Greenfield Foods Monaghan Senior Football Club Championship Final 2020 – Scotstown are champions for the 20th time on 20th September!
On what was a glorious September Sunday afternoon, Scotstown entered their 6th county final in 8 years. Under less than traditional county final proceedings, the festivities kick started with a takeaway big breakfast roll to honour what has become a fond county final day activity. As the team departed Scotstown, villagers, supporters, friends and family lined the village, cheering and waving the team on as they made their way to St. Tiernach's Park, Clones. A fitting send-off for the team who have shown great community support and pride over the last number of years.
Our manager Colin McAree made three changes to the name lined out on the match day programme, seeing Michael Meehan, Frank Caulfield and Orin Heaphey join the starting line-up. Ballybay got off to a flying start as they opened the scoreline within the first 30 seconds with a point from play by Tiernan McSkean. This was followed by another point for Ballybay, this time from a free resulting from a high ball played into the Ballybay full forward line.
Scotstown remained unsettled within the first 10 minutes with Rory Beggan placing a free just wide off the post. Following a short Ballybay kickout, again, Ballybay worked a free and this time it was Paul Finlay who converted the score. Scotstown spark some fire and come out strong from a Ballybay kickout with man of the match Ryan O’Toole picking out senior championship debutant Mattie Maguire, who graciously finds Scotstown’s opening score with a beautiful point from play.
Some fiery Scotstown play saw Ballybays attack broken down by Micheal Meehan who marked his senior championship debut looking confident and strong on the ball. Orin Heaphey carried the ball out, with Damien McArdle finding himself in the scoring position but his efforts were put wide. Ballybay replied with another free, seeing Paul Finlay finally put Ballybay 2 points ahead. A speedy Paul Sherlock attacked at pace up the pitch, leaving his player behind and seeing himself earn a brilliant point from play, leaving 2 points in it at the first water break.
As Scotstown grew in confidence, Darren Hughes hit a long ball down the pitch and Scotstown were awarded a free seeing Conor McCarthy get his first score of the day. Scotstown started to place more pressure on Ballbay’s kick outs forcing the keeper to kick at range. Kieran Hughes fought hard to win the ball out of a tackle earning himself a free with Donal Morgan kicking a powerful ball into Conor McCarthy who again was dispossessed, leaving it to captain Shane Carey to bring the scoreline level and earning a place on the scorers sheet.
With strong confident play by Scotstown’s Mattie Maguire shows his senior strength and earns himself a free with Conor McCarthy standing up to challenge, putting Scotstown ahead for the first time in the game with 25 minutes played. Some distant and wasteful play by Scotstown saw a sloppy challenge by Orin Heaphy and entered the referees book with a yellow card. Two free kicks on the trot edged Ballybay ahead but it wasn’t long until Kieran Hughes fired an inspiring long range shot from play, with the sides level again.
Some confusion in play after Conor McCarthy pointed a free seen Frank Caulfield sent to the sideline with a black card and ultimately ended his time on the pitch as Brendan Boylan replaced him after the 10 minute punished time was over. A smart low slide ball in by Darren Hughes on the goalline and offered Rory his second opportunity to point a fine 45 over the bar. Leaving Scotstown two ahead at half time. Scotstown open the half with 14 men on the pitch and open the scoreline for the second half with a free. A dangerous high ball in by Ballybay sees great team work by Damien McArdle and Rory Beggan come out strong with the ball.
Powerful play by Jack McDevitt seen him block down Ballybays attack slowly down the chances to take a score. Ryan O’Toole was harshly taken down by three Ballybay players, seeing Drew Wylie receive a yellow card for his troubles. A couple of mis-scores in a row by Scotstown was finally ended after an exhilarating ball played in by Kieran Hughes puts Conor in the free taking zone again, seeing Scotstown lead by 3 points 15 minutes into the second half.
At the water break Scotstown lead by 4 and see Ballybay go down to 14 with Brent Wylie taking to the sideline. A great defensive display by Ryan O’Toole and Orin Heaphey gave Scotstown the confidence to play some lovely football. Two substitutes in a row by Scotstown 20 minutes seen Seanie Mohan and Ross McKenna enter the field with Francis and Orin contributions to the 2020 county final end.
Darren Hughes commanded the midfield area and showed great leadership allowing for Rory to come and point two superb long range points. An impressive catch by Kieran Hughes gives Shane Carey the opportunity to point another point from a free. Jack McDevitt left the pitch following a collision with Paul Finlay and was replaced by James Hamill. Emmet Caulfield also got some championship time replacing Mattie Maguire. A strong and confident display by Scotstown saw their efforts awarded with a smashing goal by Conor McCarthy. A brilliant team display by Scotstown crowned them 2020 county champions. An uplifting display for fans who watched the game at home far and away. Bringing some joyful news for the community and parish of Tydavnet in these challenging times.
Well done to the entire senior team and management for bringing Mick Duffy home for the 6th time in eight years. Commiserations and hard luck to Ballybay.
Scotstown: Rory Beggan 0-3 (2f, '45), Jack McDevitt, Damien McArdle, Donal Morgan, Michael Meehan, Ryan O’Toole, Frank Caulfield, Darren Hughes, Kieran Hughes 0-1, Conor McCarthy 1-5 (0-3 frees), Shane Carey 0-3 (2f), Paul Sherlock 0-1, Matthew Maguire 0-1, Orin Heaphey, Francis Maguire.
Subs: Brendan Boylan for F Caulfield, Seanie Mohan for O Heaphey, Ross McKenna for F Maguire, Emmet Caulfield for M Maguire, James Hamill for J McDevitt.
Congratulations to Ryan O’Toole for being awarded Man of the Match.
Thanks to our management team, including the Seniors Manager Colin McAree and the selectors Kevin Boylan, Brian McGinnity and Diarmuid Scullion. Thanks to all our volunteers, backroom staff and members for all their contributions and work throughout this difficult year. Thanks to all those involved in the production of the build-up videos to the County Final and the programme. Thanks to the Monaghan Competitions Control Committee (CCC), Monaghan GAA and the County Board for organising and promoting the games, particularly in such challenging times and also for their live streaming so that people who were unable to attend but near and far could watch the action. We would like to thank the officials and all the other clubs and their volunteers in the county for their diligent work in playing and hosting safe and entertaining GAA competitive games. Thanks also to the sponsors of the Senior championship, Greenfield Foods, who continue to give their strong support to the competition in these hard times and thanks to Clones GAA for hosting the final and semi final in a safe environment.
Under 13 Division 6 Shield Cup victory!
Congratulations to our Under 13 Division 6 boys for their excellent Shield Cup won on Saturday last against Corduff! Well done on a successful campaign and all the best in your bright futures.
Ladies News
Minor Girls
All the best to our Minor girls on their final against Magheracloone this Sunday 27th September in Cremartin at 12:30pm. Please see our social media platforms for the confirmed details.
U16 Girls
Our Under 16 girls secured a place in the final on Sunday last with a win over Aughnamullen, well done girls!!
U14 Girls
Hard luck to the U14 girls who were beaten tonight by a strong Tyholland team. The management would like to thank the girls for their hard work and commitment this year, and we wish Tyholland all the best in the final.
Reserves Results
There were no Reserves’ games on last weekend. Please see the following note of tis weekend’s fixtures.
Our Blues Upcoming Competitive Fixtures for the Week
On Wednesday 23rd September our Under 15 Division 5 boys play Monaghan Harps away in the Division 5 Shield Semi Final Cup at 6pm. The winners of this semi-final play Truagh on 26th September in Threemilehouse at 4pm.
On Saturday 26th September our senior Reserves play Latton away in the Reserve Championship O’Duffy Cup Group 1 Round 2 at 5pm
On Sunday 27th September our junior Reserves play Truagh at home in the Reserve Championship McKeown Cup Group 2 Round 2 at 3pm.
All the best to our Blues in action this week. An Bhoth Abu!
2020 U8/9/10 Mixed Parish League
Well done to all those involved in organising and participating in the Parish League. Last Saturday saw Rounds 5 and 6 taking place in Kilmore. We thank our 4 referees and the parents, who all adhered to government guidelines. The Cul Campers are still out in front on their own with 5 wins and 1 draw. The All Stars are second just 1 point behind. The next Final Round and Semi Finals are on Saturday week 4th October at 10am and 10:30am. At 10am, in Round 7, Rebels (Pink) play Dream Team (Blue; All Stars (Red) play Peak Performers (White); Cul Campers play Ninjas (Black); Warriors (Yellow) play Rule Breakers (Green). The Semi Finals are at 10:30am. We ask all players to make sure to wear the colour of your team! Parents please keep in mind the latest GAA guidelines of 1 parent, 1 child etc. as outlined in the GAA statement above on attendances and future games. All the best our future blues!
Ciste
CISTE draw will take place this Saturday night 26th September. Unfortunately due to current Covid 19 restrictions the draw cannot be made through our normal setting and will be done through our Facebook Page Live with 4 people present at 10:30pm.
Scotstown Gaa would also like to promote our online option to buy our Ciste tickets. You can do this by accessing our Clubforce website and clicking on 'Buy Event Tickets' link. Tickets are also available in McMahons shop and from committee members. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support and patience.
Scotstown GAA Big Takeaway Breakfast for County Final!
Big Breakfast Takeaway roll was a huge success! Many thanks to all our volunteers involved in a smooth safe running of the event, with over 300 rolls served! Thanks to all our customers and adhering to the guidelines. Thanks to Connolly's Meats (for Bacon and Sausages) and Brendan McMahon (rolls), Hillgrove Hotel for sponsoring us!
Scotstown GAA Online Club Lotto – Next Draw Wednesday 30th September
Thanks to everyone involved in our online lotto draw for a €4,000 jackpot Championship special on Wednesday 23rd September! Please see our Social Media platforms for more details of the results.
There was no winner of our draw on September 16th. Lucky Dip winners of €20 of September 9th draw were Sean McGovern, Ellen McGovern and Gerard Mc Kenna. Congratulations.
The Scotstown GAA online Lotto Draw takes place every Wednesday at 8:30pm with
last entries at 8pm. The draw is conducted on-line and is fully automated using secure facilities.
There are 4 numbers to choose from a range of 1 to 31.
Match the 4 numbers to win the Jackpot of €4,100.
If no jackpot winner €100 is rolled over to the following week.
Also if there is no jackpot winner there will be lucky dips.
Next draw Wednesday 30th September at 8:30pm.
Votes of Sympathy
The following votes of sympathy were passed at the September Club Committee Meeting:
Hennessy Family on the death of Eileen
Hughes Family on the death of Mick
Keenan Family on the death of Stephen
Meehan Family on the death of Michael
Morrow Family on the death of Bridget
Mulligan Family on the death of Mary Ellen
McEnaney Family on the death of Michael
McKenna Family on the death of Kathleen
Scott Family on the death of Tommy
Smyth Family on the death of Kathleen
We would like to offer our condolences to all the family and friends who lost loved ones during this time.
Clubforce App
Our Clubforce app is an invaluable means of receiving instant updates of when events, fixtures and activities are scheduled to commence. Please see our Scotstown GAA Facebook page for the link to downloading the app.
Scotstown GAA Club Shop Open. Please note guidelines.
The club shop is open this Friday 25th September from 7pm to 8pm.
Please follow these Covid-19 guidelines. 1 person / family in at any 1 time and mask is mandatory. No fitting on or exchanging items. Thanks!