Commiserations, to Fintan Kelly and the County squad on losing the Dr. McKenna cup final to Tyrone last Sunday, it was very positive for most of the first half with Monaghan giving Tyrone their fill of it whilst playing into a very strong headwind in wintry conditions, a point up with five minutes left of the first half things were looking good.  But the concession of a goal and the loss of a man lead to the proverbial wheels falling off.  Monaghan were unable to recover this loss or to capitalise on the wind assistance in the second half added to the numerical disadvantage against a team of Tyrone’s class left the final score Monaghan 1:10 Tyrone 4:11.  We have to take the positives from this campaign and now look forward to the National League.

National League: Monaghan’s first round match is at home this coming Sunday against Meath in Clones.  Monaghan will be looking to get back to winning ways and a win on Sunday will boost confidence for their next assignment against Cavan in Breffni on Sunday week.  Tickets are on sale in SuperValu for all Allianz National League matches.

Largy College: played their VEC Under-16’s Ulster Quarter Final against St Column’s of Cookstown last Wednesday.  They played some great football in the first half to lead by six points 2:06 to 1:03.  At the start of the second half Largy’s star player Eoin McQuaid got injured in a tackle suffering a knee into the back of his head, requiring immediate attention Eoin was taken by ambulance to Craigavon hospital.  This has a devastating effect on the Clones player who conceded a few quick goals after that.  Unfortunately it wasn’t to be with Largy loosing out on the day.  Thankfully Eoin has made a full recovery and was home that evening with slight concussion.  A big thank you to Mr Wixted, Largy’s coach and manager who had a difficult task on the day, well done to the lads on getting so far in the competition.  Largy’s Under-19’s Quarter Final is in Stewardstown this Friday evening at 6pm, this team is made up from all the surrounding clubs and we call on them to come out and show their support and attend on the day.

Strength and Conditioning for the Juveniles continues every Wednesday from 7 to 8 in St. Tiarnach’s primary School.  Thanks to Majella for her help with this.

Executive Meeting in the Creighton hotel this Thursday at 8pm.  The members of the dinner dance committee are asked to come at 7pm to finalise preparations.

Dinner Dance Tickets are on sale for this hotly anticipated evening’s entertainment. All members of the executive have tickets; they’re also available in SuperValu.  If you need a club tie contact Joanne.  SuperValu also have Mouth Guards but as this is a civilised affair I don’t anticipate you needing them.

Coaches: All coaches please try and attend relevant coaching workshops being held in Cloghan beginning this Wednesday, these are compulsory and will be of great benefit to you and your teams.

Senior Training started up again last Sunday and will continue every Sunday at 11:30. There was a great turnout with nearly thirty lads togged out for training, there were in need of more than soup and sandwiches as the weather was atrocious, indeed like the answer given to Canon McNaboe by John Reihill when enquiring had he been to mass that Sunday, and John on his way to a match in Castleblaney “You wouldn’t put a dog out on a day like that”.  There were sore limbs and aches in places you wouldn’t think there was places, but bravery like that should stand to them and we look forward to the start of the league.

Membership: Note to all that membership is now due.  Players membership is €20, Ordinary membership €10, Juvenile €5 and Family Membership €25.

Sympathy: On behalf of the club, I would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Fitzpatrick and McKenna families on the passing of their mother and Aunt Mary Fitzpatrick. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this sad time. Ar dheis De go raibh a h’anam dilis.    

Sympathy: It was with great sadness last Wednesday that we learned of the sudden passing of our friend and member Liam Quigley.  On behalf of the club, I would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Quigley family.  Liam was always a great supporter of the club and county in many ways. Although a Currin man at heart he devoted a lot of his time to the club, managing the victorious Under 16’s McNally cup team and managing the Minor and Senior teams on a number occasions down through the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Gay, sons Donal and wife Ciara, Son Daragh and wife Christina grandchildren and extended family during this sad time. Ar dheis De go raibh a h’anam Uasal.  

Annual Lotto Subscription is still available from February on for the knockdown bargain price of €40, a truly magical gift this will cover you for Valentines, Mothers day Birthdays, Weddings and Christenings so don’t miss out on a bargain.

Lotto Results: St. Tiarnach’s G.F.C. Lotto 21/01/2013, Jackpot €6,400.  Numbers drawn, 4,5,19,23. No Winner.  Lucky Dip Winners Cecilia O’Reilly, Fermanagh Terrace, Eoin McKernan Clonavilla, Danny McCarney 5 Railway Terrace, PJ&Athony C/O Packie Willies, Gerry Cadden C/O Tower Bar.  Next weeks Jackpot €6,500.  Draw will be held in Hibernian Hotel.  Thank you to all Ticket Sellers and Buyers your support is appreciated.