GORMLEY U PVC SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL Clontibret v Latton: Clones Sunday September 27th @ 3.45pm. With the inter county championships now concluded attention turns to the grass roots of the association and the concluding stages of the club championships in practically every county around the country. In Monaghan the attention now switches to the club scene at the ultimate stage of the senior championship as Latton and Clontibret go head to head in Clones on Sunday in their quest for the Holy Grail, the Mick Duffy Cup and the title of senior football champions for 2009. It is by any stretch of the imagination a defining game for both clubs and not just because it is the county final but also from the perspective that it is a first final meeting between the sides and it is also a significant game in that between them Latton and Clontibret have shared the last four county championships. Clontibret are playing in their third final in four years having put titles back-to-back in 2006 and 2007 by defeating Magheracloone and Castleblayney respectively in the decider. They did have a dream of doing a three in a row but that came up short last year when they slipped up against Carrickmacross in the semi-final. However they have come back renewed and re-energised in this year's competition and are determined to get back centre stage. Latton for their part are seeking their third senior football championship title in five years and like Clontibret in 2007 they are seeking this year to put titles back-to-back coming as they do into Sunday's final as the reigning champions. They also won the championship back in 2005 when they defeated Magheracloone, a team that has experienced bitter disappointment in the final stages of the competition over the last five or six years. As reigning champions Latton were always in the frame once the draw was made for the opening round of this year's competition back in January and Clontibret too were well up the ratings, given their playing strength and performances in recent campaigns. Ultimately both have come through to the decider but not without their anxious moments and therein may lie an indication as to how Sunday's final will pan out. Latton for their part will be hoping that it turned out the way their opening game in this year's championship ended with a one-point victory over Clontibret bread in Castleblaney back on May 29. Latton for their part however were to call one to lose their game against Magheracloone back on August 14 but I Clontibret bread they recovered to waterway through to Sunday's final. In all of those games in this year's championship lacked the handle just about been doing enough to head home but the feeling is always there that I raise a little more in the tank and if there is on Sunday is the day to produce the reserve is. Clontibret bread likewise have seen therefore to Juliet but when in full flight as they wear in the latter stages of their victory over Magheracloone in the semi-final they were quite superb, strong in attack of, adept at handling handling and moving the ball quickly to the danger area and being able to snuff out any threat at source. The reinstall that they have Sean in their game so far are will be tested to the fall on Sunday as Latton have the reputation of being a very difficult team to play against and a team that makes it very difficult for the opposition to execute game plan is. So where will this one be won and lost. There are a number of individual backers that spring to mind that could have an influence on the outcome, there are key players on both sides who can import themselves very effectively on this match and then there is the unknown quantity of the degree of hunger that exists in both teams because ultimately in what looks like a tight contest it could come down in the final stages to who wants it the most and who is willing to put everything on the line to lift the Mick Duffy cup. PATHS TO THE FINAL. As reigning champions Latton got the defence of their title off to a winning start when they had one point to spare over Clontibret in Castleblayney back on May 29th. It was however a late call and Latton had to recover in the final stages after having fallen a few points adrift against a Clontibret team that looked to have victory within their grasp but ultimately allowed it to slip. In their second outing back on August 14th Latton suffered a similar fate as Clontibret had in that opening game when they were pipped by the minimum margin by a Magheracloone team that was definitely putting down a championship marker at that stage. Latton moved on from there to take on Carrickmacross, a team that for many would be in the shake-up this year having been defeated in last year's county final by Latton but recovered to finish the season by winning the senior football league. Ultimately though the greater experience of the Latton men prevailed and they moved through to a semi-final meeting against Scotstown on September 13th in Clones. That game as a contest was a fairly low key affair with Latton under pressure after a somewhat slow start but ultimately the relative inexperience of a number of the Scotstown players helped the champions to get through with just two points to spare and a sharp warning as to what level of improvement would be needed if they were to complete the job. CLONTIBRET. Following that opening round defeat back on May 29th Clontibret were next in action when they took on Ballybay in Castleblayney on July 24th and came away with a four points victory without having to produce their best. Their next outing was on August 16th when they were faced by Truagh in Scotstown with championship survival the prize on offer for both. For long periods Clontibret looked to be almost cruising to victory but they got something of a late scare as Truagh rallied in the final 10 minutes to test Clontibret's resolve to the full, a test they passed to edge home with four points to spare. If Clontibret are to go on to re-gain the senior football championship this year it may well be because of the searching tests provided by Castleblayney in the quarter-finals the before coming through after extra time in their replay. Both of those games were matches that Castleblayney could have won and were in a position to win despite being under strength, as they put Clontibret through a most searching examination as to their character and quality. The sides finished level in Ballybay on Sunday, August 30th and met the following Saturday in Emyvale when they were again all square at the end of normal time. The match then went to extra time and Clontibret came through with a mere two points to spare thanks mainly to a strong finish that was due in large part to the experience of their county players. That victory put Clontibret through to a semi-final meeting with Magheracloone and a game that meant they were playing on three weekends in a row but the match practice proved valuable and they staged a magnificent second-half performance to pull clear of Magheracloone and finish seven points to the good and a margin that did not unduly flatter their second half performance. THE RESULTS: Latton: Latton 0-9, Clontibret 0-8 Latton 0-11, Magheracloone 0-12 Latton 1-12, Carrickmacross 0-13 Latton 2-7, Scotstown 0-11. Clontibret: Clontibret 0-8, Latton 0-9 Clontibret 0-13, Ballybay 0-9 Clontibret 0-18, Truagh 2-8 Clontibret 0-11, C'Blayney 0-11 Clontibret 1-18, C'Blayney 1-16 (aet) Clontibret 2-13, Magheracloone 1-9. THE SEMI FINALS. Clontibret 2-13, Magheracloone 1-9. A power packed second half performance saw Clontibret deservedly book their place in the final of the senior football championship at the expense of Magheracloone in this keenly contested and always exciting semi-final in Grattans Park, Inniskeen on the evening of Saturday September 12th. With Tomas Freeman in devastating form Magheracloone had dominated the early stages and led at half-time by 1-7 to 1-5, Freeman accounting for 1-6 of that total, his goal from a penalty in the 29th minute restoring Magheracloone to the lead after Fergal Mone had put Clontibret momentarily in front when he palmed to the Magheracloone net in the 23rd minute. On the resumption Clontibret stepped up the pace to show their true championship potential. John Golden took over in midfield along with John Paul Mone and with Conor McManus on fire in the front line Clontibret gradually took almost total control. McManus went on to register 1-6 in the second-half, 0-5 from frees, while at the back Colm Greenan, Eoin Greenan and Darach Mooney along with Martin Corey restricted Magheracloone to a mere two points in the second period. Teams and Scorers: Clontibret: Paul McElroy, Martin Corey, Eoin Greenan, Colin Duffy, Colm Greenan 0-1, Paul McGuigan, Darach Mooney 0-1, John Paul Mone 0-1, Vincent Corey, Anthony Rooney, Dessie Mone, John Golden 0-1, Fergal Mone 1-1, Rodney Gorman 0-1, Conor McManus 1-7 (0-6f). Subs: Cathal Leonard for A Rooney, Brendan Magennis for R Gorman, Michael Hughes for F Mone. Magheracloone: Shane Duffy, Peter Tuite, Paul Farnan, Michael Jones, Paul Lambe 0-1, James Ward, Peter Ward 0-1, Francie Doogan, Gavin Doogan, Damien Freeman, Keith Gilsenan, Tomas Freeman 1-6 (1-0p, 0-3f), James Hand 0-1, Paudie Finnegan, Fintan Kindlon. Subs: David Freeman for K Gilsenan, Noel Tuite for P Farnan. Referee: Gerry McCarron (Emyvale). Latton 2-9, Scotstown 0-11. Reigning champions Latton got through to the final of the senior football championship but it was a close call against Scotstown in this low key and at times scrappy semi-final in Clones on Sunday September 13th last. Played in glorious conditions the fare on offer did not match the weather but Latton will not mind that too much as they achieved what they came to Clones for, a place in the final despite making life difficult fore themselves on occasion. The win was also significant in that it was achieved despite missing a penalty in the opening minutes. Scotstown for their part will look back on a game where they were meaningfully involved right through but missed chances and some sloppy approach work meant that they did not capitalize on chances as well as they might have. In a game that never reached any great heights as a contest Scotstown got off to the better start and led by three points at the end of the opening quarter with Latton not registering their first score until the 14th minute. Going into the final minutes of the first half though Latton were back on level terms with a goal by Owen Duffy in the 29th minute but Scotstown went in a point ahead at the break thanks to Brian McGinnity's effort three minutes into stoppage time. Latton got a great start to the second half with a goal by Noel Coyle two minutes after the resumption and when Hugh McElroy and a point from a free in the third minute it looked as if the champions were on the way. However Scotstown fought back to parity by the 15th minute with three unanswered points from David McCague, Brian McGinnity and Darren Hughes. Latton regained the lead through Bernard O'Brien in the 16th minute and they pushed on to a three points lead thanks to Owen Duffy and another from O'Brien with the best that Scotstown could do was getting the margin down to the minimum in the final minute of normal time. Teams and Scorers: Latton: Sean Farmer, Eoghan Coyle, Edmund Lennon, Francis Coyle, Stephen Fitzpatrick, Kieran Duffy, Kevin Hughes, Owen Lennon 0-1, Aidan Farmer, Patrick Shannon, Bernard O'Brien 0-3, Noel Coyle 1-0, Brendan Lennon 0-1, Hugh McElroy 0-1 (f), Owen Duffy 1-1. Subs: Ruairi Ward for E Coyle, Barry McCabe for P Shannon, Shane Coyle for B Lennon, James Kingston for B McCabe. Scotstown: Philip Maguire, Eddie Beggan, Padraig Keenan, Ryan Daly, Donal Morgan 0-1, Darren Hughes 0-2, Mark Duffy, James Turley 0-1, Francis Caulfield, Kieran Hughes 0-1, Colm McElwain 0-1, Nicholas Corrigan, Mark McKenna, David McCague Brian McGinnity 0-3. Subs: Martin Bogue for M Duffy, Dermot McCrudden for M McKenna, Daniel McNally 0-1 for K Hughes, Pauric McCrudden for C McElwain. Referee: Brendan McNally (Cremartin). SCORING AVERAGES. Latton's passage to the final in close matches is reflected in their scoring average in that they have registered a total of three goals and thirty nine points, 3-39, and conceded a total of forty four points, 0-44, in their four games so far are making for an average of 0-12 for per match and 0-11 against. Clontibret on the other hand have played six matches to reach the final including that replay against Castleblayney and their average is slightly better in that they have registered a total of three goals and eighty one points, 3-81, over six games while conceding two goals and sixty two points, 2-62, making for an average of 15 points per game for and just over 11 points per game against. Latton have yet to concede a goal in the championship. THE 2009 CHAMPIONSHIP: AN OVER VIEW. The 2009 Gormley uPVC sponsored senior football championship got under way on the last weekend in May with four games down for decision. The reigning champions had the privilege of opening this year's championship with a game against Clontibret which they won by a point while Castleblayney defeated Truagh, Scotstown defeated Doohamlet whose penchant for leaking goals cost them dearly, while Inniskeen and Ballybay finished all square that same weekend. Ballybay went on to win the replay against Inniskeen and were next out against Clontibret when the champions of 2007 came through. Magheracloone and Carrickmacross were in action in Inniskeen back on June 1st and served up a thrill a minute spectacular which Magheracloone edged by a single point. Inniskeen play their second draw when they met Scotstown in Clontibret back on July 25th with Scotstown winning the replay on August 9th. Truagh resurrected their championship prospects with a commanding victory over Doohamlet, Magheracloone dented Latton's prospects with a one point victory in Castleblayney back on August 14th and that being their second victory in the championship Magheracloone went through to the semi finals. Scotstown kept their prospects on track with a four points victory over Castleblayney in Clontibret, a match that saw both sides lose players on red cards. That same weekend Carrickmacross defeated Inniskeen and Clontibret got something of a fright against Truagh in Scotstown. The last weekend in August saw Latton defeating Carrickmacross in Clontibret while Castleblayney and Clontibret finished all square in a thrilling game in Ballybay. A week later it took extra time to separate them in Emyvale which made for a situation that saw Clontibret playing Magheracloone and Latton meeting Scotstown in the semi finals. The Clontibret v Magheracloone game in Inniskeen resulted in a seven points victory for the O'Neills following a commanding second-half performance while Latton had two points to spare over Scotstown in Clones in a fairly low-key and at times scrappy encounter to set up Sunday's final where the reigning champions and will know that it will take a much more concentrated and consistent effort if they are to retain the Mick Duffy Cup. CHAMPIONSHIP SCOREBOARD. Date Score Score Venue 29/5/2009 Latton 0-9 Clontibret 0-8 C'Blayney 30/5/2009 Inniskeen 0-11 Ballybay 0-11 Clontibret Replay Inniskeen 1-12 Ballybay 0-7 Clontibret 30/5//2009 C'Blayney 2-18 Truagh 3-5 Clontibret 31/5/2009 Scotstown 3-14 Doohamlet 0-13 Monaghan 1/6/2009 Magheracloone 1-15 Carrickmacross 1-14 Inniskeen 24/7/2009 Clontibret 0-13 Ballybay 0-9 C'Blayney 25/7/2009 Inniskeen 2-9 Scotstown 2-9 Clontibret 9/8/2009rp Scotstown 1-12 Inniskeen 1-4 Clontibret 9/8/2009 Truagh 3-14 Doohamlet 1-8 Monaghan 14/8/2009 Magheracloone 0-12 Latton 0-11 C'Blayney 15/8/2009 Scotstown 1-11 C'Blayney 0-10 Clontibret 16/8/2009 Carrickmacross 1-11 Inniskeen 0-9 Aughnamullen 16/8/2009 Clontibret 0-18 Truagh 2-8 Scotstown 29/8/2009 Latton 1-12 Carrickmacross 0-13 Clontibret 30/8/2009 C'Blayney 0-11 Clontibret 0-11 Ballybay 5/9/2009 Clontibret 1-18 C'Blayney 1-16 aet Emyvale (replay) Semi Finals 12/9/2009 Clontibret 2-13 Magheracloone 1-9 Inniskeen 13/9/2009 Latton 2-7 Scotstown 0-11 Clones Final 27/9/2009 Clontibret Latton PROSPECTS. Going into Sunday's final the reigning champions will have to put the indifferent form that they have shown in some games so far behind them and concentrate on maximising on the opportunities that come their way from start. They have been forced to ring the changes in defence at times although Edmund Lennon at full-back and Kevin Hughes in the half back line have been ever presents while young Kieran Duffy is blossoming with every match and he could also be holding down the centre back berth on Sunday. Defences are going to be vital in this game as both teams have quality in their respective attacks, Latton looking to the accuracy of Bernard O'Brien and Hugh McElroy while the pace of Owen Duffy could certainly cause Clontibret problems. Latton may feel that they haven't got the return from Hugh McElroy this year that he is capable of delivering and they will be hoping that his true form will break through on the day. Clontibret likewise have rung the changes with players being deployed in varying roles and Dessie Mone in particular playing in both the attack and the defence. His games at full forward were all productive where his ball winning ability and distribution were vital but it was in their semi-final victory when he dropped back to centre back that Clontibret copper fastened their position for a place in the final. Conor McManus is Clontibret's chief scorer and Latton will have to restrict his influence because of he is allowed to weave his magic to the extent that he has done in some games he could have Latton out of the championship by the halfway stage. He scored 1-7 in Clontibret's semi-final victory and a similar return on Sunday would seriously dent Latton's prospects of retaining the title. Fergal Mone is another player who is skillful and can create openings and his ability to pickoff scores from difficult angles and in pressurised situations could be vital while the pace and power of the likes of Anthony Mooney and John Golden add considerably to their potential. Midfield promises to be the battleground that it generally is and Latton will be looking for a big performance from Owen Lennon. On his day Lennon is capable of giving Latton the foothold they will require in that area but Clontibret to have players of quality and experience that can be deployed to perform a similar task. The experienced John Paul Mone along with Vincent Corey is a likely partnership for Clontibret but they also used John Golden in that area in the second half of their semi-final victory over Magheracloone and it was his ball winning ability in the third quarter that saw Clontibret take almost a stranglehold on proceedings. Aidan Farmer has been Latton's regular midfielder now for a number of seasons and can be relied on for his consistency but he will need support particularly from his halfbacks who will need to be around to pick up on broken play and then open the game up by getting quick ball in to their attack. The Clontibret defence while impressive at times has gone through some indifferent periods but they have excellent man markers in Martin Corey and Colin Duffy while the ability of Darach Mooney and Colm Greenan to drive forward on counter attacks has been a key feature of their displays so far. Strength in depth is important in winning championships and in that regard both have players of quality and experience to call in should the need arise which all makes for a fascinating situation in the buildup to what promises to be a very exciting climax to the senior football championship. CURTAIN RAISER. The curtain raiser on Sunday is the final of the minor football championship between Scotstown and Aughnamullen which gets underway at 1:45 p.m.. Scotstown are attempting to complete a hat-trick of minor titles as they have won the minor football championship for the last two years. Last year they defeated St Patrick's in a delayed final in Inniskeen in a thrilling match that ended with Scotstown winners by a single point, 1-9 to 1-8, thereby making it two in a row as they had also won the title in 2007 when they defeated Castleblayney in the final by 1-13 to 1-8. Last year the curtain raiser to the county final was the minor football league division 1 final which Scotstown won by defeating Donaghmoyne by 3-9 to 0-7 and with a number of those players eligible again this year they have to go into this game as strong favourites. Aughnamullen last appeared in a minor championship final in 1970 when they were defeated by Ballybay by 3-10 to 1-3. A LOOK AROUND THE DRESSING ROOMS. THE CHAMPIONS: Latton goalkeeper Sean Farmer has yet to concede a three-pointer and he keeps a tight rein on his back division. Paul Fitzpatrick is experienced but young Eoghan Coyle has also filled the corner back berth. Edmund Lennon at full-back is experienced at both club and county level, often doing strict man marking duties. Francis Coyle in the other corner has pace as does Stephen Fitzpatrick on the right flank in the halfback line and young Kieran Duffy has slotted in very well at senior level. The vastly experienced Kevin Hughes is operating in defence this year but can also fill a role in attack. Owen Lennon and Aidan Farmer in midfield is a strong combination with both good in the air and strong on the ball. In the attack Bernard O'Brien will lead on the '40 where his skill on the ball and his finishing ability with both feet could be central to the outcome. Noel Coyle will run until he literally drops while Barry McCabe and Patrick Shannon have shown that they are both valuable members of the panel with vital scores at times. At full forward Hugh McElroy will take most of frees and will be looking to engineer more scores from play this time around. He finished top scorer in last year's championship scoring a total of 1-35, seven points of which came in the final itself. Owen Duffy in one corner has the pace to make life difficult for Clontibret or indeed any defence and his finishing has seen him pick off some valuable scores particularly the odd goal. Brendan Lennon likewise has a nose for a goal and Latton too have strong experienced players on the bench in the likes of James Kingston, Ruairi Ward, who helped back bone their championship winning side of 2005, Dermot O'Brien who can come in and perform a variety of roles as can Shane Coyle, Niall Treanor and John O'Brien. CLONTIBRET: Clontibret's Paul McElroy between the posts has carried out his duties very efficiently in this year's championship, good kick outs and very assured under the high ball on a number of occasions. Martin Corey is one of the most experienced defenders in the county with pace to match while the physical presence of Eoin Greenan at full-back can give Clontibret solidity in that vital sector. Colin Duffy in the corner has pace too and likes to break forward while Colm Greenan is probably one of the most improved players all round in this year's championship. The versatile Paul McGuigan can operate at either centre back or in an attacking role and if he breaks forward has a sweet left foot. Darach Mooney is a stylish wing half back who has all the right qualities for a defender and he is also very adept at setting up and assisting in counter-attacks. John Paul Mone is a very versatile player who has operated at full-back, centre back and midfield, good in the air and confident on the ball he is one of Clontibret's key players. Vincent Corey who captains the side needs little introduction, his appetite for the game is immense, his pace legendary and his leadership qualities unquestioned. Anthony Rooney who was absent for a couple of years due to working abroad is back in the fold while Dessie Mone like his brother John Paul is a versatile player who possesses pace, physical strength and a great hunger for success. John Golden has added a new dimension to Clontibret and can play in either an attacking role or in midfield, he could be seen in the county colours later in the year. Fergal Mone is a skilful inside man who if given the right service can cause problems, Rodney Gorman likes nothing better than running at defenders and Conor McManus possesses all the qualities that one could look for in a modern-day attacker, although not always getting the protection that he should. Clontibret too have strength in depth with players of the quality of Michael Hughes, Brendan Og Magennis, Daithi McKeown, Cathal Leonard and Pauric McGuigan to name but a few on the bench and all capable of slotting into a variety of roles as games unfold. On the management side both teams have experienced officials to guide their fortunes. Declan Brennan is back in the role of manager with Clontibret, a position he has held with distinction in the past and this year is assisted by Paul Grimley, while Meath native David Nelson, the Latton manager steered the club to senior championship success last year. A VIEW FROM THE LATTON CAMP. As can be expected the build-up to the county final is fairly low key in both camps with no one on either side making any rash predictions and that was the mood in the Latton camp when Bernard O'Brien spoke of how difficult it would be to put titles back-to-back. He also expressed the opinion that given their championship run this year Clontibret would probably be slight favourites. "It's very difficult to put championships back to back these days because it has got so competitive. We know that we face a huge challenge ahead of us against Clontibret although the attention of some of our lads was deflected a little bit with the senior hurling final last Sunday. With that over now we can switch our minds to next Sunday and start focusing in on what we have to do. No one in our outfit is under any illusions about the county final. Clontibret are an excellent side and they have players of quality all over the field as well as possessing the most county players of proven ability of any club in the county. We may be going in as champions but I think they will go in as slight favourites. We saw them against Magheracloone and they were really on top of their game in that one and we will have huge work to do. We know that, but I can also tell you we will be well up for the battle, we'll stick with them and put in a good performance ourselves". Bernard O'Brien agreed that Latton had struggled a little at times in earlier matches and needed the back door to get through to the final but then as he said "getting there was the big thing" so were Latton going to produce a big game on Sunday. "That's what we're hoping for and I certainly hope we do because we have flattered a little to deceive this year, a bit anyway, and it would be nice to put in our best performance on county final day and that is what we're going to have to push for. I don't think we played our best this year so hopefully it will come good on Sunday. During the week we will sit down and look at it. We have seen Clontibret and we know that if we afford them time and space on the ball that they can hurt us from all over the field, so hopefully we will be producing that big performance and get the result". So, given his thoughts on Clontibret did he expect a tactical battle. "It probably will be and I think it's shaping up that way because it's a big one for both in that the two clubs have shared the last four county titles, so it's going to be a fairly strategic battle and ultimately it could come down to whoever wants it the most and hopefully that will be us". HALF CHANCES COULD DO IT FOR OWEN DUFFY. O'Brien's colleague in attack Owen Duffy re-echoed those sentiments describing the challenge facing his side as huge in that they don't come any bigger than Clontibret who have been one of the form teams over the last few years. "Yes we are going into the game as champions but the challenge facing us is a big one because they don't come any bigger than Clontibret. They have the bulk of the county players on their team and they've shown in the last few years that they have been the form team. They did suffer a bit of a blip against Carrickmacross last year but they won the two previous titles to that. We're just happy to be there and be part of it but we all know what the challenge facing us on Sunday is like. I have to say though that there is a good buildup in the club and training has gone well and everyone is looking forward to the final but I have no doubt it's the same in Clontibret as well. Both teams would be happy to be in the final after losing a game in the earlier rounds of the championship and as I said it's just great to be there and I'm looking forward to Sunday". Asked if he felt there were key players on both sides that people generally would be looking to, to perhaps influence the outcome Owen Duffy felt that his side would not be adopting a horses for courses approach but concentrating on playing their own game. "It's not really about star players and I don't think we have one as such. It's about 1 to 15 just working hard and we will have to work hard because looking at Clontibret every one of their players is as good as the other. Every one of our players will have to win their own battles, we'll all have to win our own corner, that's what we are planning on and hopefully it will work out. We will have to make the most of our chances but as I said hard work will be central because turnovers can also be vital. It's going to be a real battle where every ball will count and half chances could ultimately sort it out, that wee rub of the green here and there, that's what is going to decide it in the end. It's a great day for both communities, they are two well supported teams, two local rural clubs from close-knit communities and for us anyway everyone in the parish is as happy as we are that we are in the county final". A WORD FROM THE SPONSOR. Sponsorship is now a key element at all levels in sport, professional and amateur, and gaelic games are no exception. The Monaghan senior football championship is sponsored by the Clontibret based company, Gormley uPVC Products and the managing director of the company, Colm Gormley is also the chairman of the Clontibret club. The dual role leaves him doubly involved as it were on Sunday. "First of all it is fantastic to be contesting the senior football championship final on the last Sunday in September and to sponsor the competition is an added bonus, because it is great to be involved at that level and to invest something in the games that give us so much enjoyment. There is a great air of expectation around Clontibret and there is a good atmosphere building up and no doubt it is the same in Latton. We were very disappointed last year when we lost in the semi-final because we were going for three in a row. We got over that disappointment though and we are back this year with all guns blazing and I think the team is hungrier this year. The buzz is back, the championship final is on and there is a good spirit around the club and around the whole area". As chairman of the club Colm is also looking at the overall picture of the games in the county and is very aware of the work that is going on in all the clubs as they seek to improve. "I suppose we have shown good form at times this year and we had to concentrate because we lost to Latton in our first game by a point which did ask a few questions of us. However by this stage we now have five players on the panel for Sunday who were not there that day, so we are building all the time. I also have to say that the backdoor in the championship has been good for us particularly this year. I know there are people for it and people against it, but I think it's the best thing that has happened to football in recent years in the county". So where did the sponsor think this final might be won and lost. "Hard work will be essential because no game is won in the first half. This one will be won in the last 10 minutes and we have been working very hard on the last 10 minutes of our games and it seems to be coming right at the right time for us. I'm delighted to be sponsoring the senior championship but I will be even more delighted if we take the Mick Duffy Cup back to O'Neill Park on Sunday evening. 125 CELEBRATIONS ON COUNTY FINAL DAY. As part of the 125 celebrations in Monaghan the 125 Committee will mark the occasion on Sunday at the final of the senior football championship, by having as their special guests the Scotstown team that won the senior championship in Centenary Year, 1984. The members of the team will be presented to the crowd in Clones on Sunday at approximately 3.15pm, during the interval between the minor and senior finals. Only six clubs, including Scotstown, have shared the senior championships since 1984: C'Blayney top the chart with eleven titles, Scotstown have 5, Clontibret have 5, Latton have 2 and Ballybay and Magheracloone have one each. As well as having the Scotstown team as guests the committee is inviting a representative from each of the five other clubs that have won the senior title since 1984: Ballybay, C'Blayney, Clontibret, Latton and Magheracloone. The committee is also inviting a representative of the Inniskeen club that contested the 1984 final. Each club will be presented with a special memento by the chairman of Monaghan County Board, John Connolly, to mark the occasion and each club has also been asked to arrange to have a juvenile player in their club colours present on the day to take part in the presentation ceremony. CENTENARY YEAR. Back in Centenary Year, 1984, the special presentation was of the members of the 1956 All Ireland junior championship winning side along with Mick Duffy who was county chairman in 1956 and Leo Burns who was county secretary in Centenary Year. The Scotstown team that contested the 1984 senior championship final was as follows: Brian Rice, Eugene Sherry, Gerry McCarville, Fergus Caulfield, Damien Stirrat, Sean McCarville, Jim Treanor, Niall McKenna, Brendan Beggan, Bernie Murray, Ray McCarron, Gerard Caulfield, Ronnie McDermott, Michael Caulfield, Seamus McCarville. Subs: Brian Morgan for M Caulfield, Sean McKenna for D Stirrat, Jim McCabe for R McCarron. Others on the panel were: Brendan Lillis, Eugene McCarey, Noel McGurk, Paddy Carroll, Jim McCarron, Raymond Boylan. The Scotstown manager was Sean McCrudden and he was assisted by Alphonsus Caulfield and Liam Stirrat. FORTHCOMING 125 DATES. The 125 Committee has plans well advanced for two other events to celebrate the 125th anniversary in a fitting way. Oiche Staire agus Oidhreachta, (A History and Heritage Night) in the Aontas Theatre, C'Blayney on Friday October 30th and to conclude the year a 125 Banquet on Friday December 4th in the Hill Grove Hotel, Monaghan. That function will also feature the 30th anniversary of Monaghan's 1979 Ulster SFC victory and the launch of the 125 Archive, all of which, allied to events that have already taken place, will be a fitting celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the GAA. THE 1984 COUNTY FINAL. Scotstown 0-11, Inniskeen 0-4. Scotstown experienced little difficulty in winning their 10th senior football championship title at Pearse Park, Ballybay on Sunday, September 9th, when they defeated an Inniskeen team who rarely threatened the champions at any stage. Scotstown's victory was their seventh title in eight years and one that would go down as probably one of Scotstown's easiest in a game that never reached the expected effects that it promised. Conditions on the day were not ideal with a strong wind and heavy intermittent showers, but both sides did their best to overcome the conditions and did produce some fine fielding and a few good passages of play. Scotstown were only headed once in the entire contest and were the masters in practically every sector with the one of the few Inniskeen players to impress being Gerard Callan at wing half forward who opened the scoring with a point and literally played himself to a standstill but with little support to match his effort. The first half was a very low scoring affair with Scotstown ahead at half time by 0-3 to 0-2. Despite the low scoring Scotstown however were totally dominant and they took an even stronger grip on proceedings in the second-half. By the 10th minute they had extended their lead to five points and little by way of any indication that the Grattans could turn it around. Pete Meegan pulled back a point for Inniskeen in the 12th minute but Scotstown struck back four points by Seamus McCarville and Ronnie McDermott to pull six clear and they went on to win comfortably by seven points. Teams and Scorers: Scotstown: Brian Rice, Eugene Sherry, Gerry McCarville, Fergus Caulfield, Damien Stirrat, Sean McCarville 0-1, Jim Treanor, Niall McKenna, Brendan Beggan 0-1, Bernie Murray, Ray McCarron 0-4, Gerard Caulfield, Ronnie McDermott 0-2, Michael Caulfield, Seamus McCarville 0-3. Subs: Brian Morgan for M Caulfield, Sean McKenna for D Stirrat, Jim McCabe for R McCarron. Inniskeen: Raymond, Kirk, PJ Woods, Kieran McKenna, Kevin McKeown, Gerard Hoey, John Meegan, Mick Doherty, David Byrne, Tommy McKenna, Owen Keenan, Edmund Meegan, Gerard Callan 0-1, Packie McKenna 0-1, Pete Meegan 0-2, Tony Brady. Subs: Liam Hamill for T Brady, Eamonn Monaghan for PJ Woods, Owen Lennon for O Keenan. Referee: Paddy Duffy (Magheracloone). 100 YEARS AGO: THE 1909 COUNTY FINAL. Carrickmacross 2-12, Currin 1-1 This was the era of Carrickmacross dominance in the county. The various teams in the Carrickmacross area came together under the name Carrickmacross Emmets in 1902 and won their first county title in 1908. That was the first of a three in a row, a new record in Monaghan, and might well have been an even longer un-beaten run but for the fact the no championships were played in 1911 or 1912. Having represented Monaghan in the 1909 Ulster senior championship it looked as if Carrickmacross might not take part in the county series as they had incurred a suspension but on appeal the penalty was recinded and they went on to retain their Monaghan title with the exact same team that had won out in 1908. They beat Castleblayney 0-7 to 0-0 in the semi-final at Clones setting up a meeting with Currin in the final. With the championship being played on a divisional basis Currin came through in the northern section beating Magherarney 0'Dwyers in the divisional decider at Smithboro and the Monaghan County final was fixed for Foy's Green, Cootehill, probably the only time that the County final was played outside the county boundary and was played in April 1910. On the day Carrickmacross won easily on a score or 2-12 to 1-1 but it was reported that "the Sons of St. Patrick earned for themselves a reputation of true self-respecting Gaels". There was no actual line outs available for the final itself but a list of players for Currin in November 1909 will probably differ little from that which represented the club in January, 1910 and was as follows; Pat Kierans, J. Donaghy, T. Kierans, Tom Burns, A. McCabe, J. Victory, Peter Brides, J. Caddan, James Boylan, James Smith, Pat Monaghan, Capt. Frank Kennedy, Tony Cadan, although a team list for the 1910 senior championship includes W. 0"Neill, A. McCabe, Paddy Connolly, Dan McPhillips and J. McCaffrey and it is quite possible that they also took part. The Currin history states that teams at that time were 13 a-side but the Carrickmacross account would indicate that it was 17 a-side. The Carrickmacross team that represented Monaghan in the 1909 Ulster senior championship and that won the 1908 Monaghan senior championship was as follows and probably differs little from the team that contested the 1909 county final. P.McKeown, M. Keelan, J. Downey, N. Murray, Ignatius McCaffrey, W. Flood, J. Farrelly, 0. Sherry, J. Finnegan, Jess Connolly, J. Duffy, T Finnegan, J Devine, J. 0'Brien, J. Slevin, J. Costello and J. Gartlan. It is quite likely too that the following Carrick players who represented Monaghan in a game against Louth early in 1909 were also involved; L. Jones, J. Duffy, J. Finnegan, A. Murray. Tweet

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