All Ireland Junior Hurling Championship semi-final

Our All-Ireland Junior hurling championship came to a disappointing end last Sunday in Dublin against British champions Fullen Gaels. Unfortunately our senior team never reached the high standards they had set throughout this year. Having started the game strongly in the opening five minutes the teams looked very evenly balanced but as the first half wore on Fullen Gaels capitalised on a lack of sharpness from the 'Blayney side and went into half time ahead on a scoreline of 0-9 to 0-3. The task ahead of our lads was made even greater shortly after the restart when a goal from Fullen Gaels increased their lead to nine points. To their credit our lads kept battling and a period of dominance finishing with a goal from Stephen Forde had the gap closed to four points. One of the key turning points came just after the 'Blayney goal when Hugh Byrne was harshly awarded a second yellow card reducing Blayney to 14 men. From there on Fullen Gaels took complete control and ran out convincing winners on scoreline of 2-18 to 1-7. Although the players and management are very disappointed with Sunday's result and performance, they have a lot to be proud of also. 2014 will be remembered as one of the most successful in the club's history, having won the Monaghan league and championship and the Ulster junior championship. Many of our players have been recognised for their performances during the year with individual awards and many of our younger panel members have gained valuable experience of a higher level of hurling that is sure to stand to them in the coming years.

One of the most noticeable features of Sunday's semi-final was the huge support that turned out in Coolock to shout the lads on. A sincere thanks goes out to all of those who came to support us on Sunday and throughout the rest of the year. It was much appreciated. Thanks also to all of our neighbouring clubs for their support and best wishes not just in the lead up to Sunday's game but throughout the last three months

Variety Show

The club's preparations for Friday's Variety Show are in overdrive now with practices and rehearsals continuing throughout this week. The show contains a great mix of music, comedy, dance and drama showcasing the many talents (genuine and otherwise!) of our club members and friends and looks set to be a sell out. Throw in time is 7pm sharp and a night of laughter and enjoyment is guaranteed.

Congratulations

Congratulations to Mark Treanor and Paddy Finnegan who received their Monaghan Hurler and Young Hurler of the Year awards on Saturday night last. Congrats also to Peter Treanor and Fergal Rafter who received Gaelic Life All-Star awards in Belfast on Friday night and to Paul Hughes who received a merit award, recognising the hard work he has put in throughout the year.

Best wishes

The club would like to wish Trevor Hilliard the best of luck in his new role as Monaghan Senior Huling manager for 2015

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