MONAGHAN BOOK THEIR PLACE IN CROKE PARK WITH IMPRESSIVE WIN OVER KERRY

Monaghan showed that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going, when they recovered from a 10 minutes onslaught from Kerry at the beginning of the second half to secure a place for themselves in the Senior All Ireland ladies football final in Croke Park on September
25th.
Monaghan opened the game in clinical fashion, with Ciara Mc Anespie causing all sorts of problems for the Kerry defence. A move involving Ciara and Caoimhe Mohan found Therese Mc Nally who fired over the bar to register the first score of the day after just 2 minutes. Caoimhe Mohan was unlucky shortly afterwards as her run through on goals was stopped by a Kerry tackle . The referee adjudged the tackle to be fair and Kerry went on the attack. They were awarded a free with Margaret O Donohue  making no mistake in converting. Great defending by Grainne Mc Nally set Monaghan up on another attack which resulted in her sister Therese scoring her second point of the day. Then came the first goal of the day. A blistering run from Ciara Mc Anespie found Therese Mc  Nally who fired to the back of the net to put Monaghan 1-2 to 0-1 up with 9 minutes of the game gone. Excellent work from Lavina Connolly resulted in Caoimhe Mohan getting her name on the scoresheet with a fine point. Kerry’s Sarah Houlihan kept Kerry in touch with 2 points before Monaghan bagged their second goal of the day. Amanda Casey’s long ball found Ciara Mc Anespie who once again powered her way through the Kerry defence to find Catriona Mc Connell who made no mistake in finishing. She followed up with another point to increase Monaghan’s lead to 7 points with 17 minutes of the first half gone. A great interception by Sharon Courtney denied Kerry with the resulting attack finishing with another point for Monaghan, the scorer once again Catriona Mc Connell. Kerry started to settle down and come into the game. Sarah Houlihan narrowed the gap with a point but Monaghan responded with Ellen Mc Carron scoring her first point of the day.
Kerry’s substitute Linda Cronin got one back for Kerry and this seemed to lift Kerry as they started to push forward. Sarah Houlihan added another 3 points for Kerry before great work from Therese Mc Nally, Ciara Mc Anespie and Ellen Mc Carron resulted in Ellen adding another point from Monaghan. Monaghan’s defence had to work hard for the remainder of the half and at half time Monaghan were leading 2-7  to 0-8.

It was Kerry who came out all guns blazing in the second half. Within 25 seconds of the restart, a rare error by the Monaghan defence saw Deirdre Corridan find the net. Bernie Breen added another point to leave just the minimum between the teams. Catriona Mc Connell converted a free after Ciara Mc Anespie was fouled going through to leave 2 points between the sides but when Louise Ni Mhuirchearta fired to the back of the net for Kerry’s second goal, Monaghan found themselves behind for the first time in the game. They levelled matters twice, at 2-9 and 2-10 a piece before Monaghan showed why they are now a team to be taken seriously. They had weathered the storm and led by inspirational captain Sharon Courtney, they led siege on the Kerry goals. In the space of 5 minutes they scored 2-4 without reply with Caoimhe Mohan who celebrated her 18th birthday, scoring 2 goals. Aislinn Desmond was sin binned for Kerry with just 10 minutes of the game remaining  and this gave them an impossible mountain to climb. Monaghan’s substitutes Isobel Kierans and Laura Mc Eneaney made a positive input when introduced and with victory in sight, Monaghan defended excellently knowing that that prize of place in Croke Park was ever so near. When the final whistle blew, the jubilant Monaghan supporters ran on to the pitch to congratulate their heroes. There were tears to be seen in many a Monaghan’s supporters eye and the Monaghan players along with their supporters enjoyed that few minutes celebrations.

All eyes are now on the 25th September when Monaghan take on the mighty Cork. Monaghan will not be going to Croke Park just for the day. They will be going with full confidence of taking the senior championship back to Monaghan. It has been 14 years since Monaghan last won the title and this group of girls and their management will be doing everything possible over the next 2 weeks to ensure that the Brendan Martin cup will return to the Farney county.

A great performance once again by a great bunch of girls who when their backs were against the walls, fought back and turned things around. Sharon Courtney once again was inspirational winning the Player of the Match award, and despite the pressure from Kerry, the defence apart from a 5 minute spell were excellent. Midfield worked hard against a strong Kerry midfield pairing. Up front Monaghan showed once again why they are a defence’s nightmare. If Monaghan play with the same determination, committement and belief that they did on Saturday last, then Cork will know that they have a real game on their hand.

Monaghan line out
Linda Martin, Grainne Mc Nally, Sharon Courtney, Christina Reilly, Aoife Mc Anespie, Nicola Fahy, Lavina Connolly, Amanda Casey, Cora Courtney, Therese Mc Nally (1-3), Ellen Mc Carron(0-3), Catriona Mc Connell (1-6 3 frees), Ciara Mc Anespie, Niamh Kindlon (0-1free), Caoimhe Mohan (2-1)
Subs used Laura Mc Eneaney (0-1), Isobel Kierans, Eileen Mc Elroy,Natasha Mohan.

Kerry Line Out
Edel Murphy, Caroline Kelly, Aisling Leonard, Aoife Lyons, Denise Halllissey, Aislinn Desmond, Sarah Jane Joy, Lorraine Scanlon, Bernie Breen (0-1), Dierdre Corridan(1-0), Margaret O Donoghue (-0-1), Louise Galvin, Sarah Houlihan (0-6 4 frees) Patrice Dennehy, Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh(1-2)
Subs used Linda Cronin (0-1)Stephanie Corkery (0-1), Michelle O Connor, Laura O Sullivan

Well done also to Therese Mc Nally on  receiving the Irish News All Star Award for ladies football. Therese is receiving her award tonight in the Armagh city hotel – More next week

OTHER MONAGHAN INTEREST IN LADIES ALL IRELAND FINAL DAY
Monaghan will have an added interest in the Junior All Ireland final on September 25th. New York have qualified for the Junior final after a great win over Wexford on Saturday last. A well known ex county Monaghan stalwart Catriona Brady from Aghabog played a key role for New York. Catriona played a key role for the Monaghan ladies who won the All Ireland titles in 1996 and 1997 and after emigrating to New York last year, is continuing to give great service to ladies football. From all supporters of ladies football in County Monaghan we wish Catriona the very best of luck.

SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP PREVIEW

Emyvale  V    Donaghmoyne  –  Sunday 11th September in Gavan Duffy Park, Monaghan @ 3.45pm

With the county ladies place in the All  Ireland final now secured, all roads now lead to Rooskey Monaghan on Sunday next, when Donaghmoyne the reigning champions take on Emyvale in the senior championship county final. Donaghmoyne are going for their 9th title in a row, with this being Emyvale’s first senior final, having held Donaghmoyne to a replay in last year’s semi final. Donaghamoyne have already beaten Emyvale in the round robin stages of the championship,
and in their league outing, the game ended all square. Both teams have a wealth of talent with no fewer that 14 of last weekend’s county panelists in action. Ten of last weekend’s starting team, 5 from Emyvale and 5 from Donaghamoyne will be on opposing sides for what should be a mouthwatering final. Donaghmoyne have been the top team in the county and indeed the country for the last number of  years, and it will take a top drawer performace from Emyvale if they are to claim their first senior championship title. With so many county stars in action for both teams, this should be a very entertaining and exciting affair.

Throw in for Sunday’s game is 3.45 – Venue Gavan Duffy Park, Rooskey, Monaghan.

As a curtain raiser to the big game, the U12 Division 1 final between Scotstown and Emyvale will take place. Scotstown will go into this game as favourites having remained unbeaten throughout the league. Emyvale have made great strides at underage level having just won the U14 Division 1 title. They will go in as underdogs but as with all underage games, teams can be unpredictable. However, getting a chance to play before the senior final is a great occassion for both teams and on behalf of the county board, I would like to take this opportunity to wish both teams the very best of luck.

We ask that you come out on Sunday and give all teams concerned your support.

HOW MUCH CAN WE GIVE TO SUPPORT THIS GREAT TEAM

How much can we afford to help Monaghan Ladies. The Ladies team have qualified for the All –Final and will play the mighty Cork in Croke Park @ 4pm on Sunday 25th September 2011. We are on a fundraising drive to provide the ladies with everything they need to Win an ALL–IRELAND. You can help by sponsoring a player for 250 euro. What we are asking for is a  sponsor for all 30 girls who have trained so hard all year and and are now on the verge  of All Ireland glory. You can help us get across the line by sponsoring players. In return the girls will be willing to help out at corporate days or to promote your Business. We will name the lucky sponsors who will get their name and photos in local media and in the Programme on ALL – Ireland Day…. As we print this the first 3 are already gone….. Muniechanin Abu .Any business or individual who would like to avail of this fantastic opportunity can contact any of the following.

Marie Brady – Chairperson – 0879749791
Sharon Mc Meel – Secretary – 087-0690722
Pauline Dempsey – Treasurer – 087 – 6590647 or myself Brenda McAnespie on 087-6152342.

ANYONE WANTING TO PURCHASE TICKETS FOR LADIES ALL IRELAND – MONAGHAN  v  CORK

Anyone wanting to  put in an order for tickets for All Ireland ladies final day is advised to contact their local ladies club officers.
Details of all club secretaries can be got from the Monaghan ladies webpage – monaghanladies.ie. The prices for the tickets are as follows

Adults  €25
Students or OAPs  €10
U14s  €8
Group Rates for U16s –  Minimum of 10 u16s plus one adult – €55

There will venues selected for ticket collection. Details next week.
So don’t be disappointed. Get your order in now.

RESULTS

Reserve Championship Final
Doohamlet  2-8  Carrickmacross 5-2

U12 13 a side Final
Carrickmacross 5-7  Truagh 2-4

Division 2
Donaghmoyne 3- 10  Monaghan Harps1-9

Division 3
Corduff  bt    Emyvale

Minor
Monaghan Harps 1-13  O N eills 0-9
Latton 10-9  Magheracloone 5-9
Aghabog 3-14  Seans 3-7

U14 championship

Donaghmoyne 3-7  Emyvale 6-13
Scotstown 6-6  O Neills 6-4
Truagh 6-15  St Brigids 4-6
Magheracloone 1-3  Killanny 7-15
Corduff 3-11  Inniskeen 1-3
Tyholland 6-7  Eire Og 1-3
Seans 6-8  Aghabog 2-6

FIXTURES

SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Donaghmoyne  V  Emyvale – Sunday 11th September in Gavan Duffy Park
(Rooskey) Monaghan @ 3.45pm

U12 Division 1 Final  – Sunday 11th September in Gavan Duffy Park
(Rooskey) Monaghan @ 2pm
Scotstown  V  Emyvale

U12 Semi final
Latton  V Tyholland  – Saturday 10th September @ 1pm
Killevan  V Killanny  –  Saturday 10th September @1.30pm

Aughnamullen  V  Eire Og  – Saturday 10th @ 12.30pm
Doohamlet  V Inniskeen  – Saturday 10th @12.30pm

U16 final
Magheracloone  V  Latton  – tonight Thursday 8th September @ 6.45pm in
Aughnamullen

U14 championships
Monaghan Harps  V  Donaghmoyne – Friday 9th September @ 6.30
Emyvale V Monaghan Harps  – Monday 12th September @6.30pm
Killanny  V Corduff – Friday 9th @6.30pm
Inniskeen  V  Magheracloone – Friday 9th 6.30pm
Corduff V Magheracloone – Monday 12th September @6.30pm
Killanny  V  Inniskeen  – Monday 12th September @6.30pm

Truagh V Scotstown  – September 9th @ 6.30pm
O Neills V  St Brigids –  Septembet 9th @ 6.30pm

Scotstown  V  St Brigids  – September 12th@ 6.30pm
O Neills  V  Truagh – September 12th @6.30pm

Latton V Aughnamullen – Friday September 9th @6.30pm
Carrick V  Latton – Monday September 12th @6.30pm

Doohamlet V Tyholland – Friday 9th September @6.30pm
Eire Og  V  Doohamlet – Monday 12th September @ 6.30pm

Killeevan  V  Seans – Friday 9th September@ 6.30pm
Aghabog V Killevan – Monday 12th September @ 6.30pm

There will be a county board delegates meeting next Monday night 12^th September @ 9pm. Any club with outstanding monies due either for levies or All  Ireland tickets are asked to have their money in.  All clubs are requested to attend this important meeting as preparations are underway for the Ladies All Ireland finals