Championship 2013: The draw for the county Monaghan football club championships took place at Monday nights’ county committee meeting at Cloghan. In the Senior Championship we have been drawn against Magheracloone in the First Round, while Oram will be the opposition in the preliminary round of the Junior Football Championship. Details of venues and dates are yet to be decided.

Doctor McKenna Cup: Monaghan made the trip to Armagh on Sunday and came away with a hard earned victory in the semi-final of the McKenna Cup against Down. With minutes remaining, the game was delicately poised with both teams down to fourteen men. Two late points from Darren Hughes swung the game in Monaghan’s favour, and they will now face Tyrone in the final this Saturday night, January 26^th at 7:30pm in Armagh.

Spring Coaching Courses: There are a number of coaching courses coming up organised by Monaghan GAA. Foundation football: 15^th & 16^th February, or 8^th & 9^th March. The foundation courses run on a Friday night from 7-10pm, and on the Saturday from 9:30am-4:30pm. The venue is to be confirmed, and the cost is €30. Level One Children’s coaching course takes place on 8^th-10^th February inclusive, and Level One Adult coaching on 22^nd-24^th February inclusive. The venue for Level One courses will be Cloghan, with the cost to be confirmed. Please contact our club coaching officer David McCague on 087-6202242 or email dmccague@stmacartanscollege.ie if you intend doing any of the courses through the club.

Juvenile Team Management: There will be a meeting concerning juvenile team management for the year ahead on Thursday, February 7^th at 8pm. Anyone interested in managing under-12, under-14 or under-16 teams is invited to attend.

Club Membership: Club membership fees for 2013 can now be paid to Frankie McCarey, Cormac Sherry or Matt McCrudden. The fee is €30 for adults, and €10 for juveniles. Corporate membership is available for €150 which also includes Ciste subscription for the year, and entry to all home games for the season.

Awards: The Monaghan GAA annual awards, in association with The Northern Standard were presented on Saturday night in the Hillgrove Hotel. Scotstown club referee Gerard McCarron picked up the Monaghan County Senior Referee of the Year award for 2012, while Sean McCrudden collected the Hall of Fame award. Congratulations to both men.

Bookings: The Social Centre at Scotstown Complex is available to book for functions. For more information, or to make a booking contact Stephen McKenna on 087-8507053.

Sem Gala Ball: Saint Macartan’s College, Monaghan celebrate 100 years of Gaelic Games in the college this year. To mark this milestone, the college is inviting all past pupils to a special Centenary Gala Ball on Saturday, February 16^th in the Hillgrove Hotel. There are many past pupils within the club, and this is a great opportunity for them to support their “alma mater”. All proceeds will go to the redevelopment of the “bottom pitch”. For details on how to book tickets, or to assist in the organisation of a table for this unique event, please contact David McCague on 087-6202242.

Conversational Irish: The Ciorcal Gaeilge continues each Tuesday night at 8:30pm in the Sports Complex, Scotstown. It’s an informal meeting for adults who wish to learn, use or brush up on their “cúpla focail”. Fáilte roimh gach duine!

Ladies Club AGM: The Ladies Club Annual General Meeting will take place this Friday, January 25^th at 8pm in the Scotstown Complex meeting room. We would urge parents to attend as there are important matters regarding the year ahead to be discussed.

Ladies Senior, Minor & Under 16: Indoor training begins next Tuesday the 29th of January at 7:30pm in Scotstown Complex. Make sure to bring runners and water. There will be a guest trainer on the night, so please come along as large numbers are required.