After the success of last year, this panel of players were keen for the New Year to start. A new objective of an U16 double and the fact that the Francie Connolly Cup would be part of it, was just the incentive required to help them work, to produce their best. The late Francie was an icon in Monaghan Harps Juvenile Football in the 70's and 80's. He was Cathaoirleach of the County Monaghan Board na nOg from 1982 to 1987. As always an important part of the team is the management and as last year Paudge Connolly, Ann Treanor and Delia Finnegan were willing to play their part. A welcome addition to an already strong management team was ex-county player Kevin Paddy Treanor whose football and management experience was invaluable. A six-month season started in late April with the emphasis on skills as well as fitness. To be consistent throughout the year the panel of players had to be as large as possible. A total of 27 players were used throughout the lengthy season and each gave of their utmost. The remarkable progress made by some of the younger players such as Neil McAdam, Dean Fanning and Con O'Hanlon along with the return of Ronan Garvey from injury and also the return to Gaelic Football of speedy Ronan McGann complemented those already dedicated to the cause. The first game in the league was against Scotstown the late game was the final against Emyvale, eight games in total with the Harps running out winners in each game. During this period the championship was played out with some cracking games. Two which stand out for their entertainment value would have to be the quarter-final in which it took all our resources to beat a very strong Emyvale side emerging as winners with a one point margin. The semi-final will be remembered for a second-half performance still talked about in the Harps Clubhouse, trailing to a rejuvenated Carrickmacross squad by nine points at half time this side came of age with a display of football which will stay long in the memory of the Harps supporters. At the end the lads won the game with twelve points to spare. All in all it was very pleasing and rewarding season for this group of players and mentors. Twelve games were played with a tally of 253 points with 114 points against. An unbeaten run of 22 games in two seasons and the Francie Connolly and McNally Cups returned to Monaghan Harps. Team Manager Declan McArdle stage-managed the victories and he had excellent support stage side in Padge Connolly, Kevin Treanor, Ann Treanor and Delia Finnegan. Declan is his report to the Harps Juvenile AGM, thanked the team mentors as mentioned above and the Harps Juvenile and senior committees who gave of their support, the sponsors who provided the team with crested fleeces for the finals and all the supporters who enjoyed the Under 16 sporting year. His philosophy is "the most important people are the players and the most important think is to enjoy the game." In his words "They did just that and I would like to thank them for their commitment to Monaghan Harps." Final Score Under 16 Championship: Harps 2-11, Clontibret 2-2 Team Panel: Gerard Gilsenan, Con O'Hanlon, Ronan Garvey, Darragh Mallon, Nicholas Treanor, Thomas Toal, Paul Whelan, Nigel McEntee, Shane Smith, Niall McAdam, Stephen McAleer, Stephen Finnegan, Dean Fanning, Michael Boyce, Ronan Garvey. Fir Ionad: Darren Molloy, Stephen Driver, Pauric Donnelly, Mark Gilsenan, Niall Moneypenny, Tiarnach McGinnity, Finbar Heffernan, Gerard McElvaney, David Reidy, Darren Smyth, Jonathan McQuaid. Scorers: Michael Boyce 1-3, Stephen Finnegan 1-1, Stephen McAleer 0-3, Nicholas Treanor 0-2, Shane Smith 0-1, Dean Fanning 0-1 Under 16 McNally Cup (League Div 1) Final: Monaghan Harps 2-13 Emyvale 0-6 Team Panel - Gerard Gilsenan, Stephen Driver, Ronan Garvey, Darragh Mallon, Con O'Hanlon, Tommy Toal, Paul Whelan, Nigel McEntee, Stephen McAleer, Darren Molloy, Shane Smyth, Stephen Finnegan, Nicholas Treanor, Michael Boyce, Neill McAdam. Fir Ionad: Dean Fanning, Pauric Donnelly, Niall Moneypenny, Tiarnach McGinnity, Gerard McElvaney, Ronan McGann, David Reidy, Finbar Heffernan, Jonathan McQuaid, Mark Gilsenan. Intermediate team For Monaghan Harps at Intermediate level, 2002 without any doubt was a painful year, so difficult that some would comment that at the end of it nothing positive could emerge. Our first team dropping out of Intermediate ranks was a surprising and abrasive return for the effort put into the year. It it were not possible to rescue something from the depths of disappointment then many's the club would be down and out. There is no point in musing and moaning in adversity, on a year's setback. It's a stingy nettle to grasp but Monaghan Harps have in 2002 implemented initiatives to fight back, through the creation of a special Football Development sub-committee and a strong belief in the younger players coming on stream. The brief of this group is to investigate the present structures within the club and find the ways and means to put in place corrective measures which will overcome the failings, and capitalise on the clubs positive aspects. Monaghan is now a fast growing town. The advantages created by urban burgeoning development are apparent. The problems created can cause difficulties. The solutions are to be vigilant and provide sporting opportunities in a safe and caring environment. Looking in at the Club's Football Development committee's intervention and method in tackling these shortcomings, the supporters of our club can rest assured that the much-needed turn around will happen. This year the number of players lost to the senior set up for one reason or another was the worst drain on team resources in a very long time in the history of the club. The Intermediate team did not stint in its efforts to overcome those losses and the problems that arose from injuries from time to time. The positivity resulting from this however, was the introduction of younger lads to greater responsibility, which was difficult for them in this initial year but will lay the ground work for rebuilding in the future. Added to this 2002 has been a tremendous year at Juvenile level. The winning of five Juvenile County competitions has imbued the young lads in the club with a loyalty and commitment that can put the year 2002 behind, and give great confidence for the future. The responsibility for Monaghan Harps to get to grips with improving its position and returning to Senior status rests within the club and the players. This responsibility is not taken lightly. The ongoing development of Gavan Duffy Park has continued through 2002. Improvements include the upgrading of the Training Flood Lighting, the extension of the car parking facilities, the provision of a paved area and concrete surfacing in front of the changing rooms. Plans are completed for the provision of a covered stand that will now have priority in future development. The main Prunty pitch was completely renovated in late summer, and is now as firm and porous as when first it was put down. Taking everything into account the prospects for the future are bright. The club now has a reservoir of young talent right through all the grades, the player facilities are second to none, the playing pitches are capable of withstanding the rigours of the changing climate and there is a determination to turn round the disappointments of 2002 and move forward. There is optimism within the club that the trek back to senior ranks will not take long. - Harps G.F.C Tweet

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