Congratulations our county minors who have been putting in a huge effort recently, both at training and on the playing pitches and have recorded two victories on ‘the bounce’ in recent weeks – the first of these in the National League, against Wicklow, in Arklow, and more recently, in the Ulster Shield, against Donegal on Sunday last in Templemore Sports Centre, Derry city. These players are a credit to the club and the county. A special mention must be made of Hannah McSkeane who was chosen as captain of the county minor team for 2016 and certainly judging by her performances in both matches, it is easy to see that she leads by example. Our club representatives are: Chloe McGuigan, Eimear McKenna, Emily Madden, Sioneen Morgan, Sorcha McDonald, Niamh Kieran, Ríoghnach Duffy, Amy Gorman and Cliodhna Moran. This Saturday Monaghan has a tough assignment against Tyrone, in Monaghan. Details regarding time and venue will be circulated as soon as a pitch has been secured.

The county minors will be hosting an Easter Draw towards the purchase of a set of half-zips. Prizes include a meal for 2 in The View Restaurant Bar, Concra Wood and a delectable, large, chocolate Easter egg! Lines cost €2 each, three for €5. Please support the girls in their fund-raiser.

Last week an important meeting of Ulster Chairs and Secretaries was held in Garvaghy, Co Tyrone. This was to outline the importance of ensuring that all Club and county Executive members, club and county coaches are Garda vetted and have completed a recognised child protection course. Garda vetting forms are available online and any club official/coach who has not completed one in the past three years should d so asap! Ulster GAA will be conducting an audit of every club in the province to ensure they are compliant with the aforementioned so it is important that the relevant people take the necessary steps to ensure they are covered.

The Beginners Coaching course, previously scheduled for Feb 24th has been e-scheduled for Tues March 22 at 7.30pm. This will be facilitated by Clare Dowdall, Regional Development Officer,and is appropriate for parents, TY/Gaisce students and senior players with no previous experience of coaching. As our U-12/U10 members have not yet commenced training, it is imperative that this is well supported. Names to be forwarded to myself, or Club Secretary, Aisling McElvaney, as soon as possible.

Thanks to Sharon McCarron-Walshe who recently undertook a First Aid course on behalf of the club, in conjunction with Monaghan Sports Partnership. Let’s hope her skills are not required too often but it is important for parents to know that someone with the ‘know how’ is on the sideline when their children are playing games. Thanks again Sharon!

With Clontibret O’Neills ‘The Kube’ fundraiser taking place on May 1st, tickets have gone on sale at €20 each. These can be purchased from Aisling Greenan, myself or any Committee member.

Training continues for seniors on Wednesday and Friday evenings, U-16/U-14s Thursday evening and county minors on Thursday evening. Thanks to Moira McKenna who assisted last week with U-14/U-16 training.

Congratulations to Marie who ‘passed out’ – not literally of course! – or rather, graduated, from Templemore Garda Training College on Monday. As could only happen to Marie, she was spotted on the RTE News at 6 o clock! Sure with national prominence like that ‘The Kube’ will be no bother to her!! Her first posting is in Navan and we wish her every success in her career.