There continued to be plenty of action for our members at all grades during the past week. The U-14’s had their first slice of the action on Tuesday evening when they played Mullaghabawn in Clontibret. The game was very exciting from start to finish and our young players showed great tenacity and sportsmanship. For Ellyn McKenna, Rebecca Hamill, Alanna McCarron-Walshe, Leah Magennis and Sara Carragher it was their first time playing at U-14 level and they really stepped up to the mark! Well done girls! A word of thanks to the large number of parents and some senior players who turned up to support the team.

Tomorrow, Tuesday, this team play Camlough, also at home. Players are asked to be at the pitch at 6.15.

Then on Tuesday, April 26, our U-16s start their playing season off in earnest when they meet Middletown. Again players are asked to be at the pitch at 6.15.

Our seniors played Ballymacnab on Wednesday evening last and although we suffered defeat by a few points, the match was fast, tough and competitive. This Sunday the senior team are scheduled to play Aghagallon, in Aghagallon. However, it is hoped to bring this match forward to Friday if possible. Notification to be sent to all players.

Next week the Monaghan League gets underway and Clontibret meet Castleblayney, in Concra, in the first round, on Wednesday, April 27.

For our county minors it was a case of heartbreak at the hands of Tyrone in the National League, Division 3 final, on Saturday. Played in pristine conditions in Eglish, though with the usual hail showers to which our minors have become so accustomed, Tyrone’s physicality was hard to match, coupled with their ability to take points from far outfield. Monaghan battled gamely throughout most of the first half but eventually Tyrone began to distance themselves with alacrity in the second half. Final score: Tyrone 3-12 Monaghan 1-3. Special mention must be made of one of our youngest players, Amy Gorman, who was drafted into goals at very short notice on Thursday evening, due to the unavailability of the regular goalkeeper, for Saturdays final. Not only did Amy step into the breach, but she also took off some fine clearances at crucial stages of the game. Well done Amy!

Commiserations to our representatives on the minor panel – Hannah, Éimear, Emily, Niamh, Sorcha, Sioneen, Ríoghnach, Amy, Clíodhna and not forgetting the injured, Chloe – who have worked so hard together since early February, yet find themselves in the runner-up spot in a National final, once again. Their season however is not yet over as they still have the Ulster ‘B’ Championship final to play – yes, against Tyrone. The date for this has still to be fixed.

Training continues as follows: Seniors: Wednesday and Friday at 7.30pm. U-16/14: Thursday at 5.30pm, U-12/Beginners: Tuesday 6.00pm. County minors: Saturday afternoon.

Finally, great to see Karen Kieran out and about again, and making great strides (literally!), following a nasty accident involving her beloved horse. Karen has been recuperating in Monaghan but heads back to Limerick next week to complete her doctorate. Every good wish Karen for a full recovery.