Monaghan Harps Lotto: Numbers 2, 4, 16 and 21. Jackpot of €2,050 not won. Residual prizes: €100 Paul Lee c/o Jim Dalton (Hurling Club); €40 Séamus Treanor c/o himself; €40 Adrian Higgins c/o Liz Brennan; €40 Nicholas Scott c/o Liadhan Treanor. Jackpot for Sunday, January 6 is €2,200 and Maria and Hugh McKenna are on duty. All welcome. Anyone who has sold a direct-debit is asked to pass the details on to the Lotto committee as soon as possible, so they can be entered into our weekly draw straight away. Thanks to everyone involved in the Lotto for their diligent efforts throughout 2012 and we look forward to another positive year in 2013.

Charity match: Our annual charity football match went ahead despite wet and cold conditions last Sunday, with the usual good turnout both for the match and afterwards in the clubhouse. As usual, Hugh Coyle threw the ball in to start the game, which featured players from all sections of the club and a wide range of generations. The ‘green’ team got the better of the ‘whites’, with the highlights including a goal in each half by Mark McCabe and some fine scores by Conor O’Neill. Even Dermot Brannigan’s move to full-forward couldn’t inspire a second-half comeback! The game was refereed by Brian Harvey, who adopted a ‘let-it-flow’ approach. The clubhouse was busy after the match, with a raffle taking place thanks to the generosity of local businesses and Daniel playing music to keep the crowd entertained. Well done to everyone involved in organising the day, led by Owen Connell, and thanks to everyone who took part and donated money, which will go to local charities. We look forward to doing it again in 2013! Keep an eye on the club notes for details of the money raised and the chosen charities.

Monaghan Harps Christmas Variety Concert: Our now-annual variety concert took place for the third year in a row on St. Stephen’s night in the clubhouse from 7pm. This once again showcased the depth of talent we have in the club, across a number of disciplines, including instrumental and ballad groups, dancing, singing and recitation. Among those to perform were our Spraoi Scór and Scór na nÓg instrumental and ballad groups; Liam Mac Aonasa, Séamus Trappe, Colette Brannigan, Oisín, Ciara and Leah; Maria Ferguson; Séamus Deeney; Katie McCleary; Colm Galligan; Tara Gilsenan and the senior novelty act, which provided one of the highlights of the night. Well done to everyone who took part and everyone involved in organising the concert.

FIFA Tournament: We hosted a FIFA tournament in the clubhouse on Saturday, December 29. Over 60 players took part, with the winners staying in the main competition and those who exited early given the opportunity to buy into a second competition. Dónal McCarthy won the ‘Champions League’, seeing off Chris Curran in the final, while Anthony Croarkin got the better of Paddy Clarke in the ‘Europa League’ final. Thanks to everyone who took part and to those who provided televisions, PlayStations, Xboxes, games, etc. on the day.

Lotto AGM: The Lotto committee AGM took place in the clubhouse on Sunday week last. Secretary Rose Donnelly and Chairperson Maria McKenna both presented their reports, reflecting on a challenging year but one in which the lotto continued to be profitable, after going 54 weeks without losing a jackpot before Michelle McElvaney won €8,950 in October. All who attend the draw every Sunday night were thanked for their support – including Patsy Kearns for his MC work – and the committee appealed for more people to attend. All sellers were also thanked, as well as everyone who takes part in the Sunday-night rota, especially Ann and Kevin Treanor, who joined in 2012. We remembered Owenie McCooey, who is still missed at the weekly draw after his death last December. After discussions on the direct-debit scheme and the three tickets for €5 initiative, the following committee was returned: Chairperson Maria McKenna; Vice-Chair Noel Hennessy; Secretary Rose Donnelly and Assistant Secretary Monica Connolly. We encourage everyone in the club to get behind the lotto and get involved in any way they can.

Christmas party: We hosted our Christmas party in the clubhouse on Sunday week last (December 23). Thanks to everyone who attended, to Liadhan for organising an enjoyable night and to Darren McGill for standing in as Santa at short notice.

Happy New Year: We wish all club members, players and supporters a peaceful new year and a prosperous and healthy 2013.

Membership: Membership fees for 2013 are being maintained as follows: €20 per adult, €10 per child or €50 for a family of two adults and any number of children. Money can be paid to registrar Maurice Galligan, treasurer John Harden or in the clubhouse.

The Gathering 2013: Anyone who would be interested in organising a reunion for any former Harps team is asked to contact any committee member.

Team management: Anyone interested in managing one of the club’s juvenile teams in 2013 is asked to forward their names to the football development committee. Expressions of interest regarding underage teams should be sent to Ciarán Mulligan (086 8411275) as soon as possible.

Sympathy: The club sends its sympathy to Paul Kelly on the death of his grandmother, Philomena.

Yearbook: The Official Monaghan GAA Yearbook for 2012 is now on sale from all usual local outlets, including a few from the club directly (which can be purchased from the clubhouse or by contacting Lorcan McAdam). These would make an ideal Christmas present.

Mouth-guards: It is now compulsory for all players from minor down to wear a mouth guard at both training and matches. All players and juvenile mentors are asked to take note.