Joey & Phyllis, Rockcorry

Ryan Sharkey, Swans Cross

Tony McFadden, c/o Cormac McFadden

Cornelius Thompson, Newbliss

Phillip McCaul ,Drum

Lauren & Josh, Rockcorry

Paddy Thompson, Newbliss,

Dwayne & Marie, Rockcorry

Next week our jackpot will be €3,200.00 and the draw will take place in Aghabog GAA Complex at 10.30pm sharp. Thank you for supporting our Top 4 lotto draw.

Some good weather plus some of the best vintage hay making machinery accompanied with loads of side shows can only mean one thing – a GREAT day out. That is exactly what took place at Dartrey Sports field last Sunday when we held our inaugural vintage festival. In addition, to the traditional hay making activities other events that took place included a poultry & car boot sale, sheaf tossing, archery, a mini digger competition, penalty kicks, tractor reversing, nail driving, throwing the 56’er, races, face painting, sheep shearing, and lots more. One of the most popular event was the tug-of-war competition that saw Mairead McCollum’s team capture the ladies title with Declan McCullagh’s team winning the men’s event after some intense pulling buy all teams and well done to you. The food and cake stand went down a treat and many thanks to all the ladies for making sandwiches and other treats available and making sure the energy levels stayed high. Apart from the weather, one of the elements that made the event such a success is the way the entire community came together to support and organise the event. Virtually, every evening leading up to the event there were people in the field ensuring everything was completely perfect for the big day and making sure everything ran smoothly which we can all agree, it certainly did. The level of support from people was terrific as it pulled families from all over the parish and surrounding areas and everyone was very generous and on behalf of the club I would really like to say thank you to everyone who contributed. I would also like to thank our sponsors for their kind contributions over the past few weeks and when I have all their details I will let you know. It does seem unfair to single out any one person when so many other people put in tremendous amount of work to make the weekend a huge success but the festival would not off been achieved without the foresight, dedication and enthusiasm of Tom Daly whose contribution is incalculable. Well done Tom and to everyone involved, great job all round and we look forward to a bigger and better event next year!

Aidan Coyle Memorial Cup

Pairc Naomh Mhuire has played host to some legendary games since it officially opened in 1991 but nothing can compare to the epic battle that took place last Saturday evening when our victorious Dr. Ward Cup team of 1996 came out of retirement to take on the current panel of players and they certainly gave the large crowd plenty of excitement and entertainment. The game itself was evenly contested throughout with both teams displaying some fine passages of football but in the end the experience and craftiness, plus a “little” help from the man in the middle, saw the Dr. Ward Cup team of 1996 achieve a narrow victory on a score-line 2-15 to 3-10. After the game Gerry Coyle presented the Aidan Coyle Memorial Cup to the winning captain Kieran McCormill and later that night we enjoyed a fabulous barbeque and a wonderful night’s entertainment in St. Mary’s Hall. Just as a matter of interest has anyone seen Nicky since the match!!!

Raffle

Our draw for the fabulous suite of bedroom furniture was postponed last Sunday due to unfortunate circumstances but I understand that it will be re-scheduled sometime over the Bank holiday weekend. All committee members and players have raffle sheets and to enter its costs €5 so if you’re not in you won’t win! All players and committee members are requested to hand in their sheets tomorrow evening (Friday 30^th) after the reserve game.

Streamline Coaches Intermediate Football League  

It was a quite week on the football scene as our game against Aghabog was cancelled due to bereavement. Yesterday evening (Wednesday 28^th July) our senior were scheduled to play Emyvale so please check club notes next week for details.

Monaghan Electrical Reserve League Division 4

Our reserve team continued their winning ways in the league campaign with an impressive win against Emyvale last Friday evening on a score-line Rockcorry 0-21 Emyvale 1-9. Tomorrow evening Friday 30^th July our reserve team has a home game against Killanny at 7.30pm.

Under 8 Coaching

Coaching sessions for all under 8’s continues on Wednesday night’s from 6.0 – 7.30pm in St. Mary’s Hall or weather permitting on Pairc Naomh Mhuire. All five, six, seven and eight year olds are welcome to attend.

Under 12 Team

Our under 12 team completed the league campaign last Saturday and now await details of who they play in the Shield competition semi-finals. Please check official fixture list elsewhere for details.

Top 4 Lotto Results

The numbers drawn last Monday night were 1, 4, 16, and 28. There was no jackpot winner of €3,100.00. The following people won €15 each: Joey & Phyllis Rockcorry, Ryan Sharkey Swans Cross, Tony McFadden c/o Cormac McFadden, Cornelius Thompson Newbliss, Phillip McCaul Drum, Lauren & Josh Rockcorry, Paddy Thompson Newbliss, Dwayne & Marie Rockcorry. Next week our jackpot will be €3,200.00 and the draw will take place in Aghabog GAA Complex at 10.30pm sharp. Thank you for supporting our Top 4 lotto draw.

Club Notes

You are reminded to log on to the website www.rockcorrygaa.ie for regular updates in respect of all activities. If you want an item included in the notes please email me at rockcorrygaa@live.ie or send me a text on 086-1041165.

Garron Smyth, Anney

Majella & Bernie, C/o. Annie McGinn

Sean McCormill, Swans Cross

Arlene Hughes, Middleton

Michael Greenan, Aghabog

Cormac & Felicity ,Rockcorry

Seamus Carroll, Rockcorry

John McGilly, Newbliss

Next week our jackpot will be €3,100.00 and the draw will take place in Thompson’s, Newbliss at 10.30pm sharp. Thank you for supporting our Top 4 lotto draw.

Dartrey Sports field will be a hive of activity this Sunday as our vintage hay making festival takes place. This highly anticipated event has certainly attracted a lot of interest and kick starts with the poultry and car boot sale at 10am followed by the vintage tractors, working farm horses, tedders, cocking of the hay, lapping & ricking of the hay starting at 12 noon. There will also be a vintage display including cars, tractors and machinery and with plenty of other activities lined up such as sheaf tossing, tug-of-war, welly weight throwing, bale rolling, mini digger competition, tractor trailer reversing, nail driving, dog show, bonny baby competition, races, face painting and lots more. There will also be food stalls and refreshments available so everything is catered for so come on down this Sunday for a fabulous day’s entertainment for all the family to enjoy! Later on Sunday night there will be a haymakers jig in St. Mary’s hall with entertainment provided by the fabulous Setanta.

David v Goliath

We are all familiar with the David versus Goliath stories and this Saturday evening another epic battle will take place on the battle field Pairc Naomh Mhuire as players from our victorious Dr. Ward Cup winning team of 1996 will dust off the old cobwebs as they turn back the clock when they take on players from the current 2010 squad. This is an encounter you don’t want to miss and the game has a throw-in time of 7.30pm. Afterwards in St. Mary’s Hall there will a sizzling barbeque and entertainment will be by DJ Terry. G’day mate, come and enjoy the barby!

Monaghan v Tyrone

Hard luck to the Monaghan senior team who were defeated by Tyrone last Sunday in the Ulster final. We have all experienced bad days at the office and while this is a setback we all know you’re made of better stuff so heads up lads and be ready to take on the Lilly Whites this Saturday. Good Luck.

“Guess the Score” Winner

The winner of our “guess the score” competition was Paddy Reilly, Aghabog who predicted a score Monaghan 0-10 Tyrone 1-14. Oh dear Paddy you have little faith, but you do win yourself €50 so congratulations.

Raffle

The draw for the fabulous suite of bedroom furniture that was kindly donated by the Maple Bar takes place this Sunday night at the haymakers jig dance in St. Mary’s Hall. The 2^nd prize €200, 3^rd prize is two nights bed & breakfast in Galway, 4^th prize one overnight stay in Cavan Crystal hotel and 5^th €50. All committee members and players have raffle sheets and to enter its costs €5 so if you’re not in you won’t win!

Streamline Coaches Intermediate Football League  

Our senior team was scheduled to play Aghabog last night (Wednesday 21^st July) so please check next week club notes for details. On Wednesday 28^th July we travel to play Emyvale and the game has a throw-in time of 8pm.

Monaghan Electrical Reserve League Division 4

On Wednesday 14^th July we made the journey to play Blackhill in our seventh game of the Monaghan Electrical reserve football league. It was an evenly contested game played in slippery conditions and our lads showed great character to overturn a seven point deficit early in the second half to record a deserved win on a score-line Blackhill 3-11 Rockcorry 3-12. A full match report of the Blackhill v Rockcorry game and action photos can be viewed on our website www.rockcorrygaa.ie. Speaking to team selector, Pauric Carroll, after the game he told me “while there was some sloppy play at times, overall I was pleased with the lad’s performance as they all worked well and we showed great team spirit to get back into the game after going behind by seven points”.  I agree with you Pauric and we will need to see a repeat performance tomorrow night Friday 23^rd July when we play Emyvale at Pairc Naomh Mhuire at 8pm. Best of luck lads.

Minor Team

Normally one would go to the theatre to see a musical or a drama show but there was plenty of late, late drama at Pairc Naomh Mhuire on Tuesday 13^th July as our minor team snatched a win from the jaws of defeat with virtually the last kick of the game to secure the victory and more importantly the two league points on a score-line Rockcorry 1-9 Emyvale 1-7. The weather conditions did not facilitate fluid play but the standard of football on display from both sides was a high standard. While we enjoyed a good share of possession in the opening half Emyvale built up a half time lead 0-4 to 1-5. Whatever our team management said to the players at half time worked as the lads looked determined to overturn the deficit and while they missed a few clear cut chances they continued to work hard for each other as they battled back and managed to level the game at 0-9 to 1-6 with ten minutes remaining. Emyvale kicked a point, in the final stages, to regain the lead and one would have thought that the game was gone out of sight but the character and hard work of the players saw them mount one last effort and when Conor McGeough came forward everyone on the sideline willed him to tap it over the bar, just tap it over, but the young lad had other ideas as he blasted the ball past the Emyvale keeper in the dying seconds to clinch a 1-9 to 1-7 triumph.  The next outing for our minors is a home game on Tuesday 27^th July when they take on Na Mullai Sarsfields at 8pm.

Under 8 Coaching

Coaching sessions for all under 8’s continues on Wednesday night’s from 6.0 – 7.30pm in St. Mary’s Hall or weather permitting on Pairc Naomh Mhuire. All five, six, seven and eight year olds are welcome to attend.

Monaghan VHI GAA Cul Camps 2010

A list of the forthcoming VHI GAA Cul camps can be viewed on our website www.rockcorrygaa.ie. If parents need further information or require any clarification please contact our Youth Officer Martina McKeown for details.

Under 12 Team

This Saturday 24^th July our under 12 team have a home game against Emyvale at 12 noon.

Top 4 Lotto Results

The numbers drawn last Monday night were 5, 7, 9, and 22. There was no jackpot winner of €3,000.00. The following people won €15 each: Garron Smyth Anney, Majella & Bernie C/o. Annie McGinn, Sean McCormill Swans Cross, Arlene Hughes Middleton, Michael Greenan Aghabog, Cormac & Felicity Rockcorry, Seamus Carroll, John McGilly Newbliss. Next week our jackpot will be €3,100.00 and the draw will take place in Thompson’s, Newbliss at 10.30pm sharp. Thank you for supporting our Top 4 lotto draw.

Club Notes

You are reminded to log on to the website www.rockcorrygaa.ie for regular updates in respect of all activities. If you want an item included in the notes please email me at rockcorrygaa@live.ie or send me a text on 086-1041165.

Rock show team spirit to bounce back and claim victory

Team: Jamie Smith, Cathal Sheridan, Rory Carroll, Pauric Reilly, Shane Wynne, Colin Reilly, Ryan Sharkey 0-1,  Liam Connolly 0-2, Barry Patterson 0-1, Keelan Clerkin 1-0, Martin Carroll 0-1, Colin Quinn 1-2, Declan McCullagh, Mark McGuirk 1-4 and Anthony Tate 0-1.

Subs: Conor McGeough for Declan McCullagh.

On Wednesday 14^th July we made the journey to play Blackhill in our seventh game of the Monaghan Electrical reserve football league. Both teams entered the game with high hopes of gaining full points from this contest as each team had enjoyed a good run in the campaign and were both sitting with nine points in the league table.

A shower of rain left underfoot conditions slippery which hindered the play somewhat and Blackhill were the quickest out of the blocks as they registered their first score in the second minute when they converted a free-kick after we were penalized for a hand pass. Martin Carroll kicked wide a couple of minutes later but Blackhill extended their lead when they scored a long range point to go two up. Martin Carroll was brought down in the 6^th minute but surprisingly the normally reliable Mark McGuirk was off target as his effort fell short and Blackhill raced down the field and launched a high ball into our danger zone that deceived our goalie Jamie Smith as it hit the corner of the post and dropped harmlessly into the net.

Keelan Clerkin bursts through the challenge

We had to wait for almost ten minutes before we opened our account that came after some fine grafting by Martin Carroll as he set up Keelan Clerkin who finished a strong piercing solo run by firing to the back of the net and a couple of minutes later Mark McGuirk collected a pass from Colin Quinn and slotted over a lovely point. However, this was immediately cancelled out as Blackhill won the kick-out and broke down the field to score a point. Keelan Clerkin made another terrific run in the 15^th minute as he cut open the Blackhill defence and he off-loaded to Martin Carroll who found Colin Quinn and he confidently struck the ball to the back of the net to take the lead 1-3 to 2-1 and Colin Quinn was in thick of the action a minute later when he curled over a wonderful point to stretch our advantage.

Colin Quinn holds his concentration despite pressure from his marker.

However, our lead lasted just two minutes as a sequence of errors allowed Blackhill in to notch over a fine point and when our defence switched off in the 21^st minute we were duly punished when the ball was struck past Jamie Smith to hit the back of the net to leave the score 2-4 to 2-2. Both teams kicked wides during the 23^rd and 26^th minutes before Ryan Sharkey made a burst up the field and fired over a glorious point to close the gap to a single point but Blackhill replied with two well worked points in the 28^th and 29^th minutes to restore a three point advantage. When Mark McGuirk found himself one on one with the keeper, in the 30^th minute, he fired his shot over the bar and in the final seconds of an entertaining half Blackhill had the last say when they added a point from play to leave the scoreboard reading Blackhill 2-7 Rockcorry 2-4.

Barry Patterson is at full stretch as he tries to break the high ball

During the interval our team management made a number of switches, that raised a few eye brows, with Martin Carroll moving to centre half back role and Colin Reilly slotting into full back position. The second half started similar to the first with Blackhill having the better of the opening exchanges and they scored 1-1 within a couple of minutes to open up a seven point lead and at this stage it looked liked the match was running away from us as we had the proverbial mountain to climb!

Mark McGuirk out in front as he competes for possession

Blackhill looked comfortable at this stage but to use the words of Billy Ocean, “when the going gets tough the tough get going” and we slowly managed to turn things around and when Mark McGuirk converted a free-kick in the 5^th minute the wheel of momentum started to move in our direction as we started to enjoy a period of dominance. Our next attack yielded a penalty after Mark McGuirk was hauled down inside the large rectangle and he stepped up to take the spot kick and he coolly placed his shot into the bottom corner to close the deficit back to three points. The ensuing kick-out was broken down by Liam Connolly and when Martin Carroll collected the breaking ball he surged forward and fired over a sweet point to rally the troops. Liam Connolly raised another white flag shortly afterwards following good work by Keelan Clerkin, Pauric Reilly and Martin Carroll, to reduce the deficit to a solitary point.

Liam Connolly looks up to assess his next move

We were guilty of poor shooting during the 15^th and 16^th minute when Ryan Sharkey and Liam Connolly kicked wides before Blackhill fired over a fine point in the 17^th minute to extend their advantage. Thankfully, we responded in true fashion and when Anthony Tate collected a pass he floated over a wonderful point. As the game entered the final ten minutes we started to affirm more control and when Keelan Clerkin was brought down in the 20^th minute Colin Quinn stepped up to take the free-kick which he sailed between the uprights to leave both teams on 3-9 apiece.

Anthony Tate on the attack as he breaks away from his opponent.

Mark McGurik kicked a free wide in the 23^rd minute, after Ryan Sharkey was fouled but when Jamie Smith cleared with great efficiency in the 25^th minute we swiftly moved the ball forward with some good inter-passing and when Barry Patterson collected the ball he finished in style. The lads were now playing with far greater purpose and confidence and when Anthony Tate gave an intelligent pass into Conor McGeough on the edge of the square he picked out Mark McGuirk who landed an impressive point to increase our lead to two. Our insurance point came a minute later when Liam Connolly skipped past his marker and fired over to open up a three point gap. At this stage Blackhill threw everything at us as they tried to find a late goal but their efforts were in vain as our defence worked tirelessly and held tight as they could only manage to notch over points in the 32^nd and 33^rd minute to leave the final score Blackhill 3-11 Rockcorry 3-12.

Declan McCullagh on the ball as his marker closes in to mount a challenge

Speaking to team selector, Pauric Carroll, after the game he told me he “was pleased with the lad’s performance as they all worked well. We knew we would get nothing easy off Blackhill especially on their home ground and when we went seven points down early in the second half the lads showed great spirit to get back into the game…”, he continued by saying that “there were some anxious moments in the final minutes as they (Blackhill) put us under severe pressure but fair play to the lads for defending well and winning the two points”

My ball...! Colin Reilly goes airbourne to win the ball

Thursday 15^th July at The Fiddlers, Carrickamcross. Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm

Friday 16^th July at The Fiddlers, Carrickamcross. Time: 11.00am – 3.00pm

Saturday 17^th July at Church Square, Monaghan. Time: 11.00am – 4.00pm

Full Range of Merchandise:

Jerseys available from 1/2 years old to XL, flags – car size & larger – jackets, polo shirts, ties, umbrellas, scarves, baseball caps,  mugs, pens, keyrings, teddy bears.

Jersey Incentive Scheme is ongoing through the Monaghan Supporters Club.

Under 7 years with discount voucher €25

7 to 14 years with discount voucher €30

Adult with discount voucher €35

Obtain your discount voucher by handing in your old Monaghan jersey.

 Selection of Flags available as follows:

 5ft x 3ft            =          €10

3ft x 2ft            =          €8

18in x 24in       =          €5

12in x 18in       =          €3

Car Flags         =          €6

Bunting – 12metres       =          €10

Bernard McAviney, Newbliss

Sean Morrissey, C/o. Ann Lynch

Caith O’Hart ,Rockcorry

Francis Clerkin, Rockcorry

Margaret Reilly, Dartrey

Geraldine Reilly, Newbliss

Colin Reilly, Dartrey

Christina & Noel, Rockcorry

Next week our jackpot will be €3,000.00 and the draw will take place in Fitzpatrick’s at 10.30pm sharp. Thank you for supporting our Top 4 lotto draw.

To the Monaghan senior team who take on Tyrone this Sunday in the Ulster Final. There will be a huge crowd from Monaghan making there way to Clones to support and cheer the team on and hopefully they can do the business this year and bring home the Cup. Come on Monaghan, COME ON MONAGHAN, COME ON MONAGHAN. (I’m just getting warmed up!!!). By the way anyone that ordered tickets can you please make sure you collect them from Paul McKeown before tomorrow evening (Friday 16^th July).

Meeting the Monaghan County Players

Our young players were not put off by the wet and overcast conditions last Tuesday (6^th July) evening as members of our underage teams travelled to Cloghan to meet the Monaghan senior players. A good crowd of parents and supporters also made the trip and I have included a selection of the photos on our website www.rockcorrygaa.ie. It was an amazing evening as was great to see the boys and girls really enjoy themselves as they got to meet their hero’s and get their autographs. Fair play to all concerned who organized the event as it was a fabulous idea and hopefully it can be arranged again in the future!

Raffle

Keep in mind the club are holding a raffle with the 1^st prize a fabulous suite of bedroom furniture that was kindly donated by the Maple Bar, the 2^nd prize €200, 3^rd prize is two nights bed & breakfast in Galway, 4^th prize one overnight stay in Cavan Crystal hotel and 5^th €50. All committee members and players have raffle sheets and to enter its costs €5 per line and the draw will take place at the haymakers jig on Sunday 25^th July.

“Guess the Score” Fundraiser

Come on challenge yourself, test your knowledge and predict the score of the Monaghan v Tyrone Ulster final. All proceeds will go towards buying a new set of playing gear for our under 16 and minor teams. Thank you for your support.

Vintage Hay Making / Vintage Festival Day

Our vintage hay making festival is now less than two weeks away and preparations are now at an advanced stage as Tom Daly has been working diligently behind the scenes to try and make sure the day is one of the best. He informs me that “the day will be an exciting day and people should have a lot of fun and craic as there will be something for all age groups”. This highly anticipated event has certainly attracted a lot of interest from local people and surrounding areas and hopefully weather permitted a large crowd will descend on our picturesque village to join in the festivities. It all takes place on Sunday 25^th July at Dartrey sports fields at 12 noon.

1996 v 2010

As part of our weekend of festivities we have organized a classic encounter between our victorious Dr. Ward Cup winning team of 1996 taking on players from the present panel of players. This created a lot of debate last year when it was first scheduled and will be a clash you don’t want to miss! The game will take place on Saturday 24^th July at 7.30pm followed by music or disco and a barbeque in St. Mary’s Hall.

Streamline Coaches Intermediate Football League  

We had no game over the last week so our next outing in the intermediate league is a home game against Aghabog on Wednesday 21^st July with a throw-in time of 8pm and on Wednesday 28^th July we travel to play Emyvale with a throw-in time of 8pm.

Monaghan Electrical Reserve League Division 4

The next game for our reserve team is fixed for Friday 23^rd July when we play Emyvale at Pairc Naomh Mhuire at 8pm and on Friday 30^th July we have another home against Killanny at 7.30pm.

Under 8 Coaching

Coaching sessions for all under 8’s continues on Wednesday night’s from 6.0 – 7.30pm in St. Mary’s Hall or weather permitting on Pairc Naomh Mhuire. All five, six, seven and eight year olds are welcome to attend.

Monaghan VHI GAA Cul Camps 2010

A list of the forthcoming VHI GAA Cul camps can be viewed on our website www.rockcorrygaa.ie. If parents need further information or require any clarification please contact our Youth Officer Martina McKeown for details.

Under 12 Team

The next game for our under 12 team is a game against Emyvale on Saturday 24^th July at 12 noon.

Under 16 Team

Unfortunately, last week due to players away on holidays and a number of injuries we had to concede against Donaghmoyne. The next outing for our under 16 team is tonight (Thursday 15^th July) when they take on St. Patrick’s at 7.00pm in Pairc Naomh Mhuire.

Minor Team

On Tuesday 6^th July our minor team travelled to Pairc Emmet, Aghabog to play Clones in the semi-final of the division 3 championship. After a couple of tough encounters against them in the league campaign what looked on paper as another  competitive game developed into a very one-sided affair as the margin of victory was a massive thirty-one points as our lads totally outclassed the lads from Clones to emerge with a comfortable victory Rockcorry 8-15 Clones 2-2. To be fair Clones were missing a number of key players and the team tried their level best to compete but apart from a brief flurry in the first half our lads were always in control. Our team management will be quietly satisfied with the performance but no doubt will be astutely aware that the level of resistance they experienced was poor and will know they face a tougher test in the final. Anyway lads keep up the good work and here’s hoping you can bring home the first piece of silverware in 2010, well done! A full match report can be viewed on www.rockcorrygaa.ie. Our minor team was scheduled to play Emyvale last Tuesday 13^th July at Pairc Naomh Mhuire so please check club notes next week for details. On Tuesday 27^th July we have a home game against Na Mullai Sarsfields with a throw-in time of 8pm.

Top 4 Lotto Results

The numbers drawn last Monday night were 4, 17, 21, and 27. There was no jackpot winner of €2,900.00. The following people won €15 each: Bernard McAviney Newbliss, Sean Morrissey C/o. Ann Lynch, Caith O’Hart Rockcorry, Francis Clerkin Rockcorry, Margaret Reilly Dartrey, Geraldine Reilly Newbliss, Colin Reilly Dartrey, Christina & Noel Rockcorry. Next week our jackpot will be €3,000.00 and the draw will take place in Fitzpatrick’s at 10.30pm sharp. Thank you for supporting our Top 4 lotto draw.

Club Notes

You are reminded to log on to the website www.rockcorrygaa.ie for regular updates in respect of all activities. If you want an item included in the notes please email me at rockcorrygaa@live.ie or send me a text on 086-1041165.