A year on and somehow the unbridled joy which erupted at St. Loman's Park, Mullingar in November 2000 seemed to career into a time before time began as Monaghan Harps ladies saw their football achievements in Ulster in 2001 crumble under the weight of bureaucracy. But is there a better team in Ulster? 2001 promised more of the same for the lady footballers of Monaghan Harps. The undisputed kingpins of the senior ladies game at All-Ireland level in 2000, things appeared to be going to plan for the county town side as the new season gathered pace. Matters bureaucratic were to intervene though. The team's defence of their All-Ireland championship title would be sacrificed on the altar of an interpretation of a rule. Nonetheless, it was a year which each member of the defending champions' brigade could be extremely proud to have helped engineer. Whatever about repeating the triumph at national level, at least the club did have the satisfaction of retaining their county and provincial titles, even if the silverware in the latter regard wasn't allowed to be retained for quite the requisite time. In reflecting back on Monaghan's travails in 2001, we note that the omens weren't particularly good for a fairytale back-to-back triumph. After all, the defending All-Ireland champions had a pretty rough ride on the domestic front even before they emerged to face the best of the rest in Ulster. In the county quarter-final, a taste of things to come was forthcoming in the Harps clash with what is an up and coming Scotstown team. In one of the best games seen in the competition, the match favourites had to dig deep and show true grit and determination to win through to the semi-finals. A highly-vaunted Magheracloone side stood between the Harps and a place in the county decider. All would-be champions need a slice or two of luck to achieve their goals and the game against the Mitchels saw Dame Fortune smile on the Harps. In a game which saw Monaghan play second fiddle to their bustling challengers, it looked for periods that the defending champions were on the cusp of relinquishing their titles but, like true champions, the Harps took full advantage of the added on time to nip ahead with the long-serving Brenda McAnespie coming up trumps to pop over a timely equaliser deep into injury time to salvage a draw for the Harps. As things transpired, it was a point which was to book a place in the county final for the Harps. The Harps met old rivals Aghabog in the senior decider on August 26th in Rockcorry and, predictably, in the fifth meeting of the sides at that stage of the competition, it was a real cracking affair. In the teams' earlier meeting in the league at Rooskey, the tie ended all-square. To those au fait with the ability in both camps, another draw was never going to be ruled out - and so it proved. A five-star performance by county star Jenny Greenan was the hallmark of the Aghabog display which saw them deny the champions the spoils in the final, first time around. In a match which saw the final scoreline read, Monaghan Harps 2-4 Aghabog 0-10, the defending champions were caught at the post after a sprint finish by Greenan and co. The Harps looked to have had the spoils well and truly secured when Aishlin Larkin buried the ball to the back of the Aghabog net to leave four points between the sides inside the final ten minutes. However, the aforementioned Greenan proved Aghabog's saviour with four points thereafter to ensure a replay. The Harps had earlier posted notice of their intention to see off their opponents' challenge when Orla Callan goaled in the 25th minute to catapult her side to a none too flattering 1-2 to 0-2 lead at the interval. The replay was once again fixed for Rockcorry but this time a definite result was arrived at with the Harps securing a two-in-a row courtesy of a well-deserved 2-8 to 0-6 win. Despite falling behind after just two minutes to a Jenny Greenan point, the defending champions proceeded to play some fantastic football to romp to an emphatic 0-6 to 0-1 interval lead with points from Jennifer Treanor, Brenda Swift and a hat-trick of points from Una Rooney laying the foundations for their team's ultimate success. As things transpired the Harps added a further brace of points through Lorraine Connolly and Irene Doyle. Thereafter only a brilliant save by the Aghabog 'keeper denied Una Rooney an opening goal. On the resumption, the Harps went about killing off the tie. Their supporters didn't have to wait long in this regard as Orla Callan's fine effort left the Harps on Easy Street. Further points by Donna Mulligan and Mairead Kelly sandwiched a second goal for the on-fire Callan. It was all that was required to dispatch the Aghabog challenge. The Harps could now look forward with a great degree of confidence to retaining their provincial title. And nobody said it was going to be easy! The girls from the St. Eunans club in Donegal, for instance, were totally determined to wrest the provincial title away from the newly-crowned Monaghan champions. The stage was set. Mid-October and a home tie in the provincial semi-final for the champions. But a massively difficult one to boot. The Harps opened in tigerish fashion with Una Rooney and Orla Callan showing fine form to bag a point apiece in an impressive start for the champions. It was nip and tuck thereafter though as the Saints came back to level before Orla Callan and Una Rooney broke through for goals in the course of a golden spell for the Harps. The Donegal champions proceeded to put a lot of pressure on the Harps defence but were unable to cut the Harps lead to anything more than four points. The start both teams desired on the restart was seized on by the Harps when Irene Doyle showed great opportunism to bag a goal. Points followed in quick succession from Orla Callan, Seanine McConnell and Una Rooney as St. Eunan's were forced to backpeddle furiously in trailing by nine points. The Harps weren't allowed to coast over the finishing line though. With great spirit and heart, the Monaghan defence fought bravely to ward off a desperate last throw of the dice by St. Eunan's. Despite conceding two goals in that final flurry from the Donegal ladies, Monaghan held firm to their lead to run out narrow but deserved 3-7 to 2-9 winners. The Ulster final clash with Tyrone kingpins Carrickmore was redolent of all that would transpire in the weeks ahead, so dramatic and unpredictable was the tie. An Orla Callan goal from the penalty spot in stoppage time in Clones was just the tonic needed to seal a tension-filled 3-8 to 3-7 win for the defending champions. Ironically the aforementioned penalty king had bagged an earlier major also from a penalty in the 14th minute but a similar strike by Lorraine Hughes for the Tyrone champions four minutes into the second half really put the cat among the pidgeons as both sides eyed the winning post. Monaghan had the better of the first half and a hat-trick of points from Una Rooney (2) and Orla Callan catapulted the defending champions into a five point lead five minutes from the end of normal time. It needed a great save though by Alison Treanor in Monaghan's goal to help the Harps keep their 1-7 to 1-3 lead at the interval. After their star player Eilish Gormley spurned a great goal opportunity just seconds into the second half, the Harps struck for a crucial goal when a spectacular centre by Una Rooney deceived the Carrickmore goalie to drop into the back of the net to leave the Harps a crucial seven points in front. Play proceeded to sweep from end to end as both teams gave it their all. Monaghan' conceded a point to their opponents and their lead was soon further reduced by a converted Carrickmore penalty leaving just three points between the sides. Inspired by the aforementioned Gormley, Carrickmore laid siege on the Harps goal for long periods in the second half but some stout defending by the leaders and poor marksmanship by Carrickmore meant that parity wasn't secured by the Tyrone ladies until the 52nd minute when Gormley fired over. The game was now set up for a grandstand finish with Una Rooney steadying Harps nerves with a fine point in the 58th minute. A shock goal moments later though by Carrickmore left the Harps' grip on their title on a knife-edge though. The champions continued to fight for every ball though and were duly rewarded when the ref awarded them a penalty after the Carrickmore 'keeper had pulled off a splendid goalline clearance. Cometh the hour, cometh the lady! Orla Callan, coolness personified, stepped up and fired the ball low and hard to secure the most dramatic of victories for the defending champions. The cup was coming home. Human error off the field though would serve to take the polish off the cup somewhat thereafter. It couldn't take the polish off the Harps' achievement though in securing back-to-back county and provincial titles. Final score; Monaghan Harps 3-8 Carrickmore 3-7. The following is the Monaghan squad, and scorers, which featured in the win over Carrickmore in the provincial decider: Alison Treanor; Eileen McElvaney, Donna Toal, Lorraine Connolly; Jennifer Treanor, Brenda McAnespie, Michelle Lavelle; Anita O'Reilly, Brenda Swift; Seanine McConnell, Una Rooney (1-5), Aisling Larkin; Orla Callan (2-3), Irene Doyle, Slainey Murray. Sub used; Charlene Graham. underage flagship It has been a successful twelve months for the club at underage level, which is just rewards for all the work put in. Under 10's The season began in May with training for the community games competition. In keeping with the club's belief that "children's involvement in Gaelic football should be an enjoyable experience" the focus was placed on the players efforts rather than performance. Large numbers attended training and matches throughout the year with 30 plus children regularly togging out for matches, where everyone was given the opportunity to play. Management have tried to instill the values of enjoyment, safety, respect and fair play among young players. The U10's team began to see the rewards of their efforts and hard work during training in the latter part of the season with very impressive performances against all teams in the parish league. The players that regularly attended training during the year include - Mel Boyce, Tiarnan Bramley, Ryan Byrne, Connor Callan, Conor Cambell, Fintan Cassidy, Seamus Cavlin, Niall Clerkin, Ryan Cooney, Conor Curley, Seadh Deeney, Benin Devlin, Ethan Devlin, Myles Dwyer, David Gorman, Niall Greenan, Liam Hahassy, Niall Hahassy, David Hetherington, Paul Kelly, Daragh Kelly, Kevin Martin, Aodhan McAnespie, Rory McCann, Charles McDonald, Terry McElvaney, David McFadden, Sean McKenna, Deane McMahon, Darren McMahon, Rory McNally, PJ McQuaid, Danny McQuaid, Daragh Meehan, Deane Nixon, Darren Richardson, Aaron Stuart. Mentors and Coaches - Seamus Meehan, Fergal Kierans, John Hahassy, Seamus Deeny, Gerry Stuart, Enda Galligan. The winning of the Clancy Cup Monaghan Harps success in the Clancy Cup Under 15 Division 1 Competition of 2001 is an amazing record of comprehensive wins and outstanding performances. This Trophy has since its inception been an elusive though much sought after prize for Harps. The 2001 success will be recorded in the Club's Annals as a comprehensive accomplishment. The Harps Under 15 panel had an early wake up call to training by the Management Team led by Declan McArdle and backed up by Michael Treanor, Jonathan McGonnell and Padge Connolly. Preparation and training commenced well in advance of competition and was excellently responded to by the panel. The training methodology utilised by Declan McArdle instilled a self-belief and team moral that reflected loyalty, discipline and commitment throughout the competition. The Monaghan Harps Club Committee responded to the requirements of the team and supported the Team Management in their endeavours to shape a winning side, that indeed was the end result. First round on the 24th March 2001 set the trend with 3-15 to 1-4 win over Carrickmacross. Succeeding rounds: 31st March, Harps 6-9 Clones 2-6 10th April, Harps 4-11 Blayney 2-6 17th April, Harps 6-12 Emyvale 5-9 19th April, Harps 4-14 Scotstown 1-6 The semi-final game against Carrick was won on a score of 2-12 to 1-3. The final against Castleblayney was the ultimate test to decide if the Clancy Cup would return to the County Town. There was a keen awareness in the club that the team to beat in this competition was the great Blayney Faughs. After a nervous first half Harps led by 1-6 to five points. At the finish though this team showed its resoluteness with a 2-14 to 1-5 victory. It was the most comprehensive Juvenile Final win in the history of the Monaghan Harps Club. The Clancy Cup was on its way back to Monaghan Town in a victorious calvacade. In that calvacade were quite a few Clancy Cup medal winners of former years. After a lap of the town team and supporters filled the clubhouse with the sounds of success. The remarkable scoring tally through the competition was compiled by Stephen Finnegan 9-14, Stephen McAleer 4-7, Michael Boyce 3-12, Nicholas Treanor 2-8, Darren Molloy 2-4, Pauric Donnelly 1-2, Dean Fanning 1-7, Shane Smith 0-10, Ronan Garvey 1-5, Finbar Heffernan 0-1, Nigel McEntee 0-2. Clancy Cup Final Team: Gerard Gilsenan, Paul Whelan, Stephen Driver, Thomas Toal, Nicholas Treanor, Ronan Garvey, Darragh Mallen, Nigel McEntee, Darren Molloy, Stephen Finnegan, Stephen McAleer, Shane Smith, Pauric Donnelly, Michael Boyce, Finbar Heffernan. Star forward Dean Fanning missed out through injury. Replacements: Patrick Connolly, Mark Gilsenan, Con O'Hanlon, James Grennan, Niall Moneypenny and Jonathan McQuaid. The ability and enthusiasm of the whole panel of players kept the Clancy Cup constantly in sight. Great goalkeeper Gerard Gilsenan, resolute full back line Paul Whelan, Stephen Driver, Tommy Toal, running half backs Nicholas Treanor, Ronan Garvey, Darragh Mallen, were solid in defence throughout the competition. Nigel McEntee and team captain Darren Molloy who led by example linked defence and attack cohesively. The forwards Stephen Finnegan, Stephen McAleer, Shane Smith, Pauric Donnelly, Michael Boyce, Dean Fanning. Finbar Heffernan were individually and collectively a strike force of mini-marauders who capitalised on the slightest defensive indiscretion. The back up replacements of Patrick Connolly, Neill McAdam, Niall Moneypenny, Con O'Hanlon, James Green. Jonathan McQuaid was strength in depth for the team. Team Manager Declan McArdle and his selectors applied themselves to the preparation of the team, instilled a palpable belief of victory in the panel, and were justly rewarded for their efforts. Anne Treanor, Admin and Delia Finnegan, team first aid were a capable duo in the Clancy Cup success story. The team management wishes to convey appreciation to all our supporters, Club Juvenile sub-committee and Club Executive for their contribution to the success. The club is appreciative of referees, umpires, clubs who made their grounds available and our opponents through the competition for their sporting contribution. Special word of appreciation and thanks to Ailish McEntee, Chairperson Juvenile Board for her presentation speech at the final, to Runai Bord na nOg, Bernie Collins who is always available on the end of a phone and to the Juvenile Board. The Clancy Cup presented to the Monaghan County Board by the late great Monaghan Hotelier Alan Clancy has always been a difficult trophy to win, probably for Monaghan Harps one of the more difficult in the Juvenile scene. It has come to the county town on five occasions to date, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1995, 2001. With up to half the 2001 panel still available for 2002, rest assured that Harps will be up for it again next year. McArdle Cup Joy This competition started on the 21st August and finished for us on 13th Sept. We took four points from our three home games. In the first game we trailed Scotstown for the whole game and got the winning goal in the last minute. In our match against Doohamlet the half time scores were very close but they put in a stronger second half to win out. Carrickmacross withdrew from the competition giving us the points. Our away games: We had a very entertaining game with Drumhowan and they got the upper hand in the last quarter to get the points. In Tyholland we were ahead at half time but Tyholland put in a strong second half to get the win. Our visit to Smithboro was a one sided game and we had no answer to this strong Eire Og side that topped the group. Toome also dominated through a few strong players and easily ran out winners. This was a very young squad, 30 of the 31 are underage next year and some have another three years in this age group. They all displayed excellent enthusiasm and ample courage in their matches and the few training sessions we had. The timing of the competition clashes with the peak holiday period and some of the players missed out on matches for that reason but no doubt it was the same in all other clubs. The squad gave a good account of themselves and they will enjoy better success in the future. When Scotstown overcame the challenge of Truagh in the other semi final the stage was set for a repeat of the 2000 Classic Final. For Harps it was repeat in many ways - the same venue in Emyvale; we were yet again short a key player in Philip Drohan who was in sunnier climes; and Margaret McCague was again the Bus Driver - all good omens and the Harps felt they needed them! Tom takes up the story: "we had training extremely well all year, with excellent attendance from the lads; we had emphasised getting the basis skills right and the team had achieved a high level of fitness. We stressed that we needed to retain our own possession .. and we needed a good start." And what a start as the Town team ran into a 2-4 to 0-2 points lead as the double act Donal Hahessy and Colm Reilly combined to mesmerise the Blues defence. The huge following could not believe their eyes as many recalled the drubbing the Harps lads had endured in the League game only a few short weeks earlier. Scotstown fought back as one would expect of probably the best team to emerge from that nursery for many years but the town lads held out to emerge deserving winners on a scoreline of 3-7 to 1-9. Had the Team Management any doubts that they might be beaten at any stage during this epic final? Cuddy responds: "Yea, with 10 minutes gone in the second half Scotstown had drawn level and had the wind advantage. At that stage, and given their strength up the middle I thought they could go on and claim the Coyle Cup - but I was very proud of our lads and the way they were taking the game to the hot favourites. We made two switches to steady our defence and that provided us with the launching pad to finish the stronger.When we got a goal 90 seconds into injury time I knew the day belonged to our lads." "Now nine players Niall Brannigan, Ciaran Boyce, Donal Cuddy, Conor Galligan, Nicholas Scott, Donal Hahessy, Gary White, David Hughes and Emmett McArdle have won two Coyle Cup titles as players. Emmett has the opportunity to make it a unique record next year, as he is again eligible. Colm Reilly, Gareth Treanor, Matthew Mullen and Philip Drohan were part of the panel in 2000. The first time medallist were Jonathan Reidy, Mark Cassidy, Aidan Connell, Gary McArdle, Mark O'Reilly, Colm Shalvey and Paul Toal." The Juvenile section of the club enjoyed its best year in many a year. No doubt we will hear more of these names over the next few seasons. Tweet

Most Read Stories