Management:

The following candidates were ratified as team managers for the year ahead at a committee meeting last Friday night: Senior team – Mattie McGleenan & Mick McCormack; B team – Ben Beggan; C team – Gene McCarey and Under-21 team – Tom Moyna.

Juvenile Presentation:

Double All-Ireland winning Tyrone player Joe McMahon was the special guest at the 2012 Scotstown Juvenile Football presentation night on Sunday. Players from under-12 up to under-16 level were presented with their medals, and the various trophies collected throughout the year were on display. Darren Hughes was also on hand with the Railway Cup trophy. Outgoing Youth Officer Macartan McKenna and Coaching Officer John Meehan thanked everyone who helped out during the year, while pointing out that more help is always needed at this this level. Thanks to all the players for their hard work and dedication in 2012.

Juvenile Coaching:

Anyone interested in coaching juveniles in 2013 should contact Youth Officer Gary McQuaid on 086-0551835, or Coaching Officer David McCague on 087- 6202242.

Mouthguards:

Following the GAA’s Annual Congress in April 2012 a new rule was enacted that made it mandatory to use a mouthguard in all Gaelic football matches and training sessions from January 1st 2013 (for all age grades up to and including minor). The rule will not come into effect at Under 21 and Adult level until January 1st 2014. Players will not be covered under the player injury scheme if they are not wearing a mouthguard. There are three types of mouth guards: stock mouthguards (around €5), boil and bite mouthguards (€15-€20) and custom fitted mouthguards (€60 – €120). Custom fitted mouthguards purchased in bulk in this manner should cost around €30 to €50 each. The decision on which type of mouthguard a player should obtain is a matter of personal preference. There is no doubt that custom fitted mouthguards offer the best fit and protection but they are the most expensive option also. The Stock and Boil & Bite options will suffice for compliance with the new rules, but only if the product carries the CE mark. Official Opro GAA/GPA stock and boil & bite mouthguards will be available for purchasing through local retailers: Supervalu, Centra, Lifestyle and Elverys. For more information on this subject, please see the official GAA website.

Get Well Soon:

Best wishes to Scotstown supporter Michael Treanor, Mullaghinshigo who is recuperating after a recent operation.

Charity Single:

Local student Ultan Sherry has recently released a Christmas single entitled “Let The Snowflakes Fall”. Written and performed by Ultan himself, the song has become something of an internet sensation. Proceeds from the sales will go to the Autism Ireland charity.

Bar Rota:

Gene McCarey

Engagements:

There must be something in the air around Knockatallon these days, with two engagements in the area at the weekend. Congratulations to the happy couples: Eddie Beggan & Emma Murray; and Lisa Morgan & Kieran McManus – we wish them all well in their wedding preparations!

Congratulations:

Congratulations to Laura Carey who was recently awarded the Monaghan County Under 16 Player of the Year. Congratulations also to Celine Nally, Megan Boylan, Blathin Dolan and Brinain Sherry who collected their Under 14 medals for the part they played in the Ulster Championship this year. Well done to all!

Awards:

Congratulations also to Scotstown club referee Gerard McCarron on winning the Monaghan County Senior Referee of the Year award for 2012. Former player Sean McCrudden will also be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Monaghan GAA annual award winners, in association with The Northern Standard, which were announced at Convention on Thursday. The awards will be presented on January 19, 2013 at the Hillgrove Hotel, when the special guest will be Michael Duignan.

Official Yearbook:

The official Monaghan GAA Yearbook will be available in shops throughout the county from this Friday, December 14th priced at €12. This is the only county yearbook produced by the clubs, with proceeds from sales going back into Monaghan GAA. The perfect Christmas gift!

Club Merchandise:

The Ladies and Mens club gear will be on sale for the next few weeks every Wednesday from 7-8pm and every Sunday from 12.15-1pm in Scotstown Complex.