Dan’s Tournament; Took place last Sunday, the first game at 2pm between Aghabog and Currin. The second game was between Clones and Killeevan. Currin beat Aghabog in the first game whilst Clones were well beaten by Killeevan in the second game.  Management chose to give all the players a run out and an entirely different team played in each half, we lost the first half and we won the second half but lost the match overall.  The winter cobwebs are starting to come off now and the lads played well considering the hard training they’ve have been going through.  Lack of game time under the new management was surely a factor and there’s a lot to be learned from this game, focusing on improving our weaknesses, but more importantly perfecting our strengths and we’ll not get too hung up about a loss to Killeevan in early February.  Centre of attention is now on Donaghmoyne away in the first match of the league.

Coaching workshops:  well done to our coaches on completing the three day course in Killeevan last week.  Everyone found this course very informative and the learning’s will stand to them no doubt come the business end of the season.  Well done to Joe Monaghan, Adrian Alford, Declan McKernan, Declan McQuaid, Ciaran Mulhall and Frank McDonald., big thanks also to Phelim for organising it.  Ady’s talents as a juvenile’s coach are no secret to us and it’s great to see them being recognised at county level.  He’s now part of the county backroom team for the U14 development squad in Cloghan; this team includes our own Ollie Clerkin, Cameron Dowds along with Declan Óg McKernan.

Well Done and continued success to Largy College, both U16 and U19 teams are in the VEC Ulster Semi-Final, these teams are made up from all the neighbouring clubs and they really enjoy their football together.  They say that winning is a habit and certainly our lads are in the habit of winning lately, lets hope it continues and more silverware beckons.

Referees training course taking place in March, anybody interested talk to Kevin.  We’re well represented at Juvenile level but really we do need senior referees so if you’re interested at all, don’t hesitate, full training will be provided.

Ladies Monaghan Ladies entertained Dublin in Inniskeen on Sunday, in a great game Monaghan were denied victory and full points as Dublin came back to level the match in the final minutes of the game Monaghan 1:13 Dublin 1:13, Monaghan still remain unbeaten, with a big game against Tyrone next week.  It’s fantastic for our club to be involved with players on these teams. Well done Anita Newell and Marion Shiels last weekend.

Seniors: training continues on Sunday’s, Wednesday’s and Friday’s.  There continues to be very strong numbers despite the miserable weather.  New management of Mickey Slowey, Donal Quigley and Gerry Reihill continue to put the lads through their paces, and whilst far from the finished article there is definitely progress being made.

U16, Minor & Under21 Training commences again soon, get your boots ready and contact your coaches for more details.

Under14 training continues every Tuesday in Killeevan.

Under12’s training starts up this Saturday, contact your coaches Phelim and Frank for details.  A note to all players and parents that mouth-guards are now compulsory for all matches and training, they’re as important as the boots so na dearna sibh dearmad (Don’t Forget).

Membership:  Membership rates will remain unchanged at €10 for ordinary members (Family €25 – Adult Player €20 – Juvenile €5) and can be paid to Tom Kelly or any executive member. It’s important that ALL players pay their membership as soon as possible otherwise you will not be covered under the GAA Insurance Scheme.  We would encourage existing club members to renew their subscriptions as soon as possible and we would sincerely welcome any newcomers wishing to join.

Club DVD:  Recently at the dinner dance we launched the DVD “5 County Titles and an All Ireland Success”, which commemorates the fantastic achievements of last season.  This DVD shows highlights of all the victories including introduction by all the victorious teams’ captains and mentors, Colm Kirke’s performance in Derry as well as other extra’s including the Micheál O’Muircheartaigh address as well as our own unique take on the now infamous Joe Brolly rant.  A preview of this DVD can be seen on our Clones GAA Facebook page, Twitter well as on Clones Notice Boards. All monies raised go towards promoting the game and developing our juveniles.  These are available from Joanne for €15 each or two for €20.  The photo’s that Eugene Hamill took on the night of the dinner dance are available from Eugene, there are some really good ones, checkout his Facebook page for closer inspection.

Congratulations to Niall Óg Nolan who celebrated his 21^st on Saturday night last, he spent the whole time nervously playing with his hair and asking the ladies to run their fingers through it, that full head of hair’s days are surely numbered as his dad lost his hair at 22.  Think of the positives though Niall Óg you’ll be saving a fortune on hair gel, plus you’ll have so much time now from not having to look in the mirror as often, you can spend that time doing the hard miles training.

Congratulations to the club’s representative at county level Liam Doherty who’s celebrating a big birthday this week.  I’m not at liberty to disclose his age but all I can say is you could divide it by two and still not find it on a euro millions lotto ticket.

Congratulations also to Finian and Elizabeth O’Hart on the arrival of Baby Lucia late last week.  Lucia joins Sophia, Ava and Emma in the house and whilst it’s more miracles than prayers that Finian needs he is without doubt ‘blessed amongst women’.

Lotto:  Jackpot €5,000.  24^th February numbers drawn 1,3,5&24. NO WINNER.  Lucky dip winners, Maguire kids O’Neill Park, E.McCabe Clones, E.McCabe Clones, The Murphy’s Clondergole, Daragh McGirr 16 Woodlands.  Sellers Prize Stephen Maguire. Next Draw Cosy Bar.  Next Jackpot  €5,100.