LOCAL DERBY WILL PACK ‘EM IN
Monaghan United’s senior team get back to action after a rest weekend and face their top of the table neighbours Dundalk this Friday night at Century Homes Park. The 8pm kick off should ensure that a large crowd of Oriel Park faithful make the short journey to cheer on their team. They recently brought approximately 500 to Galway and it is anticipated that their continuing good form will encourage even more fans to head to Monaghan. Monaghan United’s manager Mick Cooke will be hoping that his team can take the wind out of their sails somewhat despite his continuing injury and suspension worries.
Out for Friday night’s game are Shane McGeown and Stephen Finnegan, both suspended while Thomas McGauley, Robbie Farrell, Kevin Cronin and Robbie Smith are all on the injured list. Mick Cooke is optimistic despite the continuing run of injuries but admits it’s unfair to expect so many of the Under 21’s to step up to the Senior team at the one time. Over the last while he has had to rely heavily on the Under 21 players to fill in for the senior players. Mick Cooke stated that “players like Paul Whelan, Stephen Finnegan and Austin McCann have been invaluable to us so far this season. They are the backbone of the club along with the other under 21 team mates who have been used and it’s comforting to see that the future of football in Monaghan is very secure.” He continued “that said, it’s not fair to play so many of them at the same time and expect them to be able to cope with the Senior game. There is plenty of time for some of them to come through, but due to our ongoing injuries, more and more of our younger local lads are being used on the senior team. It is the club’s aim to nurture these players and in 2 years time we will have a handful of lads who are only in their early 20’s but have 3 years senior football under their belt”
It is with this “grass roots” approach that Monaghan United will be sustainable for the future and hopefully be challenging for promotion into the Premier League in years to come. “Building teams from the ground up takes time and patience” Cooke said “and if we want to avoid crippling wage bills we need to take our time in bringing them on.”
With this in mind, United will face Dundalk with a steely determination to not allow Dundalk walk away with the points. Friday’s game kicks off at 8pm but be early as this match always draws a crowd!
CAN THE WOMEN KIL’MORE GIANTS?
Monaghan United’s Ladies team will be hoping to add to their first year successes by taking the scalp of Premier B Team Kilmore in this Sunday’s Leinster Junior Cup Final. The Mons ladies travel to the AUL grounds without some of their key players but will not let that stand in the way of them giving the Wexford team a good game. Manager Liam McCarey and Coach Chris McBride will be relying on their charges to show the same spirit that has already slain many more experienced teams already in this first season of football.
HARD LUCK U21’S
A good season for the under 21’s ended in disappointment when they failed to progress from the Northern Section of the League. Hard luck to John, Thomas and the team, your valiant efforts are noted!
CONGRATS AND WELCOME
Congratulations to Dermot and Sarah Marron on the birth of their new daughter Ciara. Ciara is the newest Monaghan United fan and arrived safely into the world on Saturday last. Best of luck from all at United.
SYMPATHIES
Monaghan United wish to extend their condolences to Assistant PRO and Merchandising Manger Ronan Kilmurray on the recent death of his aunt. Our sympathies are with you and your family at this time.
MONAGHAN CREDIT UNION MINI LEAGUES
The Mini-Leagues are well under way and unfortunately, Monaghan United FC are unable to take any more registrations at present. There are over 130 children taking part in the Sunday morning sessions and it is just not possible to accommodate any more.
