Yes, a long overdue update!! The joys of ‘double/triple jobbing’! While the evenings might be assuming a distinctly autumnal feel there is still plenty of activity ongoing in the club.

Preparations are well underway for the Senior Championship final on Sunday August 21 against old rivals Castleblayney. Time and venue to be confirmed. Mindful of the fact that that this is the same weekend as the Community Games football teams are in a bid for national glory, we appeal to all those not travelling with them to ensure you get behind our camógs as they seek to reclaim the county title.

A number of our U-16 players made a valuable contribution to the county U-16 panel recently. What started out as a ‘one day Blitz’ became something akin to the proverbial piece of string with new dates being added all the time. Their final match was the All-Ireland ‘C’ quarter final against Mayo, in Longford, on Sunday last. Well done to Ellanna, Ria and Jennifer who flew the Clontibret flag admirably! On the basis of ‘commitment to training, performance in matches and overall attitude throughout the Solo-to-Success programme’ 3 players will represent Monaghan at the U-16 elite camp in UUJ Jordanstown towards the end of August. Last year the club was honoured to have Chloe McGuigan and Ríoghanch Duffy chosen as 2 out of the 3 and what a great experience this was for the girls.

Speaking of great experiences, hopefully Sunday next, Aug 7, will be one of Ellanna Fitzpatrick’s greatest experiences when she steps on to Croke Park to represent her club and county in the ‘Give Respect, Get Respect’ Mini-sevens during the half time interval in the Kilkenny v Waterford All-Ireland hurling championship clash. And what a thrilling contest that promises to be. Ellanna carries the best wishes of the club with her and we hope she has a fantastic day with her family.

Our U-14s have still a small number of fixtures outstanding in the Armagh League (though it is hoped to commence a Monaghan League shortly to finish off the summer!). Their match against Cullyhanna scheduled for this Friday evening has been cancelled due to Armagh county U-14 activities. Their next match is against Aghagallon (away) on Friday August 19, so that will be akin to a summer outing. Sure we might even stay overnight!!!

County U-14 training will take place on a weekly basis – details to be confirmed following County Board meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) in preparation for the Ulster U-14 blitz on August 27th. This is a precursor to the National U-14 Blitz Day to be held held on Saturday September 10, in Dublin, in advance of the All-Ireland camogie finals. Each county panel represented on the Saturday, participates in the on-field parade during the half-time interval on the Sunday, in Croke Park. With a number of very skilful and committed players in our U-14 ranks, it is hoped we will have a strong representation at county level.

The very extensive U-12 /U-10 panel have been working hard all summer under the watchful eye of Marie and Aisling. Well done to this wee group who put their hearts and souls into training sessions and matches.

Finally, I hope that all those currently on holidays or heading off shortly, have an enjoyable, refreshing break.

The glamour of it all!!! Émer McGlone, far right, representing Monaghan county U-16’s in the Ulster Poc Fada, on Pigeon Mountain, Tyrone, before the commencement of the event, at the end of June.