Monaghan Harps Lotto: The last Lotto draw of the year took place last Sunday night, when the numbers were 8, 20, 21 and 22. Jackpot of €1,300 not won. Residual prizes: €100 Helen Hahessy c/o Cosy Bar; €40 Liz Brennan c/o self; €40 Romy Ward c/o Philomena Hughes; €40 Rita McMeel c/o Paddy Donnelly. The first draw of 2011 takes place in the clubhouse on Sunday, January 2, with a jackpot of €1,450. All welcome, as always. Many thanks on behalf of Monaghan Harps to the hard-working Lotto committee and everyone who supports our lotto, which plays an essential part in the club’s funding.

Charity game: For anyone looking for something to do to get out of the house over Christmas, look no further than the Monaghan Harps charity match, which takes place on December 27. Club members, former players, hurlers and ladies will all take part on the day. Among the players confirmed so far are Adrian Trappe, Terry Gilsenan, Seán McKenna and Jennifer and Alison Treanor and it’s also rumoured that Peter Coyle will be taking part just a couple of days before getting married! Anyone interested can contact Owen Connell at 086 2453390 or Liadhan Treanor at 086 7837204.

Lotto AGM: The Lotto AGM was postponed last Sunday due to the inclement weather. It will be rearranged early in the new year, so keep an eye on the club notes for more details.

Training courses: The Monaghan Club Officer Training will be held in St Macartan’s College, Monaghan on Saturday, January 15, 2011 from 9am to 12noon. All club officers are urged to attend this training, including those who attended last year’s training. This year’s session will complement last year’s programme, with different content. Certificates will be provided on the day for completing this programme. The Ulster GAA Coaching & Games Development Conference course is on in the Glenavon House Hotel on Saturday, January 29. Anyone interested in either please contact Club Secretary Lorcan McAdam.

Christmas greetings: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all club members, players, committee, team mentors and supporters!

Church-gate collection: Thanks to everyone who braved the cold conditions to help out with the club’s church-gate collection last weekend.

Membership: Membership fees for 2011, which are being maintained at €20, can now be paid to registrar Maurice Galligan c/o Cosy Bar or to Liadhan Treanor in the clubhouse.

Sympathy: The club expresses sympathy to Rose Hughes and family on the death of her brother Kevin Mohan.

Aido File: Lads and Lasses of the Harps fraternity, Christmas wishes to everyone and in particular our newest member, Conor McGrath. It looks like Conor has already got his first white Christmas on the way so here’s hoping for many more! Happy birthday to our club’s special Christmas baby, Noelle Keenan. Noelle’s 21st will be in conjunction with the Harps Christmas party in Tir na nÓg on December 29, all welcome!

Handball: The Challenger 1 league is proving very exciting with several close matches and the odd upset to the form book. Last week’s leader Conor Myles lost out by one point to Lorcan O’Rourke who then quickly followed up with another win. Josh Maguire has proved a revelation despite only taking up handball recently. There have been good performances from Eoghan McGinnity, Aaron Treanor, Jakub Szkup, Ryan Myles and Justas.  The top four players on points will eventually be involved in the knockout stages.  There will also be a special prize for the most-improved player. However, as in all sports, it is just as important to take part as it is to win. There will be a Challenger 2 competition in the new year. We welcome two new adult beginners to the club – Séamus McKenna and Mark Treanor. Don’t forget that handball is presently being featured on TG4 with two further programmes on the first Monday in January. We wish all our players, parents and club officials a very happy Christmas and New Year. 

Clubhouse: The Monaghan Harps clubhouse is available now to book for functions. Contact Liadhan Treanor at 086 7837204 for bookings.