AGM: Our AGM was held last Friday in our newly decorated clubrooms, with the secretary reporting on a busy year at all levels of the club. In his chairman’s address, Colm Gormley thanked all who helped make the club run efficiently during the year, including players, managers, club officers, sponsors, and the myriad of people who help out with the unseen jobs around the club. He reflected on the disappointment of the county final defeat, but urged everyone to keep working hard to bring us back better and stronger in the coming year. He remarked on the number of new families now coming into our club and the respect that there is for our club in the wider community and throughout the county, which in itself is a testament to all those who are involved with it. he praised the contribution of our county players, Vinnie, Dessie, Conor, Aodh and Michael Paul, in bringing honour to our county at both senior and minor level during the past year. In particular he singled out the great honour that had been brought to our club by the achievements of Conor McManus during the past year. He referred to his success with Monaghan, Ulster and Ireland, and above all the crowning glory of bringing an All Star Award to our club for the first time.

Colm also highlighted the achievements of two other club members who are to be honoured at the Monaghan GAA Awards evening on Saturday. Sean Hughes will be inducted into the Monaghan GAA Hall of Fame, while Dessie Mone will be awarded the Club Monaghan Player of the Year award for his outstanding performances with Monaghan in 2013.

Colm then highlighted the proposed new pitch development at O’Neill Park of which a photographic display was on view at the meeting, prepared by Paul McGuigan. He thanked Paul for his work and effort on the design and execution of the plans which shows the development path which lies ahead to prepare for the next 100 years and reminded club members that their support will be sought during the coming months to provide the necessary funding to get the project underway.

The election of officers for 2014 was as follows: President: Sean Hughes, Vice President: James Winters, Chairman: Colm Gormley, Secretary: Frank McManus, PRO: Kathy McManus, Registrar: Thomas Greenan, Youth Officer: Fergal Mone, Children’s Officer: Caroline McQuaid, Insurance Officer: Peadar Hughes, Coaching Officer: Martin Corey, ASAP Officer: Jerome Savage, Players’ Officer: JP Mone, Cultural Officer: Malachy Trainor.

The position of treasurer was left vacant as outgoing treasurer, Kieran Lavelle, who held the post for the past nine years, decided not to go forward. Kieran has given outstanding service to the club, not only in this position, but in numerous roles over a long number of years. His value and contribution to club life was unanimously applauded by all present at the meeting, and the hope was expressed that he will continue to be involved in club affairs at other levels.

Players of the Year Awards: Congratulations to our Players of the Year which were announced at the AGM on Friday last. The winner of the Senior Player of the Year award was Martin Corey, Brian Greenan was awarded Reserve Player of the Year, while Young Player of the Year went to Darren McDonnell. Well done to these worthy winners.

Sympathy: Sympathy is extended to Pat and Eithne Murphy on the death of Eithne’s sister, Mary. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.