An Chomhdháil Bhliantúíl. Óstán Ceithre Séasúir, 7 Nollaig 2017 ag 7.30i.n. Clár

Transcription

1 An Chomhdháil Bhliantúíl 2018 Óstán Ceithre Séasúir, Muineachán 7 Nollaig 2017 ag 7.30i.n Clár 1. Clarú 7.00i.n. (Registrations at 7.00pm) 2. Fáilte Óstán Ceithre Séasúir (Welcome to Four Seasons Hotel) 3. Glacadh na mbun Rialacha (Adoption of Standing Orders) 4. Miontuairiscí an Chomhdháil Deiridh (Minutes of Previous Convention 2017) 5. Tuarascáil an Rúnaí Chontae (County Secretary s Report) 6. Tuarascáil an Chisteoir Chontae (County Treasurer s Report) 7. Glacadh leis na Cúntaisí eile (Adoption of all other Sub Committee Reports) 8. Oráid an Chathaoirligh Chontae (County Chairman s Address) 9. Oifigeach na bpáistí Seán Mac Ardail (Child Protection address) 10. Gradaim Bhliantúil 2017 (Annual Award Winners 2017) 11. Amhrán na bhfiann (National Anthem) Bun Rialacha Standing Orders 1. The proposer of a motion may not speak for more than five minutes. 2. A delegate speaking to a motion may not speak for more than three minutes. 3. The proposer of a motion may speak for a second time for three minutes before a vote is taken. 4. No delegate may speak a second time in the debate on the same motion. An Cathaoirelach may consider any matter not on the Clár with the consent of the Majority of the delegates present and voting. 1

2 Ainmniúcháin - Nominations Cathaoirleach Michéal Mac Mathúna An Bhoth Leas Cathaoirleach Deaglán Ó Flanagáin Craobh Mháirtín Rúnai Proinsias Mac An Bháird Leachtáin Rúnaí Cúnta Majella Ní Bhúiteach Craobh Mháirtín Cisteoir Eibhlínn Ní Chionnáin Corr Dubh Cisteoir Cúnta Aílis Nic an tsaoi Sean MacDiarmada Ard Chomhairle Pádraig Mac Searraigh Druim Shamhain Comhairle Uladh (1) Seán Mac Cionna Cláirsigh Mhuineacháin Comhairle Uladh (2) Brendán Ó Cathasaigh Séan Mac Diarmada Oifigeach Caidreamh Poíblí Nollaig Ó Dufaigh Druim Shamhain Oifigeach na bpáistí Seán Mac Ardail Druim Shamhain Oifigeach Cultúra & Gaeilge Breda Nic Chumhaí Cill Leabhain Oifigeach Forbartha Micheál Ó Cearbhaill Buíochar Oifigeach Oiliúna Seán Ó Conghaile Curraichín Oifigeach Iomána Deásún Mac AindriúBéal Átha Beithe PRAYER FOR THE DECEASED Lord, we remember in prayer those members and friends of the GAA in the County who have died since our last meeting and all the deceased members of our Association. They served you faithfully in this life, bring them now to the happiness of life in your kingdom. We ask this through Christ Our Lord. Amen. Go ndeana Dia Trocaire ar a n-anamacha 2

3 Coiste Chontae Mhuineacháin CLG CATHAOIRLEACH Rev William McKenna, Carrickmacross 1904 Philip McGorisk, Drumboory 1905 Rev Laurence Kieran, Magheracloone Rev Mark Clinton, Castleblayney Rev James Ward, Aughnamullen Patrick Whelan, Greenan s Cross Frank Duffy, Bawn Rev Francis Donnelly, Ballybay 1930 Jack Gilsenan, Killeevan Dr Con Ward, Monaghan Frank Duffy, Latton Rev Bernard Hackett, Ballybay 1941 James Cahill, Carrickmacross 1942 James Hamill, Donaghmoyne James Cahill, Carrickmacross Michael Duffy, Blackhill Michael Feeney, Ballybay Peter Sherry, Scotstown Pauric Duffy, Castleblayney Michael Burns, Castleblayney Aidan Quigley, Currin Liam Stirrat, Scotstown Gary Carville, Cremartin John Connolly, Currin Paul Curran, Clontibret Padraig Sherry, Drumhowan 2017 Michael Mc Mahon, Scotstown LEAS CATHAOIRLEACH: Rev. J. McCarney, Donaghmoyne Fr. W. O`Doherty, Magheracloone F. McNally, Carrickmacross Frank O`Duffy N.T., Latton Michael Donnelly, Castleblayney John Moore, Castleblayney 1945 Michael Donnelly, Castleblayney Tom McGrane Pat McGrane, Clones Mick Duffy, Castleblayney Fr. Terry Kirke, Scotstown 1963 Liam Maguire, Ballybay 1964 Pat McGrane, Clones Príomh - Oifigigh John Murray, Clontibret Mick Quigley, Currin Peter Sherry, Scotstown Tom Reilly, Monaghan Harps Paraic Duffy, Castleblayney Tommy McCudden, Ballybay Francie Mc Atavie, Ballybay 1987 Fr Pat Mc Hugh Monaghan Harps HC 1988 (pt) John P. Graham, Killeevan 1988 (pt)-1992 Aidan Quigley, Currin Liam Stirrat, Scotstown Gerry Duffy, Drumhowan John Connolly, Currin Colm Gormley, Clontibret Seamus Coyle, Latton Pádraig Sherry Drumhowan Michael Mc Mahon Scotstown 2017 Declan Flanagan, Cremartin RúnAí Owen Cahill, Carrickmacross 1904 James Tierney, Longfield 1904 Patrick Markey, Longfield Patrick Morris, Donaghmoyne 1907 William J McGrath, Castleblayney 1908 Thomas Collins, Carrickmacross Frank Duffy, Bawn Thomas Treanor, Monaghan 1912 Joseph Murray, Clones 1912 Patrick J Mac Cormack, Clontibret Owen O Duffy, Killeevan Patrick Lonergan, Carrickmacross Patrick Coyle, Ballybay Laurnie J Reilly, Ballybay Jack Gilsenan, Killeevan 1930 Paddy Hoey, Carrickmacross 1931 James Finlay, Carrickmacross Michael Markey, Donaghmoyne Sean McShane, Ballybay 1938 Michael Markey, Donaghmoyne Sean McShane, Ballybay Leo Burns, Donaghmoyne 3

4 1963 Michael Feeney, Ballybay John McArdle, Drumhowan Francie McAtavie, Ballybay and Sean McCague Scotstown Francie McAtavie, Ballybay 1982 Gerry Gillanders, Castleblayney Michael Burns, Castleblayney John P Graham, Killeevan 1990 Sean Murphy, Scotstown John Heaphey, Scotstown John Scully, Carrickmacross Ailish McEntee, Sean Mac Diarmada Sean McKenna, Monaghan Anita Finnegan, Aughnamullen 2017 Francis Ward, Latton RúnAí CúnTA: Michael Markey, Donaghmoyne 1943 Jack Kerr, Ballybay 1944 Charlie McGrath, Castleblayney 1945 Jack Kerr, Ballybay Kevin Cumiskey Paddy O`Rourke, Inniskeen 1970 Michael Feeney, Ballybay Eamonn Fitzpatrick, Killeevan Seamus Murray, Killanny Sean Murphy, Scotstown 1993 Kieran Finlay, Ballybay John Scully, Carrickmacross Marion Donnelly, Emyvale Ailish McEntee, Sean McDermotts Seán McKenna, Monaghan Harps 2010 Sean Murphy, Scotstown 2011 (pt) Michael Burns Castleblayney 2011 (pt) 2013 Anita Finnegan Aughnamullen (Jan) Eileen Keenan Corduff 2017 Majella Boyd, Cremartin CISTEOIR Patrick Lee, Carrickmacross Owen Sherry, Carrickmacross 1905 Jack Martin, Carrickmacross Thomas Collins, Carrickmacross 1909 Peter Duffy, Aughnamullen James McCooey, Aughnamullen Frank O Duffy, Donaghmoyne Mar Rúnaí James Murphy, Clones Peter Coyle, Monaghan 1941 James Hamill, Donaghmoyne Eugene Clerkin, Blackhill Eamon Fitzpatrick, Killeevan Paddy O Rourke, Inniskeen 2004 Liam Stirrat, Scotstown Marion Donnelly, Emyvale 2017 Eileen Keenan, Corduff CISTEOIR CúnTA: Liam Stirrat, Scotstown 2004 Marion Donnelly, Emyvale Liam Stirrat, Scotstown Brendan Farrell, Doohamlet Eileen Keenan Corduff (to Jan 2014) Ailish Mc Entee Seán Mc Dermotts (from Jan 2014) ARD COMHAIRLE: 1909 Frank O`Duffy, Donaghmoyne 1940 Tom Conaire, Castleblayney (nominated at Ulster Convention) 1947 (This was the first time that counties could now nominate delegates as representatives. Before that Central Council was made up of three people who were nominated by each of the provincial councils) Jim Cahill, Carrickmacross Mick Duffy, Castleblayney 1973 Mick Feeney, Ballybay Mick Duffy, Castleblayney Sean McCague, Scotstown John Heaphey, Scotstown Liam Stirrat, Scotstown Declan Flanagan Cremartin 2017 Pádraig Sherry, Drumhowan COMHAIRLE ULADH: Patrick Whelan Owen Conlon and F. Henry Frank O`Duffy Jack Gilsenan and P. Hoey H. McEnaney and F. O`Duffy 1935 H. McEnaney and P. Coyle Dan Mooney and A. Murphy Jim Cahill S. McShane and M. Donnelly Sean McDonnell Fr. Larry Marron Adm Fr. Larry Marron Adm and Tom McGrane Seamus Drury and Paddy McLoughlin Tom McGrane and Jack Kerr 4

5 Frank O Duffy and Jim Drury Frank O`Duffy and John Murray Macartan Mac Cormack and Michael Feeney Michael Feeney and Philip Moore 1963 Michael Feeney and P. Hughes 1964 Michael Feeney and Eamonn Fitzpatrick Michael Feeney and Pat Murphy Michael Quigley and Pat Murphy Michael Quigley and Seamus McCluskey Michael Quigley and Vincent Lee Francie Mc Atavie and Vincent Lee 1977 Vincent Lee and Sean McCague Sean McCague and John Rooney John Rooney and Seamus Conlon Paddy Ward and Sean Mulligan Gerry McCague and Martin McAviney Paddy Ward and Martin McAviney Paraic Duffy and Martin McAviney John P. Graham and Martin McAviney John P. Graham and Declan Flanagan Declan Flanagan and Paul Curran John Connolly and John P. Graham John Connolly (to Feb. 2013) and Gerry Duffy Gerry Duffy and Michael Mc Mahon (Feb. 2013) Gerry Duffy and Seán Mc Kenna Seán Mc Kenna and Brendan Casey OIFIGEACH CAIDREAMH POIBLí: Paraic Duffy, Castleblayney John P. Graham, Killeevan John Heaphey, Scotstown John Boyle, Currin Michael Burns, Castleblayney Patrick Smith, Monaghan Harps Gary Carville, Cremartin Siobhan McQuillan, Rockcorry Sean McKenna, Monaghan Harps 2005 Michael Ryan, Clones Seán McKenna, Monaghan Harps Siobhan Mc Quillan, Rockcorry John Kieran KIllanny Noel Duffy Drumhowan DEVELOPMEnT OFFICER (Co. Registrar until 1982) Mick Duffy, Castleblayney Cyril McCaul, Cremartin 1954 P. J. McCully, Clontibret John F. Conlon, Ballybay Michael McGuinness, Castleblayney Fr. Pat Mc Hugh Monaghan Harps HC Martin Brady, Castleblayney Tommy McCormick, Rockcorry 1995 Sean Murphy, Scotstown Paul Martin, Carrickmacross Seamus Coyle, Latton Liam Doherty, Clones Gerry Mc Donald, Donaghmoyne Francis Ward, Latton (from Jan) 2017 Michael Carroll, Rockcorry (from Jan) Oifigeach na bpáistí (Oifigeach na nóg till 2010) Vincent Lee, Killeevan Paraic Duffy, Castleblayney Tommy McCormick, Rockcorry Sean Forde, Emyvale Dessie West, Aughnamullen Barry Tomany, Cremartin Ray O`Hara, Carrickmacross Austin Corrigan, Scotstown John Connolly, Aghabog Martin Brady, Castleblayney Padraig Sherry, Drumhowan Cathal Hand, Ballybay John Mc Ardle Drumhowan OIFIGEACH CULTúRA & GAEILGE Hugh McCague, Scotstown Tommy McCormick, Rockcorry John P. Graham, Killeevan Paul Fitzpatrick, Rockcorry/Latton Siobhan McQuillan, Rockcorry Pauline Rooney, Scotstown 2011 John P Graham, Killeevan Séamus Mc Elwain Scotstown Breda Mc Cooey Killeevan OIFIGEACH OILIúnA: Mark Kellett, Oram Paul Curran, Clontibret Eamon O Hara, Scotstown John Mc Ardle Drumhowan Garret Coyle Monaghan Harps OIFIGEACH IOMÁnA: 2006 Paul Ward Clontibret Noel Mullaney, Clontibret 2012 Seán Guinan Carrickmacross Malachy Trainor Clontibret Jason McAndrew, Ballybay (from Jan.) 5

6 Tuarascáil Choiste Riaracháin Réiteoirí Baill: Micheál Ó Conalláin (Cathaoirleach), Cormac Ó Conghaile, Seamus Ó Ruairc, Gearóid Mac Carrúin, Breandán Mac an Fhailí, Ailis Níc an tsaoi (Rúnaí). Is cúis mór áthais dom an tuarascáil seo a chur os bhur gcomhair. As we reflect on the past year I think that it is imperative that we never lose sight of the mission statement of this committee which reads: To promote and facilitate a high standard of refereeing and consistency in decision making and to minimise foul play in all our games and to encourage respect for and appreciation of referees by players, team mentors, club officials and supporters. Recruitment Recruitment of new referees continues to be a key issue for our county. We are fortunate that the majority of our clubs contribute positively in this regard. Currently we have five clubs who are not providing referees and I encourage them to give this issue serious consideration. We cannot have games without referees. Former players are encouraged to consider refereeing and by doing so they would fulfil a very vital role in the association. Lack of respect for referees is still a problem. We have a responsibility to promote a culture of respect for referees among all our members and supporters. Five new referees representing Carrickmacross, Inniskeen and Rockcorry were recruited this year. There is still a great shortage of hurling referees and but for the cooperation of the current small group of hurling referees games may have had to be cancelled during the year. Training Referees must complete an In-Service course on an annual basis to be considered for appointment to any game. Three In-Service courses were organised during the year. Sixty-six referees completed the course. Accreditation certificates were issued from Croke Park to all who completed the relevant Basic & In-Service courses. The Referees Championship panel consisted of 26 referees. Four sessions of Rules and Fitness Tests were organised on various dates to give all referees the opportunity to participate and to enable them to qualify for the championship referees panel. A number of referees who completed the rules and fitness test also availed of a Referees Conditioning Initiative Programme organised and delivered by Martin Corey (Strength, Conditioning & Skills Coach). This programme received a very positive response and will be organised again in the near future. Other training programmes during the year included a Basic Referees Course and a special seminar on the introduction of The Mark. Development Congratulations to Martin Mc Nally who refereed the Ulster Football Minor Championship Final this year. A number of our referees are on the Provincial & National Referees Panel. Recently Ciaran Ward (Carrickmacross) and Sean Mc Donnell(Killanny) were nominated as Monaghan representatives to participate in the Ulster Academy in Féile This year Monaghan was involved in hosting the John West Féile Peile na nóg. This weekend event was a great occasion for all our clubs. Great cooperation was received from our referees with the hosting of this special event. Buíochas I wish to extend appreciation to the following: Micheál Ó Conalláin (Cathaoirleach) and the members of the Referees Administration Committee. Cormac Ó Conghaile (Referees Administrator) for his continued commitment to this very busy and demanding role. Micheál Mac Mathúna (Cathaoirleach Coiste Chontae) for his support to this committee. Finally, I extend míle buíochas to all our referees who play a key role in the delivery of an extensive Games Programme. Ailis níc an tsaoi Rúnaí Tuarascáil Choiste Tiomsú Airgid I, as chairman of the Finance Committee of Monaghan County Board would like to report another good year in fundraising. Starting with our 2nd annual Gold Classic in New York this indeed was a huge success up on last year s event. I would like to thank Anthony Mc Kenna, Chairman of Golf Classic NY and to all of his hard working committee. We look forward to our upcoming 3rd year which is pencilled in for May I would also like to thank Co. Chairman Michael Owen who gave a great speech outlining the appreciation of these much needed funds. Golf Classic Rossmore This golf classic has grown over the last 3 years to be one of the best classics around. This classic was also up on last year s event. I would like to thank this committee especially Brendan Casey and Eugene Mc Ginnity who put this event together with military precision. I wish to thank all who sponsored and took part in this golf classic. Big Breakfast The 2nd Big Breakfast took place in the Glencarn Hotel, Blayney. This was very well attended by all supporters in the County, I would like to thank the Glencarn for their very generous sponsorship and to our hard working committee. A new campaign to erect hoardings around Cloghan started this year and has been a huge success for our 1st year. I would like to thank all of our hoarding sponsors and to Declan Flanagan who pushed this campaign Finally I would like to thank all of our committee, especially our Secretary Majella, who was a great help to me on all events. Also to our Chairman Michael Owen and to Vice Chairman Declan Flanagan for their help on securing various sponsorship deals. Raymond Treanor Chairman Fundraising Committee 6

7 Tuarascáil Choiste Tiomsú Airgid Background to Club Fixture Analyst The Fixture analyst position was created at 2016 the congress. The realisation is there, at national level that one size to fit all will not work in creating a template for organizing club fixtures across the 32 counties. However, the objective of the National Club Fixtures Analysis Committee is to generate a series of Quality Statements that can be used to Bench Mark a county s performance against national performance.at national level the Monaghan fixture programme viewed as one of the stronger in the country and was used during an early seminar as a case study. Role The Role of the fixture analysis is to help the County board review and analyse their performance against benchmark goals which have been established at national level. It is envisaged that the Fixtures analysist will work as either part of the CCC or in parallel. The role of the Fixture Analyst is to monitor the Fixtures within the County and report these observations/findings to the County Board, CCC and to the Provincial Fixture Analyst. When monitoring the fixture programme within the County the Analyst is encouraged to focus on; Fixtures played versus the master fixture plan Postponements and re-fixture arrangements Notification of fixtures to clubs (Rolling/Weekly) Identifying periods of no club activity Identifying busy periods of club activity At the end of the playing season the Fixture Analyst will be required to carry out the following tasks; Measure the County Fixture Program against a set of Quality Statements Hold a Fixtures Forum with Players/Club Officials/County Officials Make recommendations to CCC on the Fixture Program for the following year Process A work shop was held on the 1 st of April where a number of topics were worked through including a 22point check list which act as a template for reporting back to the Club Fixtures Analysis committee in Croke Park. A second provincial meeting was held in Armagh on the 6 th of September to review progress and respond to any specific queries that may have arisen over the Summer. A second National Seminar was held on the 21st October and the final reporting structure was outlined. Reporting will use an online form. Reports Three sections General Quality Statements Fixture Details 20 Quality Statements make up section What month did the adult Football League Season begin? April 2.2 What Month did the adult Football League Season end? November 2.3 What Month did the adult Hurling League Season begin? April 2.4 What Month did the adult Hurling League Season end?august 2.5A Number of Meaningful games your Adult Football players got? B Number of Meaningful games your Adult Hurling players got? Was the Football season more than 7 months but less than 9 months? Yes How long was the Football Season? 8 Months 2.7 Was the Hurling season more than 7 months but less than 9 months? No How long was the Hurling season? 4 Months 2.8 Was the Master Fixture Plan circulated to clubs before the end of January? No 2.9 Was the Start & End date specified in the Master Fixture Plan met? Yes 2.10 Was a rolling fixture schedule, outlining adult fixtures for at least 4 weeks circulated to clubs on a weekly basis? No 2.11 Were confirmed weekly fixtures posted on the County Website before 10am on the Tuesday each week during the league? Yes 2.12 Were all Adult Championship Fixtures completed by the middle of October? (Including Relegation Play-offs) Yes 2.13 Were any team eliminated from the Football Championship before the start of July? (Including Relegation Play-offs) No 2.14 Were any team was eliminated from the Hurling Championshipbefore the start of July? (Including Relegation Play-offs) No 2.15 Were the dates of the Football & Hurling Senior Championship effected by a Club Championship game going to a replay? No 2.16 Was the gap between games (League & championship) for any club's 1st team more than three weeks? No 2.17 Does your County have a Postponement & Replay policy in place? Yes Were the Postponement & replay policy circulated to clubs in advance of the Season Yes 2.18 Does your regulations allow that in the event that a pitch in the County League is not playable, that the game would be played at the away team s pitch? Yes 2.19 Were any rounds of the Championship, as originally laid out in the Master Fixture Plan, postponed due to the progression of the County Team? No 2.20 Were any rounds of the League, as originally laid out in the Master Fixture Plan, postponed due to the progression of the County Team? Yes 2.21 Is there a forum planned within the County involving Club Officers& Players to review the Competitions/Fixtures in advance of 2018? Yes When was the last forum held? Will the County Officers/CCCC meet with the County Manager/Players to discuss the Master Fixture Plan for 2018? Yes 2.23 Are there any provisions included in the County Team/PlayersCharter in relation to when players will be released to their clubs? Yes Fixtures Details 3.1 Are clubs league performance linked to their Championship Status? Yes 3.2 Are there specific weeks for Football Fixtures & Specific weeks for Hurling Fixtures? No 3.3 Are League Games played without County Players? Yes Please provide details? 4 Star games 3.4 Does your County have a policy for walk-overs in the leagues? Yes What is your policy? As per the official Guide Recommendations Part of the remit of the Fixture Analysis is to make recommendations to help improve the running of the Club game Schedule with in each county. We are heading into a period of flux with major changes being introduced at inter county level. This will have a major bearing on the options available to those with responsibility for organising the programme of games. We, as a county will have to look in-depth at our league structure and be creative with our ideas. It is worth remembering that as the Club Competitions move to a calendar year, the date of Championship completion will probably move to Mid September. Conclusion It cannot be overstated the success that the Fixture Schedular and the CCC have had with their programme of games over the past number of years. Their biggest challenge has been to estimate at what point in the season the county team will exit the championship. They have made good use of the Star Game system and have organised a programme of games that give regular games to all first team players. The new inter county programme will not favor the template that has been laid down over the last few seasons. While other counties are moving to a programme that sees their league played without intercounty players I don t feel that this would be an appropriate model for Monaghan. A schedule that sees 14 league games played by each team helping avoid the fixture congestions that can arise towards the end of the playing year may help remove the scenario where end of season games become meaningless. 7

8 Tuarascáil Bhliantúil An Runaí Chontae 2017 Tà an-athas orm an deis seo a ghlacadh, mar runaí an Chontae, mo chéad thuarascáil a chuir i lathair don chomhdháil bliantiul. Ba mhaith liom a rá go raibh bliain iontach ag Cumann luthchleas Gael Contae Mhuineacháin. Anois tabharfadh mè tuairsc ar na gníomhaiochtai a tharla i rith na bliana was another exciting year for Monaghan GAA both on and off the field. While the Senior Football Championship campaign didn t end the way one would have liked, we can look back on a year that still had highlights e.g. away wins to Mayo and Kerry in the league. After a disappointing loss to Down we went on the road to places like Wexford and Carlow, journeys one doesn t normally make in the summer of a GAA season. It is worth remembering that Monaghan will play for the fourth year in a row in Division One in In 2017 they played seven championship games for the first time ever with five wins, culminating in a fourth All Ireland Quarter Final in five seasons. On an individual level, 2017 saw an Ulster Football All Star award for Kieran Hughes and a GPA All Star nomination for Fintan Kelly. Congratulations to Conor McManus, Karl O Connell and Darren Hughes on representing Ireland at the International Rules Series. On the hurling front, the senior team can reflect on another progressive year as Monaghan just missed out on qualifying for a third consecutive NHL Division 3A Final. They also reached the Nicky Rackard Cup Semi-Final stage. Congratulations to senior hurlers Mark Treanor and Donal Meegan on making the Nicky Rackard Champion 15 team. The weekend of the June 23 rd -25 th witnessed a hugely successful John West Féile Peil na nóg across the Monaghan-Cavan- Fermanagh region. After months of hard work, planning, anticipation and preparation, a most memorable weekend passed by amidst a blaze of energy, excitement, companionship, appreciation and cooperation. The phenomenal and exponential growth of Ladies Football, particularly in the last decade, is worth highlighting as one of the major success stories in Irish sport. Ladies club football in Monaghan continues to grow from strength to strength. Due credit must go to the Corduff and Latton Ladies Clubs on winning the Ulster Junior and Intermediate titles respectively with Corduff progressing to the great stage of an All-Ireland final. Earlier this year, in February, major changes were introduced at the GAA Congress, with the All-Ireland quarter-finals replaced by two four-team round robin groups dubbed the Super 8. The Association has since held a Special Congress in September which saw significant change set to be made to the structure of the Senior Hurling Championship. Peil - na foireanna contae Bank Of Ireland Dr. McKenna Cup 8/1/2017Round 1: Monaghan 1-13 Fermanagh 0-15 Venue: Clones Malachy O Rourke s fifth season in charge began with a hardfought victory over Pete McGrath s Erne men. He named three debutants in his starting 15 on Sunday, James Mealiff, David McAllister and former minor captain Micheál Bannigan. With just two minutes gone, a sweeping move that began with Owen Coyle at corner-back ended with McAllister burying the ball to the net with his left foot and Monaghan s 2017 was up and running. Leading 1-12 to 0-12 with 10 minutes to play, the Farney took their foot off the gas but, still, Fermanagh couldn t capitalise. 15/1/2017 Round 2: Antrim 0-9 Monaghan 2-20 Venue: Glenavy Amid the drizzly rain and a slow moving afternoon chill in the idyllic surroundings of Glenavy, Monaghan were on a different planet to their hosts. Monaghan started with eight Ulster medal winners. Colin Walsh waltzed past two token challenges to blast into Antrim s net after 24 minutes, while Shane Carey capped a fine afternoon in the visiting attack by slotting home a late penalty to bring his tally to 1-3. Conor McCarthy was sprung from the Monaghan bench at halftime and the Scotstown attacker showed his slickness with three excellent second half points. Kieran Hughes punished Antrim s slack marking by spraying umpteen passes into the forward line and ended an impressive day with five points (0-4 frees). 18/1/2017 Round 3: Monaghan 1-13 St.Mary s 0-10 Venue: Páirc Grattan, Inniskeen Monaghan trailed by 0-5 to 0-4 at the end of a scrappy first half, but they upped their game after the restart to secure a third win of the group stage. Cathal McShane s fifth point for St. Mary s put the Ranch two up early in the second half, but Conor McManus also finished with 0-6 to mark his first appearance of the year for Monaghan, who scored the only goal through Dermot Malone on 50 minutes. A Monaghan team showing 12 changes from the win over Antrim had eight scorers as they eventually pulled away. Stephen Finnegan, Aaron Lynch and Stephen McCabe all made their first senior inter-county starts. 22/1/2017 Semi-Final: Derry 2-12 Monaghan 1-13 Venue: Athletic Grounds Armagh A late goal by James Kielt proved crucial as Derry saw off Monaghan. Derry led for most of the semi-final, although Monaghan did edge in front for a spell in the second half thanks to a goal scored by substitute Conor McCarthy. The Oak Leafers led nine points to six early in the second period but Monaghan hit them with a goal and three points to go 1-9 to 0-9 up. McCarthy got a point to add to his goal with Fintan Kelly and McManus also splitting the uprights.but Derry hit back with a goal of their own through Emmett McGuckin and the sides were locked at 1-11 each heading towards stoppage-time. Kielt's goal, and a point from Niall Loughlin proved enough, even though Monaghan's Kelly and Barry McGinn got the last scores of the game. 28/1/2017 Final: Derry 1-7 Tyrone 2-13 Venue: Páirc Esler, Newry Allianz national Football League Division 1 Round 1 4/2/2017 Mayo 0-12 Monaghan 1-11 Venue: Castlebar Monaghan started their Division One campaign with a first ever 8

9 Allianz National Football League win on Mayo soil in Castlebar. A goal just after the restart by Darren Hughes was the defining score of a tough encounter where Monaghan defied a wides tally of 14 to finish on the right side of the result. A determined defensive effort was the cornerstone of this win for Monaghan, who trailed by 0-6 to 0-5 at half-time, despite having made a bright start. Monaghan led throughout the second half and although the hosts rallied in the closing stages, a sixth Conor McManus point secured the spoils. Round 2 12/2/17 Monaghan 0-7 Cavan 0-7 Venue: Castleblayney Played in bitterly cold conditions eleven minutes had elapsed before the opening score, a point for Cavan by Seanie Johnston, by which stage they should have had at least three or four on the board. Monaghan eventually opened their account in the 23rd minute when Conor McManus pointed a free and in the following three minutes he registered two more, one from a free, to put Monaghan in front for the first time. By the short whistle though Cavan had equalised with a good point from Ciaran Brady to leave them all square at the break, Monaghan 0-3, Cavan 0-3. Things improved somewhat in the second half with Monaghan firing over two quick fire points in the opening four minutes from Conor McManus, free, and Kieran Hughes. Seanie Johnston replied for Cavan but his effort was cancelled out by Conor McCarthy with a good counter attack. Another Johnston free kept the margin at the minimum before Fintan Kelly restored Monaghan to a two points lead in the 49th minute. That though was to be Monaghan s final score and Cavan fought back for points by substitute Conor Madden and Gearoid McKiernan with eleven minutes of normal time remaining, which is the way it stayed to leave them level at the finish. Round 3 26/2/2017 Kerry 1-10 Monaghan 2-8 Venue: Killarney Monaghan moved top of the NFL Division One after round three thanks to a hard-earned win over Kerry in Killarney. After a bright start while playing into a stiff breeze, Monaghan fell behind to a David Moran goal and Kerry threatened to pull away, but the visitors hung in and with Jack McCarron finding the net, they closed a five-point deficit to two (1-5 to 1-3) by half-time. Gavin Doogan netted Monaghan s second goal on 40 minutes and with McCarron, Kieran Hughes and Conor McManus adding points, they led for most of the second half, helped by stout defending at the other end that restricted Kerry to five pointed frees. The hosts had Bryan Sheehan sent off late on, while Monaghan had earlier lost four players to injury. Round 4 4/3/17 Tyrone 0-14 Monaghan 0-10 Venue: Omagh Monaghan s unbeaten run ended despite a spirited second-half performance against Tyrone in Omagh. A disappointing first half saw Monaghan change ends trailing by 0-9 to 0-2 and it went from bad to worse when Fintan Kelly and Dermot Malone were both sent off within five minutes of the restart. A determined effort by Monaghan s 13 men saw them outscore the hosts in the remaining half an hour, with Jack McCarron, Conor McManus, Kieran Hughes and Rory Beggan on target, but three points from substitute Seán Cavanagh saw Tyrone make it three games without defeat and join fellow Ulster sides Monaghan and Donegal on five points on the table, just behind leaders Dublin. Round 5 19/3/17 Monaghan 2-17 Roscommon 1 13 Venue: Inniskeen Monaghan moved into a four-way tie at the top of the NFL Division One with a comfortable win over Roscommon in Inniskeen. Monaghan led by four points at the end of an entertaining first half, before goals by Owen Duffy and Jack McCarron sealed a return to winning ways. McCarron top-scored with 1-7, while Conor McManus and Dessie Ward (on his first league start) were also among seven scorers for Monaghan, who never trailed in this game. Tadhg O Rourke got a late consolation goal for Roscommon, but they couldn t avoid a fifth straight defeat. Round 6 26/3/17 Donegal 1-11 Monaghan 1-11 Venue: Ballyshannon A late Conor McManus penalty earned Monaghan a draw from another close contest against Donegal. Despite conceding an early goal to Michael Carroll, Monaghan came back to lead by 0-9 to 1-5 at half-time, with the in-form Jack McCarron kicking six points and league debutant Micheál Bannigan also among the scorers. Donegal started the second half with quick-fire points from Michael Murphy and Ciarán Thompson and they led from then, almost right through to the finish. Murphy s seventh point of the game had the hosts three clear with five minutes remaining, but Monaghan won a penalty for a foul on Darren Hughes in added time and McManus coolly tucked it away to claim a share of the spoils. The result kept Monaghan in with a chance of qualifying for the final ahead of the last round game v Dublin in Clones. Round 7 2/4/17 Monaghan 1 15 Dublin 2-15 Venue: Clones Monaghan finished their Allianz Football League Division One just outside the top two on score difference after being edged by holders Dublin in a thrilling encounter in Clones. Five Jack McCarron points had Monaghan 0-7 to 0-6 up at halftime and they moved six clear ten minutes into the second half after the hosts in-form forward added the opening goal from a narrow angle on his way to a personal tally of 1-9. Dublin s bench made a big impact on this game, as goals by substitutes Bernard Brogan and Jack McCaffrey turned it in their favour; the latter putting his side ahead for the first time on the 70-minute mark. Monaghan could take positives from their performance, but Dublin timed their run perfectly to secure their place in the NFL final against Kerry at Croke Park, where they sought a fifth consecutive title only to be beaten by the Kingdom. Next up for Monaghan was the Ulster SFC preliminary-round game against Fermanagh on May 20. Allianz Football League Roinn 1 *Relegated 9

10 Ulster Senior Football Championship Preliminary Round Saturday 20 th May 2017 Venue: St.Tiarnachs Park, Clones Monaghan 1-20 Fermanagh 1-11 Monaghan started the Ulster SFC campaign with a nine-point win over Fermanagh. Monaghan were 1-8 to 1-6 up at the end of a competitive first half, but they pulled away with ten unanswered points after the restart. Conor McManus led 13 Monaghan scorers with 1-3, while their bench made an impact in their second-half surge, particularly Owen Duffy, who weighed in with three points from play. Monaghan s win saw them advance to another local derby away to Cavan in the Ulster quarter-finals. Ulster Senior Football Championship Quarter-Final Saturday 11 th June 2017 Venue: Kingspan Breffini Park, Cavan Monaghan 1-15 Cavan 0-15 Monaghan advanced to the Ulster SFC semi-finals with a hardearned win away to Cavan. Monaghan stayed in touch throughout the first half despite playing against the wind and they moved ahead for the first time on 35 minutes thanks to Owen Duffy s second of four points, only for Cavan to respond to lead by 0-9 to 0-7 at the interval. Cavan maintained a narrow lead into the final quarter, with Raymond Galligan making a fine save to deny Jack McCarron, but Monaghan made the breakthrough for the only goal through Conor McManus on 58 minutes. Cavan threatened to score a late equalising goal, particularly when substitute Ryan Connolly rattled the post at the death, but Monaghan held on to set up a clash with Down in the Semi-Final. Ulster Senior Football Championship Semi-Final Saturday 24 th June 2017 Venue: Athletic Grounds, Armagh Down 1-14 Monaghan 0-15 Monaghan exited the Ulster SFC when they fell to a two-point defeat against Down in Armagh. After Monaghan failed to make possession count in the early stages, Down made them pay with five unanswered points between the 22 nd and 28 th minutes giving them the advantage. The Mourne County led by 0-10 to 0-8 at halftime and they added the first 1-2 of the second half the goal from a Darragh O Hanlon penalty to stretch their lead. Monaghan hit seven of the game s next eight points, including four from top scorer Conor McManus, but substitute Dónal O Hare, who had replaced influential full-forward Connaire Harrison, hit the clincher for Down deep into added time. All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Qualifiers Round 2B Saturday 8 th July 2017 Venue: nolan Park, Wexford Wexford 1-11 Monaghan 3-23 Monaghan got back to winning ways in comprehensive style. 15 scorers contributed to Monaghan s 3-19 tally from play as they proved too strong. Goals from defenders Fintan Kelly and Karl O Connell helped the visitors lead by 2-10 to 0-5 at half-time and although Wexford got one back through Ben Brosnan, who topscored with 1-5, Monaghan remained on top. Third goal-scorer Kieran Duffy was one of five Monaghan substitutes to get on the mark, with Conor McCarthy (0-4) and debutant Darren Freeman (0-3) on song. Both sides were reduced to 14 men eight minutes from time when Kelly and Lyng received second yellows. Wexford would later have Adrian Flynn black-carded, before sub John Leacy received a straight red in added time. All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Qualifiers Round 3B Saturday 15 th July 2017 Venue: Dr Cullen Park, Carlow Carlow 1-7 Monaghan 1-12 Monaghan survived a scare after having been 0-5 to 0-3 up at the end of a tense first half, Monaghan found themselves trailing when Gary Kelly scored the opening goal in the 50 th minute. The visitors turned it around, however, outscoring Carlow by 1-5 to 0-1 in the final quarter, with Fintan Kelly punching home the crucial goal on 65 minutes. The goal followed good work by Conor McCarthy, whose lively display was the highlight of the important contributions of the Monaghan subs. Monaghan proceeded to go into the following Monday morning s draw for Round 4B, with either Down or Kildare next up. All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Qualifiers Round 4B Saturday 29 th July 2017 Venue: Croke Park Monaghan 1-24 Down 1-16 Monaghan booked a fourth All-Ireland SFC quarter-final appearance in five years with an eight-point win over Down in the Round 4B Qualifier at Croke Park. Monaghan took their time to get going, until a Fintan Kelly goal turned a two-point deficit into a one-point lead on 26 minutes. Connaire Harrison, who proved a real threat to Monaghan once again, found the net, however, to bring Down level at 1-9 apiece by half-time. Monaghan upped their game after the restart, with a run of points from Conor McManus and substitutes Conor McCarthy, Owen Duffy and Jack McCarron giving them the initiative. Monaghan maintained their lead throughout the second half to progress to the last eight. All Ireland Senior Championship Quarter-Final Saturday 5 th August 2017 Venue: Croke Park Dublin 1-19 Monaghan 0-12 Monaghan s SFC run was brought to an end by a dominant Dublin team in the All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park. Dean Rock hit 1-8 for three-in-a-row-chasing Dublin, who set the foundations for another victory with a strong first-half performance that earned them a 0-11 to 0-3 lead going in at the half-time break. Rock, whose full-forward colleagues Paul Mannion and Paddy Andrews were also on form, added to his unerring free-taking with the only goal of the game on 40 minutes and although Monaghan battled gamely in the remaining half-an-hour, they were unable to make inroads into their deficit. Substitute Conor McCarthy landed three second-half points, but they couldn t find a way past Dublin keeper Stephen Cluxton, who kept a clean sheet on his record 89 th championship appearance. County Under-21 Football 28/1/17 Monaghan 1-18 Derry 3-3 3/2/17 Louth 0-13 Monaghan 0-10 Monaghan 1-13, Armagh 1-7. Under-21 Shamrock Cup February 11 th 2017 Monaghan fielded probably their strongest team so far in this year s Shamrock Cup tournament and in so doing proved too potent for Armagh in this lively contest that was played in blustery and somewhat chilly conditions in Cloghan. Monaghan got off to a great start and dominated almost the entire 1 st half with 9 points on the board after 25 minutes and Armagh yet to score. Monaghan led at half-time by 0-10 to 0-1 and while Armagh fared a little better in the 2 nd half and Monaghan down to 14 players 2 minutes after the resumption with the dismissal of Barry Kerr, the Orchard lads still lacked the firepower to close the gap. Monaghan: Jack Kirk, Colm Lennon, Mikey Murnaghan, Robert 10

11 Berg, Niall Kearns 0-1, James Mealiff, Barry Kerr, Shane Woods 0-1, David McAlister 0-4 (3f), Stephen McCabe 0-3, Fergal Hanratty, Stephen Finnegan, Jamie Walsh, Francis Maguire 0-2, James Wilson 1-2. Subs used: James Daly for F Hanratty, Padraig Finnan for D McAllister, Dermot Gleeson for F Maguire, Mickey Tierney for J Wilson. Under-21 Shamrock Cup Final February 18 th 2017 Monaghan 2-15 Derry 2-9 Monaghan won the Shamrock Cup for the first time since 2013 in an entertaining final against Derry in Cremartin. The outstanding James Wilson hit 1-9 in the first half to hand Monaghan a 1-9 to 1-5 lead and with Francis Maguire also finding the net, Ciarán McBride s charges stayed ahead through to the end. Derry got a goal back through substitute Cormac Quigley, but their attempt to rally was thwarted by some excellent goalkeeping by Shane Garland. Monaghan: S Garland; R Berg, M Murnaghan (Capt.), C Lennon; J Daly, P Finnan (0-1), J Mealiff; S Woods, D McAlister; S McCabe, F Hanratty (0-1), S Finnegan; J Walshe, F Maguire (1-2), J Wilson (1-9, 1-3f). Subs: B McGinn (0-1) for Walshe, N Kearns for Hanratty (both H-T), D Gleeson for McCabe (43 mins), R McDonald (0-1) for Finnegan, J McDonald for Maguire (both 53), A O Driscoll for Wilson (60 + 1). EirGrid Ulster Under-21 Football Championship Preliminary Round Wednesday, March 8 th 2017 Antrim 0-16 Monaghan 2-14 Monaghan s Under-21 footballers started their Ulster title defence with a four-point win over Antrim in an exciting preliminary-round tie at the Dub, Belfast. The lead changed hands numerous times in a free-scoring game, where goals in either half from Dermot Gleeson and David Garland proved decisive for Monaghan, who hit 2-13 from play. Séamus McGarry and Odhrán Eastwood kept Antrim in touch, with the former kicking a string of great points from play, but Monaghan had eight players on the scoresheet as they advanced. Ciarán McBride s team, who changed ends level at 1-6 to 0-9 just after losing James Mealiff to a black card, went on to play Derry at the quarter-final stage. Monaghan: S Garland; C Lennon, M Murnaghan (Capt.), J Daly; N Kearns, B Kerr (0-2), S Finnegan (0-1); S Woods, D McAlister (0-1); D Gleeson (1-1), F Maguire, S McCabe; J Mealiff, M Bannigan (0-4, 1f), D Garland (1-3). Subs: F Hanratty (0-1) for Daly (20), P Finnan for Mealiff (black card, 30), M Tierney (0-1) for McCabe (HT), R McDonald for Maguire (50), J Walshe for Woods (59) EirGrid Ulster Under-21 Football Championship Quarter-Final Wednesday, March 15 th 2017 Monaghan 1-11 Derry 3-10 Monaghan s reign as Ulster Under-21 champions ended with a five-point defeat against Derry in their quarter-final clash at Inniskeen. A goal by Jamie Donaghy separated the teams at halftime when Derry held a 1-5 to 0-5 lead and although Monaghan started the second half brightly, the best they could do was draw level at 0-10 to 1-7. Derry substitute Tiernan Flanagan notched a brace of goals early in the final quarter after Monaghan had earlier seen a David Garland penalty saved by Ben McKinless, to put the visitors firmly in the driving seat. Monaghan did find the net from the spot via David McAlister late on, but points from Jordan and Dean Curran sealed Derry s progression to the last four. Monaghan: S Garland; C Lennon, M Murnaghan, J Daly; B Kerr, J Mealiff, S Finnegan; S Woods, P Finnan (0-1); N Kearns, M Bannigan (0-2, 1f), D Gleeson (0-1); F Maguire (0-2), D McAlister (1-2, 1-0 pen), D Garland (0-1). Subs: F Hanratty (0-2) for Woods (HT), S McCabe for Gleeson (41), R McDonald for D Garland (45), J Walshe for Finnan (50), D Ward for Maguire (52). County Minor Football Electric Ireland Ulster Minor Football Championship Quarter-Final May 28 th 2017 Cavan 3-14 Monaghan 1-15 Monaghan exited the Ulster MFC after a thrilling quarter-final away to Cavan. The hosts raced into a five-point lead, helped by a James Smith goal, but Monaghan hit eight unanswered scores in the second quarter to move ahead by 0-11 to 1-5. Seán Burns, Robbie McAlister, Dean Connolly and David Hanley all landed fine points in this purple patch for Monaghan, but Cavan seized the initiative after the restart, helped by a second goal from Smith. Monaghan created a series of goal chances, only to continuously be denied by impressive Cavan keeper Gary O Rourke, until he was finally beaten by McAlister. Monaghan s hopes were raised at that stage as the game looked set for a tight finish, but Cavan had some breathing space after they found their third goal through Cian Madden; which proved enough to see them through. Monaghan: K Murphy; J Walsh, R Mohan, C McKenna; J Gormley, K McMenamin, K McKenna; D Connolly (0-2), A Woods; D Hanley (Capt., 0-1), R McAlister (1-2), T Duffy; C Doyle (0-3), S Burns (0-6, 3f), A Mohan (0-1) Subs: C McNulty for Duffy (35), L Óg Murray for A Mohan (48), D Geoghegan for Doyle (63), O McElligott for Woods (inj., 67). 15/04/17 Derry 1-12 Monaghan 1-7 (Cup Semi- Final) 2017 Ulster Minor Football League Group A Down 3 12 Monaghan /03/2017 Down 3 12 Monaghan /03/2017 Monaghan 3-14 Armagh /04/2017 Cavan 2 08 Monaghan /4/17 Derry 1-12 Monaghan 1-7 (cup Semi-final) Ulster Under 17 Football League Group A 18/03/2017 Down 4 19 Monaghan /03/2017 Monaghan 3 09 Armagh /04/2017 Cavan 0 16 Monaghan /04/2017 Monaghan 1 10 Antrim 0 09 (Shield Semi-final) 22/04/2017 Armagh 0 02 Monaghan 3 11 (Shield final) 11

12 Iomáint - na foireanna contae 2017 Allianz Hurling League Roinn 3A Round 1. 12/02/2017 Tyrone 1 11 Monaghan 3 15 Venue: Omagh Round 2. 19/02/2017 Monaghan 1 21 Donegal 3-14 Venue: Castleblayney Round 3. 26/02/2017 Louth 1-08 Monaghan 1-10 Venue: Darver Round 4. 05/03/2017 Monaghan 2 12 Louth 2-09 Venue: Inniskeen Round 5. 12/03/2017 Donegal 1 21 Monaghan 2 13 Venue: Letterkenny Round 6. 26/03/2017 Monaghan 1 14 Tyrone 3 15 Venue: Cloghan Monaghan narrowly missed out on qualifying for a third consecutive NHL Division 3A Final when they lost to Tyrone in the final round. Monaghan had been in pole position to top the group after they won their first four games, but back-to-back defeats saw them miss out behind Tyrone and Donegal on score difference. Tyrone got off to a flying start, with goals from Casey and Mulgrew leading them to a 2-3 to 0-1 lead. Dónal Meegan and goal-scorer Seán Leonard led a Monaghan rally that closed the gap to three, but a hat-trick of points from Conor Grogan had the visitors in the driving seat at 2-10 to 1-6 at half-time. Casey and Meegan continued to lead the scoring for either side in the second half, with Monaghan never able to make any real inroads into their deficit. The result was put beyond any doubt ten minutes from time when Mulgrew netted for the second time and Monaghan finished with 13 men after Meegan and substitute Bernard Connor were sent off late on. Monaghan: H Byrne (0-1f); P Garland, P Finnegan, B Flanagan; J Guinan, P Treanor, M Murphy; É Mac Suibhne, C Meegan; F Rafter, T Campbell, N Garland (0-1); B McGuigan, S Leonard (1-3), D Meegan (0-9, 6f, 1 65). Subs: C Boyle for Guinan, B Connor. Ulster GAA Hurling Senior Shield Semi-Final 08/04/2017 Monaghan 0 09 Derry 6 28 Venue: Omagh nicky Rackard Cup Round 1: 22/04/2017 Monaghan 0-16 Tyrone 2-11 Venue: Castleblayney Quarter-Final 06/05/2017 Monaghan 1 16 Donegal 1 12 Venue: Inniskeen Semi-Final 20/05/2017 Monaghan 1-12 Derry 6-17 Venue: Inniskeen Super sub Brendan Rogers hammered home three goals as Derry would head back to Croke Park for the final of the Nicky Rackard Cup. To be fair to Monaghan, the game at times was not as onesided as the final score line might suggest but the Farney men always faced a mountain against a side who showed yet again why they perhaps should not be competing in the Nicky Rackard Cup. The start of the game was delayed for some 15 odd minutes due to the fact that the Monaghan gear had not arrived at Grattan Park but once matters got underway it took Derry very little time to settle into their rhythm. That said though, Monaghan competed well in the early stages with Derry leading by just a point, 0-4 to 0-3 after fifteen minutes. Monaghan had missed a number of clearcut chances that could have changed the complexion of the game at that stage. That though was as good as it got for the home side with goals from Brian Cassidy and one from a penalty by Alan Grant opening up a 2-6 to 0-5 lead for Derry with half-time approaching and the pulled away in the second half. Monaghan finished the game with 14 players following the dismissal of Sean Leonard on a second yellow card fifteen minutes from the end. Monaghan: Patrick Bermingham, Jamie Guinan, Peter Treanor (0-1), Brian Flanagan, Colm Meegan, Martin Murphy, Niall Garland, Mark Treanor (0-1), Éanna Mac Suibhne (0-1), Conor Boyle, Seán Leonard, Stephen Lambe (0-4, 1f), Donal Meegan (0-3, 2f), Brian McGuigan, Tadhg Campbell (1-0). Subs: PJ Boyle (0-1) for É Mac Suibhne (37), Pádraig Garland for C Boyle (48), Jamie Dooley (0-1) for D Meegan (57), Bernard O Connor for B Flanagan (65), Shane McNally for T Campbell (68). Ulster Minor Hurling Shield Quarter-final 21/04/2017 Monaghan 2-17 Cavan 2-10 Venue: Cloghan Ulster Minor Hurling Shield Semi-final 28/04/2017 Donegal 6-26 Monaghan 1-02 Venue: Ballybofey Peil - Comórtais Club Greenfield Foods: Senior Football Championship (Mick Duffy Cup) Teams: Ballybay, Castleblayney, Donaghmoyne Clontibret, Killanny, Latton, Magheracloone, Monaghan Harps, Scotstown, Truagh. Senior Football Championship 2017 Date Venue 23/7/17 Truagh 3-9 Donaghmoyne 0-14 Clontibret 12/8/17 Ballybay 0-18 Castleblayney 2-10 Clontibret 13/8/17 Scotstown4-16 Killanny 2-11 Clontibret 13/8/17 Magheracloone0-15 Monaghan Harps 1-10 Castleblayney 13/8/17 Latton 1-13 Clontibret 0-12 Castleblayney 20/8/17 Castleblayney 1-13 Killanny 0-10 Aughnamullen 20/8/17 Magheracloone 0-13 Truagh 0-5 Castleblayney 20/8/17 Clontibret 2-14 Donaghmoyne 0-9 Castleblayney 01/9/17 Truagh 2-11 Clontibret 1-13 Emyvale 02/9/17 Magheracloone0-15 Ballybay 0-14 Clontibret 02/9/17 Scotstown1-18 Latton 1-17 Clontibret 02/9/17 Castleblayney 1-10 Monaghan Harps 0-10 Inniskeen 10/9/17 Latton 0-9 Castleblayney0-8 Scotstown 10/9/17 Ballybay 1-14 Truagh 0-12 Scotstown 24/9/17 Magheracloone 4-12 Latton 1-18 Clones 24/9/17 Scotstown2-8 Ballybay 0-14 Clones 30/9/17Replay Scotstown. 2-12Ballybay 0-15 Clontibret Final Magheracloone0-13 Scotstown2-17 Clones The Senior Football Championship once again provided some closely contested encounters, in particular at the semi-final stage 12

13 which saw Clones host two thrilling games. Congratulations to Scotstown who retained the Mick Duffy for the third year in a row with a win over Magheracloone. An Bhoth then moved on to the Ulster Club Championship preliminary round where they fell short against Kilcar of Donegal. McElvaney Waste & Recycling: Intermediate Football Championship (Paddy O Rourke Cup)Teams: Aughnamullen, Blackhill, Carrickmacross, Corduff, Cremartin, Doohamlet, Emyvale, Inniskeen, Toome, Tyholland Date Result Venue 22/7/17 Carrickmacross 1-15 Blackhill 0-14 Castleblayney 22/7/17 Inniskeen 2-14 Toome 1-14 Castleblayney 11/8/17 Carrickmacross 4-11 Inniskeen 3-9 Castleblayney 12/8/17 Emyvale 1-15 Corduff 1-5 Scotstown 12/8/17 Tyholland 3-11 Cremartin 0-15 Scotstown 13/8/17 Aughnamullen 3-9 Doohamlet 1-13 Blackhil l19/8/17 Toome 1-14 Corduff 0-12 Inniskeen 19/8/17 Doohamlet 0-10 Blackhill 0-9 Inniskeen 26/8/17 Carrickmacross 3-16 Emyvale 1-9. Castleblayney 26/8/17 Aughnamullen 2-12 Tyholland 0-14 Castleblayney 27/8/17 Inniskeen 1-10 Cremartin 0-9 Drumhowan 27/8/17 Toome 1-14 Doohamlet 1-13 Blackhill 9/9/17 Toome 1-11 Emyvale 1-10 Clontibret 9/9/17 Tyholland 1-14 Inniskeen 0-15 Clontibret 23/9/17 Aughnamullen 1-8 Toome 0-9 Inniskeen 23/9/17 Carrickmacross 5-17 Tyholland 1-8 Inniskeen 8/10/17 Aughnamullen 1-8 Carrickmacross. 3-1 Inniskeen The IFC got underway with a preliminary-round double-header in Castleblayney on July 22, when newly-promoted teams Blackhill and Toome put up good showings, only to fall short against Carrickmacross and Inniskeen, respectively. The competition really kicked into gear in mid-august, with Carrickmacross and Inniskeen returning to Castleblayney for a first-round game won by the Emmets. A double-bill in Scotstown saw Emyvale cruise past Corduff and Tyholland finish strongly to down 14-man Cremartin, before Blackhill played host to Aughnamullen s win over Doohamlet.Inniskeen was the venue for two games the following Saturday, which saw Toome knock Corduff out and Doohamlet do likewise to Blackhill in a one-point game. A week later, both of today s finalists progressed to the last four, with Carrickmacross proving far too strong for Emyvale and Aughnamullen getting the better of Tyholland. Inniskeen returned to winning ways at the expense of Cremartin in Drumhowan on the same weekend, before Toome claimed another narrow win to end Doohamlet s hopes of a fourth IFC title this decade.toome started a double-header in Clontibret on September 9 with another one-point win, this time against Emyvale, with a 1-5 tally from James Wilson, while Dermot Coyle hit 1-8 as Tyholland edged past Inniskeen. The semi-finals took place at Páirc Grattan two weeks later when Aughnamullen held off a second-half comeback from Toome, before a rampant Carrickmacross put Tyholland to the sword and Aughnamullen fell victim to the same fate in the final. Carrickmacross progressed to represent Monaghan only to be edged out by Moy in the Ulster Club Championship. Universal Graphics Junior Football Championship (Packie Boylan Cup)Teams: Aghabog, Clones, Currin, Drumhowan, Eire Og, Killeevan, Oram, Rockcorry, Scotstown, Sean McDermotts. Junior Football Championship 2017 Date Result Venue 26/5/17 Currin Drumhowan Smithborough 27/5/17 Seán McDermotts 2-14 Scotstown 1-15 Emyvale 28/5/17 Clones 3-14 Killeevan 2-9. Scotstown 28/5/17 Éire Óg 4-22 Rockcorry 3-17 Scotstown (AET) 1/7/17 Oram 1-11 Aghabog 1-9 Drumhowan 14/7/17 Rockcorry 1-16 Killeevan 1-13 Smithborough 21/7/17 Aghabog 1-15 Scotstown Truagh 28/7/17 Seán McDermotts 1-14 Oram 0-10 Clontibret 30/7/17 Aghabog 2-14 Rockcorry 1-7. Monaghan 12/8/17 Clones 0-11 Éire Óg 1-7 Clontibret 19/8/17 Éire Óg 2-9 Drumhowan 1-6. Scotstown 19/8/17 Currin 1-17 Clones 1-16 Scotstown 25/8/17 Clones 1-15 Aghabog Emyvale 27/8/17 Éire Óg 3-16 Oram 1-12 Scotstown 16/9/17 Currin 1-13 Éire Óg 0-12 Scotstown 16/9/17 Seán McDermotts 2-21 Clones. 1-9 Scotstown 1/10/17 Seán McDermotts 0-11 Currin 1-10 Scotstown After 16 games in the 2017 Universal Graphics Junior Football Championship, Currin and Seán McDermotts were the last two teams standing. Both finalists were in action on the opening weekend of the competition at the end of May, when they came through tough tests: Currin against Drumhowan and Seán McDermotts against Scotstown. A double-header in Scotstown on the same weekend saw Clones defeat Killeevan and Éire Óg pull away from Rockcorry in extra-time. The next game wasn t until July 1 st, when Oram pipped Aghabog in Drumhowan, while later that month, Rockcorry held off Killeevan in Smithborough. Aghabog got back to winning ways at the expense of Scotstown in Truagh and they went on to eliminate neighbours Rockcorry at Gavan Duffy Park, two days after Seán McDermotts claimed the first semi-final place with a win over Oram in Clontibret. Éire Óg were edged by Clones in the last first-round game, but the Smithborough side bounced back against Drumhowan a week later, while Currin pipped Clones in a thriller to advance to the last four. Another one-point game saw Clones progress at the expense of Aghabog, while Éire Óg had it much easier against Oram. The semi-finals took place in the third Scotstown double-header of this year s JFC, where Currin saw off Éire Óg and Seán McDermotts brushed Clones aside. Currin went on to win their first JFC title since 1972 when they edged out Seán McDermotts in Scotstown after Stephen Smyth hit the all-important only goal of the game in the first minute of the second half. Currin progressed but fell short in a cracking Ulster Club JFC quarter-final against Tyrone s Tattyreagh in Omagh. Currin s 2-12 tally, with Jack McCarron and Stephen Smyth hit 1-10 between them, wasn t enough to progress as Tattyreagh s goalscoring touch guided them through. Under 21 Division 1 Final 4/8/2017 Clones 1 06 Donaghmoyne 3-18 in Rockcorry Under 21 Division 2 Final 3/8/2017 Latton 1 14 Scotstown 0-12 Páirc Sheáin Mhic Dhiarmada Minor Football Championship Div. 1 (Fergal O Hanlon Cup) 15/10/2017 Killanny 1 19 Carrickmacross 0-13 Cluain Eois Killanny won their first ever MFC Division One title when they saw off Carrickmacross in an entertaining final at St. Tiarnach s Park. Carrick led by 0-4 to 0-3 at the end of the opening quarter, but after one of several outstanding saves by Killanny keeper Kian Duffy, a swift counter-attack saw Geraldines captain Dean Connolly fire home what would prove to be the only goal. Killanny went on to lead by 1-9 to 0-8 at half-time and they maintained their advantage throughout the second half, with Eddie Walsh starring on his way to a tally of nine points, seven of which came after the restart. Carrick had six points from U-16 star Donnach Swinburne, but they could find no way past the inspired Kian Duffy, who claimed the Man-of-the-Match award, while Connolly lifted the Fergal O Hanlon Cup after a historic win for Killanny. 13

14 Minor Football Championship Div. 2 (Jimmy McCarey Cup) 8/10/2017 Emyvale 0 14 Latton 4-11 Inniskeen A resurgent Latton clinched the Maguire Transport minor football championship division 2 title with a very effective secondhalf performance that saw off the challenge of Emyvale in this entertaining and at times exciting contest that was played as the curtain raiser to the final of the Intermediate football championship in Inniskeen. Emyvale had marginally the better of things in the 1 st half and probably should have been ahead at the break as opposed to being level but 9 wides in that period including 3 from frees tells its own story. A two-goal salvo in the opening minutes of the second-half gave Latton the platform on which to build for victory and with Conor McCabe orchestrating from midfield they consolidated and closed the game out with a 4 th goal in the final minute of normal time to win by 9 at the finish. Further congratulations to Latton as they went on to complete a memorable Minor double when they won the League. Minor Football Championship Div. 3 (Kellett Cup) 1/10/2017 Doohamlet 6 17 Clontibret 3-08 Scotstown Congratulations to Doohamlet who overwhelmed Clontibret to win a Minor Championship title with a display of scintillating football. Doohamlet started well and with Cormac McKenna finding the net early to set the tone for what was to come. Captain Hugh McGinn, Oisin O Neill and Sean Markey all added points before Clontibret got off the mark. Clontibret to their credit came into the game more and both sides traded scores going into the half time break Doohamlet only led by 2 points, 2-08 to In the second half however Doohamlet took total control and with Sean Markey ruling the roost at midfield scoring six excellent scores from play and supplying our forwards where Oisin O Neill was in devastating form finishing with a total of Cormac McKenna completed his hat trick of goals and Hugh McGinn six points were simply unstoppable. Third Level Football Trench Cup Final 18/2/2017 Dundalk IT 3 10 Waterford IT 1-14 Defending champions, DkIT faced formidable opposition from Waterford IT who came through a very tough semi-final match just one day prior when they beat Marino Institute of Education by a single point. DkIT on the other hand had a very comfortable win over Blanchardstown IT, finishing at 1-18 to 3 points. With confidence levels through the roof and the experience and leadership of Oisin McConville and Shane Lennon in their favour, the DkIT side were more than ready to regain their crown. Congratulations to DkIT, captained by Kieran Duffy (Latton) who led a panel backboned by the following Monaghan men: Colm Meegan, Caolan McElwain, Niall Kearns, Donal Meegan, Pauric Keenan, Alan McCahey, Eddie Markey, Stephen Kerr, Niall Keenan, Fergal Malone, Stephen Mohan and Shane McIlroy. Iomáint - Comórtais Club Silver Hill Foods Senior Hurling Championship (Mick Quigley Cup) Team P W L D F A Pts 1 Castleblayney Hurling Inniskeen Monaghan Harps Hurling Club Carrickmacross Hurling Clontibret O'Neills Gaeil Triucha Senior Hurling Championship Shield Final 6/8/2017 Monaghan Harps HC 2 06 Carrickmacross HC 1-11 Clontibret Carrickmacross won the SHC Shield with a narrow victory over Monaghan Harps in an entertaining curtain-raiser. A David Butler goal helped Carrick lead by 1-6 to 0-4 at half-time, but the first two scores after the restart were goals for the Harps. The first of those came when a long-range free from Aodhán Óg McAnespie landed in the net, while the second was via substitute Alan Ryan. The Harps briefly led, only for the likes of Luke McKenna and Éamonn Collins to lead Carrick to victory. That duo converted a string of frees as Carrick took charge with five unanswered points between the 48 th & 59 th minutes. Senior Hurling Championship Final 6/8/2017Castleblayney HC 1 17 Inniskeen 0 15 Clontibret Castleblayney regained the SHC title when they dethroned Inniskeen in a keenly-contested final. A dominant second quarter made all the difference as Blayney claimed the Mick Quigley Cup; their 13 th county championship since Inniskeen had taken command at that stage of last year s decider against Monaghan Harps, however a blitz of 1-5 without reply turned the game in Blayney s favour, with Steven Forde scoring the only goal on 17 minutes, to help his side open up a 1-10 to 0-6 lead. Inniskeen launched a determined defence of their title in a sometimes fiery second half, with Dónal Meegan to the fore and Ronan Meegan hitting double figures, but Blayney had too much strength around the pitch. Hugh Byrne landed eight frees for the winners, while Mark Treanor, Brian McGuigan and Man of the Match Fergal Rafter made valuable contributions. Castleblayney progressed to the Ulster Intermediate Hurling Club Championship where a stronger Patrick Sarsfields side from Antrim progressed on a scoreline of 1 27 to Minor Hurling League. Team P W L D F A Pts 1 Carrickmacross Hurling Monaghan Harps Hurling Club Castleblayney Hurling Cootehill Celtic GAA Inniskeen Lisbellaw St Patrick's Minor Hurling League Final 21/05/2016 Carrickmacross HC 1 8 Monaghan Harps HC 2 9 Venue: Castleblayney Minor Hurling Championship Final 23/9/17 Castleblayney HC 0-8 Carrickmacross HC 1-14 Monaghan GAA Competition Winners 2017 Competition Winners Senior Football Championship Scotstown Intermediate Football Championship Carrickmacross Junior Football Championship Currin Minor Football Championship Div. 1 Killanny Minor Football Championship Div. 2 Latton Minor Football Championship Div. 3 Doohamlet Senior Football League Ballybay Intermediate Football League Carrickmacross Junior Football League Currin Reserve Football League Div. 1A Scotstown Reserve Football League Div. 1B Magheracloone Reserve Football League Div. 2A Carrickmacross 14

15 Reserve Football League Div 2B Killanny Reserve Football League Div. 3 Corduff RFC Division 1 (O Duffy Cup) Scotstown RFC Division 2(Crawley Cup) Sean McDermotts RFC Division 3 (McKeown Cup) Corduff U.21 Football League Div. 1 Donaghmoyne U.21 Football League Div. 2 Latton Minor Football League Div. 1 Cup Inniskeen Minor Football Div.1 Shield Donaghduff Gaels (Corduff & Donaghmoyne) Minor Football League Div. 2 Cup Castleblayney Minor Football League Div.3 Cup St. Mary'sna Mullaí (ÉireÓg&Rockcorry) Minor Football League Div.3 Shield Doohamlet Senior Hurling Championship Cup Castleblayney HC Senior Hurling Championship Shield. Carrickmacross HC Senior Hurling League Castleblayney HC Development Hurling League Carrickmacross HC Minor Hurling Championship Carrickmacross HC Minor Hurling League Monaghan Harps HC County Committee: Monaghan County Committee met on nine occasions in The meetings were attended by clubs as per the table below. The county committee is the governing body of the GAA in the County is responsible for all decisions taken. The Club Delegates are an essential component as they provide a very important communication link for all GAA matters. County Committee Meetings 2017 Cumann Meetings Attendance Aghabog 9 7 Aughnamullen 9 8 Ballybay 9 8 Blackhill 9 8 Carrickmacross (F) 9 7 Carrickmacross (H) 9 6 Castleblayney (F) 9 5 Castleblayney (H) 9 8 Clones 9 8 Clontibret 9 9 Corduff 9 6 Cremartin 9 9 Currin 9 7 Donaghmoyne 9 9 Doohamlet 9 9 Drumhowan 9 3 Eire Og 9 8 Emyvale 9 9 Inniskeen 9 7 Killanny 9 9 Killeevan 9 9 Latton 9 5 Magheracloone 9 9 Monaghan Harps (F) 9 8 Monaghan Harps (H) 9 8 Oram 9 2 Rockcorry 9 6 Scotstown 9 9 Sean McDermotts 9 6 Toome 9 7 Truagh 9 7 Tyholland 9 8 Referees Administrator 9 9 Secondary Schools 9 0 Cumann na mbunscoil 9 0 Liathroid Laimhe 9 0 Coiste Bainistí Coiste Bainistí met on 13 occasions this year to ensure that the daily affairs of Cumann Luthchleas Gael, Coiste Mhuineachain were dealt with efficiently under the guidance of Michael-Owen McMahon, An Cathaoirleach. I am confident that the members of Coiste Bainistí for 2018 will continue to assist clubs in all aspects of the GAA possible to benefit of Monaghan GAA. Coiste Cheannais na gcomortaisí Coiste Cheannais na gcomortaisí (CCC) have the responsibility of organising the fixture programme and dealing with all disciplinary matters for Monaghan GAA. They went about their business in their usual transparent and efficient manner, Austin Corrigan s (Chairman) organisational skills along with his knowledge of rules and regulations ensured that CCC arranged a fixture programme suitable to the needs of both Club and County players. Adrian Sherry, Adult Fixtures Secretary along with Majella Boyd & John McArdle Juvenile Fixtures Secretaries (previously Derek McConnon) administered their respective fixtures programmes diligently. Disciplinary matters take up a considerable amount of time for the officers of the CCC, in particular for the Secretary of CCC, Eileen Keenan who carries out her duties with the great efficiency. Without doubt the busiest sub-committee within Monaghan GAA, the CCC meets at least once a week to address disciplinary matters, appeals and transfer applications. It s worth remembering that these officers are volunteers and give up their time and services for the good of Monaghan GAA so they deserve our upmost respect for their efforts and commitment. Sub Committees Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain operates a cohort of sub committees as per rule in the GAA Official Guide and in compliance with County Bye Laws. As per the Strategic Plan , all of the objectives and targets set out make up the guidelines for the volunteers who sit on our sub-committees. Approximately 120 people are involved on these committees and have given up their time to ensure that the affairs of Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain operate in efficient and progressive manner. I wish to commend the Health & Wellbeing Committee, under the leadership of Cathal Hand, for their ongoing work. Of particular note was the Over-65s trip to Croke Park last December. This is part of the GAA Social Initiative to encourage clubs to be more age-friendly, by increasing the participation of older members of society, through events specifically designed to enrich their lives and respect the important contribution they have made and can continue to make to community life. I wish to acknowledge the work of the County P.R.O. Noel Duffy and his PR, Marketing & IT committee. They are ever innovative, particularly in the manner in which all aspects of the Monaghan GAA are circulated through multiple social media platforms. I congratulate the committee along with Colm Shalvey (editor) on the success of the 2016 Monaghan GAA Yearbook, named Best GAA Publication of the Year as part of the Association s Mac Namee Awards. Scór It s essential that all our clubs do their best to ensure that our culture and heritage is kept alive. I wish to recognise the clubs who support the Irish language and culture as evidenced by the level of participation and hosting of the various competitions as outlined in the comprehensive report by An Oifigeach Cultúrtha. Comhghairdeas do Na Sáirséalaigh, Cill Laobháin, Ulster winners of Glór na ngael s national competition for promoting the Irish language in GAA clubs. The GAA and Glór na ngael are collaborating to encourage the use of Gaeilge and I would urge clubs to avail of funding from Glór na ngael. Well done to the 14 students who were awarded a Gaeltacht scholarship in Another special effort to have Amhrán na bhfiann sang at our 15

16 championship matches as possible continued in 2017 thanks to all the clubs, and the talented singers and musicians. I wish to commend the continued hard work of Breda Nic Chumhaí, Oifigeach Cúltura agus Gaeilge and her dedicated committee who work tirelessly to promote Culture and Scór within the County. Referees An Coiste Riaracháin Réiteoir continues the hard work in overseeing and recruiting new referees. Under the astute administration of Cormac Connolly, Ailish McEntee, Michael Conlon and its experienced members, the Referees Administration Committee has worked diligently to ensure that referees are trained and well prepared for that task ahead of officiating at our games. The referees provide an invaluable service to Cuman Lúthchleas Gael and as we are well aware that without them there would be no games. It is imperative that club officials, team mentors and players ensure that our referees are treated with dignity and respect so that they can be allowed mature into competent match officials. Some of our younger referees have now progressed to the Inter County Scene and have made significant progress. I congratulate all our referees and wish them well for the future. I encourage clubs to continue to identify and recruit new referees as they are of paramount importance for our games. Coaching and Games Development Monaghan County Board are once again indebted to Monaghan County Council for their continued financial support towards Coaching and Games Development within Monaghan. Our full time coaching staff, under the direction of Paul O Connor (Games Development Manager) Aidan Morgan (Hurling) and the stewardship of Garrett Coyle (County Coaching Officer) who oversee coaching tuition and offer continuous support to all clubs and schools in Monaghan. The onus is on the clubs to ensure that all coaches working with children have completed the Coaching Courses available. The vision of Monaghan Coaching & Games Coaching staff is to provide a regular Games/Coaching Programme. A lot of our schools and received success on the playing fields and this success is testament to the hard work and commitment of our coaching staff. This year saw record breaking attendance at our Cúl Camps. Our Under-16 Development squad won the prestigious Gerry Reilly Tournament for the first time. I thank all the hard-working staff in Cloghan for their hard work and wish them continued success in coaching and games development. This year, Garrett Coyle, County Coaching Officer, will complete his five-year term in the position, a role which he carried out with total dedication. Garrett was appointed Coaching Officer in 2012 and during a very busy tenure he has assumed a wide variety of roles. Apart from being Chairman of the Coaching & Games Committee Garrett was Development Squad Manager from and then County Minor Manager in 2015 & Garrett worked as Liaison Officer for the County Senior Football panel from 2014 where he organised all the logistics with great efficiency. Fundraising & Sponsorship Great credit is due to all those who have organised a plethora of fundraising events over the course of the year for the benefit of our association. Thanks to Monaghan GAA club in New York for running yet another hugely successful Golf Classic across the water. On this side of the Atlantic we acknowledge McAree Engineering for sponsoring our own Golf Classic in the picturesque Rossmore Golf Club on the weekend of June 3 rd. Thanks to the Glencarn Hotel for hosting a memorable Breakfast morning on May 28 th. We re greatly appreciative of the support of the Hillgrove Hotel down through the years and we welcome the generosity of the Four Seasons Hotel who have come on board in Investec Ireland continue as the chief Sponsor our County Teams and we are very fortunate that a company of this stature is willing to support Monaghan GAA. Michael Cullen (CEO, Investec Ireland) has a tremendous pride in his native county and to be associated with a company of such global recognition is a great honour. In 2018 we aim to thrive on all fronts with the additional support of Celtic Pure and we acknowledge FKM for their support to date. A special thank you to our local sponsors for their continued financial support for all our Adult & Juvenile club competitions. All of our sponsors are noted on Finally great appreciation must go to our dedicated supporters who travel the length and breadth of the country supporting our county teams and following our local clubs. Annual Awards night The Annual Awards night was held in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan on January 20 th I wish to pay tribute to Seamus McElwain and his committee for organising the event. The winners announced at County Convention last December are listed below: Gradaim Bliantúil 2016 CATEGORY WINNER CLUB Senior Footballer James Turley Scotstown Intermediate Footballer Francis Markey Donaghmoyne Junior Footballer Dermot Daly Blackhill Young Footballer Ryan McAnespie Emyvale Senior Hurler Martin Murphy Inniskeen Young Hurler Conor Boyle Truagh Senior Club Official Sean McCoy Tyholland Juvenile Club Official Jim KellyMichelle DuffyDoohamletTruagh Handballer of the Year Gavin Coyle Bawn Camogie Player Arlene Leonard. Castleblayney Camogie Ladies Footballer Sharon Courtney Donaghmoyne Youth Achievement Award Football Carrickmacross Emmets Youth Achievement Award Hurling Castleblayney Hurling Senior Referee Seán Gilsenan Donaghmoyne Intermediate Referee Ciaran Mulligan Aghabog Junior Referee Sean Ward Inniskeen Minor Referee Damien Boylan Donaghmoyne Hurling Referee Paul Boylan Clontibret Youth Referee Michael Metzger Magheracloone Hall of Fame Ciaran Murray Ray McCarron Paddy Linden Special Merit Award John ConnollyMarion Donnelly AghabogEmyvale/Monaghan GAA Club of the Year Blackhill Club Monaghan Senior Footballer Karl O Connell Tyholland Most improved participants Scór Retired Senior County Footballers Truagh Dick Clerkin (Currin) Paul Finlay (Ballybay) Deceased Members It is important at this time of year that we remember people that served the Association and have passed away to their eternal reward. Also remember today family members of present and former members of Coiste Bainistí who have passed away during the course of 2017; Colette Sherry, sister of Padraig Sherry, Tommy McCudden (Killeevan) former County Vice-Chairman, Joey Brady (Scotstown) former County Footballer, Pat Mackin, former Castleblayney County Committee delegate and more recently we mourn the loss of former Cathaoirleach Contae Liam Stirrat (Scotstown). I am conscious that every club has lost valued members during the year. A list of all votes of sympathy passed at our monthly County Committee meetings will be published in the 2017 Yearbook. On behalf of Monaghan GAA I offer my sincere sympathy to all the bereaved and thank their families for their continued support of Cumann Lúthcleas Gael. Liam Stirrat and former Co. Senior Mackie Moyna (Scotstown) Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a n-anamacha. 16

17 Acknowledgements: It was an eventful year at the helm of the GAA organisation. Director General Páraic Duffy announced that he will retire from his position in March We can be very proud that a fellow Monaghan Gael has proved a most effective Ard Stiúrthóir for the past 10 years and leaves a remarkable legacy. By the same token I wish Aogán Ó Fearghaíl well in the future, having been elected to the position of GAA President in 2014, his tenure is set to be taken up next year by Dublin man John Horan. In Ulster GAA ranks we welcomed a new Ulster Council Secretary Brian McAvoy as following the sad loss of his most revered predecessor, Danny Murphy, who passed away last December. At a more local level I wish to acknowledge my home club Latton O Rahillys; thank you for nominating me for the position of Rúnaí Contae and congratulations on celebrating a memorable centenary year. To all club officers, particularly Club Secretaries, thank you for your cooperation and support in I also acknowledge the helpful staff of Croke Park and Comhairle Uladh for their advice and prompt information when required. To my fellow officers for all their commitment and dedication to their respective roles. I wish to acknowledge the work of our current Cathaoirleach, Michael-Owen McMahon who has shown great leadership in his first year at the helm of Monaghan GAA. I wish to also recognise the work of An Leas Cathaoirleach, Declan Flanagan, who continues to work for the good of the association both in Monaghan and beyond. In both her roles, as County Treasurer and Secretary of the CCC, Eileen Keenan is a most helpful and reliable wealth of knowledge when I most need guidance, for which I m eternally grateful. I want to sincerely thank Majella Boyd (Assistant Secretary) for her devout contribution throughout the year. Majella is always prepared to lend her assistance and has helped me in some many ways throughout what has been a hectic year adapting to the role of Rúnaí. Particular recognition must also go to the Operations Manager Derek McConnon. Based in Cloghan, Derek s vast role covers a wide range of specifications so I greatly appreciate the work he does to assist the smooth running of Monaghan GAA on a day to day basis. We have been particularly fortunate to have the expertise of Garrett Coyle in his role as Coaching Officer for the past five years and I m pleased that he will remain on in the role of Liaison Officer. By the same token I wish the incoming Coaching Officer well, John Connolly, who will bring a wealth of experience to the 2018 Management Committee. To all the former Rúnaí Chontae agus na Cathaoirligh that I have encountered during the course of the year, I greatly appreciate your advice and kind words of support since my appointment last December. Congratulations to former Cathaoirleach Gary Carville on his appointment as a Director of the GAA Museum at Croke Park in August. I want to pay tribute to all our County teams, players & participants for donning the Monaghan jersey so admirably each time they represent the Farney County. To all County managers, selectors and their backroom teams, for their commitment to the cause. I wish all Management teams well for 2018 in their respective codes and competitions. A special thank you to all our behind the scenes volunteers i.e. gate personnel and stewards for their work, particularly at our championship games, we are greatly indebted to you all. On the whole I have enjoyed my first year in this position. I hope that I have managed to achieve a degree of satisfaction for the clubs in the manner in which I carried out my role as County Secretary. I wish all clubs success both on and off the playing fields for the coming year. Finally, on a personal level, in what has been a very hectic year, I wish to extend thanks to my family, in particular to my wife Emily for her unwavering support. Proinsias Mac An Bháird Runaí Coiste Chontae Mhuineacháin Archive Committee Report The work of the Committee continued during the year and progress can be reported in a number of areas. Progress to date: 1. The Príomh Oifigigh and the Hall of Fame Boards were updated. 2. Boards were specially designed and imprinted with the records of the winners of the Senior, Intermediate, Junior and Minor Football Champions as well as the winners of the Senior Hurling Champions up to the present time. Images of the five current Champions were attached under the appropriate Boards. The Boards will be on permanent display in the Drumlin Room. 3. The winners of Ladies All Star Awards were put on display Work in Progress: In accordance with Rule 4.16 CLG the Committee is in the process of collecting past Records of An Coiste Chontae Mhuineacháin for transfer to the CLG Archive in Páirc an Chrocaigh. Frank McManus and An Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí made noteworthy contributions to the progress completed to date. Seán Ó héamhthaigh Cathaoirleach Samhain

18 Tuarascáil Coiste Cheannais na gcomortaisí was a very busy year for CCC. The role of the CCC is to administer a programme of approx. 750 adult games and approx. 663 juvenile games both in football and hurling. Taking into account the success of our County Teams it was a major achievement to have our fixture programme completed by the 26 th November Discipline: Discipline actions have decreased in Hopefully this trend will continue. Referees. I take this opportunity to thank Cormac Connolly for his work as referee administrator. Cormac has a busy role in organising referee s Linesmen and fourth officials along with Eugene Mc Kenna and myself for all Championship games. I wish to express my gratitude to all clubs who have made great efforts in providing referees to officiate at our games. Committee: I would like to thank all members of Coiste Cheannais na gcomortaisi for their work in implementing a successful fixtures schedule for A special work of thanks to Adrian Sherry (fixtures secretary) for his excellent work in ensuring that our entire fixture programme be completed in the calendar year. I would like to thank all members of Coiste Cheannais na gcomortaisi for their time and integrity when difficult decisions had to be made. CCC had 33 meetings this year and attended all Championship Matches. Committee members: Austin Corrigan, Eileen Kennan Adrian Sherry, Majella Boyd, Cormac Connolly, Eugene Mc Kenna, Noel Mullanny, Gerry Mulligan, Enda Mc Elroy, Sean Mc Coy and Declan Lambe. Finally I wish all members success in Austin Corrigan Cathaoireach Coiste Cheannais na gcomortaisi John West Féile Peile Na nóg This year Monaghan along with our neighbours Cavan and Fermanagh hosted the John West Féile Peile Na nóg tournament on the weekend of Friday 23RD June to Sunday 25th June 2017 which is a festival of football for U14 boys and girls. This is one of Irelands largest youth sporting events with around 15k/20k players and supporters from the 32 counties of Ireland, Britan and the USA participating. In total 240 teams took part with 36 teams (24 boys and 12 girls) participating from Monaghan. It was a most enjoyable weekend for all involved and provided an opportunity for our clubs and county to showcase our excellent facilities in the best possible light and also create lasting links with visiting clubs. Hosting Féile is reliant on much support at local level and I wish to thank our individual clubs, club officers, children s officers, Féile officers and host families for the tremendous work and organisation in preparation for the event. The weekend has been a wonderful experience for our young players, their parents and club supporters and I have no doubt will have lasting memories for all involved. A big thank you to our referees and coaching staff who gave of their time so generously. Finally, I would like to thank and recognise the great work carried out by the Monaghan Féile organising committee in the months leading up to the event and throughout the weekend. Thank you all. Is mise le meas Brendan O Cathasaigh Cathaoirleach Coiste Féile Peile na nóg Mhuineacháin 18

19 How Monaghan Clubs Fared 19

20 Tuarascáil Meanscoile 2017 GAA is alive and kicking in the 2nd Level Schools of Co. Monaghan on a number of different levels.. So far since September 2017 we have had two School Supertouch Blitzes, one for 1 st Year boys and another for Senior boys, and also a Skills Competition. Back in February, we also held an U14 Development League for the Secondary Schools. The U14 Development League comprised of three blitzes which took place over January and February in Cloghan. This offered an opportunity to schools who had no football fixed for after the Christmas, to play matches. This was a very positive initiative with 7 Secondary Schools taking part in this also with approximately 150 boys getting game time over the three blitzes. 6 Secondary Schools took part in a senior Supertouch Blitz under lights on the 28 th September. On the night there was some great displays of teamplay and scoring, with Patrician High School taking home the spoils in this competitive blitz. 7 schools took part in the 1 st Year Boys Blitz which also incorporated a skills competition, had over 150 boys take part in a 9 a side blitz format which meant all teams got three matches on the day. We also had TY students present to officiate on the day. The skills competition which took place at the conclusion of the blitz focused on kick-passing and kicking for scores. The competition brought a high standard of quality, and was won by Patrician High School who performed excellently throughout. Plans for the rest of the year include a 1 st Year Girls Blitz, a Mixed Hurling Blitz for 1 st 3 rd Years, a 1 st Year Boys Football Blitz, a Senior Boys Hurling Blitz and a Junior Boys Competition. Five Foundation Level coaching awards were also organised for transition year students in St Macartan s College, Patrician High School, Largy College and two courses in Our Lady s Secondary School. These proved very popular with a lot of the students who completed these awards working as coaches for us during the Kellogg s Cul Camps during the summer. September also saw the roll-out of a pilot GAA project entitled 'TY GAA Future Leaders'. This project is being run in conjunction with Croke Park and the PDST. The programme involves TY students participating in modules such as; Foundation Coaching Award, Refereeing, Administration, Journalism, Event Management, Performance Analysis, Wellness and Nutrition. Ultimately it involves students putting into practice the skills that they have learned by running a Super Games Centre involving primary school pupils. This will undoubtedly be of great benefit to the clubs of the county. Currently, St. Macartan's College, Largy College, Clones, Our Lady's Secondary School, Castleblaney and Patrician High School Carrickmacross are participating in this programme. It is is envisaged that that the rest of the schools in the county will be fully on board in All schools participated in the Ulster Schools competitions with pride of place going to Patrician High School Carrickmacross who ensured that the Brock Cup visited Monaghan for the first time ever by beating St. Colman's Newry at u-15 1/2 level. They also won the Loch an Iuir Cup at u-14 1/2 aswell. The 2nd Levels Schools Committee meets twice yearly and I would like to thank all the teachers whi give so freely of their time in order to promote all the codes of Gaelic Games in our schools be that Gaelic Football, Hurling or Handball. 20

21 Coiste Chontae Mhuineacháin Accounts for the year ended 31 October

22 Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain embers of Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain We have audited the financial statements of Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain for the year ended 31 st October 2017 which comprise the income & expenditure account, the balance sheet and the related notes. These financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and the accounting policies as set out therein. Respective responsibilities of management and auditors Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and Irish Accounting Standards. Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant legal and regulatory requirements and Auditing Standards promulgated by the Auditing Practices Board in Ireland and the United Kingdom. We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view and are properly prepared in accordance with applicable law and Irish Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. We also report to you whether in our opinion proper books of account have been kept by Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain. Basis of audit opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with Auditing Standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by the officers in the preparation of the financial statements, and of whether the accounting policies are appropriate, consistently applied and adequately disclosed. We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of information in the financial statements. Opinion In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain as at 31 st October 2017 and of its income & expenditure for the year then ended and have been properly prepared in accordance with applicable law and Irish Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. We have obtained all the information and explanations that we consider necessary for the purposes of our audit. In our opinion, proper books of account have been kept. The financial statements are in agreement with the books of account. Dermot Mc Cyrstal & Co. Chartered Accountants No. 1. The Hill, Monaghan, Co. Monaghan. Dated 15 th November

23 Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 October Income Schedule A 1,532,969 1,345,397 Expenditure Schedule B (1,469,952) (1,310,461) Surplus for the Year 63,017 34,936 23

24 Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain Detailed Income and Expenditure Account For the year ended 31 October Schedule A Income Schedule Gate Receipts 1 168, ,932 Allianz National League Share 2 114,227 72,772 Commercial Income 3 380, ,212 Fund-Raising Activities 4 135, ,935 Financial Income 5 0 3,345 Other Income 6 359, ,718 Income from Associated Bodies 7 380, ,330 Royalties 1,800 1,800 Match Ticket Income (7,490) (8,647) 1,532,969 1,345,397 Schedule B Expenditure Match Expenses 8 142, ,410 Team Expenses 9 640, ,618 Upkeep and Maintenance of grounds 10 93,455 71,804 Financial Expenses 11 7,153 6,765 Administration Expenses , ,949 Scor and Culture 13 3,413 2,414 Coaching and Games Development Expenses , ,501 1,469,952 1,310,461 24

25 Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain Schedule 1 Gate Receipts Gate Receipts Gross 168, , , ,932 Schedule 2 National League Shares Allianz National League Share 114,227 72,772 Schedule 3 Commercial Income Programmes 24,848 4,512 Other Sponsorships 355, , , ,212 Schedule 4 Fund Raising Club Monaghan 47,880 48,909 Other Fundraising 87,596 82, , ,935 Schedule 5 Financial Income Interest on Investments/Deposits 0 3, ,345 Schedule 6 Other Income Club Affiliation Fees 170, ,051 Summer/Easter Camps 171, ,927 Rents Received 10,455 Fines 7,400 6, , ,718 25

26 Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain Schedule 7 Income from Associated Bodies CLG Annual Grant 175, ,000 CLG Other Grants 70,297 35,346 Ulster Council Finalists Grants - - Ulster Council Coaching Admin Manager Grant 135, , , ,330 Schedule 8 Cost of Staging Games Medals, Trophies and Awards Night 22,815 19,235 Rent of Grounds 25,832 22,979 Local Competition Expenses 18,763 8,480 Referees 75,150 73, , ,410 Schedule 9 Teams Expenses Players Travel Expenses 176, ,570 Team Administration Costs 197, ,691 Sports Gear, Equipment & Laundry 88,544 72,924 Medical including Physio and Masseurs 92,627 60,312 Catering 85,692 75,021 Players Injury Insurance 0 4, , ,618 Schedule 10 Upkeep and Maintenance of County Grounds General Repairs and Upkeep of Grounds 93,455 71,804 26

27 Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain Schedule 11 Financial Expenses Bank Charges 5,635 6,580 Investment Written Off 1,016 Lease Finance Charges Loan Interest ,153 6,765 Schedule 12 Administration Expenses Office Administration 55,874 21,738 Printing and Stationary 20,374 12,058 Postage and Telephone 7,242 8,740 Public Liability and Property Insurance 6,800 81,749 Audit and Accountancy Fees 5,022 4,500 Expenses of County Board Officers 58,101 44,869 Legal and Professional Fees 0 1,661 Sundry Expenses 29,101 41,680 Depreciation 29,543 22,064 Profit on Disposal of Asset (1,100) Videoing and Photography 4,681 3, , ,949 Schedule 13 Scor & Culture Gaeltacht and Scor Expenditure 3,413 2,414 3,413 2,414 Schedule 14 Coaching and Games Development Employment of Personnel 205, ,049 Summer/Easter Camps 124, ,441 Coaching Equipment 4,268 1,279 Games Development Expenditure 32,921 35, , ,501 27

28 Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain Balance Sheet as at 31 October Notes Fixed Assets Tangible assets 2 739, ,273 Investments 3 0 1, , ,289 Current Assets Stocks and work-in-progress 4 9,806 13,228 Debtors 5 Falling due after more than one year 60,000 70,000 Falling due within one year 226, ,337 Cash at bank and in hand 93,926 70, , ,278 Current Liabilities 6 Bank loans and overdrafts 0 11,616 Accruals 199, , , ,390 Net Current Assets 190, ,888 Total Assets Less Current Liabilities 930, ,177 Long-term Liabilities Net Assets 930, ,177 Capital Account Brought forward at 1 November , ,241 Profit for the year 63,017 34, , ,177 I approve these accounts and confirm that I have made available all relevant records and information for their preparation. Micheal Mac Mathuna Eibhlín Ní Cionnáin Date: 15 November

29 Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 October Accounting Policies The following accounting policies have been applied consistently in dealing with items which are considered 1.1 Accounting convention The accounts are prepared under the historical cost convention modified when necessary to include the revaluation of certain fixed assets. 1.2 Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost or valuation less residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows: Centre of Excellence - 2% Straight Line Fixtures, fittings and Equipment 10% Straight Line 1.3 Investments Fixed asset investments are stated at cost. 1.4 Stock Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. 1.5 Revenue Recognition Income from gates and cul camps is only recognised in the Accounts of Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain when it has been received by an officer and lodged to the bank account. Income from other sources is recognised on an accruals and prepayments basis. 29

30 Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain Notes to the Accounts For the year ended 31 October Tangible Assets Land and Centre of Equipment Motor Total Buildings Excellence Vehicles Freehold Cost At 1 November , , ,542 4, ,324 Disposals ,000 4,000 Additions ,795 21,795 At 31 October , , ,542 21, ,119 Depreciation At 1 November ,605 63,446 4,000 78,051 Eliminated on disposal ,000 4,000 Charge for the year 00 10,605 14,579 4,359 29,543 At 31 October ,210 78,025 4, ,594 Net Book Values At 31 October , ,039 70,517 17, ,525 At 31 October , ,644 85, , Investments Irish Life 0 1, , Stocks Finished goods and goods for resale 9,806 13,228 30

31 Coiste Chontae Mhuineachain Notes to the Accounts for the year ended 31 October Debtors Amounts falling due after more than one year: Castleblayney Faughs CLG 60,000 70,000 60,000 70,000 Amounts falling due within one year: Trade debtors 216, ,337 Castleblayney Faughs CLG 10,000 10, , ,337 The loan to Castleblayney Faughs CLG is interest free and is being repaid over 10 years which commenced in Current Liabilities Bank overdraft 0 11,616 Accruals and deferred income 199, , , , Long-term Liabilities Bank of Ireland Security Bank of Ireland hold first legal charge over folio 16785F Monaghan. 8. Contingent Liability There exists contingent liabilities as at 31 st October 2017 in respect of Magheracloone CLG in the a 58,494 34,355, Carrickmacross CLG in the amount 77,044 52,904, Monaghan Harps 1,357, 70,507, and Killeevan Sarsfields in the amount of from guarantees provided by the county committee. 31

32 Nicky Rackard All Stars International Rules Players 32

33 Scotstown Senior Winners Carrickmacross Intermediate Winners 33

34 Currin Junior Winners Killanny Minor Winners 34

35 Castleblayney Hurling Winners Monaghan GAA Social Initiative Trip to Croke Park 35

36 Tuarascáil Oifigeach An Rud a chíonn an leanbh is é a naíonnn an leanbh What the child sees the child does 2017 will be remembered in Monaghan as the year of Féile in Monaghan- Cavan- Fermanagh. This represented the end product and recognition for all of the clubs which agreed to act as Féile host clubs. It was an arduous undertaking and clubs made exceptional efforts to welcome their visitors and to demonstrate the quality of the facilities that are available in Monaghan. na bpáistí expected in the next couple of years into the format of Feile, it is gratifying that all Monaghan Gaels had an opportunity to be part of the occasion. Child Safety With the commencement into law of the Children First legislation later in December 2017, the failure to have successfully completed Garda vetting, child safety and coaching course within an agreed timeframe now becomes an offence in law. The Féile weekend also provided a context for finding a balance between participation and strong competition. In what is a very competitive tournament, many clubs accepted early on that they were unlikely to be able to compete at the upper end of their division. However all clubs embraced the occasion, performing all sorts of tasks to get club grounds ready the opportunity to offer hospitality and to host visiting clubs and to form lasting relationships. Sean Boylan from Meath articulated this very clearly when he talked about the development of these friendships as being the cornerstone of what makes the GAA family so special. The other successful aspect around Féile was the manner in which all clubs embraced the host family vetting requirement. Of course, this vetting as a host family does not carry across to individuals who wish to become coaches or to undertake other roles within the GAA. However the fact that so many people embraced the process and went through the online vetting process must be seen as positive. I would hope that we build on this further next year. It certainly demonstrates that we can continue to work towards having a safe environment for all children, and with changes Most people will by now be aware of recent cases in the media and the recent conviction of individuals for offences against children. Events in 2017 demonstrated that issues like the grooming of children by predators are real and that it can be those who attract least suspicion who may be responsible for these crimes. A number of these perpetrators were GAA members with roles of responsibility within our organisation. It is an untimely reminder that even where individuals have cleared the checks with Garda vetting and child protection, there remains a need to be vigilant, and a need to be brave enough to voice concerns if and when people become aware of inappropriate behaviour around our clubs. We have made good progress on the question of Garda vetting but this is an ongoing task. In a recent audit at national level, it was demonstrated that there remains a discrepancy between the number of people vetted and the number of coaches completing child protection and coaching courses. In 2018, Croke Park will commence a re-vetting process for all clubs and members within the county to bring everyone up to date. 36

37 Violence remains an ongoing problem with our gaelic games and there was a marked increase in disciplinary issues in This may be true more so at adult level than youth level but there is huge responsibility on ourselves as adults to protect all children and to impart the values of fair play to everyone who comes in through the gate. Our games are not without failures and there were a number of more disappointing features to our gaelic games this year. First of all we had repeated occurrences of racist abuse on the field. Often this happens out of earshot of other players, officials and mentors, so it is difficult to prove under the rule book but this does not mean that it hasn t happened. That certain clubs refuse to take it seriously and deal internally with this problem reflects poorly on them. There is no point in looking for ways to avoid penalty here. This behaviour is extremely damaging to the victims. Bullying and racism can only be dealt with by clubs openly taking responsibility for the behaviour of their players. It is also critical that coaches and spectators improve their own behaviour in and around the playing field and that clubs adopt a firmer policy in relation to what is deemed to be acceptable behaviour. Spectators seem to think that they can shout any type of abuse they want towards players. They forget that these players are very young and that they are damaging these boys and girls. This conduct needs to be addressed as a breach of the code of best practice to demonstrate that everyone who enters a GAA ground has a responsibility to act responsibly. Dealing with this behaviour takes courage. In 2017, we dealt with a number of complaints against managers or coaches which were deemed to be breaches of the code of behaviour. We also had an incident of a parent physically attacking an underage child after a game. Some will see in this the need to better police our grounds and that is a fair criticism. Equally, the parent in question needs to ask themselves why they think that they have a right to interfere in this way. It also makes me question why we are so forgiving and continue to allow people like this near our pitches. In conclusion, there remains a lot of work to be done to make the environment in which we play our games healthier and more enjoyable. This can only be achieved by continuing to work positively with Children s Officers to ensure that the proper protection and safeguarding procedures are put in place by all of our clubs and that clubs and individuals adhere to the principles set out in the Code of best practice. Go raibh maith agat Seán Mac Ardghail 37