Top of the heap this week are our U12 Division 1 County Champions Finn Rua:

First up on Saturday morning were our 9-a-side team who played in their division 3B cup final against Monaghan Harps in Smithborough. We ended up on the wrong side of a 5-10 to 2-6 score line. Although the team tried their best they couldn’t match some of their earlier league performances. Best of the Clones contingent on the day were Ciaran Duffy, Ryan Nolan, Oisin Kearns and Conor Mc Elwain. The mentors would like to thank the players for their hard work throughout the whole season and although Saturday didn’t work out for us the whole panel can be extremely proud of their efforts. They were a credit to their families and their club. Full panel were: Jack Mc Garry, Darragh Mc Phillips, Oisin Kearns, Conor Mc Elwain, Oisin Flynn, Ciaran Duffy, Andrew Mc Caughey, Kian Clerkin, James Cadden, Jason Lynch, Jordan Mc Cabe, Kevin Mc Phillips, Owen Fitzpatrick, Shane Duffy, Shannon Murphy and Kirsty Mc Phillips.

On Tuesday at 7pm again in Smithborough our 11-a-side team were back in action in the division 1B shield final. Our opposition were Scotstown and this proved to be a ding-dong battle from start to finish.  Scotstown started much the better team and raced to a 12 point lead early in the 1^st half but the boys and girls stuck to their task and battled back into the game, took some well worked scores and went to the break trailing by a single point. The second half saw a much more composed performance from our team and the Graham boys (Rigan and Jack) with help from Jason Lynch managed to steady the ship in the full back line. Andrew Mc Caughey and Kian Clerkin in the half back line showed maturity beyond their years (Andrew is still under 10 and it is Kian’s first year at this grade) Our joint captain on the day, Hugh Mac Donald showed great composure and leadership and also contributed some well taken scores. There were also great displays from our forward line most notably Ciaran Duffy, Oisin Kearns, James Cadden, Jordan Mc Cabe, Ryan Nolan, Oisin Flynn and Conor Mc Elwain.

There were great scenes of jubilation at the end of the game and after the presentation we had the traditional cavalcade around the town and into the Creighton for a post-match meal.

We would like to thank the Scotstown boys for contributing to a great game. And while we know only too well the feeling of losing a final they conducted themselves in a very sportsmanlike manner and will no doubt have better days ahead. We would also like to thank the referee and his officials’ as well as the county board for their handling of the final. We would also like to thank the Eire Og club for the use of their facilities for both finals. Finally, thanks to Packy Mc Carville and the staff of the Creighton hotel for their contribution towards making an evening that will live long in these children’s memories.  Finn Rua abύ/Cluain Eois abύ.

Seniors: As predicted last week,our Championship encounter against Rockcorry proved to be a close, hard-fought affair. Although not a classic, the game was interesting and exciting until the final whistle. The scores were level at 4 points each at half time. Clones,playing with a strong wind but failing to register enough scores in this period, knew they had to start the second half strongly. They did and built up a 5 point lead midway through the second half. A goal from Paul Connolly looked to have St. Tiarnach’s in the driving seat. Rockcorry, however had other ideas and used the elements to their advantage to kick some fine long range scores.Eventually,going into injury time Rock forced a free kick to tie matters up and send the match to a replay in Emyvale on Wednesday night. In all honesty, this was a fairly poor display from Clones. We have played a lot better this year and hopefully will produce an improved performance in the replay in order to advance to a second round meeting with Inniskeen on 7th September. Incidentally, the losers of Clones/Rockcorry face Seans in the next round this weekend

Minors: St. Tiarnach’s had their biggest game of this year last Tuesday when they played Donaghmoyne in the Division 1 Championship semi final in Monaghan Harps.  This group of players competed very well in the first twenty minutes. When a very talented Donaghmoyne side went on a scoring blitz it would prove a bridge too far for the lads.  They’ve equipped themselves extremely well in this division considering the fact that last year we were in Division 3.  Final score Donaghmoyne 3:18 St.Tiarnachs 1:08, Team; C.Sweeney, C.Monaghan, Ben Daly, J.Gavin, James Leonard, Kevin Reilly, Matthew McElvaney, Eoin McQuaid, Dermot Gleeson(0:02), Daragh McDermott, Ryan Rooney, Luke Reihill, James Mealiff(0:02), Micheal Tierney(0:04), C.Leonard: Subs used James MacElwain (1:00), Cory McAree, Chris Cadden, Tristan Reavey, Micheal Morgan.  The players and management can be very proud and hopeful as they faced into a league semi-final against Clontibret in Clones on Tuesday.  Match report next week.

Under 10’s:  had a blitz on Saturday in the big field, we fielded two teams which was a brilliant turnout considering all the families that are on holidays.  They played really well and in their minds no doubt were replicating the successes of many of the stars of the game in St.Tiarnachs Park.  Training continues as usual on Wednesday evening.

Lotto results: numbers drawn on the 11th of August, 1,5,17&20.  Jackpot €2,400.  NO Winner. Sellers Prize Mary Treanor.  Lucky dip winners: Bernie Sweeney C/O Treanors, Jimmy Reilly beechgrove, Debbie McDermott O’Neill Pk, Paul Shiels Church Hill, PJ & Gerry c/o Treanors Bar.  Next week’s Jackpot €2,500 draw will take place in the McClaves.  All monies raised in the lotto go to the running costs of the club in particular our juveniles.  Thanks for your continued support.