By Cliona Connolly

Cliona@monaghanhospital.com

MONAGHAN General Hospital is set to suffer a fatal downgrade with the loss of a further fifty beds and an end to acute care at the local hospital by November it emerged this week.

The draft interim North East Transformation Detailed Planning Report, released this week outlines plans to end acute inpatient care at Monaghan hospital and to transfer all inpatient and critical care to Cavan General Hospital without increasing bed numbers in Cavan. Thereafter, according to the report, Monaghan Hospital will be relegated for use in rehabilitation, respite and day care with a 12 hour minor injuries unit.

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Cavan-Monaghan TD, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin, slammed the report as ‘A death sentence’ for Monaghan General Hospital and a sentence of hard labour for Cavan General Hospital.

“The plan by the HSE is to finally close Monaghan General Hospital as a hospital and to downgrade it to a Minor Injuries Unit. This must be opposed in the strongest possible manner by the entire community and every elected representative must be called to account. The only appropriate place for this plan is the shredder,” Deputy Ó Caoláin told the Post.

There are currently 3,000 acute medical admissions to Monaghan General Hospital per annum. By the end of November this service will have to be provided by Cavan General Hospital which has already exceeded its capacity by 60 per cent.  The report does not provision for any additional beds in Cavan.

Last week’s Post reported that local consultants had issued a warning to the HSE that such a move would create a ‘catastrophic situation’ for patients from which deaths may result. The consultants have now appealed that the HSE holds off on plans until an additional twenty-five beds are provided at Cavan General Hospital.

 “This plan is based on the lie that patient care will actually improve after the destruction of Monaghan General Hospital because there will be greater provision of non-acute care, rehabilitation and respite. Yet the report states that additional funding is not available to implement these service changes,” Deputy Ó Caoláin concluded.

Similarly, Local Fine Gael TD Seymour Crawford slammed the report “The  fact  that at least 17 lives were lost as a result of the last  ‘off  call’  period  for Monaghan General Hospital is clearly of no importance  to  the  management  of  the  North East HSE or to Government members.

“The people of Monaghan have still a few months left to make their voices heard and hopefully force their elected  representatives  from  all  parties  to  defend their rights and guarantee the necessary and safe service in Monaghan General Hospital for the people they were elected to represent,” Deputy Crawford continued.

However, Local Fianna Fail TD Margaret Conlon hit out at comments made on the report and stressed that it is merely a draft “The final Detailed Planning Report is to be issued by the HSE in June or July, and any scaremongering to the contrary is highly irresponsible considering that it is people’s health that is under discussion.”

“Services cannot be removed from Monaghan general Hospital until safer; better alternatives are put in place. The acute medical services cannot be removed from the Hospital until such as time when there are sufficient community services and ambulatory services in place,” Deputy Conlon added.

This news comes as the Monaghan Hospital Alliance calls on local government representative to stand with their constituents at the upcoming Hospital Rally. Alliance Chairman, Peadar McMahon, described HSE intentions as ‘criminal’ to consider putting all acute services and A & E into Drogheda and Cavan.

“The Government representatives from Monaghan have stated that they are against the plans being implemented in Monaghan. It is just not sufficient for our representatives to make statements to the Press expressing their disagreement. They must take sterner action and stand beside us in this campaign,” Mr McMahon urged.

“We are calling on all, who do not want to take the risks involved in travelling to other hospitals in emergencies, to march with us at the Protest Rally. This will likely be the final opportunity for all of us to take a stand before the services are removed so we will make it as spectacular as possible. But the fight will only begin if the services are removed because when the deaths happen we will ensure that compensation is received and those responsible are answerable,” Mr McMahon added.

A spokesperson for the HSE said the document was produced primarily to facilitate engagement and meaningful input, via the partnership process, with staff and unions.

The Monaghan Hospital Alliance rally takes place on Saturday 10 May and will commence at 3pm starting at Hospital Hill, Monaghan Town.

By Joe McCabe

joe@monaghanpost.com

TWO men arrested by gardai in Monaghan Town after a high speed chase on Tuesday of last week have been remanded in custody to appear at Harristown District Court, Castlerea Prison,  Co Roscommon on May 2.

Before Judge Sean McBride initially at Bailieboro District Court, Co Cavan on Thursday last  were  Billy Dundon, 22  with an address at Richardstown, Gormanstown, Co Meath and Patrick Maughan of 8 Princess Street, Lurgan Co Armagh.

Dundon is charged with three counts of Criminal Damage at Annahagh, Monaghan, at Moyetra, Clontibret and at Annahagh, Monaghan on 15 April last. Dundon is also charged with possession of stolen property at Coolshannagh, Monaghan, with two counts of Dangerous Driving at Moyetra, Monaghan and at Annahagh, Monaghan and with having no insurance at Moyetra, Monaghan on 15 April last.

The defendant was remanded in custody with consent to bail from Bailieboro to Harristown District Court on April 18, on his own bond of €10,000 cash with an independent surety to be approved by the court in the sum of €10,000 with a cash lodgement of €5000. However, the defendant could not meet his bail demands and remains in custody. 

Patrick Maughan is charged with obstructing gardai at Monaghan Garda Station 17 April last, with possession of stolen property at Coolshannagh, Monaghan,with  two counts of criminal damage at Annahagh, Monaghan and at Moyetra, Clontibret on 15 April last. He was also charged with Burglary at Collegiate College, Corlatt, Monaghan June 6 2005 and with a burglary at Lisgrew, Emyvale on 7 September 2006. Maughan was refused bail in Bailieboro from where he was remanded to Harristown District Court on April 18 to be later remanded to May 2.

By Cliona Connolly

Cliona@monaghanpost.com

JUSTICE for the Forgotten, the group which represents the families of the Dublin and Monaghan bombings victims, has announced it will take a High Court challenge against the Taoiseach, Ireland and the Attorney General over aspects of the Commission of Investigation into the bombings.

The group said it wanted to establish why the McEntee Commission failed to report on part of its terms of reference and it also said it has not been allowed access to the evidence gathered. “We have been advised that these failures constitute an injustice to the deceased, the injured and their families under the European Convention of Human Rights,” Margaret Urwin of the victims group explained.

The McEntee Commission was carried out by Paddy McEntee, a Monaghan native and one of Ireland’s most successful criminal defence lawyers. The report was heavily critical of the Garda Investigation into the bombings and, despite failing to point the finger at any clear perpetrators, it exposed inept record keeping and the destruction of evidence by gardai including the burning of a large amount of evidence stored in the Garda ballistics section at the end of 1974.

“The survivors and families were absolutely devastated by the report. At the very least they expect a public apology from the Garda Commissioner. We also ask any serving gardai who had been involved in the 1974 investigations consider their positions” Ms Urwin said at the time of its publication.

The Dublin and Monaghan bombings of 17 May 1974 resulted in the biggest loss of life on a single day in the Troubles. Seven people died in Monaghan 90 minutes after the Dublin bomb exploded killing 26 people. A total of 250 people were injured. The loyalist paramilitary group, the UVF, later admitted carrying out the atrocities.

Commenting on the development, the Taoiseach said the Attorney General would examine the legal challenge.

By Gillian McVeIgh

gillian@monaghanpost.com

THERE was a break in at the Riverdale Hotel, Ballybay on Thursday last 17 April in which a quantity of cash and cigarettes were stolen.

Gardaí have confirmed that intruders entered the hotel at approximately 2:30am. A cigarette machine was stolen and the drawer of a cash register, along with a small amount of cash was taken.

Gardaí have also confirmed that they are wishing to speak to a number of young men in their teens or early 20s in relation to the incident. Manager of the Riverdale Hotel, Kieran McQuaid confirmed for the Monaghan Post that they have images of the thieves on a CCTV camera.

“They got in through a fire escape,” Mr McQuaid confirmed. “There was one window broken and also an interior door.”

He also expressed his disappointment that such an incident would take place. “I work hard to earn a living and I’ve now lost the equivalent to a couple of weeks’ wages.”

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have any information on the incident to contact them.

By Cianna McNally

cianna@monaghanpost.com

TWELVE public drinking water supplies in Co. Monaghan have made it onto a list compiled by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) of public water supplies in Ireland requiring remedial action.

The supplies, Carrickmacross, Clones, Clontibret, Drumully, Emyvale, Glaslough, Inniskeen, Lough Egish RWSS, Monaghan, Newbliss, Pullis Cottages P.W.S.S. and Smithborough make up the 339 public water supplies from around the country named on the Remedial Action List.

Part of the EPA’s drinking water quality report the list  contains supplies deemed by the EPA as requiring examination from source to consumer to determine whether replacements or upgrades are needed, or whether operational practices should be improved. 

A supply is included on the list if it fails to meet the ecoli standard at some point in the last two years, has inadequate treatment such as  no treatment other than chlorination or poor turbidity removal or excessive levels of aluminium in the treated water, or shows elevated levels of nitrate. Supplies were also included for being unable to meet the new bromate or trihalomethanes standards coming into force at the end of 2008.

Water supplies  are also included if a lack of operational control at treatment plants has been indicated or if the Health Service Executive has identified them as needing improvements. “This list will remain a working list with the possibility of supplies being added or removed as work is completed and further information becomes available.  The fact that a public water supply is on this list does not mean that the water produced by the supply is unsafe to drink,” an EPA statement reads.  

The EPA is now assessing the information to determine whether a supply should be replaced, requires capital investment for upgrading and/or requires significant changes in operational practices. 

THIS week over 500 children packed into the Glencarn Hotel while the winners of Monaghan County Council’s Waste Prevention schools competition were announced by Mayor of County Monaghan, Gary Carville.

The competition, organised by Monaghan County Council’s Environmental Section, aims to highlight issues around waste prevention, energy management, water conservation, resource use and sustainable development in different sectors including schools in County Monaghan.

Waste Prevention Project Manager Nial O Connor said: “Prevention is the most desirable form of waste management. Obviously if we do not create waste then we do not have to deal with it. However, some 80 per cent of goods are thrown away after only one use, this is unsustainable. We must change our attitude to waste and develop a preventative approach. By working with schools, the council hopes our young people will develop a positive attitude to waste management thus developing a more sustainable future for all.”

Twenty-one primary schools and over 700 students entered the competition with project teams of four. Topics covered included sustainable transport, alternative energy, landfills, litter, home composting, environmental attitudes and water quality. As the standard of projects entered was so high, judges had a very difficult job.

Mayor Carville congratulated all participants and said they were all winners who had demonstrated commitment to improving their environmental knowledge. Mayor Carville also complimented the teachers and council officials work on the project.

Monaghan County Council has a very pro-active environmental schools programme which promotes environmental issues through talks with schools and the Green Flags programme. For more details on these programmes contact the Environmental Section of Monaghan County Council on 047 30592.

BORDERLANDS, a new heritage tourism project part-funded by the EU, created to publicise the cross-border historical sites of Ireland’s northeast border region, will be launched in Navan Fort, Armagh on Thursday 8 May.

The project aims to promote the wealth of landmarks, monuments and historical sites in these border counties to tourists from Ireland and abroad. The recent changes in the east border area have inspired the collaboration between the councils of Armagh, Banbridge, Newry and Mourne in Northern Ireland and the counties of Louth and Monaghan in the Republic

Tony Robinson, presenter of Time Team, Channel Four’s archaeological investigation show, has written an introduction to the Borderlands Guide, which details over 50 diverse heritage locations to discover, set in beautiful landscapes, picturesque villages and thriving counties of Down, Armagh, Louth and Monaghan. These historical sites span 6,000 years of this island’s history and are distinct in their nature and appeal.

Those interested in early Ireland and archaeology can revel in the plethora of Neolithic stone tombs, Bronze Age burial grounds and hill forts to explore. Families and schools looking for a day out will find there is plenty of choice between outdoor exploration and an indoor trip to one of the many museums, mills or castles. Hikers and hill walkers will come across many of the historic gems on their trails.

Chairman of the Eastern Border Region IIIIA partnership and Castleblayney Councillor Jackie Crowe stated “I am delighted to be associated with this excellent heritage project which has resulted in the creation of an informative guide and website which will be used by tourists, historians, and those with an interest in the historical and changing face of Ulster’s Borders “. 

This project is part financed and promoted by the European Union through the Ireland/Northern Ireland Interreg IIIA Programme managed for the Special EU Programmes Body for the East Border Region Interreg IIIA Partnership.

MONAGHAN IFA County Chair Kathleen Ward has expressed her thanks to all local IFA branch members and all the Agri-related business in County Monaghan for turning out in support of the Mandelson protest in Dublin last week.

Ms Ward also thanked the local agri-sector for observing the call to close their business and for their assistance in handing out notices and attending the protest itself. “This tremendous turnout should ensure a serious wake up call to the seriousness of the consequences of a WTO agreement as proposed by Mr Mandelson resulting in the destruction of the Irish beef industry and of jobs in towns throughout the County,” she said.

Thousands of farmers took to the streets of Dublin to protest against the EU’s stance in the latest round of World Trade Organisation negotiations. Farming organisations are accusing the European Commission of preparing to sell-out agriculture in order to cut a deal in other sectors.

Addressing the protest, the IFA President Padraig Walshe said the consequences of a Mandelson deal would be the destruction of the Irish beef industry and of jobs and wealth generation in towns and the wider community on an unprecedented scale, with 50,000 jobs being lost in the food industry and services, and a further 50,000 farmers being put out of business.

Mr Walshe said “the meat factories, marts, co-ops and agri-businesses are standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us in this campaign.  I welcome that support and, of course, they are defending their own interests because, if you shut-down farming, you shut down rural Ireland.”

Mr Walshe said, “The Irish beef and dairy industries buy €6 billion worth of goods and services in the economy every year, while the much-lauded pharmaceutical industry by contrast spends only €2 billion.  That’s a third of the contribution of the beef and dairy industries alone.”

The IFA President also issued a warning to the EU. “I previously said IFA had no problem with the Lisbon Treaty and I would recommend a yes vote.  Since then, Mandelson has completely undermined our position and I want to put it on the record:  If the sell out goes ahead on 20 May in Geneva, then I will not ask farmers to support a Commission that has destroyed the future of our farming and food industry.

The Lisbon Treaty Referendum is on 12 June, but for farmers, the referendum decision comes on 20 of May.  That’s the date Mandelson will be in Geneva and he has a decision to make.  Sell us out and we’ll have our say on 12 June.”

“That is also my clear message to the Irish Government:  Don’t come back from Geneva having sold us out and expect farm families, thousands of workers in the food industry that will lose their jobs, hundreds of rural businesses that will have to close down, don’t expect us to do your bidding in the Referendum,” he added.

By Alan Gunn

alan@monaghanpost.com

FOR the second year in succession Dessie Keenan and Enda Sherry returned to the winning podium at the Hillgrove Hotel after clinching the Monaghan stages rally.

With both Niall Maguire and Patrick Elliot both fighting hard for National Championship points Tydavnet man Dessie Keenan knew it was going to take something special to hold them off.

“We knew we would have to push hard. Both Niall [Maguire] and Patrick [Elliott] are going very well in the National Championship. It was always going to be a struggle to stay ahead of them.”

Stay ahead of them they did despite a major scare on the last stage when the eventual winner almost saw they dream blow up. 

“Once we got the puncture I couldn’t believe it. Going down into a five left there was stone on the inside of the corner on my line and I just hit it and that was it. I knew we had a minute over Niall so we had to watch out for him. Going through the stage we had to pull in to let Patrick past so we knew that was 30 seconds gone. If Niall had of caught us we knew that was the minute gone and the victory gone. We were lucky he never caught us.”

When the drivers woke up on Sunday morning they were greeted to a wet and miserable morning which left the opening stages difficult. 

“In the race it was dry and then it was wet this morning so we had to be careful. We really put on a big charge on the third stage and went 21 seconds quicker then anybody so that helped us. The second loop around was very slippy so times were much slower but on the final loop it was dry again.”

Twelve months ago the pair sat in a Subaru WRC for the first time and they showed it was not beginners luck with another stunning drive again.

“It was great to get back into the car having not sat in it since last year and come out on top again.”

So what is next for the crew?

“I might try and get some sponsors together and try and do an international round in one of these cars.”

And without the sponsors Dessie would not have been able to achieve what he has in the last two years.

“Only for them we wouldn’t be in one of these types of cars.”

Of course it is not all about the man behind the wheel and Dessie is full of praise for his co-driver Enda Sherry.

“Brilliant job. He done a great job on the notes and everything went well.”

Dessie would like to thank his many sponsors for their support; The Squealing Pig; McCarron Civil Engineering; Enda Keenan Stainless Steel; Dunlop Tyres; The Gift Box, Cavan; Greenfoot; Jap-Cars, Dublin; Stainless Pipeline Supplies; Windy City Comforts; National Monitoring Services; Black Water Cottage; Hillgrove Hotel; Mc Mahons Spar, Scotstown; The Rock Inn, Tydavnet; Maurice Graham Builders Providers; McKenna Plant Hire, Oxford; Air Contracts 

Top 10

1.             Dessie Keenan/Enda Sherry – Subaru WRC – 1:20:37

2.             Niall Maguire/Paul McLoughlin – Subaru WRC - 1:21:12

3.             Patrick Elliott/Paul Goodman – S11 WRC – 1:21:13

4.             Seamus Leonard/John McCafferty – Subaru Impreza – 1:21:35

5.             Kevin Barrett/Sean Mullally – S11 WRC – 1:22:04

6.             Gary McPhillips/Mary Tierney – Escort MK2 – 1:24:35

7.             Rodney Wilton/Conor McMahon – Ford Escort – 1:24:51

8.             Damien Gallagher/Paul Garry – Ford Escort – 1:25:03

9.             Manus Kelly/Donal Barrett – Ford Escort – 1:25:16

10.          Joe McHugh/Dermot McHugh – Ford Escort Cosworth – 1:25:19

How the locals finished

1st class 3 - Stephen Wright/Peter O’Toole – Ford Fiesta

4th class 4 – David Wright/ John Henderson - Evo 9

8th class 4 -Cathal McGlone/Damien Doherty – Subaru Impreza

12th class 4 - Eamonn McElvaney/Alan Keena - Subaru N10.

1st class 5 - Eamon McCafferty/ Emmet Sherry – Ford Puma

2nd class 6 – Martin Tynan/Ciaran Tynan - Citroen C2R2.

4th class 6 - Barry Evans/David Lyons – Citroen C2R2

6th class 6 - Jonathan McKenna/Greg O’Reilly – Peugeot 106

7th class 6 - Ian McCarey/Kevin McCarey – Peugeot 106

8th class 6 - David Smith/Christopher Brennan – Peugeot 106

9th class 6 - Austin Hamill/Aidan Sherlock – peugeoy 106

10th class 6 - Thomas Smyth/Daniel O’Reilly - Citroen Saxo

4th class 7 – Michael McMahon/Martin McKenna - Peugeot 206

1st class 9 – Noel Lappin/Matthew McKenna - Ford Escort Mark II

1st class 10 – John Kelly/Prionsias McKenna

2nd class 10 - Adrian Fox/Ciaran McPhillips – Ford Escort

5th class 10 - Aaron McQuaid/Barry McGill – Ford Escort

6th class 10 - Sean Sherry/Conor McGinnity – Ford Escort

7th class 10 - Laurence Sherry/Darren McCague

8th class 10 - Shane Maguire/Nicola McKenna – Peugeot 205

1st class 11 – Raymond Conlon/James O’Reilly - Toyota Corolla

3rd class 11 - Jim McKenna/Thomas Treanor – Toyota Starlet

4th class 11 - Anthony Hand/Stephen Thornton – Escort Mk 2

7th class 11 - Cian Curley/Gary McKenna - Toyota Corolla

10th class 11 - Martin McGuigan/Gerard Tierney – Toyota Corolla

11th class 11 - Martin McPhillips/Fergal McEntee - Toyota Corolla

1st class 12 - Daniel McKenna/Andrew Grennan - Mk II Escort

2nd class 12 - James Cassidy/Noel Hall – Ford Escort

3rd class 12 - Arthur Kierans/Conor Foley Ford Escort

5th class 12 – James Cullney/Fintan McGorman – Ford Escort

6th class 12 - Gerry Smyth/Gregory McQuillan – Ford Escort

7th class 12 - Gerard Corey/Kevin Treanor – Ford Escort

3rd class 13 –Brian Armstrong/Dominic McArdle – Ford Escort

5th class 13 - Garret McCullagh/Hugh Michael McKenna – Ford Escort

6th class 13 - Mac McKenna/John Loughran – Peugeot 205

8th class 13 - Michael Conlon/Aidan Boyle – Escort MK2

9th class 13 - Brain McKenna/Stephen Tierney Ford Escort

11th class 13 - Shane McEnaneny/Graham Kelly – Escort MK2

1st class 14 –Gary McPhillips/Mark Tierney – Escort MK 2

2nd class 14 - Rodney Wilton/Conor McMahon – Ford Escort 

4th class 14 - Gerry Cassidy/Paul Sheridan – Ford Escort G3

5th class 14 - Maurice Moffett/Jason McKenna – Toyota Starlet

7th class 14 - John Gerard Hughes/Sean Walsh – Ford Escort

8th class 14 - Paddy Reilly/Declan Neville – Ford Escort

9th class 14 - Michael Carbin/Sean Carbin - G3 Escort

3rd class 15 – Andrew Mackarel/Richard Cassidy - Mitsubishi Evo 4

Junior Section 

1               Peter Wilson/Declan Gallagher - Honda Civic – 50:57

2               John McQuaid/David Smyth – Ford Escort – 50:59

3               Gerard McQuaid/Gary Quinlan – Ford Escort – 51:47

4               Richard Moffett/Laura Moffett – Toyota Starlet 52:23

Female driver Claire McAree and Damien Babington finished 11th overall.

Thank You

Clerk of the Course, Conor Maguire would like to extend his sincere appreciation to all those who assisted him with the many months of preparation that went into Monaghan’s largest sporting event. The dedication, commitment and professionalism of the rally marshals on the stages were very evident as they controlled the large numbers of spectators at every junction. Doctors, Ambulance, Civil Defence, Irish Red Cross and Rescue crews are commended for their efforts during the event. An Garda Siochana played a vital role in the rally proceedings and must be greatly thanked for keeping the steady flow of traffic moving at all locations eliminating any opportunities for congestion.

Monaghan Motor Club wishes to thank the many residents along the route for their support and assistance making this event one of the most enjoyable in the country. Thanks to Monaghan County Council, the roads were in great condition and were praised by drivers from around the country. The club also greatly appreciate the support received from Monaghan Town Council, Kieran McMahon Tyres, HPE, the residents and property owners in the vicinity of the service area in the town car park. A special thanks to Colm and Audri Herron who on behalf of the Hillgrove Hotel provided an excellent backdrop and fantastic facility for this important sporting event.

By Alan Gunn

alan@monaghanpost.com

St Mary’s Mallow 0-14

St Louis Monaghan 1-9

ST Louis’ quest for a fifth Pat the Baker All Ireland senior schools title was dashed by a more physical Cork side in Banagher on Monday afternoon in front of a very large vocal and enthusiastic crowd.

Almost 400 spectators made the trip from Monaghan to get behind their side but in the end they were to go home disappointed. They saw their side out muscled in a very tight and at times exciting encounter. At the finish some of the Monaghan players had the scars to show what a battle they had been involved in and looked more like a side that had come out of a boxing ring that a football field. 

Many decisions from Offaly official Ciaran Groome angered the Monaghan supporters and players which left all frustrated. The frustration boiled over and on three occasions with the referee punishing the Monaghan players by moving free’s forward. However, St Mary’s too could feel aggrieved as twice the referee awarded 13 metre free’s despite both been clear cut penalties. 

Overall St Mary’s were the better side and should have had the contest wrapped up at the break. The Cork champions shot nine wides in the opening half and on possession wise they dominated proceedings with county senior star Ciara O’Sullivan their main play maker. An early knock to St Louis’ centre half back Ellanna Hackett hampered her contribution and with this both Grainne McKenna and Nicola Fahy had periods on the lively O’Sullivan.

To their credit St Louis never give up and could have snatched victory at the death. Deep into added time the ball broke kindly to Ciara McAnespie but the Emyvale girl’s attempt went over the bar. The same player had another late chance but she was crowded out by a number of St Mary’s players in a passage of play that Monaghan supporters believed could have yielded a penalty as the St Mary’s defenders pulled at the Emyvale girl as she tried to turn.

The game started in lightening fashion and St Louis almost got the ideal start inside a minute. Ciara McAnespie made a strong run before playing in Brid McCarron who rattled the crossbar from close range. The eventual winners opened the scoring on three minutes through player of the match Ciara O’Sullivan (free) and doubled the lead through the equally brilliant Doireann O’Sullivan.

The Monaghan champions almost replied with a goal on seven minutes but Laura Askin’s attempt was blocked on the line by Linda Bartett. Natasha Mohan did open St Louis account on nine minutes with a good score. Ciara and Roisin O’Sullivan extended the lead in a dominant period that also saw the Cork side wide of the target on three occasions between the 8th and 12th minute.

Ciara McAnespie fired over a point on a rare St Louis attack before Ciara O’Sullivan pointed after a strong run that look her in from the sideline. Ciara McAnespie was again on target as we entered the second quarter after good interchange play with both Natasha Mohan and Laura Askin. Two minutes later and Sinead Maguire set up Natasha Mohan to point.

St Mary’s were again off target at the other end before St Louis were dealt a severe blow when Catriona Treanor was sin binned on 24 minutes. Two minutes later Ciara O’Sullivan tapped over a 13 metre free despite the foul on Katie Buckley been inside the small square. Caoimhe Mohan replied to leave just a single point between the sides again. The Cork side then had a goal disallowed for square ball before Ciara and Doireann O’Sullivan fired over points.

A minute into added time Ciara O’Sullivan hit a free but the final say of the half went to Roisin O’Sullivan to leave St Mary’s leading 0-9 to 0-6. 

Catriona Treanor was back in the action for the start of the second half but three unanswered points from the Cork side had six between them. Nine minutes into the half St Louis got the lift they required when Natasha Mohan set up her younger sister Caoimhe who coolly fired to the roof of the net.

A minute later they almost rattled the netting again. Ciara McAnespie played in Sinead Maguire who’s blistering shot shaved the top of the crossbar. Suddenly it was a two point game and St Louis were very much back in the contest. Ciara O’Sullivan struck back with yet another soft free but this was to be their final score until the seventh minute of added time.

Play became very scrappy as time after time the referee frustrated the Monaghan players by allowing St Mary’s players over carry and get away with some very hard hitting challenges. St Louis finished the stronger as the clock ticked into added time. Ellanna Hackett had a goal bound shot blocked before Natasha Mahon landed a free. In the fifth minute of injury time Ciara McAnespie added a further point but she will be disappointed not to have found the net.

The Cork side eased the pressure with a point from Katie Buckley but St Louis never give up and in the eight minute of added time they pushed for that winning goal. However, as Ciara McAnespie collected the ball she was crowded out and her attempt drifted wide of the target and St Mary’s had held on for their first ever All Ireland senior title. Eleven of the Cork side had lifted All Ireland medals with their club Mourneabbey in last year’s Intermediate club final.

For St Louis it was their first All Ireland senior final defeat. It was bitter disappointment for them as a number were playing their last game for the school. Despite the bitter disappointment they can be proud of their achievement and they give it their all to the very end.

St Louis: Barbara McKenna, Rebecca McKenna, Grainne McKenna, Aishling McElvaney, Aoife McAnespie, Ellanna Hackett, Tara McElvaney, Nicola Fahy, Natasha Mohan (0-3, 1f), Ciara McAnespie (0-4, 1f), Catriona Treanor, Sinead Maguire (0-1), Caoimhe Mohan (1-1), Laura Askin, Brid McCarron

Blood Sub: Hannah Hughes for N Mohan (3min-8min)

Rest of Panel: Orla Whelan, Louise McPhillips, Vanessa Treanor, Vanessa O’Rourke, Marion Connolly Hughes, Niamh Maguire

St Mary’s: Emma Forde, Rebecca Larkin, Linda Barrett, Niamh O’Regan, Tricia Murphy, Kathryn Coakley, Sandra Conroy, Karen O’Halloran, Roisin O’Sullivan (0-2), Aoife Daly, Ciara O’Sullivan (0-9, 5f), Doireann O’Sullivan (0-2), Eimear O’Callaghan, Katie Buckley (0-1), Brid O’Sullivan

Subs: Marie O’Callaghan for E O’Callaghan, Kerri Wallace for A Daly 

By Alan Gunn

alan@monaghanpost.com

Monaghan 0-11

Westmeath 1-10

THE Summer of 2007 seemed along time ago as the Monaghan players made their way off St Tiernach’s Park on Sunday after a second successive NFL defeat.

This loss signalled the end of their promotion hopes and any thoughts of a league decider against Dublin. The performance too will worry not only Seamus McEnaney and his management team but also supporters ahead of the trip to high flying Fermanagh on May 25 and the start of the Ulster Championship.

The visitors were full value for their victory as Monaghan made too many unforced errors. Monaghan looked very much out of sorts despite showing plenty of promise in a second quarter that yielded six unanswered points. However, this was to be their only bright part of the game as Westmeath dominated the rest with the introduction of Martin Flanagan just before the break playing a major part.

The Leinster side lost the services of the inspirational Dessie Dolan and also David Duffy through injury but still had much more in reserve. Both Paul Finlay and Rory Woods were the main Monaghan play makers but when both faded out of the game so too did the Monaghan challenge. Stephen Gollogly also ran his socks off before been replaced while Tommy Freeman was always Monaghan’s main danger but Westmeath were covering the supply to him with two or three players around the Magheracloone man at every opportunity.

It was Tommy Freeman that opened the scoring with a free with less that a minute on the clock. The response from Westmeath was emphatic with three points by the ninth minute. Dessie Dolan hitting the first from a free while Fergal Wilson slotted over two (1 free). Paul Finlay reduced the deficit with a free after a foul on Eoin lennon before Westmeath struck for the games only goal on 15 minutes.

It came after a sweeping move that began in the full back line. The Monaghan defence were caught ball watching and allowed Denis Glennon around the back and when Dermott Bannon picked out the Tyrrellpass man he made no mistake sidestepping ‘keeper Padraig McBennett.

It was now Monaghan hit their best patch of the game and began to show the football they were capable of. Dermot McArdle came forward to hit a fine score to set them on their way. They continued to call the shots with both Paul Finlay and Rory Woods very much to the fore.

Further Points from Tommy Freeman (free), Dick Clerkin and Paul Finlay (free) had the sides level after 28 minutes. On the half hour Tommy Freeman edged the home side in front for the first time and when Conor McManus landed a point, suddenly the Monaghan crowd were witnessing what they expected from their side.

The Westmeath slide was halted with a point from Dessie Dolan (free) but as the clock entered injury time Monaghan restored their two point advantage. Rory Woods began the move after a great block on Dessie Dolan and Dessie Mone was on hand to pick up the loose ball before finding Paul Finlay who split the posts from outside the ’45. This give the home side a 0-9 to 1-4 interval advantage.

Two minutes after the resumption the lead was extended to three with Vincent Corey pointing. That was to be Monaghan last score until the 65th minute. In the mean time play became very niggly and referee Derek Fahy issued a number of yellow cards. A point from Michael Ennis reduced the deficit. The same player was very lucky to escape with just a yellow card ten minutes into the half when the Westmeath player continuously boxed Paul Finlay on the ground after fouling the Ballybay man. Immediately the excellent Martin Flanagan landed a wonder point and in the 53rd minute a free from Denis Glennon brought the sides level.

Westmeath’s Fergal Wilson also rode his luck with the referee after raising his hand to Damien Freeman but only saw yellow. The lively Denis Glennon edged Westmeath in front but a great score from Rory Woods restored parity on 65 minutes. Woods turned from hero to villain within minutes when he was caught in possession and Westmeath broke for Martin Flanagan to put them in front. A minute into added time John Smith wrapped up the win and with it end Monaghan’s league hopes.

A very disappointing finish to a league that had held so much promise for the Farney men. After going unbeaten for their first five games Monaghan required just a single point from their least two games but failed to delivery and now must regroup ahead of the tricky trip to Brewster Park on May 25.

Monaghan: Padraig McBennett, Dessie Mone, John Paul Mone, Paul McGuigan, Damien Freeman, Dermot McArdle (0-1), Darren Hughes, Eoin Lennon, Paul Finley (0-3, 2f), Stephen Gollogly, Rory Woods (0-1), Dick Clerkin (0-1), Conor McManus (0-1), Vincent Corey (0-1), Tommy Freeman (0-3, 2f)

Subs: Donal Morgan for P McGuigan, Ciaran Hanratty for C McManus, Raymond Ronaghan for S Gollogly

Westmeath: Gary Connaughton, Francis Boyle, Kieran Gavin, John Keane, Michael Ennis (0-1), Derek Heavin, Damien Healy David Duffy, Donal O’Donoghue, Fergal Wilson (0-2, 1f), Dessie Dolan (0-2, f), Doran Harte, Alan Mangan, Denis Glennon (1-2, 1f), Dermott Bannon

Subs: Martin Flanagan (0-2) for D Duffy, John Smith for (0-1) for D Dolan, David Glennon for D Bannon, Michael Green for D Glennon

By Alan Gunn

alan@monaghanpost.com

DESSIE Keenan along with co-driver Enda Sherry made it a back-to-back win as they crossed the finish line of the 2008 Hillgrove Hotel Stages Rally.

The young Monaghan team, who won the rally overall for the first time last year managed to repeat their win despite getting a puncture on the last stage.

“Once we got the puncture I couldn’t believe it” said a relieved Dessie Keenan at the finish.

“If Niall [Maguire] had of caught us we knew that was the minute gone and the victory gone. We were lucky he never caught us.”

This was only the crews second time out in a WRC car, Dessie showed committed driving throughout the day as he held off his nearest rivals, setting a blistering pace. Weather conditions on the day were not particularly favourable, with overcast skies and rain that left road conditions unpredictable and slippy for drivers. 141 cars crossed the start ramp at the Hillgrove Hotel with 95 finishing. 

It was Keenan and Sherry who set the pace by setting fastest stage time on the opening three stages in their McKinstry Hired S9 Subaru. At the end of the first stage they were 8 seconds ahead of Niall Maguire and Paul McLaughlin and extended that lead to 38 seconds when they arrived at service.

“We really put on a big charge on the third stage and went 21 seconds quicker then anybody so that helped us” stated Dessie.

An overshoot by Niall Maguire at a junction on stage 3 cost him 15 seconds. The rain continued for the second loop of stages and again it was Keenan and Sherry who dominated in the slippery conditions increasing their lead to 58 seconds.

As the weather improved in the afternoon the roads dried out, providing increased grip and improved conditions for drivers on the last loop around the stages. On the final stage Keenan got caught out on a left turn and clipped a rock that had surfaced, puncturing the tyre.  With no choice but to continue driving, the pair made it through to the end of the stage.

Due to the lead they had built up throughout the day, they managed to hold on to the top spot and claimed their second overall victory in the Monaghan Stages Rally. Runner-up Niall Maguire also sustained a puncture on the last stage but managed to fend off Patrick Elliot by only one second to secure maximum Dunlop National Championship points. This now leaves Niall Maguire leading the Championship by two points.