Truagh Gaels, or 'Gaeil Triucha' as the Official GAA Handbook names them, are back in the top grade of Monaghan football and will compete in the Senior Championship and League competitions in 2009. By Seamus McCluskey They may have lost out in this year's Championship, but their patience proved remarkably firm, and their wait truly fruitful, as they eventually made the great step-up with a 1-10 to 2-6 victory over new champions Ballybay in the Intermediate Football League (Vincent McAviney Cup) competition Final at wind-swept St. Mary's Park, Scotstown, on Sunday 23rd November last. And what a way to celebrate the 'Golden Jubilee' (1958-2008) of their foundation - no wonder their great band of followers celebrated in joyful mood at the conclusion of the League Final, and for several days to follow, but, more importantly, they also had something to show for their year's efforts as well as a coveted trophy to adorn their 'top table' when they would come to celebrate that 'Golden Jubilee Gala Night' in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan a mere five nights later. Anyone who has followed Monaghan club football closely over recent years, will tell you that Truagh Gaels were most unlucky to have been relegated from senior ranks at the end of field-activities just a couple of seasons ago, and even more unfortunate to have lost both Championship and League finals last year (2007). Along with Ballybay, however, these were really two 'senior clubs in intermediate clothing', and so it proved throughout the past season (2008). Unquestionably, both Truagh and Ballybay were the two most outstanding clubs in intermediate ranks all through 2008, and the fact that they both were in contention for 'Intermediate Double' honours right up until the concluding stages of both competitions confirmed everyone's forecasts and expectations. Remarkably, Truagh had to make their Championship route by the 'back door' stages, as they were surprisingly defeated by Corduff in their very first outing, in the McGuigan Builders Intermediate Football Championship preliminary round, losing by 2-9 to 1-9 to the South Monaghan club at Scotstown on Sunday 11th May. As reporter David Keelaghan wrote in the local Northern Standard the following Thursday:- 'The Intermediate Championship is up and running for another year and already we have a turn-up for the books. Truagh will have approached this year's competition with going one better firmly in their thoughts. Their chances of doing so have taken an undeniable dint'. He could not have penned a more accurate summary of what had happened in that very opening round. This one produced an exciting encounter, in which the result could easily have gone either way, and for long periods it looked at though Truagh would prevail, especially after Gary Meehan had scored the perfect penalty after twenty-five minutes of the second period, only one result seemed possible. Truagh had also started well and four early points from Gary Meehan (3) and one from Daniel Finnegan, seemed to indicate that there would not be any surprise forthcoming. A Corduff revival, however, suddenly put Truagh on the back foot, and they trailed by a point at half-time, 1-3 to 0-5. Truagh began the second half well, again, with Noel Clerkin showing the way, and scores were exchanged with rapidity throughout this period. Meehan's goal from the penalty spot and a point a minute later from the same player, put Truagh two points ahead with time running out, but a Corduff rally swung the initiative away from the north county side and they ended up losing by a goal. Unexpectedly, they had suddenly found themselves in the position of having to continue the championship per the 'back door' system. They had lined for that one as follows: A. Treanor, Stephen Kelly, Rory Treanor, Niall Feely, Neill McRory, Keith Sheerin, Niall Coyle, Barry Cuddy, Niall McMeel, John Treanor, Gary Meehan (1-5), Daniel Finnegan (0-1), Mark Counihan (0-1), Neill Clerkin (0-2) and Martin Owens. Sub used: Gary Feely. It was now the 'back door' and Truagh were determined to make the best use of it, and this they duly did. On Sunday 27th July they faced Sean McDermotts and showed that they really meant business by completely swamping the opposition in a blistering first half, leading by 1-8 to 0-1 after twenty-two minutes, and still 1-10 to 0-3 ahead at the interval. However, they had not reckoned with an amazing Seans recovery early in the second period, when the Threemilehouse side registered 1-3 in the short space of three minutes, but Truagh recovered their posture with Mark Counihan coming to the rescue midway through the second period, and his goal set Truagh on the final road to victory, going on to win comfortably by 2-14 to 1-10 in the end. Seven points had separated the sides at the conclusion, and Truagh lined-out: Anthony Treanor, Niall Feely, Rory Treanor, Stephen Kelly, Alan McKenna (0-1), Damien McRory (0-2), Niall Coyle (1-0), Barry Cuddy, Bernard Treanor, John Treanor (0-1), Mark Counihan (1-1), Daniel Finnegan, Noel Clerkin (0-1), Keith Sheerin (0-6) and Martin Owens (0-2). Subs used:- Martin Treanor and Kevin Treanor. The next obstacle on the 'back-door' roadway was Rockcorry, who had proved something of a bugbear to Truagh in the league earlier in the season, but this time Truagh were not going to tolerate any slip-ups. Fielding practically the same team as had overcome Sean McDermotts, Truagh won this one, even if only narrowly, by 1-11 to 1-9. The 'back door', was opened even further when they overcame Aughnamullen by 2-12 to 2-5 in the quarter-final of the Championship. Surprisingly, Aughnamullen had beaten Truagh twice in the League competition, but there was going to be no repeat performance in the Championship. Played at Clontibret on Thursday 11th September, Truagh, with Gary Meehan returning to action after an absence through injury, looked impressive and were really on fire in the opening half, at the end of which they led by 2-7 to 0-2. The mid Monaghan side made something of a recovery in the second period but Truagh were not to be denied and finished up deserving 2-12 to 2-5 winners. They had lined out as follows: Anthony Treanor, Niall Feely, Rory Treanor, Alan McKenna, Justin Halligan, Damien McRory, Niall Coyle, Barry Cuddy (0-3), Bernard Treanor, John Treanor, Mark Counihan, Niall McMeel, Cary Meehan (1-4), Keith Sheerin (0-3) and Martin Owens (1-1). Subs used:- Martin Treanor and Paul Donaghue. As 'luck', or rather 'misfortune' might have it, Truagh were drawn against the hot favourites Ballybay in the semi-final of the Championship, and this one was surely billed as the 'clash of the Championship', with the two 'top dogs' in direct opposition. However, it proved to be a bit of an anti-climax as Truagh failed to maintain their previous good form and were defeated by 1-14 to 0-11 by the ultimate champions from mid-Monaghan. Luck was certainly not with Truagh on that occasion as they lost Keith Sheerin with an ankle injury shortly before the half-time whistle sounded, and missed his presence thereafter during the second period. This was really a contest between the shooting prowess of Ballybay's Paul Finlay and Truagh's Gary Meehan, and they both lived up to expectations, with Finlay notching 1-4 for the winners, and Meehan scoring seven points for Truagh. Ballybay were ahead at the interval and were six points clear by the final whistle. That was to be Truagh's exit from the Championship, and they had lined-out on that occasion as follows:- Anthony Treanor, Niall Feely, Rory Treanor, Alan McKenna, Damien McRory, Neill McRory, Niall Coyle, Bernard Treanor, Barry Cuddy (0-1), John Treanor, Mark Counihan (0-1), Niall McMeel, Keith Sheerin (0-1), Gary Meehan (0-7) and Martin Owens. Subs used: Noel Clerkin, Justin Halligan, Daniel Finnegan and Niall McMeel. There was disappointment in the Championship, but a great 'make-up' for it all in the League. They started in promising fashion with an away win over Donaghmoyne on 24th February, but were surprisingly held to a draw by Eire Og in their next outing on 9th March. Worse was to follow when they lost to Aughnamullen in their third game on 23rd March, but they got back to winning ways when they scored a good win over their later conquerors, Ballybay, at St. Mellan's Park, on 19th April. They followed this up with a win over Emyvale, but were surprised by Corduff in the very next outing, losing by 1-9 to 1-6 on Saturday 26th April. The Championship took over at this stage, but when the League resumed they continued where they had left off, winning decisively at Threemilehouse, over Sean McDermotts by 2-14 to 0-7. An even more impressive win was to follow when they accounted for Rockcorry by 2-12 to 0-4 and finished the first half of the league with a draw against Cremartin, 1-10 to 0-13. The second half of the League was much more impressive, and an opening 4-9 to 1-4 win over Donaghmoyne was followed by a 1-11 to 0-5 victory over Eire Og, revenge for their earlier display against the same opposition. Amazingly, they scored their second League win over hot favourites Ballybay (and at Ballybay, into the bargain) in their next outing, and continued with a second win over Emyvale. There was to be another slip-up, however, when they again lost to Corduff, but got back to winning ways with victory over Sean McDermotts. Rockcorry caused something of a surprise when they put a stop to Truagh's winning streak, winning by 0-10 to 0-7 at Rockcorry, but Truagh were not at full strength on that occasion. Truagh finished the competition in fine form, however, defeating Cremartin in their concluding league game, and then producing even better form in the semi-final, to qualify for the final against their old rivals Ballybay. They had beaten the Pearse Brothers twice in the League, but then lost to them in the semi-final of the Championship, so this one was to be something of a show-down between these two fine sides. The venue was St. Mary's Park in Scotstown, and it was a bitter wet cold blustery day on Sunday 23rd November when they took the field against their now arch rivals. The weather, however, was not to make the slightest impression on the contestants in this truly remarkable final - a game that produced some of the best football of the year, despite the inclemency of the weather. It was if football right out of the top drawer all through with Truagh leading at half time and then going into a six points lead early in the second half. Ballybay made a remarkable recovery, however, and drew level, mainly through the efforts of county star Paul Finlay. As they went into injury time it looked as if we were to have a replay as the sides were again level, but a late fisted point from Mark Counihan proved the winning score, and the 2008 League title and trophy were on their way to the most northerly club in the county. Truly a wonderful recompense for the disappointments of 2006 and 2007. The team which brought the Vincent McAviney trophy home with them and put Truagh Gaels back into senior ranks was: Anthony Treanor, Niall Feely, Rory Treanor, Neill McRory, Damien McRory, Keith Sheerin (0-1), John Treanor, Barry Cuddy (0-3), Bernard Treanor, Niall McMeel (0-1), Mark Counihan (1-2), Niall Coyle, Noel Clerkin (0-2), Gary Feely and Martin Owens (0-1). Subs used:- Daniel Finnegan and Justin Halligan. Truagh Gaels Celebrate a Golden Jubilee 2008 will go down in Truagh Gaels GAA club's history as one of the greatest years of their half century existence, as it was during this past year that they rightly, and very appropriately, celebrated their 'Golden Jubilee' - and what a way to celebrate it, when they captured the Intermediate Football League title and Vincent McAviney Cup, to win their way back into senior ranks in 2009. From a small acorn, planted in 1958, a great Oak Tree has grown, and the Truagh Gaels club now ranks as one of the strongest and most forward-looking, as well as being one of the most highly successful, clubs in all Monaghan. It was on November 18th 1958 that Fr. Tom Breen, then a curate in Errigal Truagh parish, got the idea of amalgamating the two existing small, and less successful, clubs in the parish to form 'Truagh Gaels', or 'Gaeil Triucha' as they are better known today. He had called a meeting in Clara Hall, at which the two existing junior clubs, Mullanmills and Carrickroe, were well represented and, with Fr. Breen himself as their first chairman, they marched forward into the cauldron of Monaghan football competitions. It was a brave step forward and they have never since looked back. Remarkably, they could well have been celebrating a 'Golden Jubilee' on that very same occasion, as there had been a reasonably successful junior club in Bragan in 1908 - exactly fifty years earlier, but it did not survive. Even later, a Truagh club competed in Monaghan Junior football competitions during the 1939-1940 period, but operated in nearby Emyvale and would later develop into a resurrection of that club. However, 1958 marked the 'real' beginning, certainly of the current Gaeil Triucha club, and the foresight of Fr. Breen has certainly borne fruit during the half century that has elapsed since that Clara Hall meeting. Their 'home' ground would be 'Shanco Park', which their neighbours had used from 1944, and the two clubs even shared the same venue for a short period before Emyvale found a new venue for themselves closer to home. Later, Truagh Gaels would also vacate that same historic venue and move to their superb new 'St. Mellan's Park' complex, which proved much more convenient and far more easily accessible, and which now ranks as one of the finest venues in all Monaghan, if not in all Ulster. It had its 'Official Opening' in 1984. With a half-century 'chalked up' in 2008, it was but fitting that the current club, and its members, correctly decided to mark their 'Golden Jubilee' in a truly memorable fashion, and they have done exactly that over the past nine months or so. Initial plans for the celebrations were drawn up at a preliminary meeting in St. Mellan's on Saturday 29th March, when the programme of events was officially launched. That meeting was attended by Mr. Paraic Duffy, current Ard Stiurthoir of the GAA, who gave the club every encouragement for their planned Golden Jubilee celebrations. Also present were Canon Tom Breen; John Connolly, chairman of the Monaghan GAA Co. Board; and some of the 'Founding Fathers' from the historic 1958 meeting in Clara, as well as a few players from their very earliest teams. Pointing out that they were 'a shining example of a club that has put themselves at the very heart of the community', Paraic Duffy went on to say: 'Where would one see a club that is more at the heart of their community than the Truagh club. Truagh is an exceptional club and I would describe it as one of the most vibrant units of the GAA in Co. Monaghan. A look at the facilities that have been developed here is also a shining example of one of the other hallmarks of the GAA going forward, that of volunteerism'. Later in his address, he said:- 'Truagh is already a shining example of an integrated club as they encompass all aspects of GAA activity, right across the board, from football, hurling, handball, camogie, ladies football and Scor, - and encompassing that range of activities proves even more that the club belongs to the whole community'. Co. Chairman John Connolly, on the same occasion, spoke of the club's great achievements over the previous fifty years, remarking that Truagh would be the first club in Co. Monaghan to have a seated stand (Clones is an Ulster 'provincial venue'), the Official Opening of which later took place on Sunday 1st June when, firstly it was blessed by Fr. Cathal Deery CC, and then officially opened by Canon Tom Breen. Club PRO, Paraic Treanor, had previously done an excellent job in informing the media that the first major event in the club's celebrations would be the aforementioned opening of the seated stand on June 1st . Many other events would follow that historic day and the Golden Jubilee would culminate with a major 'Gala Night' in November. The Peadar Treanor memorial tournament game between Truagh and Emyvale was played following the opening of the stand in June and this, in turn, was followed by a special 'Founder's Day' celebration, when former GAA President, Sean McCague, made presentations to founder members of the club. The annual Under-10 Blitz Juvenile competition also formed part of the celebrations and was a huge success during August. The year overall, in fact, was a great year of celebrations for the club, but the crowning glory of their activities was the success of their premier football side in again performing so well in Monaghan Co. Board competitions, reaching the semi-final of the Intermediate Championship, and then winning the Final of the Intermediate League, and McAviney Cup, which many would tell you is a far more difficult competition to win than the Championship. As well as all that, the Ladies team won both the county and provincial Junior Football Championship titles and were just that little bit unlucky not to qualify for an All-Ireland Final. The 'Golden Jubilee Year' celebrations culminated in a really memorable 'Gala Night' in the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan town on Friday 28th November last, when the magnificently red-and-black bedecked 'functions room' was packed with friends, guests and supporters, who thoroughly enjoyed a wonderful night's entertainment. Present were all current members of the various committees and teams, registered and affiliated by the club, as well as their truly legions of dedicated supporters who have followed the club through thick and thin down through the past fifty years. Also present were many surviving members of the original teams and committees, but particular honour went to the 1958 'Founding Fathers' of the club, most of whom are, thank God, still hale and hearty, while prayers were offered for the souls of those who had been there for the beginning, but who have since passed on to their Eternal Reward in the intervening years. Particularly welcome on this auspicious occasion was Canon Tom Breen, the man who really started it all. Over 800 guests attended this Gala function, and neighbouring Co. Tyrone's All-Ireland trophies were both on display, along with the Vincent McAviney Cup, while the presence of two of the All-Ireland champions team, Justin and Joe McMahon also added very much to the excitement of a truly superb occasion. Aughnacloy's Mark McCarron was MC for the occasion, while the 'ever-young' Francie Treanor and Fr. Macartan McQuaid recalled the events surrounding the club's first major break-through, when they won the Junior League in 1970 and followed that up with a Junior Championship victory the following year. RTE's Marty Morrissey also interviewed several of those who were involved in the earlier years of the club as well as many others who had togged-out in the red-and-black in the intervening years, GAA's Ard Stiuirtheoir, Paraic Duffy, in a magnificent address, recalled the great work that had been done by the Gaeil Triucha club over the past fifty years and also complimented them on being a shining example of what a true GAA club should be, adding that - 'they were a shining example of a club that has put themselves at the very heart of their community, and an exceptional club that I would regard as one of the most vibrant units of the GAA in Monaghan'. Also present were Seamus Coyle, vice-chairman of the Monaghan GAA Co. Board and Seamus McEnaney, the Monaghan County Team Manager, and both of them, in their speeches, also highly complimented the Truagh Gaels club on their magnificent achievements over the past half century, as well as heartily congratulating the club on reaching its 'Golden Jubilee', which they had every right to celebrate in such truly great fashion. The evening's festivities was concluded with a major novel auction which attracted great attention, as well as adding much to the club's coffers for further development at their magnificent St. Mellan's Complex. This should make it an even more attractive venue than ever before, considering that they have already extended and refurbished the main buildings, provided new dressing room facilities, including dressing rooms for the ladies football and camogie sections, a new handball court, and are currently working on the development of yet another playing pitch. The club has now also completed a DVD which records the club's activities and achievements over the past fifty years and which should be a real 'best seller' with anyone and everyone who has ever had any connection or association with this truly vibrant North Monaghan GAA club, that has proved itself such a fine example for others to follow, but are hardly ever likely to outshine as far as the promotion of Gaelic Games and activities are concerned. Tweet

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