The Annual Monaghan GAA Convention took place on Thursday night in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan town. Each club was represented on the night by up to three delegates.

Secretary Seán McKenna presented the first report of the night, which gave a detailed look at the year gone by. He reflected on a “disappointing campaign” for the senior and Under-21 footballers, including the controversial decision to take home advantage away from the seniors for the National Football League game against Galway. McKenna also referred to the unsatisfactory end to the senior hurling season, but he noted that the minors in both codes had brought a lot of pride to the county, with the footballers reaching the Ulster final and the hurlers winning a league and championship double. The Monaghan Harps clubman also thanked everyone involved in the official yearbook and annual awards night and he paid tribute to Monaghan Gaels who passed away during the year, particularly former star player Kieran Finlay.

Treasurer Marion Donnelly presented the yearly accounts, which showed a €13,102 surplus. Gate receipts were up by 15% to over €170,000, but overall income fell by just under 4%, while expenditure was up by nearly 6%, largely due to a rise in team expenses. Donnelly thanked all the sponsors and everyone who had contributed to keeping the county’s finances in a healthy state.

Paul Curran then gave the Chairman’s Address. He talked about the progress achieved in the Strategic Plan 2010-2013, adding that a new plan would soon be needed to continue to measure the actions of the county board and its sub-committees. Curran also referred to the upcoming publication of the official yearbook, which will be released on Friday, December 14.

Cathal Hand’s decision to step down after three years as Youth Officer led to tributes being paid to the popular Ballybay. Hand, who is to remain as the county ASAP officer, thanked the clubs and fellow county board officers for their support and he urged clubs to continue to maintain young members’ involvement in any way possible. He asked the clubs to row in behind his successor, John McArdle from Drumhowan, who steps up from Coaching Officer.

There was little change to the county executive, with the exception of McArdle replacing Hand as Youth/Children’s Officer and Garrett Coyle being named Coaching Officer in place of McArdle.

Chairman/Cathaoirleach: Paul Curran (Clontibret)

Vice-Chairman/Leas-Cathaoirleach: Pádraig Sherry (Drumhowan)

Secretary/Rúnaí: Seán McKenna (Monaghan Harps)

Assistant Secretary/Rúnaí Cúnta: Anita Finnegan (Aughnamullen)

Treasurer/Cisteoir: Marion Donnelly (Emyvale)

Assistant Treasurer/Cisteoir Cúnta: Eileen Keenan (Corduff)

Ard Comhairle/Central Council delegate: Declan Flanagan (Cremartin)

Ulster Council/Comhairle Uladh delegates: John Connolly (Currin) & Gerry Duffy (Drumhowan)

Public Relations Officer/Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí: John Kieran (Killanny)

Youth Officer/Oifigeach na nÓg: John McArdle (Drumhowan)

Oifigeach Forbartha/Development Officer: Gerry McDonald (Donaghmoyne)

Oifigeach Oiliúna/Coaching Officer: Garrett Coyle (Monaghan Harps)

 

The annual MonaghanGAA/The Northern Standard awards winners were announced on the night. See news for details.