With the playing season drawing to a close, conferences and meetings take centre stage. Last Saturday saw an important gathering of county Cathaoirligh and Runaí in Croke Park where issues like Development Funding, criteria for Volunteer of the Year Award and a National Fixtures review took place.

The latter was of particular significance to Monaghan as rumours had been abounding that a two-division leap was in store for the county seniors following their All-Ireland title win earlier in the year. In fairness however the review was very comprehensive with each county presenting its own review initially, before a plenary session determined where counties might expect to be graded at. As it turns out Monaghan will remain in Junior B with Wicklow, Kildare 'B' and Meath'B'. Two further counties have apparently applied to enter 'B' teams into this division and pending their approval they will be added to the list. Cavan have applied to play in a higher grade in 2011 while it is not anticipated that Donegal, Louth or Mayo will feature in the Junior 'B' section in the coming year.

An interesting proposal would see the U-16C competition being run initially on a provincial basis and then feeding directly into the national Under-16C competition. This would enable the provincial competition to start a little later than February and would also mean that counties initially would play counties within relatively close proximity.

Go-Games and Mini-Leagues are being strongly advocated to replace any competitions in place in counties for Under-12 players. It is envisaged that each county would run 5 Go-Games Blitzes in their county before commencing a Mini-League in April/May. The Mini-Leagues would involve small-sided teams (max 11), with clubs sending multiple teams to a venue where they would play at least two games against their opponents 2 teams. The combined scores would determine the winners. At the end of the League a number of finals for winners, runners up etc would take place with each participant receiving a certificate as opposed to cups or medals. Participation, skill development and fun would be emphasised. An interesting challenge indeed!

Schools of Excellence for Under-14 players, it is envisaged, will commence on the 12th March and conclude around May 21st with the squad having 6 coaching sessions and 2 Blitzes organised in conjunction with neighbouring counties.

Finally the annual GAA, Camogie and Ladies Football Coaching Conference takes place in Croke Park on December 4th. Application forms are available to download from any of the 3 governing body's websites.
Clontibret Camogie News.

The trip to Kilcoole Co. Wicklow is the hot topic of conversation around the parish this past week - well, apart from the Senior football final! This Friday evening the participants assemble at the Community Centre at 6.30pm for departure. It is important that all parental consent forms have been returned in advance. Girls are also reminded to bring plenty of warm clothes, their camogie gear (of course!) and swimwear! We hope they have a terrific weekend.

Demi Mone showed just what a talented young lady she is both on and off the playing fields with a terrific performance in 'Monaghan's Got Talent' in the Glencarn Hotel, Castleblayney, on Sunday evening last. Demi's rendition of Sweet Child of Mine really wooed both the audience and the judges. We wish Demi well in the remainder of the competition.

Finally, congratulations to our senior footballers...and the Scoil Mhuire football team...who both secured county titles last weekend. Tweet

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