On Saturday last, the 11^th of August, the Monaghan U-14 hurling development squad took part in an Ulster hurling blitz in Cloghan. The boys had three competitive games against Cavan, Fermanagh and Louth, winning all three games in a very impressive manner and showcasing the excellent hurling talent in the county at juvenile level.

The blitz opened with a game against Cavan. The first half was very competitive with Monaghan playing against a strong wind. Paudie Deery and Cathal Power both played superbly in defence and their job was made easier with Aron Gernon and Darragh Hughes dominating at midfield. Paul Peppard was a constant threat in the forwards getting some great scores and Ryan Connolly’s great play and unselfish work at full-forward were also a highlight. Monaghan opened up and played some great hurling in the second half, getting some excellent scores in the process. Man of the match in the game went to Remmy McKenna who put in an outstanding display of skilful hurling throughout.

Next up was a game against Fermanagh and again Monaghan found themselves playing against a strong wind in the first half. Killian Hand was dominant at centre-back and Cathal Power scored some great goals to help Monaghan open up a good first half lead. Fermanagh played well in the second half and but for the defending of Paudie Deery, Colin Merrick and Andrew Woods could have turned this lead around. Other notable performances came from Nathan O’Donoghue and Aaron McGuigan who were always a threat. Man of the match was Paudie Deery who was excellent at full-back.

The blitz finished with a game against Louth with the Monaghan lads looking to keep their 100% record going. Remmy McKenna, playing at full-forward scored an excellent individual goal in a first half which was very close. As Luke McKenna and Darragh Hughes began to dominate midfield, the Monaghan forwards got more of a chance to impress with some great running striking and teamwork from Mark Murphy, Paul Peppard and Cathal McEnaney in particular. At the back, Andrew Woods was very solid and reliable in goal while James Carville and Cathal Power defended stoutly and helped launch some excellent attacks. Monaghan pulled away in the second half, thanks in particular to a man of the match display from Luke McKenna at midfield.

The blitz was a great success and the standard of hurling played by the Monaghan lads was excellent. One of the best aspects of the day was the strength in depth of the squad with every player on the day playing very well. Well done to all the lads on a super performance. The lads are now preparing for National Hurling blitz which will take place on 1st September in Cavan.

 

Monaghan U-14 Hurling Development Squad;

Ronan Finnegan, Jordan Carville, Paudie Deery, Darragh Hughes, Jack Marron, Cathal Power, Fionn O’Callaghan, Killian Hand, Aron Gernon, Mark Murphy, Luke McKenna, Remmy McKenna, Paul Peppard, Ryan Connolly, Cathal McEnaney, Dean McGuigan, Aaron McGuigan, Nathan O’Donoghue, James Carville, Colin Merrick, Micheál Coburn, Andrew Woods, Aidan Woods, Tiernan McQuaid, Patrick Bermingham, Stephen McNally,Patrick Mitchell, Francis Sherry, Oisín Wilcox.