crown in with a polished finish following a sparkling campaign. Without Stephen McAleer and Ronan Garvey, the side had to dig really deep in Clontibret to emerge 1-10 to 1-6 victors.
The Harps were first to open the scoring when Nicholas Treanor found the target in the 3rd minute and his second, and his side's second point in the 12th minute helped put the Harps ahead by the odd point in three. But it was claustrophobic stuff and the next score didn't arrive 'till the 25th minute when 'Blayney pointed. And the would-be winners managed to stay in front through to the half-time break by which stage they led by 0-5 to 0-2. The defending champions must have felt that they had the ability to stay in front.
However the county town side hit back with points by Nicholas Treanor and Shane Smyth to help cut their side's deficit to four points. 'Blayney still looked very potent in going forward though and they hit the jackpot seven minutes after the restart when they goaled. But the Harps proved to be utterly determined on the day and they quickly wrested the initiative from their opponents. Nicholas Treanor converted a free in the 11th minute to kick start a purple patch for the Harps. By the 21st minute, the green and whites had turned the game around to translate a four points deficit into a one point lead. This was partly down to a brillant goal by the aforementioned Treanor who saw his speculative shot misjudged by the 'Blayney defence and, all of a sudden, the Harps were in pole position with less than ten minutes remaining in the game.
The new leaders pushed forward in droves and at every opportunity. The 'Blayney defence was forced to work overtime just to keep their opponents at bay. Inevitably, the 'Faughs armoury was pierced again before the end of the match with three unanswered points firmly sealing the game in Harps' favour. A brace of points by Nicholas Treanor and one by Michael Boyce proved more than enough for the Harps to begin to think about their post-match celebrations. But there was simply no relief for the would-be losers from there to the long whistle. For good measure, substitute Stephen Finnegan popped over yet another point for the Harps two minutes into injury time. The words icing and cake rang out loud and clear. The favourites were downed. Having been beaten by 'Blayney in the semi-final of the minor championship, revenge was seldom sweeter for the Harps' youngsters.
Hats off to the following Harps' heroes:
Gerard Gilsenan; Ronan McCann, Darragh Mallon, Connor Galligan; Pauric Donnelly, Niall McAdam, Con O'Hanlon; Stephen Driver, Shane Smyth (0-1); Darren Molloy, Dean Fanning, Tiernach McGinnity; Michael Boyce (0-1), Nicholas Treanor (1-6), Darren Smith.
Subs used; Thomas Toal, Stephen Finnegan (0-2), Mark O'Connor.
Harps achieve under 16 double [a club view]
Early in the season our U-16 squad set out their stall - to achieve the Championship and League double and to complete the season undefeated in competitive football . Whilst the goal a team sets for itself can say a lot about is aspirations, how its sets about achieving that goal says a lot about its character. By the time the season was finished this team would be called upon to show a lot of character.
The Championship campaign for the Francie Connolly Cup began with a very difficult assignment, away to Castleblayney. Despite the atrocious conditions, this turned out to be a very entertaining game . Harps emerged victorious due in large measure to a tremendous defensive performance holding the Faughs to 1-3, while our forwards scored 1-10. A semi-final victory against Sean McDermots saw us paired against Truagh Gaels in the final.
In an action packed final played before a large crowd the Harps captured the U-16 Championship crown to make it three championship titles in a row at this grade.
U-16 Championship Final - Harps 4-11, Truagh 3-5.
Up against a very well prepared and determined Truagh team, the Harps were made fight all the way. Truagh were quickly into their stride, scoring 1 - 1 without reply. Eventually the Harps got their noses in front thanks to the incisive passing of the mercurial Donal Hahassey, and scores from Dean Fanning, Tiarnoch McGinnity plus a wonder goal from Neil McAdam. A second Neil McAdam goal from the penalty spot put the Harps firmly in the driving seat and at half time lead by six points.
The start of the second half saw Truagh mount a serious rally. While the Harps defence was severely tested Truagh found converting their possession into scores difficult and wasted a number of good opportunities. The strength in defence was provided by the reliable Ciaran Boyce and an excellent Robbie Moyna. Niall Brannigan was called upon to make some superb saves but could do nothing to stop Truagh converting a penalty to take them to within three points of the Harps. A brace of goals from Gary White and the influence of "super sub" Raymond Treanor turned the game firmly back in the Harps. Despite a winning margin of nine points this game remained very much in the balance until the last five minutes. After the game team captain Neil McAdam was presented with the Francie Connolly Cup.
The League campaign, which began with earlier in the year, saw victories recorded over Truagh, Cremartin and Scotstown. Returning from the exam break additional victories were achieved over Sean McDermotts and Castleblayney. Topping the League meant a home tie against Carrickmacross in the League semi-final. For a long period of this game Carrick's determination and ability, frustrated our lads and ten minutes into the second half a shock seemed on the cards. Enter Dean Fanning who went on a scoring spree grabbing himself 5-1, as we won on a scoreline of 7-8 to 1-6 and booked our place in the final.
U-16 League Final - Harps 1-13,
Faughs 0-16.
Harps went into this game as favourites on the back of two victories earlier in the year over Blayney. Both previous encounters between these two sides suggested the final would be a close affair. Little did we realise how close! In the first half Neil McAdam and Conor Galligan had the edge a midfield, this coupled with some fine forward play from Tiarnach McGinnity and Dean Fanning saw us lead by five points a half time.
With 20 minutes to go our lead was seven points when the Blayney fightback began. As the game entered injury time Blayney had all the momentum and had regained parity on the scoreline. A sweeping move down the field ended with a fabulous point by Tiarnach McGinnity which seemed to get us out of jail, only for us to concede the lead one again with the final kick of the game.
The feeling on the day was we had let this one slip. In the end we were fortunate to get a second chance. This disappointment coming at the end of a long season and the manner in which we were totally outplayed in the latter stages of the second half was a test of the character of the team and their ability to regroup. The lessons learnt in the drawn game were taken on board and the team worked hard on the weaknesses exposed. Going into the replay there could be no doubting the determination and resolve of the team to win this one.
U-16 League Final Replay - Harps 1-13, Castleblayney 1-7.
Like the drawn game this match was tough & bruising encounter. Blayney set the early pace with a well worked goal to lead 1-1 to 0-1 after 10 minutes. A smart clearance from Mark Meehan and an excellent save from alert keeper Niall Brannigan stopped Blayney extending this lead and spurred their team mates into raising their game. A characteristic free flowing move got Dean Fanning in on goal only to have his initial effort well saved. With Blayney getting more bodies back on the goal line two follow up attempts were also stopped, but Dean's persistence in front of goal saw him awarded a penalty which Neil McAdam slotted home. Gradually the Harps began to impose themselves, eventually getting their nose in front thanks to two fine Emmet McArdle points and an inspirational score from Robert Moyna, having possibly his finest game in a Harps shirt.
The see-saw nature of the encounter continued in the second half with Blayney getting the opening two scores to re take the lead. Learning the lesson of the drawn game the Harps defensive shutters now closed tight as Blayney failed to add to their total from this point on. More and more, Blayney attacks were floundering thanks to the efforts of Paddy Connolly, Philip Drohan and especially Conor Galligan who consistently displayed his knack of being in the right place at the right time. Any ball which managed to evade the half backs, was dealt with by twin terriers Mark O'Connor and David Hughes and the rock that is Ciaran Boyce. Up front Nicholas Scott foraged and harried tirelessly, while Tiarnach McGinnity continued to display the fine form shown in the drawn game. Donal Hahassey's silken skills were amply demonstrated when he treaded a ball through a forest of bodies to set up the hardworking Donal Cuddy for the go ahead point.
With the game entering time added on the match was still in the melting pot and our hard earned three point advantage was almost wiped out when a Blayney effort flashed across the face of goal and just wide of the post. In the end the Harps determination to achieve their season's goal won out and a further three points were added on in overtime. A tremendous and spirited team performance meant team captain Neil McAdam received the McNally Cup, which now sits proudly in the Clubhouse along side the Francis Connolly Cup both festooned in green & white - the U-16 double achieved!
Most Read Stories