When the Gaels of Emyvale and their legions of supporters gathered in the 'Scarna Inn', Emyvale for the club's Annual Banquet on Saturday 26th February 2005, they duly announced the winners of the various football categories and achievement awards for the previous year. By Seamus McCluskey. When it came to the 'Senior Player of the Year' award, there was sustained and much deserved applause when it was announced that the recipient of the honour was none other than the youthful John Flannery. A standing ovation was then accorded to the 2004 team full-back as he went forward to collect his trophy from the club chairman, Michael McCarron and it was several minutes before the prolonged applause finally settled down, applause that was thoroughly merited. One of the most outstanding young players to emerge from the Emyvale camp in many years, John Flannery was the popular choice for the honour of 'Best Player' of 2004. He was a youngster who had come right up through the ranks from the Under 10s of Genie McKenna and his assistants - and later still under John Finn, Declan McNally, Seamus Colton, PJ Curley, Vivian McKenna and Eamonn O'Hara to mention just some of those later successful mentors. John Flannery impressed each year as he steadily progressed through the various age groupings to eventually become the 'leading light' of Emyvale's premier team. Born in Killycooley, Emyvale, John and his twin brother Michael first saw the light of day on 6th July 1985. Probably his first success in Gaelic Football was with the local parish team in the 1995 Community Games competitions and from there he progressed to club Under 12. Despite getting to several finals and semi-finals, his first success in Juvenile ranks was in the McArdle Cup under 13 competition in 1997 when he won his first GAA honour. From there he progressed to U14 and U16 levels but success always seemed to elude him in these grades as Emyvale were overcome at several semi-final and final stages. One of the most heart-breaking of those defeats was in the McCormack Cup Final U16 against Clones at Gavan Duffy Park, Monaghan on Saturday 15th September 2001, when Emyvale were most unlucky to go under by the narrowest of margins, 3-7 to 2-9. John Flannery was at full-back and had a star game. The team mentors were: Paddy Kelly, Willie Flannery and Michael McGee and the Emyvale team read as follows: - Declan Callery, Thomas Kelly, John Flannery, Killian McKenna, Enda McCrudden, Ryan McGee, Martin Connolly, Michael Flannery, Brendan McKenna, Niall Maguire, Mark Colton, Damien McKenna, Adrian McGee, Brendan Askin and Conor Corrigan. Subs: S Fields, Niall Kelly, Jonathan Bellew, Paul Curley, Michael Kelly, Colm McAdam, Finbar McKenna, Colin Donnelly and Barry McGuirk. At least a dozen of those players, including the Flannery twins, are currently members of Emyvale's Intermediate team, which just shows how carefully they have been nurtured and brought along in the interim. The following year, under team manager Eamonn O'Hara, he reached the Minor League Final, but as he was two years under age he was included among the substitutes on that occasion when Emyvale scored a resounding success, defeating Donaghmoyne 2-11 to 0-6 at Cremartin on Saturday 29th September, and a much coveted Treanor Cup medal came John's way. With his twin brother Michael playing at centrefield, the team mentors on that occasion were Eamonn O'Hare, Vivian McKenna, Seamus McKenna and Willie Flannery. In the year just completed John was recognised by the Monaghan Under 21 County selectors but, unfortunately had to miss the championship game with Cavan through injury and Cavan went on to reach the Ulster Final, losing narrowly to Down in the Ulster Final. John is currently in his first year studying Environmental Health at UUJ and is a member of the Jordanstown team for the Sigerson Cup competitions. Hopefully he will also get recognition from the Universities Selectors if they are again allowed into the Dr McKenna Cup competition as has happened in recent years. One of the first team managers to notice the potential of John Flannery was Genie McKenna who had him as an Under 10 and later as an Under 12 Juvenile and quickly noticed the sturdy young defender in Forde Cup and 'Town of Monaghan Creamery Cup' competitions. Probably the first occasion that he really 'stuck out' as a potential football star and impressed Genie was at a Carrickroe Sports about a dozen years ago. Describing John in glowing terms, Genie, a team member who possesses that rare talent of being able to spot a budding young prospect at a very early age, had this to say about him: "He was a very quiet young lad who did what he was told and played how and where I wanted him to. Did the job and got on with it, is about the best way to describe him. He was exceptionally strong and showed his talent as a tight marker from a very early period. He always played in the backs and stuck out because of his red head, and I knew even at that early stage that we had a fine footballer in the making." Under team manager John Finn, John Flannery captured his U13 McArdle Cup medal in 1997, playing at full-back for that successful Juvenile squad, but he was disappointed at failing in the following year's U14 Final after having beaten Inniskeen at the semi-final stage. It was even more disappointing two years later when Emyvale again fell to Inniskeen, this time in the county final. John Finn was always impressed by his young red-headed charge's dedication and displays and had this to say of him: - "John Flannery was one of the most dedicated players in my charge. We never had the slightest problem with him and could always depend on him to turn in a top class display, always giving one hundred per cent effort, and giving great example to his team mates. A lad of his ability should have been rewarded with far more silverware, but we were unfortunate in running up against some of the best U14 and U16 teams in the county during that period. Players from those Inniskeen, Donaghmoyne and Clones teams that beat us in successive finals are now the stars of the Monaghan county senior team. John Flannery was probably that little bit too young for such opposition, but his time will surely come and I expect to see him figure on Monaghan senior county teams in the very near future." Emyvale's club chairman Michael McCarron has always had a very high opinion of John Flannery's football potential and has described him as "one of the best up-and-coming forwards or backs, and certainly one of the best 'markers' the club has ever produced.' Commenting on his performance during the 2004 season, Michael paid glowing tributes to the young full-back and then added: "His performances in marking Rory Woods of Donaghmoyne and Raymond Ronaghan of Tyholland, two of the best forwards in the county at the moment, in last year's championship, marked him out as one of most outstanding players we had all year and this was surely one of the reasons why he won the title of 'Player of the Year'. He is the type of player who never gives an inch, marking closely but fairly and squarely, and no forward will ever get away from him. He has all the qualities of a good tight marker. The fact that some of those top county stars had to be taken off him during the match, was a sure sign that he is in a class of his own and highly respected by opponents. He will surely get a call up from the County Selectors in the not too distant future." John's father, Willie Flannery, is a native of Co. Mayo and is a rabid Gaelic football follower. With his wife Ann, he is one of the most tireless workers in the Emyvale club and is always to the forefront in all club activities. During the past year Willie was 'Club Physio' for all the adult teams, and for several years was also assistant team manager and a selector with underage sides. The effort that he has put into promoting the national pastimes in the Emyvale area must surely soon be rewarded, and no better reward for both Willie and Ann would be to see their son (better still, their twin sons) leading an Emyvale team to senior success in Co Monaghan and maybe even helping our county side to undreamed of honours. With such excellent support and encouragement coming from his parents, John Flannery must surely have motivation in abundance and motivation inevitably leads to increased dedication and better performances. Emyvale club is lucky in having a young player of his calibre emerging from their ranks, and his name, along with that of twin brother Michael, can be expected to figure prominently in Emyvale football dispatches over the next decade, or even longer. And it is not likely to end there as, breathing down the necks of the twin brothers is fifteen year old Kevin Flannery, currently one of the leading lights of the Emyvale Under 16 squad. Emyvale's new developments recall the memory of Eamonn McElroy On Sunday 5th August 1990, St Oliver Plunketts Park, Emyvale, under the shadow of Tully Fort and Hill, headquarters of the famed McKenna Clan and their Chieftains for half a millennium, from mid 12th century to mid 17th century, opened its gates for the first time, with the 'Official Opening' ceremony being performed by the then President of the Ulster GAA Council, the late Very Rev Dan Gollogly from Cavan. Two games were listed for the opening day, Emyvale v Truagh in an inter-club game, to be followed by an inter-county game between Monaghan and Tyrone. Unfortunately, the Monaghan team that fielded that day differed considerably from the selected and published fifteen, and the home side suffered as a result. In the fifteen years since then, St. Oliver Plunketts Park has been the home ground of Emyvale GAA and has witnessed some stirring encounters at all levels, from Under 12 competitions right up to senior county games, both football and hurling. Many Monaghan Senior Championship games have now been played there, and the general consensus has been that it is one of the finest venues in the county. This verdict has also been borne out by the fact that so many important Ulster Colleges games have been played there, and teams from the 'stronger colleges' counties of Tyrone, Derry and Down, have all expressed complete satisfaction with both the playing surface of the ground and the facilities available for both teams, mentors and supporters. Emyvale's performances there in that fifteen years period have been very much an up-and-down series, with the club performing in both senior and intermediate ranks. For most of the 'nineties decade they held senior status but, since the advent of the new millennium, the club has competed mainly at intermediate level. In 1992, playing in the senior championship, Emyvale gave reigning champions, Castleblayney Faughs, one of their toughest games, while in 1994 they only exited at the quarter-final stage when beaten by Clontibret. In 1995 they had one of their most successful years even when, after being relegated to intermediate grade at the end of the previous season, they won the Intermediate Football League and Fr. Hackett Cup, defeating Maheracloone in the final. One should now remember that the losers on that occasion have since gone on to win the senior championship title. That victory put Emyvale back in senior ranks where they competed for most of the rest of that decade. In the Millennium Year they had extremely hard luck when, after reaching the finals of both championship and league, they came up against a rapidly rising Inniskeen side. Both finals were drawn and both replays were lost, but Emyvale felt very aggrieved when a refereeing decision denied them success in the League final at Monaghan's Gavan Duffy Park. Promotion was gained, however, but going up' empty-handed' was not the best recipe for senior grade football and a poor year at the top level in 2001 saw relegation to intermediate grade again being their lot for 2002. Development of the grounds at St. Oliver Plunketts Park, Tully had progressed at a tremendous speed over the same fifteen years. Following the Official Opening in 1990, a covered stand was later erected and was opened in 1994, while the acquisition of a second pitch followed a couple of years later. This was of necessity, but later proved invaluable as the main pitch had to be closed for a two year period this century while its surface was getting a complete overhaul and new drainage scheme, and being turned into a 'Prunty Style' pitch by the local company, Watterson Brothers, who did a fantastic job in the process. The second field proved to have an extremely dry surface, even in the worst of weather conditions, and many exciting games were played there during the re-construction period, as it was full size and well capable of housing the crowds that attended. The energetic committee at the helm of club activities were still not satisfied, however, and further development was undertaken. More new dressing rooms were added: the car park was enlarged, properly lined out and 'tarmac-ed'; a new gymnasium was built and fully equipped with the most modern of keep-fit exercising machines; a new PA system was installed, which extended cross-field to the stand, and new boundary walls and entrances were erected. All this took an awful lot of money but the club was fortunate in getting grants from several sources, not to mention the fact they they had also won a new house in a raffle organised by a neighbouring club and which, when sold, raised the necessary funds to take on the massive undertaking that has been the envy of most clubs, not just in Co. Monaghan but throughout Ulster. The 'Official Opening' of all these new extensions, facilities and re-development took place on Sunday 27th November last, when a huge crowd turned up for the 'Big Occasion'. Following a very inclement week, weather-wise, the weather proved very favourable and the programme was run off with expertise and efficiency. The U14s of Emyvale and Truagh opened the programme with a challenge game and t his was followed by the blessing of the new gymnasium and dressing rooms by Canon Sean Clerkin, PP of Donagh parish, assisted by Fr. Cathal Deery and Fr. Michael McKenna. The plaque of the refurbished buildings reads: - "The gymnasium and dressing rooms are dedicated to the memory of Eamonn McElroy who died on 12th January 2005.' This was a fine tribute to one of Emyvale's greatest ever players, Eamonn McElroy who died suddenly at this very same complex while in training in January of this year. Members of the McElroy family and their friends were present and much appreciative of the fact that the Emyvale club was commemorating the memory of Eamonn, who had given such sterling service to the Emyvale club over so many years, and who quiet nature and friendly chat endeared him to everyone who knew him and who commitment and dedication to the game was always evident during all his games. His death had caused great grief among club members and it was a fitting tribute that Emyvale club should dedicate the facilities to his memory. Then followed the blessing of the new facilities on the playing pitch, also by Canon Clerkin with the 'Official Opening' ceremony being performed by Mr John Connolly, chairman of the Monaghan Co. Board GAA. Mr Nicky Brennan (Kilkenny), GAA President-elect also spoke and, in their very impressive addresses, both men paid glowing tributes to the initiative and truly amazing achievements of the Emyvale club. Special tributes were paid to the chairman of the club Michael McCarron, who headed the re-development programme, and to Ms Marion Donnelly, vice chairperson of the Emyvale club and also Treasurer of the Monaghan GAA County Board. Both also referred to the tragedies that had befallen the club during the past year, with the tragic deaths of the aforementioned Eamonn McElroy and the more recent tragic death of Gloria Corrigan, committee member and chairperson and playing member of the Ladies team. Michael McCarron, in welcoming the invited guests, said that when he took on the position of chairman four years previously he had set his target to complete the plans for the further development of the facilities and that his dream had now come true, thanks to the great work of the committee, and in particular the Development Committee under the guidance of Pauric Treanor, and the Finance Committee led by Marion Donnelly. He also paid tribute to Sean McQuillan, who had been the contractor for some of the work and had been the Overseer for all work carried out. He praised the work on the main pitch which was completed by Watterson Brothers, and he thanked everyone who had helped in any way and all who had supported the drive to get the work done. Over 650,000 euro had been spent and he was delighted to announce that the club was still in the 'black' in the bank, and this is a compliment to all who had given the commitment and assistance. The speeches and blessings were followed by an inter-county challenge game between Monaghan and Armagh, which proved to be extremely competitive and which was won by the visitors by a three points margin. Emyvale's Brendan McKenna had the honour of capturing the Monaghan team on the day and the big midfielder played a blinder, with one of the best games of his career. At nineteen years of age he will surely be giving some of Monaghan's more established players a run for their money for a place on the county side. He has already won the county jersey at both minor and under 21 levels. Emyvale's Gerry McCarronn was also honoured by being given the role of referee for the inter-county game and proved again that he is rapidly developing into one of the finest referees in the entire country. A young budding referee, Niall McKenna, also impressed with his handling of the Juvenile game that opened the proceedings. Another major attraction on the day was the opening of a new 'Photographic Museum' at the complex, the brain child of Emyvale club's Development Officer Pauric Treanor and this proved a tremendous attraction for visitors during the course of the afternoon. Local radio and press representatives were also present as were a number of local politicians. In all, a day to remember and one that the Emyvale club can justifiably feel extremely proud of. The Late Eamon McElroy The sudden death of Eamon McElroy on Wednesday the 12th of January at 41 years of age brought deep shock to all who knew him. Eamon was first and foremost a family man, with a passion for Gaelic football - a keen huntsman and a master mechanic who built a huge customer base at McKenna's garage in Emyvale. The high regard in which Eamon was held by those who knew him, in all aspects of his life, was evidenced by the very large number of people who called to his residence in Monaghan to offer sympathy to his family - Pauline, Christopher (10), Ryan (6), and Leona (3), his mother Molly, his brothers Sean, Finbar, Macartan and Brendan, his sisters Mary and Siobhan. Eamon, a gentleman, was well known for his humour and his helpful nature. He took suddenly ill in the company of friends at a 'keep-fit' session at Emyvale GAA grounds. He was immediately attended to by those present and first aid was administered. Despite the best efforts of ambulance and medical personnel, Eamon was pronounced dead at Monaghan General Hospital. His remains, draped in the tri-colour and the Emyvale number 3 jersey were brought to St. Patricks church Corracrin where requiem mass was celebrated by his uncle Fr. John McElroy, Fr. Cathal Deery and Fr. Owen McEnaney, and then to Lathlurcan cemetery for interment. A huge crowd attended both requiem mass and burial at Lathlurcan where a tribute on behalf of Emyvale GFC was read by Seamus McCluskey and a huntsmans horn was sounded by Barney McMeel. An appreciation by Emyvale GAA Club The tragic and untimely death of Eamon McElroy during a 'keep fit' session at Emyvale club headquarters in Tully on Wednesday night of last week has shocked and numbed the Emyvale GAA club as never before. Our club has suffered many body blows during its long history, but this is, without question, one of the most tragic that we will ever have to record. And it is something that will take a long, long time to heal and to overcome. Eamon McElroy was one of the most consistent and most talented footballers we have ever produced. His conduct both on and off the field was exemplary at all times. His playing career with the club spanned an amazing twenty years, and during all illustrious period he never once had to be booked by a referee, or incur the wrath of any sports official. He was an example to his fellow players and indeed to his the younger generations who had the pleasure of watching him play for his club, and many of whom have modelled their style on his. He began his career with the Emyvale GAA club as a juvenile in 1975 when he togged out for the under-twelves. He then graduated up through the juvenile and minor ranks, winning many honours in the process. His first entry into the adult grades was in 1981 when he was a member of the successful under-twenty-one team of that year and won the Kerly cup, and from that on he was a permanent member on our premier teams, playing usually in defence and eventually making the full-back berth his permanent position, wearing the number three jersey, always with distinction. In 1985 he was a member of the great side that won the 'junior double' of both Championship and League, and then went on to win Intermediate honours with the club in 1988 and again in 1995 when they won the Intermediate League for the Fr. Hackett Cup. He played in the number-three jersey in all those games and was the sheet anchor of our defence. Not once was he ever known to take unfair advantage of an opponent, and he was admired by both team-mates and opponents alike. His retirement from the game following the 1995 success left a void in the Emyvale defence that has been very difficult to fill. To say that he was a gentleman both on and off the playing pitch would indeed be an understatement. His loss to the club is a huge blow and one which will be sorely felt for many, many years to come. We extend our sincerest sympathy to his family, relatives and friends in their grief, a grief that is truly shared by each and every one of us, by every member of the Emyvale club, playing members, officials, past members, and supporters. May the sod lie lightly on you Eamon McElroy. Ar dheis laimh De go raibh do anam dilis. Tweet

Most Read Stories