GAA return: Training has resumed for all age groups of football, hurling and ladies’ teams, on the understanding that players and all participants have completed the eLearning module and health questionnaire and are following the control measures in place. We are delighted as a club to be able to reopen our pitches after such a long break and we are grateful to our ever-willing volunteers and our Covid supervisors for their efforts in making this possible. Dressing rooms will remain closed during the current phase, as will the clubhouse. We would like to encourage our players and everyone involved to continue to follow the relevant advice and guidance as we get up and running again.

 

Monaghan Harps Lotto: We are delighted to be able to resume our club lotto, using the ClubZap platform. The numbers for last Sunday’s draw were 10, 21, 22 and 24 and the four €40 lucky-dip prize winners were Minnie Finnegan c/o Joe Finlay (Hurling Club); Dermot Coyle c/o himself; Joe Treacy c/o Paudge Connolly; and Pat McElvaney c/o senior ladies. The sellers’ prize of €20 was won by Brian Harvey. Jackpot for Sunday, July 12 is €6,000. The club is asking members willing and financially able to contribute through our lotto towards club maintenance and running expenses. This can be done by two options: set up a standing order to our club lotto via quarterly or annual payments or using our new club app by downloading ‘ClubZap’ on your phone, registering as a Monaghan Harps GAA Club member and buying club lotto in bulk or on a weekly basis. Anyone interested can contact either Rose Donnelly (086 0825782); Maria McKenna (086 1057725) or Adrian Dalton (087 7859582). Thanks to everyone for their support.

 

Seniors: We have been drawn in Group Two of the Intermediate Football Championship along with Doohamlet, Killanny, Emyvale and Tyholland. The first game of this series is at home to Doohamlet on Saturday, July 25 at 4pm, followed by a trip to Killanny on Sunday, August 2. We are due to host Tyholland Saturday, August 8, before making the short journey to Emyvale for our final group game on Sunday, August 16.

 

Minors: Our first U-17 game is at home to Castleblayney on Friday week, July 17, at 7.30pm.

 

U-15: Our U-15s are due to start their campaign away to Carrickmacross in two weeks’ time on Thursday, July 23. The Division Five Championship also begins in Carrick the following evening.

 

U-13: Our U-13 teams are due to start their campaign with a double-header away to Truagh on Saturday week, July 18.

 

Juveniles: Our Saturday-morning coaching for our youngest juveniles got underway last weekend with good numbers taking part. We would like to thank all parents for their co-operation with the return-to-play protocol.

 

Club app: As well as offering an option to support our lotto, our new club app also has a function to pay your annual membership, make financial donations to the club, as well as a communication suite for all that goes on at the club. You can get involved by downloading ‘ClubZap’ on your phone and registering as a Monaghan Harps GAA Club member.

 

Membership: Please note that any outstanding membership fees for this year should be paid as soon as possible, especially for players at all levels returning to training. Registration can be paid to club registrar Kevin Treanor or using ClubZap. Fees are as follows: U-11s €20; juveniles/seniors €30; family membership €60.

 

Monaghan GAA Shave or Dye: The Monaghan senior football team and management have been running a major ‘Shave or Dye’ fundraiser to raise much-needed funds for cancer services in Monaghan and the Holy Family Special School in Cootehill. Best of luck to everyone involved. Have a look at the Monaghan GAA social media posts to see the results for the likes of Kevin Loughran, James Greenan and Dr. Kieran Bourke and please donate if you can.

 

Cúl Camp: The 2020 Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp at Gavan Duffy Park is set for the end of this month (July 27-31). With limited capacity due to health and safety measures, people are advised to book early and are reminded that all registrations must be completed online this year.

 

History: Thanks to various club members for sharing snippets of Harps history on our social media accounts. If you have a club memory or photo you would like to share, please send to Pro.monaghanharps.monaghan@gaa.ie or 086 1957155.

 

GVI fundraiser: As part of the GVI Ambassador programme, Mary White is organising a clothes collection for Saturday, July 25 in McNally’s car park in town. Clothing, shoes, bed linen, curtains and handbags can be accepted. Collection can be arranged by contacting Mary on 083 8750843.

 

Hurling:

Juvenile Training: Training for U-13s and U-15s has restarted. Training takes place on Sunday morning from 11.30 to 12.30. Please ensure that you or your child has filled in the Covid health questionnaire which will allow you to get your certificate. A direct link can be found on our recent social media posts. Screenshot your certificate and send it to Adrian at 087 7859582.