There was a big turn out for the Monaghan GAA 2022 awards night in the Four Seasons Hotel on Saturday night last where our own John Paul Mone was recognised as Juvenile Club Official of the Year for his work with underage teams not only in 2022 but over the past decade. John Paul’s citation was as follows; “Although still a young man John Paul Mone is already a legend in Clontibret and indeed Monaghan GAA circles and since he retired  from playing  duty after winning his seventh senior championship medal in 2014 he has been active in both coaching and administrative roles with his club. Already in his second stint as Club Youth Officer John Paul is diligent in his administrative responsibilities but it is on the side-line and in  the training pitch that he  is most at home. Since starting with the Under 6’s nearly a decade ago John Paul has brought his charges along the journey with him as they approach  the stage of being ready to challenge for a minor championship. ( while in between adding in a three-year stint in senior team management  as they achieved championship success again in 2019).  One of his greatest successes at Juvenile level so far has been seeing his U13  team win Clontibret’s first ever Coyle Cup in 2021 while in this past year his second U15 team had both league and championship success with the first team’s progress hampered by injury to key players. A gentleman on and off the field John Paul is the epitome of the requirements for a  good juvenile coach merging a calm and pleasant manner with a steely will to win learned from his own long experience and one that he is inculcating into his players as they mature towards senior level.”

Congratulations also to Riognach Duffy who was presented with the Camogie Player of the Year award, and to our 1997 hurling representatives who were honoured for their All Ireland achievements.

Ulster Minor Champions

The minor championship winning team of 2002 that claimed Monaghan’s only Ulster Minor club title so far on New Year’s Day 2003 celebrated in style on Saturday night last with a very enjoyable reunion, watching reruns of both the county final against Inniskeen and the Ulster final with Armagh Harps. There was a great turn out, with Scooby even coming from The Big Apple, and many stories were traded and relived. Highlight of the evening was the witty contribution of manager Damien Mone who displayed  some of the verbal skills that helped him keep his dressing room and motivate his players. Well done to all who made it their business to attend and to the organisers.

Monaghan Seniors

Best wishes to the Monaghan team and management as they start the league campaign against Armagh in Blayney on Saturday evening at 6.30pm. Particular shout out to Team Manager Vinny and trainer Marty, along with players, Conor, Conor, Killian, Francis and Darren. Please note this is an all ticket game.

Sympathy

The club extends its sympathy to the Brennan and Mone families on the recent death of Margaret Brennan, Moys. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.