Another Victorious weekend for our juveniles who won the Under 16 League final against Aughnamullen on Sunday, it was amid wonderful scenes of joy and excitement for those that were there.  Following a tense opening half it was nip and tuck from both teams but showing leadership throughout the field Clones gained an upper hand with goals from Ryan Rooney and Daniel McAloon, provided mostly by Fabian Beggan and Caolin who excelled under pressure.  After a fantastic year Chris was putting in another stellar performance.  At the other end fantastic play in goals from Conal continuing to play despite injury and his defensive team including, Daragh, Daniel, Matthew, David and Evan along with their two imperious leaders in midfield, Eoin and Capt. James.   Playing with a stiff wind behind them Clones needed to go in at half time with a comfortable lead, they were able to do this and more.  Clones came out for the second half with all guns blazing and maintaining their advantage despite the stiff wind ratcheted up a massive score to win by a wide margin.  A fantastic team performance from everyone, the subs who came on made a massive difference in injecting tempo when it was required and cool heads in front of goal.  Team and Scorers Conal Beggan, David Jilistratovs(0:01), Daragh McDermott, Matthew Newell, Evan Mulvanny, Daniel Freeman, James Mealiff (Capt.)(0:02), Eoin McQuaid(1:03), Fabian Beggan(0:01), Chris Cadden(0:01), Caolin McDonald, Daniel McAloon(4:00 & a cartwheel), Ryan Rooney(1:01).  Subs Luke Reihill(0:01), David McCabe, Sean MacElwain, David Alford, Sean McGovern, Ryan McGovern, Darragh Slowey, Jason McNamee, Cameron Dowds(1:03), Oliver Clerkin(0:01). I personally couldn’t pick a man of the match as there were too many to choose from and they all can take a huge bow.  We are extremely proud of all the lads and their three mentors Adrian, Stephen and Phelim. Many thanks to the Garda Escort and the Festival Committee who, in the middle of the Canal Capers managed to take the team bus and cars on the “Tour Of The Town with the Cup”. The crowd were terrific and gave the lads a welcome that will be talked about for years to come.

Congratulations to all the Clones girls who have been winning a variety cups over the last few weeks with their different clubs.  With ladies football in the county going so well it’s great to see the girls achieving at juvenile level and we hope they continue to be successful. 

Congratulations to John Jenkins who was part of the St Brendan’s Team who last Sunday won the Warwickshire Intermediate Championship for the first time since 1996. John’s team is managed by another Clones man, Mickey Quigley. Well done lads.

Well done to Ciaran Murray and Nudie Hughes on being selected on the team of the 80’s to be honoured on All Ireland final day. Ciaran a very proud club man, played at the highest level in the 80’s indeed it is only this year with recapturing the Anglo Celt we realise how great a team we had back then.  Ciaran won Ulster titles, National Leagues, All Stars and represented Ireland against Australia; he’s a huge success story for the club and the town.  They’ll be joined by Roslea’s Peter McGinnity and Tyrone’s Frank McGuigan and Eugene McKenna.  Frank put on what was without question one of the finest performances ever seen in St Tiarnachs park in his day, if you’re too young to remember McGuigan’s eleven points from play in the 1984 Ulster Final check it out!! They’ve all played some memorable games in St.Tiarnachs park and we’re proud of their exploits in Clones and remember their fantastic achievements this Sunday All Ireland Football Final day.

“Memories of match days” discussion night will be held on Thursday night in the Creighton Hotel at 8pm hosted by Frank McNally of the Irish Times.  The Panel consists of Ciaran Murray, Martin McAvinney, Dick Clerkin, Banty McEneaney, Jenny Greenan and Terry Hyland.  Come along for what promises to be a very interesting night and great prelude to the big match on Sunday.

Seniors:  Disappointment on Sunday evening for our seniors who failed to impress on the day to a more seasoned Currin outfit.  Playing against the wind in the first half Clones were unable to live with our neighbours in the first half and unable to claw back the deficit in the second half. Persistent and tenacious play from Finty, Sheilo, Mousey, Dutchy and Darren weren’t enough this time unfortunately.  We live to fight another day against Truagh in the back door on Saturday coming in a must win game.  Team: Ciaran Morgan, Eugene Holland, Paul Shiels, Paul Connolly, Micheal Treanor, Declan McQuaid, Daragh Graham, Adrian Alford, Ethan Audley, Daragh Holland, Darren Freeman, Sarto Quigley, David Freeman, Emmet McEntee, Fintan Kelly. Subs used Ciaran Kelly, Cian O’Connor and Eddie Treanor.

Minors:  Sunday the 6^th of October sees the highly anticipated clash of Doohamlet and St.Tiarnachs in the Division 3 Championship Final, the lads have worked exceptionally hard all year and we’re hopeful of a big performance.  Date and venue have yet to be decided for the Div3 league final as we await the outcome of the postponed Castleblaney Doohamlet semi –final.  I would encourage all of you to support this minor team, some of our current and future county stars are on this team.

U14 Div 1 Team are in the Shield final this Saturday at 12.15pm in Cremartin, here’s hoping for more celebrations, best of luck to them and please support if you can, it means a lot to the players, management and their families.

Under 8’s County Blitz was held in Clones last Saturday under the watchful eyes of the Cloghan Coaching Team, Paul O Connor, Colin Malone and Marty Corry. We entered two teams in this and saw some great football. It was a beautiful sunny day and a wonderful sight to see 18 teams of U8s all playing football on St Tiarnach’s Park simultaneously.

Sincere Sympathy to the family of the late Shane O’Neill Abbey St. who died recently following a prolonged illness, our thoughts and prayers go out to Mary, PJ and Shane Jr. at this difficult time. Solas na bhflaitheas air.