This Friday evening (Feb 5^th) our AGM takes place in the GAA Club Rooms at 8.30pm. It is very important that we have a good attendance of players, officers and parents in order to help us plan for the year ahead.

Congratulations to Rachel Leonard, Leah Magennis and Kayla McMcCann who participated in the U-8/U-10 Camogie Blitz in Castleblayney on Saturday last. Unfortunately, this event coincided with the commencement of Community Games swimming lessons which involved quite a number of our younger members. However, there will be other little Blitzes coming up which will be at a more suitable time. For Leah it was a very busy camogie weekend as she, along with Catherine Walsh and Ria McCann, participated in the exhibition match during half time at the All-Ireland Club Championship semi-final, between Killimor (Galway) and Loughgiel (Antrim), in St Tiernach’s Park Clones. Congratulations to these great little players and thanks to the parents who provided practical assistance.

There was a very good representation of our players at county minor training in Cloghan on Saturday afternoon last – despite the atrocious weather conditions. On Thursday evening the panel will train indoors, in Clontibret Community Centre, at 7.00pm sharp. Outdoor training will take place again on Saturday in Cloghan.

A reminder to anyone interested in purchasing a ticket for the GAA National Club Draw 2016, please contact me asap as the ‘closing’ date for returning tickets is Sunday, Feb 7^th.

On Monday night the monthly County Board meeting takes place in the Glencarn Hotel at 8.00pm. It is important that the club is represented as events relating to the club will be decided upon and without club representatives, our input is limited.

Two very important dates in February are Sat Feb 20^th when we host an U-12/U-14 Indoor Blitz at 3.00pm in the Community Centre. Much help will be required to ensure the smooth running of the event, so don’t be shy!!

On the following Thursday (Feb 25), Clare Dowdall, Regional Development Officer for Monaghan and surrounding counties, will facilitate a workshop geared towards parents, Gaisce students, senior players and anyone else who might be interested in coaching the basic skills of the game to beginners. The course takes place in the Community Centre and will commence at 7.30pm. This will be very practical with lots of little skills and drills. No previous experience as either a player or coach is necessary. Again, don’t be shy!!!!

Sporting event to Commemorate 1916: On Saturday 2nd April in Cloghan GAA Grounds the Comhairle na nÓg Committee, in partnership with the Mens and Ladies Co Board and the Ladies Camogie, will host a fun and interactive event aimed at 14-16 year olds from across the County. The afternoon will consist of the young people participating in an informative and entertaining history and sporting table quiz. Following this, participants will compete in an exciting Clubs Challenge in their preferred sport. Never before have various different disciplines played and competed side by side. Not only will young people who attend reflect on the full richness of our history but also appreciate the diversity that exists within our own County. Any club members interested in participating in this novel event, which is limited to 6 from our club, please let me know asap as an application form must soon be completed.

Senior training continues on Friday evening at 7.00pm. Please note a temporary change in time for the U-14/16 training on Thursday evenings in the Community Centre. Normally this session commences at 6.30pm but for the next 3 weeks it will start at 6.00pm to facilitate county minor training. All parents will receive a text message later in the week.

A huge ‘congratulations’ to Clare and Cormac on becoming proud parents on Friday evening last, when Baby Philip Michael arrived into the world. Wishing you both much happiness and joy with your new baby.