Having grown from humble beginnings, the Monaghan Association of Manchester provides a meaningful social outlet to Monaghan people in Manchester. Through its variety of activities and functions, the Association greatly enhances the quality of life of Monaghan people in Manchester. We caught up with founder member and President Fr Pat McMahon to discuss the Association's enormous value to the city's Monaghan diaspora. Originally from Emyvale, Fr Pat has been based in Manchester since 1968. He set up the Monaghan Association of Manchester in conjunction with Lough Egish man Patsy Hand (chairman) to provide Monaghan folk in the sprawling English city with a common meeting point. The Association organises a number of social and charity events, providing its members with ample opportunity to stay in touch with their roots and become part of a social circle cross-channel, a home from home if you like. It also offers an ideal forum of discussion for a wide spectrum of topics ranging from the Monaghan GAA scene to local events, business developments or opportunities and, well, life itself generally. For years, Fr Pat served as parish priest in one of the most famous places in the world - Old Trafford! He is now based in the next-door parish of St John's (Chorlton). In relation to the raison d'etre of the Monaghan Association of Manchester, he explains: "It basically provides anyone with Monaghan connections with the chance to meet on a regular basis. It's a social outlet first and foremost and helps people become part of a community. We also do quite a bit of charitable work." It's a strength in numbers type concept then? "Pretty much. We run a number of functions every year and people from home can get involved - a race night, charity nights, social get-togethers and dinner dances. At the moment, we're busy planning a re-union of the Association for next February. We ran a very successful one last year and we're hoping for a repeat of that." Tommy McKenna and John Keenan - two high-profile Monaghan men in Manchester - are invited on a regular basis and Willie 'The Hill' McKenna regularly goes over to Manchester to attend the functions. Monaghan's best-known gael, Sean McCague, has also visited the Monaghan Association in Manchester in his capacity as GAA President. Indeed, the Association enjoys strong ties with Monaghan GAA: "We also had representatives over from the victorious Monaghan ladies team when they won the All-Ireland," Fr Pat reveals. Needless to say, GAA matters are seldom far from the core topic of conversation when Monaghan people get together. "We're kept very much up to date with everything that goes on back home," the Manchester-based parish priest continues. "By all accounts, the county is developing at a phenomenal rate and we're very proud to see that, as ex-pats. We have a good relationship with the County Manager's office in Monaghan and they keep us bang up to date with everything that's happening. "As for the gaelic team, we're never in the dark for long with regards to how they're doing in the league or championship." It was with much excitement that Fr Pat observed the appointment of Meath legend Colm Coyle as new manager of the Monaghan senior footballers. The staunch Manchester United supporter (and season ticket holder at the Theatre of Dreams) is confident that the former Royal County selector could work some magic in the Oriel County: "You can't beat a bit of new blood and Colm has a wealth of experience. He will bring in some new ideas and hopefully Monaghan will improve as a result of his arrival. "The talent is there - there's no doubt about that. It's just a matter of sheer determination and self-belief." For further information on the Monaghan Association of Manchester, contact Fr Pat at: 0044 161 88 13558 Tweet

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