On Saturday 18^th August, the U-14 footballers of Co. Monaghan travelled to Kinnegad, Co. Westmeath to play in an invitational tournament against Dublin and Longford. Under the guidance of Garrett Coyle, Marty Corey, Marty Woods and Seamus Mulholland, a group of 45 players have met regurlarly once a fortnight since April in order to develop their skills of the game. Without doubt, this group of players have demonstrated that they possess a lot of potential and are very keen and enthusiastic and trying to improve themselves individually and collectively.

                In the 1^st game of the day, the Monaghan lads faced a well drilled and physically superior Dublin team managed by Coman Goggins and Val Andrews. However, this did not deter Monaghan from playing some lovely passages of football resulting in some excellent scores. Indeed, this game was in the mix up until 10 minutes from the end, when Dublin were fortunate to collect a rebound off a shot from David Garland that bounced off the crossbar, go the length of the pitch and score a goal, which was followed quickly by another goal which created daylight between the teams. In fairness, this Monaghan team did not drop their heads and manfully played until the final whistle.

After a break of a few minutes, Monaghan had to regroup and face Longford, a sister county, being off similar size, population and interest in football. These Monaghan players represented themselves, their family & friends, their clubs and their schools with a lot of pride by running out comfortable winners. They executed some excellent team-moves with regular scores coming from the full-forward line after some great defensive work by the full-back line. All members of the travelling group played at least 30 minutes in what was an enjoyable day for all.

Team Manager, Garrett Coyle was delighted with his sides’ efforts; “Today is a day that these Monaghan lads will never forget, this is what all the training is for. At the moment, Dublin are the market leaders in all areas of the GAA, as our Minor team knows, and you want to test yourself against the best. These guys fronted up the challenge and I was extremely happy with their work-rate and never say die attitude. In fairness, all 45 of the extended panel have taken onboard the work being done by our coaches Seamus and the two Marty’s so that they can improve individually and collectively. Due credit must go the club coaches that have ensured these players are comfortable ball players and are ready for this level of football.”

The U-14 Inter-county season is drawing to close with two tournaments being organised for Co. Armagh and Co. Down before the panel embark on a 16 week strength and conditioning programme.

Monaghan U14 Development Squad