COOKE ADDS ANOTHER INGREDIENT TO HIS RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Monaghan United Manager Mick Cooke continued to throw more players into the mix in what he hopes will be the recipe for United’s success in the eircom League this season. Cooke added former Athlone Town, Kildare County and Belevdere player Michael McCann to his squad during the week and it is hoped that this midfielder who also plays up front, will stir up the pot further and add depth to the team. Michael will be one of the more senior players on the team at the tender age of 25!
Mick stated “the squad have been training very hard. They are currently training on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursdays to try and up their fitness levels for the season ahead.” He also said that “their youth and enthusiasm is obvious and they are certainly eager to start playing a few games and are looking forward to the Armagh game”
Fans will get their first chance to see the Monaghan United team for 2006 in action against Armagh City (away) on Friday 10th February at 7.45. Other friendlies confirmed are against Premier Division sides UCD (at Belfield) on Sunday 19th February at 2.30pm, Waterford United FC (to be played in Limerick) on Saturday 25th February at 3pm and Dublin City (at Whitehall) on Saturday 4th March at 7.30pm.
STEPHEN AND GER CAPPED FOR SCHOOLS
Monaghan United’s Stephen Finnegan scored the winning goal for the Northern Ireland Schools team on Monday when they took on Australia in a friendly. The Australian team was an Under 19’s team facing the Under 18 Northern Ireland boys. Australia went 1-0 up but Northern Ireland managed to equalize and then it was left to Monaghan lad Stephen Finnegan to clinch the victory. Stephen took advantage of a good ball across the front of goal and made sure to put it away to earn his team their win. Well Done Stephen.
Stephen’s team mate at United Ger O’Callaghan also did Club, School, County and Country proud when he pulled on the Republic of Ireland School Team’s jersey in their game against Australia last Thursday evening. Ireland lost 1-0 to give Australia even more to celebrate on their National Day. Ireland could have gone into the lead early on but it was due to a defensive mistake that Australia were able to take the lead. Despite hard work and a few good opportunites, Ireland were unable to equalise and the game ended with the Australian team victors. It was a wonderful opportunity for Largy College’s Ger O’Callaghan and one which we hope will be repeated many times in the upcoming Schools International games.
WOMENS TEAM ANNOUNCE MORE FRIENDLIES
Monaghan United's new Women's team have more fixtures in the pipeline. Fresh from their recent game against Ards team Northland Raiders the ladies travel to Belfast to take on the giants of the Northern game Linfield this Sunday 5th February. On Sunday 26 February (tbc) they are away to Moneymore-Drogheda United Women. This game will hopefully be played at United Park and will give the women a good indication of the standard of football being played in the North Dublin League which they hope to sign up to in the coming months.
Good luck on Sunday!
GIRLS MINI LEAGUES
The new girls mini leagues at Astro Park at Century Homes Park are now up and running. All girls in the Under 16 and Under 13 age groups are encouraged to come out and give it a go. Come along on Saturday at 11am to join in with the fun. Don’t forget your runners (no football boots or blades on Astro) and shinguards.
CAR BOOT SALE
Don’t forget that Monaghan United FC now hold a monthly Car Boot Sale. The next sale takes place at Century Homes Park on Sunday 5th February from 10am. The cost of entering a Car is a measly €10 and a Van a pathetic €15. Come along and sell everything from books to baths! Get there early so you don’t miss the bargains.
WEBSITE
Wondering where you can find out all you need to know about Monaghan United FC? Want to keep up to date on the latest news and Schoolboy Match Reports? www.monaghanunited.ie is the place to go. Recently revamped with added features and easier access, Monaghan United FC are proud to have such an informative and comprehensive website.
Now there is even more to see with the new Women’s football section and the recent addition of an Online Shop for all your Monaghan United Merchandise.
GREG TURLEY SUITE AND BAGSTER LOUNGE
Having a party? Need somewhere for a meeting or conference? Monaghan United have the facilities you need. The Greg Turley Suite is perfect for meetings or conferences and when combined with the Bagster Lounge it provides the ideal setting for parties. The new Patio area with outside tables and bar-be-queing facilities adds another alternative to this versatile venue. Also remember the Bagster Lounge is open Monday to Sunday for a quiet drink or to watch sports on our big screen T.V.s. For further information and bookings contact Martin Kelly at 086 8937562.
