Applause for ‘Super sporting weekend’
“It was a super sporting weekend in Clones, very well done to both the ladies and men’s teams. It wasn’t to go our way in either match, but we were delighted to support the Ulster Final in Clones, generation after generation have come to the town. There was live music on the Diamond and a fantastic atmosphere, with a family fun day in Barry McGuigan Park, where there was a big screen, for people who were not lucky enough to go to the game. This event showcases our town, thousands upon thousands attend. We need proper investment in St. Tiernach’s Park, so that the Ulster Final can be hosted in Clones for another 80 years.”
That was the call of Cathaoirleach of Ballybay/Clones Municipal District (MD), Cllr Sinéad Flynn, at Monday’s MD meeting, which was held in her native village of Smithborough.
The Sinn Féin representative, who was chairing the meeting for the last time in her term, commended all involved at MD level, particularly the outdoor team, Clones Town Team and Clones Tidy Towns. She also praised all of the volunteers and players in all of the teams and clubs countywide, which ensured Monaghan had a vibrant sports sector. Cllr Flynn also congratulated the Clones U12 Boys team, who recently “played their hearts out” against Ballyhaise.
Cllr Pat Treanor expressed his appreciation for the full panel and the backroom team over the years, who prepared for yesterday, when the team very nearly won the Ulster Senior Football Championship. “All involved did themselves and their county proud,” he added. The Sinn Féin representative said that the town was spic and span that morning, adding that the council took a very central role in creating conditions for a most enjoyable day. He also commended shop staff and those working in pubs: “A big effort went into customer care and we should do a review in the next week or two. The Community Section were on the ball, with a video of the Cathaoirleach encouraging people to come to Clones. Everybody played a role,” Cllr Treanor concluded.
“Yesterday (Monaghan) didn’t win The Anglo-Celt Cup but it cemented in people’s minds that Clones is the place for the Ulster Final. The weather blew up, but it only dampened the tarmac, not spirits. It was worth €1M to Clones and the surrounding towns and villages. From an economic point of view, we as a county need to do all we can to retain it. Clones needs events like this and the GAA and County Board should make every effort to make sure that the Ulster Final stays,” Cllr Seán Gilliland (FG) commented.
Noting that the event went off flawlessly, he commended council staff for working the weekend, in addition to medical personnel, gardaí and volunteers.
“On the way to the game yesterday, Fermanagh Street was a sea of blue and white, and orange and white. It was a great spectacle. We need the Ulster Final to stay in Clones and we’ll keep shouting until we get a bit of clarity. Who would want to go to Casement Park, Belfast yesterday? If you ask people from other counties, they all want to come to Clones. The Monaghan team did Trojan work to come back from seven points down, but it wasn’t our day. Hats off to the council staff for making it a successful event, with thanks also to the Gardaí, who kept the traffic moving. Ballybay and Newbliss were buzzing too,” Cllr Richard Truell (FG) remarked.
Speaking on behalf of the MD Executive, Director of Services Nial O’Connor commended council staff, the Clones community, town team, publicans, shopkeepers and everyone who made the event a success. He also thanked the members for throwing their weight behind the event and committed to investment in activities around next year’s event.
Cllr Truell proposed that a letter of congratulations be sent to the Co Monaghan Men’s Senior Panel, Cllr Flynn seconded, also proposing that the same be done for the ladies who played Cavan in the Ladies Intermediate Championship Final the day before, Cllr Truell seconded.