Monaghan Town Council Engineer Gareth McMahon has an important role in the development of the town and he gave us an insight into what his position entails, while the former Castleblayney footballer also gave his views on football in the county. This year's championship threw up many surprises along the way, but none more so than the performances of Monaghan, who captured the imagination of all neutrals along the way. However, for people within the county, the displays were not surprising as Monaghan folk know they have some of the most talented footballers in the country. The year ended with three All-Star nominations, one of which was awarded to stylish corner forward Thomas Freeman. A place in the Ulster final was obtained for the first time since 1988, which coincidentally was the last time the county lifted the title. Tyrone were the opponents in the decider, but a bad start to the match for Seamus McEnaney's side was to prove the difference between the sides. "I genuinely believe that Monaghan showed Tyrone too much respect in the Ulster final. By the time they realised they could match them it was too late and they left themselves with a mountain to climb," said Gareth. "It was no big surprise how well they done as the county has always produced excellent teams down through the years, but on many occasions they never did themselves justice." The display against Kerry really won many neutrals over and Gareth believes that Seamus McEnaney's charges can learn from the experience ahead of the forthcoming campaign. "The lads were just lacking a bit of experience against Kerry and although a lot of decisions did not go their way, you have to move on and plan ahead. "I see no reason why Monaghan cannot win an Ulster title. The players are there and they've got a good manager. It's a tough campaign to win and always has been, but Monaghan will certainly be challenging for honours in 2008." Gareth's own footballing career was cut short due to work commitments and he missed out on Blayney's championship wins in the nineties, but success was something he got used to at underage level. "The team I was in from under-12 right up to under-21 never lost a match, which is an amazing statistic. We won everything right across the board. Then when we reached senior, it was a different story in the early nineties. I went to America in 1995 and missed out on a number of championship wins after that. "It was disappointing to miss out on winning the championship, but work commitments took precedence and although I do have slight regrets about that, you have to carry on regardless." Castleblayney are the most successful club in the county with 37 senior county titles to their credit, which indeed is actually a national record, but they have failed to lift the title for the past four years and although that may not seem long to many clubs, it's a minor crisis for the Faughs. "We are after being beaten in a few finals. There are a number of strong clubs in Monaghan football compared to when one team or another dominated for long periods, but the fact that there are so many challenging for honours now is good for the county team." Gareth has been in his current position for the past four years, which has seen many changes in the town, while there are many more set to take place in the future. Monaghan is a town that has grown considerably economically. At the moment, there are many capital projects and large infrastructural developments taking place in and around the town and Gareth revealed that it is a busy time at present. "There are major plans for Monaghan and it is a growing concern with a lot of development taking place or due to take place in the very near future. My role entails looking after the administration with regards to the roads, housing, planning and other areas," said Gareth. "The aim of the development plan is to attract people to the town centre through new residential and commercial units. It is of the utmost importance to keep the town vibrant and encourage residential and commercial development. "Our main goal is to promote the inner town with regards to development and at present there is a massive work underway on the 24 month scheme which is poised to become a focal point for locals and visitors alike. "When complete there will be additional retail space provided along with 72 apartments and townhouses, a new car park and new civic offices. Under the terms of the contract, The Clarke Group will retain ownership of the residential accommodation and will be responsible for managing the retail development." The Monaghan town bypass has been a massive boost to the area and has taken massive volumes of traffic away from the centre of town, which had become gridlocked. The town also possesses many amenities to cater for everyone's needs. Gareth revealed that there was a new development plan put in place that would over see future projects in Monaghan town and provide a better standard of living for the people. "The 2006-2012 development plan has already begun to be implemented and that will cover all areas of infrastructure over the next few years." With a population of 6,000, the town is the focal point of the county's furniture industry, poultry, and mushroom production. It is a lively town with some wonderful architecture. The County Museum and the St Louis Convent Heritage Centre are well worth a visit. St. MaCartan's Cathedral was built in 1892 and contains interesting Stations of the Cross and tapestries. Other buildings of particular note around the town include the original Market House, the Courthouse, St Patrick's Church of Ireland, and the First Monaghan Presbyterian Church. The Rossmore Memorial and the Market Cross are also of historical significance. Monaghan town has its own thriving source of dramatic entertainment - the Garage Theatre. Traditional music abounds and sessions of singing, accompanied by traditional Irish instruments can be enjoyed in many of the cosy pubs around the county. One of the great innovations in Ireland's calendar of niche musical events is the Monaghan Rhythm and Blues Festival, held each September. Van Morrison performed there in 1998 and other international artists include Peter Green of Fleetwood Mac and ex-Rolling Stones guitarist, Mick Taylor. Tweet

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