Training for the U12 Conlon Cup team started in mid February and concluded on the twenty first of July at Aghabog when Monaghan Harps played Rockcorry in the final of this competition. Initially the panel of players consisted of thirty-two boys ranging in ages from twelve down to ten, after a number of weeks this panel of players was reduced to twenty one. This team's strong point was that they had exceptionally talented players throughout the team, which resulted in some great victories against Drumhowan, Carrickmacross, Emyvale, Eire Og and Doohamlet, with the best performance coming on the 26th of May at Gavan Duffy Park against a very good Rockcorry team, this game ended in a draw. Monaghan Harps reached the semi final, which was played at Rockcorry against Drumhowan on the sixteenth of June. This was another epic game, which produced some great passages of play from both teams. At the final whistle Monaghan Harps won the game by one point which was the result of a great team performance against a very good Drumhowan team. The final of this competition was due to be played on the 30th of June, but due to draws in the other semi final the final did not take place until the 21st of July at Aghabog. This was another very close game between two very good teams, but unfortunately for Monaghan Harps they came up against a very good Rockcorry team. There was only one point between the teams with less than ten minutes to go, but Rockcorry finished the stronger team and won the game by four points. This was a record breaking achievement by Monaghan Harps on reaching the final of the Conlon Cup, with seventeen of the panel of twenty-one players eligible for this grade of football next year. Panel of players, David Bannigan, Niall Clerkin, Aidan Connell, Eamonn Curley, Luke Curran, John Cusack (Capt), Conor Finnegan, Niall Hahessy, Aidan McAnespie, Brian McElvaney, Conor McGinn, Conall McKenna, Patrick McKenna, Kevin Martin, Mark Mullhall, Timothy O'Hanrahan, Stephen Sullivan, Paul Toal, Dean Treanor, Raymond Treanor, Myles Watson. Management, Hugh McKenna, Sean McAnespie, Niall McGinn, Delia Finnegan, Maria McKenna, Mary McGinn. Harps in fine fettle Monaghan Harps continued on their winning ways at underage level in 2001 by scooping the Under 16 McNally Cup title after a convincing victory over a gallant Carrickmacross Emmets side in an entertaining replay in Aughnamullen in early October last. The final marked one of Monaghan's best displays of the year in the league as they conspired to outclass a gutsy, determined Carrick side which had impressed on their way to the county decider. The game was played amidst tricky weather conditions and one must commend both teams for their exemplary endeavours in trying to play to their optimum best in the circumstances. Playing into a stiff breeze in the opening half, the Harps had their work cut out to limit Carrick's scoring opportunities. As things transpired, a combination of good defensive work by the Harps defenders and some wasteful shooting by the Emmets meant that the county town side trailed by just three points at the interval. On the restart, the Harps were well-positioned to eat into their opponents' narrow lead. Using the gusting breeze to their advantage, the Harps pushed forward almost at will as the half gathered pace. Carrick weren't prepared to just lie down and roll over however and despite the incessant pressure exerted by the Harps, the south Monaghan side still led by four points with 15 minutes remaining in the game. Like true champions though, Monaghan raised their game. Moving more intelligently off the ball and displaying an awareness of the importance of the occasion, the Harps players grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck in the final quarter to send over a sequence of high-quality scores which had Carrick reaching for the panic button. In the end, Monaghan's success in making the elements work in their favour made the difference. The Harps succeeded in notching 1-10 in the second half. In contrast, Carrick could manage just three points. Championship disappointment suffered earlier in the year had been well and truly atoned for. Final score; Monaghan Harps 2-13 Carrickmacross 1-9. The following is the all-conquering Monaghan Harps panel: Gabriel Treanor, Gary Trappe, Michael Buckley, Tommy Toal, Nicholas Treanor, Rory McCarville, Darren Molloy, Mark Morgan, Stephen McAleer, Shane Smith, Michael McElvaney, David Murphy, Shane Scott, Mark McAdam, Stephen Finnegan, Carl O'Leary, Brendan Regan, Shane Coyle, Darren Toal, Tommy Mulhall, Nigel McEntee, Gerard Gilsenan, Ronan Garvey, Stephen McElvaney Tweet

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