On Saturday past saw both our U15 and U16s Development Squads in action. While both teams can hold their heads high and can be very proud of their efforts, unfortunately the results did not go our way.

The U16’s played against Donegal in the Semi Final of Buncrana Cup in Burt. Monaghan have won this competition over the past 3 years and after winning the U16 Gerry Reilly competition in July hopes where understandably high that we could retain this title. However in a very close and competitive game Monaghan were beaten in a scoreline of 2:08 to 1:10. Donegal were very drilled and organised with their defensive system in place and Monaghan found it difficult to break this system down on a number of occasions throughout the game. However Monaghan never give up and had better of the play in the second half, but for a few missed goal chances and a rub of the green in relation to a number of key decisions, the result might have gone our way.  Monaghan then played Cavan in the 3rd/4th place play off, Cavan won this game comfortably. All players involved with this panel got game time over the two games. Tyrone beat Donegal in the final in a scoreline of 1:09 to 1:06.

This group will now progress onto county minors at U17 level, the experiences that this group has gained (and past teams) over the past few years involved with Development Squads will stand to them. Hopefully they are in a better position to reach their potential either with their club and county in the future. Monaghan Coaching & Games Development would like to thank the players, parents and management team for their support towards the Development Squad during the year and over the past few seasons.

See below a photo of the Monaghan U16 Development Squad

Our 15’s travelled to Ferbane Offaly to take part in National U15 Adam Mangan Memorial tournament. 20 counties from throughout the country participated in this event, Monaghan were grouped with Louth , Roscommon and Offaly. Their opening game was against Offaly in which both teams finished in a scoreline of 1:06 a piece. They then played Louth and where comfortably winners 4:10 to 3:04. The final group game was against Roscommon which we won comfortably 3:14 to 0:02. This meant that Offaly and ourselfs finished level on points, so scores conceded came into play. Due to Offaly conceding less scores than Monaghan, they progressed to semi final against Kildare.  See below a photo of the U15 Development Squad.

Monaghan U14’s are in action this weekend, playing a blitz in Garvaghey, Tyrone. Monaghan will have two teams taking part on Saturday. The first game is against Cavan at 11:45, followed by South Armagh at 12:40 and Tyrone at 1:25.