The Monaghan senior football championship will once again be sponsored by Gormley uPVC Systems in 2009 after the Castleshane-based company agreed to extend its sponsorship to a fourth year. Managing director and Clontibret O'Neill's chairman Colm Gormley explains more. When Clontibret put senior football championships back-to-back for the first time in over 50 years in 2007, it was entirely fitting that Monaghan GAA's premier competition was sponsored by Gormley uPVC Systems, which is owned by O'Neill's club chairman Colm Gormley. Whether it's a coincidence or not, Gormley uPVC's sponsorship of county competitions has brought plenty of good fortune to Clontibret. During the company's five years as sponsor of the minor football championship, the club won three-in-a-row - a feat the seniors failed to repeat this year after losing to Carrickmacross at the semi-final stage. "It's been said that we've been a lucky sponsor, but the reality is that Clontibret have worked hard for everything they've achieved and our sponsorship has had nothing to do with it," says Colm. "It's a marvellous club and one that I'm very proud to be a part of. We began sponsoring the minor championship many years ago, and after five years at that, we spent two years as intermediate championship sponsor. That led to us taking on the senior championship sponsorship in 2006 and we're committed to continuing our sponsorship in 2009." Colm recalls how an eagerness to support young players was the main reason behind Gormley uPVC Systems' decision to begin their association with Monaghan GAA over a decade ago. "I was, and still am, a big follower of the underage scene and when the county board approached me with a view to sponsoring the minor championship, I was delighted to do so. The young players are just as important as the senior players, and I was very keen to support them in whatever way I could." Colm is entering his eighth year as Clontibret chairman, having previously served as vice-chairman for two years and treasurer for one. Forced to retire from playing at the age of 19 due to injuries he sustained in a car accident, the 42-year-old was also a founder member of the Friends of Monaghan Football, had a stint as county board vice-chairman and sat on the Monaghan Competitions Control Committee (previously Games Administration Committee) for six years until 2007. His uncle Pete Gormley was a member of the famous Clontibret side that won a four-in-a-row of senior football championships between 1949 and '52, while his father Phelim also played for the club, as did his brother Kevin. Colm's son Jack was on the Clontibret under 10 team this year and is the senior team's mascot, while his mother Philomena washes the jerseys, ensuring that the players are always immaculately turned out. Colm has overseen a hugely successful period in Clontibret's history. He estimates that the club has won up to 50 trophies between all grades in that time, including the senior championship in 2002, 2006 and 2007. The latter success, which came at Castleblayney's expense, was the club's 13th in all and their first two-in-a-row since 1955 and '56. "I consider myself privileged to be chairman at such a successful time for Clontibret O'Neill's," he proudly states. "The club has won about 50 trophies at all levels over the past seven years which is a remarkable achievement. It's great to be part of a club that prides itself on its wonderful spirit, cooperation and unity. We cater for everyone, fielding football, hurling, camogie and ladies football teams in all grades, and have a total membership of 185, which isn't bad going for a rural club that shares its parish with two other clubs. "Our pitch development is ongoing - we've an excellent clubhouse, dressing rooms, gym and training floodlights, and have also carried out drainage work to our pitches. I would say we have one of the best playing facilities in the county," he adds. While Clontibret were disappointed not to complete an historic three-in-a-row of senior football championship wins this year, it was still a successful year with the Reserve football league and championship, under 14 Division 1 football shield, under 14 hurling championship and Crawley Cup coming their way. They were also runners-up to five-in-a-row chasing Castleblayney Faughs in the senior hurling championship decider. An avid Monaghan supporter, Colm feels the team has made tremendous progress under Seamus McEnaney and is not all that far away from winning a major title. "Monaghan have climbed several rungs of the football ladder under Seamus' leadership and are now at the stage where they can realistically expect to challenge for an Ulster or All-Ireland title. There's clearly a great management structure in place, while the players are totally committed to the cause," he says. "A bit like ourselves (Clontibret) when we met Crossmaglen in the Ulster club championship in the last two years, Monaghan have been unfortunate to come up against Kerry both times. They've gained a lot of experience from playing the likes of Kerry in Croke Park, and the players now know that with an extra five-to-10 per cent effort, they can be match for and beat the best." Colm set up Gormley uPVC Systems 15 years ago and is joined in the business by his brothers Martin and Kevin, and his father Phelim. Specialising in uPVC fascia and soffit systems, Grosfillex decorative wall and ceiling panels and floating floor systems, Gormley uPVC Systems has showrooms at Castleshane, Co. Monaghan and St. Anthony's Business Park, Ballymount Road, Dublin 22. The company's systems are ideal for home, hotel, restaurant and deli. In all, 14 are employed. In conclusion, Colm says: "I'd like to take to this opportunity to wish both Clontibret and Monaghan the very best for 2009. I'd also like to wish all the senior football clubs the best of luck in their quest for championship honours next year and we look forward to sponsorship the championship once again." Footnote: A great year for Clontibret and Colm was rounded off when he received the 'Club Official of the Year' award at the Monaghan County Convention in the Hillgrove Hotel on December 11. Tweet

Most Read Stories