When Monaghan Harps took their first ever Junior Championship title in 1949 they already had two Senior Championship crowns (1922 to 1923) to their credit, plus three Dr. Ward Cup - 1934, 1947 and 1949. An Intermediate Championship title would follow in 1954 and a Fr. Hackett Cup title that same year, with a sprinkling of Junior and Intermediate honours, both championship and league, in subsequent years. By Seamus McCluskey. Their second Junior Championship crown came in 1968 and the third in 2003, but they had to wait for their fourth title until their Centenary Year of 2005 and what an occasion to do just that. Promotion to Intermediate ranks had followed their 2003 success, but fortune did not smile too kindly on their efforts during 2004 and they found themselves back in the Junior grade for 2005. With such experience gained during the previous year, it was obvious that the 'county town' side would prove an extremely strong force during the year just ended, and so it proved, as they were very much the supreme team in all of the 2005 Junior competitions, both championship and league. Their first championship outing was against Killanny at Clontibret on Saturday 7th May and, with the south county club struggling under extreme difficulty during the year, the Harps had a somewhat easy passage, winning rather easily on a final scoreline of 4-19 to 0-1. They proved far too strong for the Geraldines in all departments and ended up with the comfort of a thirty points cushion. A goal in the opening minute set the tone for a rather one-sided contest and Killanny failed to raise even one flag during the opening half hour while the Monaghan side recorded 2-8. The second half followed the tone set in the opening period but the final score-line was somewhat flattering to the winners as they scored ten points of their total in the final three minutes of the match when the opposition had already 'given up the ghost.' The Harps lined out for that one: - Gerard Gilsenan, Conor Devlin, Paddy Kelly, Mark Morgan, Paul Rushe, Ronan Garvey, Johnny Sherry, Shea McAleer, Peter Coyle, Gary Murray, Colin McAree, Ciaran Garvey, Nicholas Treanor, Darren Swift and Stephen McAleer. Subs used: - Darren Molloy, David Loughran, Dessie McGarry and Shane Coyle. Their scores came from: - Stephen McAleer (2-5), Darren Swift (1-4), David Loughran (0-5), Nicholas Treanor (0-4), Dessie McGarry (1-0) and Peter Coyle (0-1). It was obvious that Monaghan Harps meant business on this occasion and it was no surprise that the heading for the match report which appeared in the local newspaper the following Thursday read - " Monaghan is a Team on a mission'. It was also obvious, however, that they would not have matters as easy in the following encounters, and so it proved. Their second championship outing proved a much closer affair and they were put under pressure when they crossed swords with Toome on the first weekend of July. It was only in the closing stages that they showed their superiority, and had four points without reply in the final minutes of normal time and the two minutes of added time that finally gave them a hard earned victory over game opponents. The first half was an extremely even affair and the sides were deadlocked at three points each at the interval. A missed penalty midway during that opening half did not help matters ,plus the fact that team captain Peter Coyle also had to depart the scene with an injury earlier in the same period. Some excellent chances were squandered in the second period and, with time running out, the sides were again deadlocked at seven points apiece. It was then that the Harps showed their true worth and sent over the final six points that would separate the teams when the final whistle sounded. Final score: - Monaghan Harps 0-13, Toome 0-7 The Harps showed a couple of changes from their earlier game and lined out: - Bernard Murphy, Conor Devlin, Paddy Kelly, Jonathan Sherry, Michael Buckley, Ronan Garvey, Paul Rushe, Shea McAleer, Shane Coyle, Gary Murray, Colin McAree, Peter Coyle, Nicholas Treanor, Ciaran Garvey, Stephen McAleer. Sub used: Dessie McGarry. Their points came from: Nicholas Treanor (6), Dessie McGarry (4), Paul Rushe (1), Colin McAree (1) and Ciaran Garvey (1). Monaghan were now riding high and accompanied by a great showing in the league campaign, they were now hot favourites to take the Junior Championship crown, but their next opponents came from the very south of the county and were also having an extremely good year. These were the men of Corduff and what a scare they gave the Harps when the sides met in the quarter-final at Aughnamullen on Friday the 8th of July. Monaghan knew full well that this was not going to be an easy one and their fears were well founded as the Farney side put them to the pins of their proverbial collar to survive. In fact, Monaghan had to survive a tremendous late rally by Corduff, who came strongly in injury time with two points, one of which could well have been a goal, had not Michael Buckley got his finger-tips to a rasping shot that went over rather than under the bar. This game was played at a real cracking pace throughout, and both sides fully deserved the plaudits showered on them by the big crowd in attendance. Monaghan started well with a goal from a penalty by Nicholas Treanor in the early minutes and from there on, they were never headed. With time running out Monaghan were in front by the narrowest of margins but Loughran and Garvey came to the rescue to put them three points clear. It was then that Corduff put in their storming finish, but the Harps defence held firm and they survived, if even by the minimum margin to qualify for a semi-final placing with a final scoreline of - Monaghan Harps 1-10, Corduff - 0-12 The Harps had to re-jig their forces somewhat for this particular contest and lined out - Bernard Murphy, Conor Devlin, Paddy Kelly, Michael Buckley, Johnny Sherry, Mark Morgan, Darren Molloy, Colin McAree, Shane Coyle, Gary Murray, Nicholas Treanor, Ronan Garvey, Dessie McGarry, Ciaran Garvey and David Loughran. Subs used: Paul Rushe, Shane Smith, Eugene McCoy and their marksmen were - David Loughran (0-5), Nicholas Treanor (1-0), Gary Murray (0-2), Shane Coyle (0-1), Ronan Garvey (0-1), Ciaran Garvey (0-1). Monaghan Harps were now in the semi-final of the Junior championship and they faced their northern neighbours from Killeevan at the penultimate stage at Scotstown on Sunday 4th September. The sides had already drawn, 1-9 each, when they met at Newbliss in the second game of the Dr Ward Cup league competition in February and, by coincidence, this one would end up exactly the same. From that earlier meeting the Harps knew full well that they were up against determined opponents. Heavy rain made the ground extremely slippery and conditions were anything but suitable for good open football, but both sides rose to the occasion and overcame the adverse conditions manfully. It was 'even Stephen' on several occasions during the hour and again in the dying moments when it was 1-7 each, then 1-8 each, and finally 1-9 each, giving only what could be described as a very fair result as it would have been most unfortunate for any one side to have lost under such conditions. At half-time Killeevan led by five points to three, but an early second half goal put Harps in front by the narrowest of margins, and it was tit-for-tat from there to the end. The Harps had Gerard Gilsenan back in goals for this one and lined out - Gerard Gilsenan, Michael Buckley, Paddy Kelly, Jonathan Sherry, Paul Rushe, Colin McAree, Mark Morgan, Shea McAleer, Shea Coyle, Gary Murray, Nicholas Treanor, Ciaran Garvey, David Loughran, Darren Swift, Dessie McGarry. Their flags were raised by - Nicholas Treanor 0-5, David Loughran 1-1, Shea McAleer (0-1), Shane Coyle (0-1), and Ciaran Garvey (0-1). The replay took place at the Scotstown venue again, the following Saturday evening and this time Monaghan Harps made no mistake. Killeevan failed to rise to the standard they had set the previous week-end and the Harps were not flattered by their six points victory, won on a final scoreline of - Monaghan Harps 2-13, Killeevan 1-10. Foundations for their victory were laid down during the opening twenty minutes when they chalked up a nine point lead that deflated the opposition and practically assured Monaghan of victory. The Harps attack was boosted by the introduction of young Shane Smith who had a tremendous game and ended up with a goal and two points to his credit. However, this was really an all-round team effort from a side that lined out: - Gerard Gilsenan, Paul Rushe, Colin McAree, Conor Devlin, Jonathan Sherry, Ciaran Garvey, Mark Morgan, Ronan Garvey, Stephen McAleer, Shane Coyle, Nicholas Treanor, Shea McAleer, David Loughran, Shane Smith, Darren Swift. Besides Smith, Loughran (0-5), Shea McAleer (1-1), Darren Swift (0-2), Nicholas Treanor (0-2) and Ronan Garvey (0-1) made up the Monaghan Harps total. The Junior Championship Final was listed for O'Neill Park, Clontibret on Sunday 18th September, and the opposition would be provided by Aughnamullen. The Harps club had celebrated their Centenary in fine style a short time previously and they were now looking for the icing on the cake. It duly came with a very convincing 1-10 to 0-5 win over their South Monaghan opponents, who never really gave the county town lads a serious challenge. In fact, this proved to be one of Monaghan Harps easiest runs of the entire Championship, and they ran out deserving and very worthy winners to take the Packie Boylan Cup. Aughnamullen had opened the scoring but the Harps soon asserted their authority on the proceedings. David Loughran had the levelling point and Ciaran Garvey then gave them a lead which they never subsequently relinquished. They led at the half-way stage by six points to two, and were even more dominant in the second period. The second half, in fact, had barely started when Shane Smith sent to the Aughnamullen net and the game was as good as over at that early stage. However, the Harps never slackened and played some fine football from there to the end. The side which did duty for Monaghan Harps on this historic occasion was: - Gerard Gilsenan, Conor Devlin, Colin McAree, Ciaran Garvey, Jonathan Sherry, Mark Morgan, Paul Rushe, Shane Coyle, Stephen McAleer, Nicholas Treanor, Shea McAleer, Ronan Garvey, David Loughran, Shane Smith and Darren Swift. Subs used: Michael Duffy, Paddy Kelly and Michael Buckley. The scorers were: Shane Smith 1-3, David Loughran 0-3, Darren Swift 0-3, Ciaran Garvey 0-1. Thus the Junior Championship crown came back to the county town for the fourth time and right well did this fine side deserve the honours. Promotion automatically followed and the Harps should prove quite a handful for any opposition they are likely to meet in Intermediate ranks in the year ahead. Harps land Ulster crown Monaghan Harps capped off their Centenary Year celebrations when they deservedly lifted the Ulster junior football club championship title at the expense of Armagh champions, Clonmore in Brewster Park, Enniskillen. Monaghan Harps were full value for this victory in that they were the more cohesive and better balanced team and they used those qualities to dominate the game throughout. Monaghan Harps were never headed in this entire contest and but for a little bit wayward finishing and a few mistakes, that were as much due to the difficult conditions as anything else, they could well have won by a greater margin. Monaghan Harps got off to a great start and rattled over four early points from Nicholas (2), and one each from David Loughran and Paul Rushe. The return of Nicholas Treanor from injury was certainly a key factor in this victory as his free taking accounted for four of his six points total and always gave the Harps a decided edge in that aspect of the game. Clonmore to their credit, despite working from more limited resources kept their heads up throughout the contest and lost nothing in defeat. Clonmore eventually got off the mark when Brendan Donaghy pointed a free in the 15th minute and by the 17th minute they had reduced the Harp's lead to two points but that was as close as they ever were for the rest of the match. A brace of points from Nicholas Treanor saw Monaghan Harps go four in front again on 20 minutes but Clonmore fought back in the final minutes of the first half to register one apiece from James Grimley and Brian Donaghy, both from frees, to leave just two points between the sides at half-time Monaghan Harps 0-6, Clonmore 0-4. Any thoughts that Clonmore might have had of making a contest of it in the second half were dealt a severe blow as Monaghan Harps got off to a blistering start and within five minutes of the throw-in they had extended their half-time lead of two to a lead of seven points with a goal and two points in the space of three minutes creating the platform for what was ultimately a comfortable victory. Shane Smith registered 1-1 of that total and Nicholas Treanor added the other point from a free with Smith now growing in stature as the game progressed. Clonmore to their credit plugged away and pulled back three further points but really from there to finish it was a matter of Monaghan Harps consolidating and their victory margin of eight points did not at all flatter their superiority. Monaghan Harps - Gerard Gilsenan, Stephen Driver, Colin McAree, Conor Devlin, Johnny Sherry, Mark Morgan, Paul Rushe 0-2, Stephen McAleer, Shane Coyle, Gary Murray, Shea McAleer, Ashley White, David Loughran 0-2, Shane Smith 1-1, Nicholas Treanor 0-6. Subs: Dessie McGarry 0-1 for A White, Michael Duffy for G Murray, Kieran Garvey for D Loughran. The official opening of Gavan Duffy Park After years of languishing in the shadow of other county capitals throughout Ireland, Monaghan town now takes its rightful place among the elite of 'county towns' by having a superb GAA stadium, equal to the very best and capable of housing premier championship games that were hitherto denied to this fine town, which is surely one of the most progressive in Ulster. During the 1930s many Ulster Championship games were held in Monaghan town at the old 'Oriel Park' and two Ulster Finals were played there - the first in 1925 and the last in 1932. The 1925 final between Cavan and Antrim, which ended in a draw, was actually played in a field adjacent to the St. Louis Convent complex, which had obviously proved a highly suitable location as the following report from the 'Anglo Celt' newspaper stated: - "The venue was picturesquely situated convenient to St. Louis Convent. No trouble was spared with the pitch, dead level, enclosed with the stout wire paling, lines painted excellently with lime. Ticket sellers were early at their posts, an hour before the time, dealing with a steady stream of people. Sideline seats to accommodate 200 were speedily filled. All the arrangements worked out with machine-like regularity, due to the indefatigable efforts of the Ulster Council Secretary, Mr BC Fay (Cavan) assisted by Mr McFadden, Antrim, the Ulster Council chairman, and Dr Con Ward, the Monaghan Harps club secretary, with the assistance of a large batch of stewards from the club. Gate receipts totalled £251-7s-6d, a record for Ulster. An attendance of about 6,000 was computed. At 3.30pm the grounds were packed, at least six deep all around, but still they came. Headed by the Clones Foresters Brass Band, the players marched from the town to the grounds where they were accorded a hearty reception. The 1932 final in which Cavan defeated Armagh in both the junior and senior provincial finals, was played at the old Oriel Park and a crowd of over 10,000 attended, an Ulster record for that period. That was the last Ulster Final to be played in Monaghan town. In 1944 the club grounds were located at Mullaghdun on the Ballinode road, then the college grounds of the local CBS football teams. In 1958 they moved to Latlurgan, where they opened the first Gavan Duffy Park and this continued to be their pitch until the purchase of the present site closer to the centre of town. Over the years, however, Latlurgan became rather unsuitable, as the site was restricted to one playing pitch with no room for expansion or further development. In the early 'nineties they made the momentous decision to purchase land belonging to the North Eastern Health Board in Rooskey, which had just come on the market. It was the perfect site, close to the town centre and eminently suitable for the purpose of providing an adequate arena for the county's town's needs. The name 'Gavan Duffy Park' in memory of Monaghan's town's great patriot, Charles Gavan Duffy (he was born in Dublin street in the town) was retained, although a few of the older folk suggested that the 'Oriel Park' name might be revived. Besides becoming the official playing pitch of the Monaghan Harps footballers, the new grounds also became the 'home' venue for Monaghan Harps hurling club, Monaghan Harps ladies team, handball and squash clubs, Gael Scoil Ultan, Monaghan and St Mary's NS, Monaghan. Development of the new stadium didn't happen in days, nor even months, but was a carefully thought-out slow process, with every detail worked out minutely and to the ultimate perfection. 'Phase One' consisted of the provision of two full-sized playing pitches, one sand-based and one clay-based, with associate spectator accommodation of capacity of over 10,000 along with a club headquarters, consisting of four dressing rooms, squash court, handball court and space for social area. This plan also included full arrangements for disabled people. 'Phase Two' included the completion of bar and social area facilities, with training field flood lighting. 'Phase Three' included the provision of tarmac car parking for some 160 cars, while 'Phase Four' provided four turn-stiles, spectator gents and ladies toilets, embankment of reinforced concrete and retaining walls. 'Phase Five' included the provision in conjunction with Monaghan Urban Council for further car parking space for 150 cars, access road, bus parking bays and access footpaths. All this took over a decade to complete and was all in place for the Official Opening of the grounds, which was scheduled for Saturday 27th August 2005. President of the GAA, Sean Kelly from Kerry was on hand to perform the official opening. A fine crowd turned up for the event and included dignatories from both church and state, all organisations having Monaghan connections and of course, a big conclave of towns-people and from the surrounding areas and GAA clubs. In his address, the GAA President stated: - "This is a top quality facility right in the heart of Monaghan town, and the club was fortunate in that they had the co-operation of the NEHB and the local authorities in bringing this project from concept to fruition. As well as the two fine pitches, the main pitch is a 'Prunty pitch' and they don't come any better than a 'Prunty pitch'. The club has also provided excellent facilities in their club-house, with handball and squash courts and a place for people to socialise so that they can embrace, enhance and serve the whole family and the entire community. He went on to congratulate the chairman and committee of the club who had done such marvellous work in the provision of this excellent stadium and all its facilities. That committee is surely worth recording here. They are: - Chairman: - Fergie Coyle, Vice-Chairman: Eamonn Keelaghan; Secretary - Hugh McKenna; Asst. Treasurer - Sean Boyle and Seamus Treanor; PRO Mick Farrell; Asst PRO - Brendan McCann; Insurance Officer: - Ann Treanor; Registrar - Eddie Scott; Development Officer - Dermot Brannigan; Youth Officer - Ann Treanor; Safety Officer - Donal Sherry; Senior Co Board Del - Seamus Trappe; Juv. Co Board - Fergal Kieran; Junior Team Management - Mattie McGleenan, Paddy Kelly and Brian Harvey. 'Phase Six' of the development is now nearly completion providing for the provision of concrete terracing for some 1,200 seated patrons, and this will form the major part of the proposed spectator stand which the club hopes to complete in the coming year, 2006. The Official Opening was preceded on Thursday evening with the Monaghan Harps Ladies club which presented a 'Ladies 100 metres sprint challenge', Ladies club tug-o-war competition, men's 100m sprint challenge and men's tug-o-war. On Friday it was the turn of the Harps Hurling club who presented a Senior Hurling Challenge game and then Juvenile Hurling, and this was followed by a Ceili in the club-house. The'Big Day' was really on the Saturday 27th August when the Official Opening ceremony was at 1.30pm and was performed by the GAA President himself, who was officially and warmly welcomed by the Chairman of the Monaghan Harps club, Mr. Fergus Coyle. This was followed by an ecumenical blessing of the grounds and all its facilities by the Most Rev. Dr Joseph Duffy DD, Bishop of Clogher, the Rev. Ian Berry (Church of Ireland), Rev. Burnside (Presbyterian) and Fr. J McEneaney. Following this there was a musical recital by Monaghan Brass Band, then the National Anthem, an inter-county U16 Development squad football match between Monaghan and Armagh, U10 football 7-a-side, Juvenile Blitz and finally 'The Mallons' with Musical Entertainment in the club-house. The festivities continued on the Sunday with Mass for deceased club members in St. Macartan's Cathedral and a Children's Fun Day in the brand new re-vamped Gavan Duffy Park. In all, a day to be remembered in the county capital, and thoroughly enjoyed by all and sundry, but nobody more so than by the long serving Hon. Presidents of the Harps club - Tess Connolly (what a pity that her late husband Francie hadnt lived to see this great achievement) and Patsy Kieran's both of whom have given a life-time of service to the GAA in Monaghan town, as well as Phil Trappe and Eddie Scott. To all of them this was a most enjoyable and satisfying occasion, and they can all surely 'take a bow' and feel justifiably proud of 'the achievement of a lifetime' - something which they had dreamed of for endless decades and which they have now finally seen arrive at a most successful conclusion. To each and every one of them we say - 'Well done, and heartiest congratulations." Hopefully in the not too distant future, and when all the by-passes have been completed, we will have major Ulster Championship games at this excellent venue. Monaghan is the ideal centre for 'the big occasion' with easy access from all directions, good parking facilities, and better still, easy exit for the home-going throngs, who invariably get caught up in traffic snarls at so many of our Ulster venues. The 6,000 of 1925 and 10,000 of 1932 are minuscule figures from the past and are already capable of being quadrupled at this re-vamped and excellent Gavan Duffy Park, Monaghan. Four in a row at U-16! Our Championship campaign began with an outing against a Currin/Killevan combination. Despite a scare we did manage to finally stamp our authority in the last 10 minutes and went on to win the game on a score line of 0-19 to 1-8 . The quarter final saw us take on Clan na Gael (Oram / Blackhill and Toome) when a powerful display saw 11 Harps players make the score sheet in winning the game 3-17 to 1-6. The basis for victory against Scotstown in the Championship semi final was created by an excellent defensive performance. The team conceded just 3 scores, only one of which was from play, final score 0-9 to 1-2. In the Final we were up against yet another amalgamation, this time St Colemans (Clontribet / Cremartin) a team who had beaten us earlier in the league. Points from Nicholas Scott, Raymond Treanor and Donal Hahassey gave the Harps an early lead before Johnny Flynn, playing at right corner back, got forward to be on the end of a well worked move, to crash home the first "major". Thanks to the efforts of Conor Galligan, Donal Cuddy David Hughes and Gary White the Harps began to impose themselves on the game and Raymond Treanor added to the Harps goal tally when on hand to capitalise on a defensive error. Before the break the hardworking Philip Drohan had to leave the field with a nasty injury, to be replaced by the more than capable Mark Campbell. With Colemans getting their fair share of possession a possible turning point in the game came shortly before half time when Niall Brannigan had to produce a fantastic save. Another point from Donal Hahassey saw the Harps lead at half time by 2- 4 to 0-4. With the aid of a strong breeze St Colmans started the second half strongly and sough to reduce the deficit. Full back Emmett McArdle was equal to the any challenge and along with Gareth Treanor and Johnny Flynn proved a very resilient full back line. As the second half progressed, the half back line of Gary McArdle, David Hughes and Matthew Mullen became more influential in breaking up the opposition attacks. A Colm Reilly point came at a critical juncture and was just what the team needed to get on the forward foot again. Further points from Nicholas Scott and Donal Hahassey followed. Gary White was on hand to fire home the Harps third goal after a ball that looked to be a lost cause was retrieved by a tireless Raymond Treanor. The final score Harps 3-10, St Colmans 1-7. It was important to the club in its centenary year that the Francie Connolly Cup would remain in Gavin Duffy Park, it was more than fitting therefore that Bord na nOg representative Pauge Connolly would present team captain Gary White with the trophy as the Harps made it four championship titles in a row at this grade. The League campaign saw victories recorded over Donaghmoyne 0-9, 1-5. Truagh, 2-12, 1-11. Scotstown 4-12, 3-8. Sean McDermotts (bye) and Castleblayney 1-11, 0-5. With just one defeat coming against St Colmans 2-6, 1-10 we were into another semi final where Scotstown were once again provided the opposition. This game was a showcase for some of the finest U-16 talents in the county and by common consent proved to be one of the best games played in Rooskey all year. It was a tough manly contest played in a very sporting manner where every question asked of our lads was answered in the affirmative, winning a tight contest on a scoreline of 2-10, 1-12. In the League Final we met a resurgent Castleblayney outfit. This was a game in which we struggled to get going and always seemed to be playing catch up. The enforced absence after just 10 minutes of our influential centre half back, David Hughes through injury was a major loss. Despite this set back and continual Blayney pressure the game remained a close affair. When Conor Galligan and Philip Drohan fired over the opening two points of the second half to reduce Blayneys advantage to the minimum, it looked as though Harps had a last got a grip on the game. But that was a close as it was going to get as Blayney raised their own performance. The final quarter was a frantic affair as Harps sought to salvage a result. When Nicholas Scott was fouled the resultant penalty with the was saved by the Blayney keeper game going into time added on. Defeat on a 0-9, 0-7 scoreline meant a league runners up spot, missing out on the double by literally the kick of a ball. At times you learn more about yourself in defeat that in victory and there is no doubt but that the lessons learnt in this game will be taken on board by this talented group of players as they look to add to their already impressive list of achievements in the future. It is appropriate that hard work on the pitch should be acknowledged in a suitable manner, the team were very grateful for the support received in the form of two very generous sponsorships, namely Abrakebabra (jerseys) and Combi-Lift (tracksuits). Team and Panel: Niall Brannigan, Mark Campbell, Mark Cassidy, Donal Cuddy, Brian Driver, Philip Drohan, Conor Finnegan, Johnny Flynn, Donal Hahassey, Conor Galligan, David Hughes, Matthew Mullen, Emmet McArdle, Gary McArdle, Brian McElvaney, Colm Reilly, Nicholas Scott, Colm Shalvey, Paul Toal, Gareth Treanor, Raymond Treanor and Gary White Tweet

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