Congratulations : To the victorious Largy College team on winning the U-18 County title on Tuesday in Cloghan against Ballybay.  This team is made of representatives from Clones, Aghabog, Killevan, Currin and Eire Og.  In what was a very competitive game it ebbed and flowed with both sides having scoring chances.  Clones led by two points at half time, but the Ballybay boys came back strong in the second half and after reducing the deficit to parity kicked on again to lead by four points.  But Largy weren’t to be denied and fought back to be behind by just two points with a few minutes left on the clock. But an old adage was again true on Tuesday “Goals win Matches”.  Some inspirational play found James Mealiff bursting through into the full forward line and strike for goal only for the ball to be parried onto the goalpost but an awaiting Jake Reihill was there to send it to the back of the net for a fantastic win for the Largy lads.  A word of mention to their coach and teacher Phelim O’Reilly for his hard work and dedication with the lads.  Final score Largy 1:13 Ballybay 0:15.

Christmas Presents: Stuck for some last minute Christmas presents or want to purchase any of the clubs merchandise, jackets, hoodies, club ties etc. all available from Joanne.  If Joanne doesn’t have it ain’t worth having so make sure and give her a call before the big red fella lands.

Calendars: Look out for the 2013 Club calendars around the town; these have been commissioned as a memento of the 2012 Season.  They’re available in all the shops and are priced €3.  All proceeds go to the club. Your support is appreciated.

Congratulations to Fintan Kelly who has been picked to be part of the Dr. McKenna Cup team for the county.  The linchpin of the senior team, it’s great to see him getting an opportunity to show his skills for the county, we look forward to seeing him togged out in the Farney colours.  Well done to Fintan and we wish you all the best for the competition.

Congratulations: to Jake Reihill on maintaining his status as county minor this coming season, a hard working versatile player Jake possesses all the attributes to make it on the county scene.  We wish him and the county minor team well this coming season.

Jason McArdle: The annual Jason McArdle tournament takes place again on the day after Stephens Day, Thursday 27th December. This is always a great day and evening, it’s also the perfect way to shake off the excesses of Christmas day. Register your name with Ross Adamson on 0866040802.

Best wishes: and speedy recovery to Ann Lennon.  Ann always has the jerseys in pristine condition and we hope that she’ll be back up and running real soon.

Clones GAA has backed an exciting new health challenge to its members … ‘Off the Booze and On the Ball’, which was launched in Croke Park recently.  This fun challenge with a healthy twist invites participants to abstain from alcohol for the month of January and in doing so seek sponsorship to go towards our GAA club. Participants are also encouraged to engage in some new exercises that help them reach their recommended weekly activity levels during the month, and hopefully beyond.  Contact Joe Monaghan our ASAP officer for more details.

Faraway in the USA: Patrick Murray, son of Clones man Aidan Murray and nephew to Clones GAA stars Ciaran and Brendan Murray has been making headlines in American Football. The Murray family has been involved in Gaelic football for a very long time and are synonymous with everything that is good within the club and county.   Aidan Murray was a standout player both in the county and nationally.  The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree and Patrick has a great pair of feet. However it is in American Football not Gaelic that he has made his name as Kicker.  We wish him continued success and look forward to following him in the years to come.   

Mouth-Guards: From 1st of January 2013 it will be mandatory in all football matches and practice for all age grades up to and including minor to wear a Mouth Guard. The official GAA & GPA Mouth Guard is now available from SuperValu Clones for a fantastic €7. The perfect Stocking Filler.

Seasons Greetings to all our members, supporters and sponsors.  .  Thank you for all your hard work and support during the year without which our successful season wouldn’t have been possible.  These truly are great days for the club, being represented at Minor, Under 21 and Senior for the county.  We look forward to an equally challenging and successful season in 2013 and of course Silverware is always welcome too.

Mary’s Meals Mile: There’s a walk around St Tiarnach’s park after 11:30 mass this coming Sunday.  Support if you can, any money raised goes to school children in Malawi and those less fortunate.

Lotto Results: No Lotto results this week as draw took place on Tuesday night.  Please note Lotto will be on Sunday night next 23rd Dec and the following week will be on 30th. There are extra prizes for Christmas ten €20 lucky dip prizes and two sellers’ prizes of €25.  More chances to win so play today! We’re also coming up to the deadline to pick up an annual Lotto ticket for only €45. Make sure and contact Frankie & Mebh before the deadline.  Frankie Dolan our lotto supremeo has achieved celebrity status at last- not content with winning €25 twice last week he features on page 32 of the book “A Season of Sundays” which is available in all bookshops.  Frankie is also available for signings in the library on Friday from 10-12.  Well Done Frankie.

Finally:  National League Season tickets are available to purchase in SuperValu along with the County Yearbook in which we’re very well represented.