Monaghan Development Squads have been back on the playing field since February, with a number of the teams preparing for their respective competitions.

First of the teams in action was our U17’s, who took part in the Jim McGuigan Ulster league competition. Monaghan who were in group A with Down , Armagh and Cavan. We lost comprehensively to both Down and Cavan, and we beat Armagh in an entertaining game in Clones. As a result of this victory it meant we went into the Sheild Semi final against Antrim, which we won in a scoreline of 1:10 to 9 points in the Peace Link in Clones. This set up another meeting with Armagh who beat Derry in the semi final to qualify for the final. Monaghan produced their best performance of the year to comprehensively beat Armagh in a scoreline of 3:11 to 2points. Monaghan are now looking forward to the Ulster Championship which is due to take place on Sat 6th May against either Fermanagh or Down who play this weekend.

See below photographs of the winning team & management and also Captain Conor McKeown receiving the shield.

Our U16’s have been busy preparing for the upcoming Buncranna Cup competition with a number of trials, training sessions, mini camps and challenge matches. They have played Tyrone & Meath and due to play Louth in a challenge on Saturday 6th May. The Buncranna Cup is fixed for Sat 20th May and they are in a tough group with Derry & Armagh, this competition will take place in a Armagh venue. U15’s are preparing for their first blitz which is due to be held on Saturday 13th May in Cloghan against Cavan & Fermanagh. Again similar to the U16’s, the management team of , Marty Corey, Seamus Mulholland & Rory Beggan held a number of trials to select a squad for the forthcoming season. U14’s have had 3 trials to date, the work with this group will step up over the coming months with the first blitz planned for Saturday 10th June. Venues and opposition yet to be confirmed for this blitz.