An Bhoth GAA Club Notes 16/12/2025 Scotstown Claim Fifth Ulster Title After Extra-Time Epic Against Kilcoo AIB Ulster Club SFC Final BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, Armagh – Saturday 13 December 2025 Scotstown 0-19 Kilcoo 0-16 (AET) Scotstown GAA are Ulster champions once more. After 36 long years of heartbreak, including three Ulster Final defeats in the last decade, our Senior men finally bridged the gap they so richly deserved with a gripping extra-time victory over a resilient Kilcoo side. Captain Damien McArdle lifted the Seamus McFerran Cup in front of delirious blue and white supporters, marking the club’s fifth provincial crown. In a wind-swept Athletic Grounds, Scotstown showed tremendous character to withstand a fierce Kilcoo comeback before dominating extra-time when it mattered most. Man of the Match Rory Beggan was the undoubted hero among a brilliant and dedicated team, contributing a masterful 0-11, including several long-range two-pointers, while also making crucial saves to keep the Magpies at bay. Kilcoo elected to play into the strong wind in the opening half, adopting a possession-based approach designed to frustrate Scotstown’s attacking threats. It worked initially, limiting Scotstown to six first-half points despite holding a five-point lead. However, sustained pressure forced turnovers which were capitalised on superbly. Magnificent points from Mattie Maguire (two from play), along with Rory Beggan’s two perfect two-point frees, built a 0-6 to 0-1 half-time lead. Given the significant wind advantage, a tense second half was always expected. After the break, Scotstown surged forward, pushing their advantage to eight points at one stage. Beggan converted a ’45 and produced a vital save to deny Kilcoo a goal, while a well-worked score from Ryan O’Toole and a majestic strike from Kieran Hughes made it 0-9 to 0-1. Kilcoo, led by the accurate placed balls of Paul Devlin, mounted a determined fightback, reducing the margin to 0-9 to 0-8. Scotstown responded strongly and regained control through another excellent point from Kieran Hughes and a wonderful two-point free from Beggan, struck high against the wind, to move clear at 0-12 to 0-9. With one hand seemingly on the Seamus McFerran Cup, Scotstown led by three points entering injury time. However, Kilcoo forced extra-time with a late two-pointer followed by a dramatic last-gasp equaliser to level the match at 0-12 apiece. Extra-time saw Scotstown seize control once again. With the wind advantage in the first period, Rory Beggan and substitute Conor McCarthy combined for two superb two-pointers, stretching the lead to four points by the turnaround. Kilcoo briefly narrowed the gap, but Scotstown’s defence — marshalled superbly by Damien McArdle and the Hughes brothers — held firm. Beggan’s final free sealed the victory, sparking scenes of pure ecstasy as the final whistle sounded, confirming a 0-19 to 0-16 triumph. This Ulster success was built on resilience — from the dramatic penalty shoot-out semi-final win over Newbridge to digging deep against one of Ulster’s modern giants. The blend of experience and youth shone throughout, with every player contributing in a true team effort under the excellent guidance of manager David McCague and his outstanding management team. A massive congratulations to the team and management on this epic achievement and for bringing such immense early Christmas joy to the parish. Hard luck and commiserations to Kilcoo. Thanks to Pearse Óg Armagh for being exemplary hosts, and to Ulster GAA, Monaghan GAA and everyone involved in the organisation. Attention now turns to the All-Ireland semi-final against Connacht champions St Brigid’s in the New Year. For now, Scotstown can bask in provincial glory — Ulster kings once again. Scotstown Scorers Rory Beggan 0-11 (4 × two-point frees, 2 × ’45s, 1 free), Conor McCarthy 0-3 (1 × two-pointer), Mattie Maguire 0-2, Kieran Hughes 0-2, Ryan O’Toole 0-1. Scotstown Team Rory Beggan; Donnchadh Connolly, Damien McArdle, Kieran Hughes; Ryan O’Toole, Darren Hughes, Darragh Murray; Micheál McCarville, Gavin McPhillips; Max Maguire, Shane Carey, Nicky Sherlock; Jack McCarron, Francis Maguire, Mattie Maguire. Subs: Conor McCarthy for Francis Maguire (49), Killian McKenna for Mattie Maguire (63), Mattie Maguire for McKenna (e/t), Francis Maguire for Mattie Maguire (76). Subs not used: Jack McDevitt, Seán Treanor, Mark McPhillips, James Hamill, Cian Mohan, Michael Meehan, Tristan Moyna, Tommy Mallen, Jason Carey, Finlay Foy, Fergal McPhillips, Ross McKenna, Cian McGonnell. All-Ireland Club Championship Tickets Tickets for the All-Ireland Club Championship semi-final between Scotstown and St Brigid’s of Roscommon can be purchased in McMahon’s Centra, Scotstown. Tickets on sale soon. Club Competitive Fixtures On Sunday 4 January, our Senior Men play St Brigid’s of Roscommon in the All-Ireland Senior Club Championship semi-final at 3.00pm in Breffni Park, Cavan. We wish the team and management the very best of luck. Congratulations to Rory Beggan A massive congratulations to Rory Beggan on being named Man of the Match following his exceptional performance in the Ulster Final, scoring an outstanding 11 points. Paint the Parish Blue Many thanks to all those involved in putting up flags and bunting throughout the villages of the parish over the past number of months. The Ulster men continue their campaign on Sunday 4 January with the All-Ireland Club semi-final, so please, if you haven’t already, get all your An Bhoth flags and paraphernalia out and Paint the Parish Blue. Thanks for Good Luck and Congratulations Messages Many thanks to all organisations, GAA clubs and individuals who sent good luck and congratulatory messages ahead of and following the Ulster Final. It was greatly appreciated. National School Well Wishes Well done and many thanks to all the national school pupils who took part in the various videos wishing the Senior team and management the very best for the Ulster Final. Thanks to everyone involved in producing the videos, which can be viewed across our social media platforms. Nollaig Shona agus Athbhliain faoi Mhaise Daoibh We wish all our members, players, volunteers, patrons and our community a very happy Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous New Year. Well done to everyone involved in our activities and events throughout 2025, another successful year at adult and juvenile level, and also off-field within our community. Thanks to all who helped others in need throughout the parish, and we remember in our prayers those who have passed and all who mourn, that they may find comfort at this time. Thank you for all your support and work during the year, and here’s to a successful 2026. Monaghan GAA Annual Awards 2025 Scotstown GAA achieved three Monaghan GAA Annual Awards at Thursday’s County Convention. Congratulations to Kieran Hughes, winner of the Senior Footballer Award 2025; Max Maguire, winner of the Young Footballer Award 2025; and Andrew Mullen, winner of the Minor Referee Championship Award 2025. The award ceremony will take place in January. 2026 Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup The first competitive inter-county football of 2026 takes place in early January with the return of the McKenna Cup. Monaghan have been drawn in Section B alongside Cavan and Fermanagh. Friday 3 January: Monaghan v Cavan, Breffni Park, 6.00pm Wednesday 7 January: Monaghan v Fermanagh, Enniskillen, 7.30pm Sunday 11 January: Monaghan v Fermanagh, Castleblayney, 1.30pm Please note there will be no match-day ticket sales at venues — all tickets must be pre-purchased online. Best wishes to our Blues players involved and to the management team. Scotstown GAA Club Tribute to The Northern Standard It is with great sadness that Scotstown GAA learned of the decision to cease publication of The Northern Standard after an incredible 186 years serving County Monaghan. For generations, The Northern Standard has been the voice of our community — on the field, chronicling county finals, Ulster campaigns and young players’ first steps in the game; and off the field, covering community initiatives such as Make Your Céilí, Scór and much more. Match reports, player profiles, award nights and iconic photographs preserved the proud history of Scotstown GAA, clubs across the county and Monaghan GAA for families to cherish forever. To the Smyth family, editors, journalists, photographers and staff past and present — including Colm Shalvay, Maitiu Monaghan, J.P. Graham, Rory Geary, Peadar McMahon, Sineád Hughes and Caroline McShane, who diligently featured our club notes every week — we extend our heartfelt thanks. This final edition on 18 December marks the end of an era, but the legacy of The Northern Standard will live on in Monaghan forever. Scotstown GAA Online Club Lotto – New Jackpot €10,200 Thanks to everyone who supported our online lotto draw for a €10,000 jackpot on Wednesday 17 December. Numbers drawn were 11, 23, 26 and 31. We had five Lucky Dip winners — Yvonne McKenna, Angela Corrigan (twice), Brianna McPhillips and Noel Carbin — who each won €20. Congratulations to all winners. The Scotstown GAA online lotto draw takes place every Wednesday at 8.30pm, with last entries at 8.00pm. Four numbers are chosen from 1 to 31. Match all four to win the jackpot of €10,200. If there is no jackpot winner, €200 is rolled over, with Lucky Dips also drawn. Next draw: Wednesday 24 December. Cairde na Botha – 4th Year Subscription Many thanks to all involved in the Cairde na Botha initiative. For those on the four-year subscription plan who have not yet completed year four, the final subscription is now due. Thank you. Social Club The Social Club is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9pm. Bar rota: Seán McKenna and Kevin Boylan. Club Shop The Club Shop will next open on Friday 19 December from 7pm to 8pm. Interested in Volunteering? We are seeking volunteers to assist across our committees. Anyone interested is asked to contact Cyril on 087 962 8521. Wedding Well Wishes Congratulations to Laura Carey and Ryan McAnespie, who were married on Saturday last. We wish you every happiness and hope you enjoyed the double celebrations. Scotstown Christmas Tree Many thanks to all involved in organising and installing the Christmas tree in the centre of Scotstown village. Health and Wellbeing Scotstown GAA will continue in 2025 with its Healthy Club Project, supporting the holistic health of members and the wider community. Events during the year included the charity fun walk on St Brigid’s weekend, daffodil planting in Kilmore for National Daffodil Day in support of the Irish Cancer Society, the GAA for All initiative during May and June, post-Blessing of the Graves refreshments in August, and the return of card nights. In September, the club was officially awarded Gold Status under the Healthy Club Recognition Programme for 2025. Make Your Céilí also returned this winter following its recent launch. Card Playing Night – Winter 2025 Everyone is invited to card playing night in the Scotstown complex on Friday 19 December at 8.00pm. All ages are welcome, especially young people wishing to learn the game of 45. Experienced players will be present to guide newcomers. A fun night ahead — don’t let our traditional card games become a thing of the past. Studio Room Booking – Kilmore Hub A live calendar showing studio room availability for team sessions, meetings and other club use is now available on kilmorehub.ie. To book, please WhatsApp 085 151 3753. Thank you for helping keep everything organised. Scór agus Cultúr Tá an Ciorcal sa Spórtlann gach Oíche Mháirt ag a 8 a chlog! Fáilte roimh

An Bhoth GAA Club Notes 04/03/2025 Allianz Division 2 National Football League Round 5 Result – Louth 1-21 Monaghan 1-27 The senior Monaghan team and management travelled to Drogheda on Sunday last in Round 5 of the National Football League Division 2 in another highly entertaining high scoring league game of two halves. Well done to the Monaghan senior men and management in their victory and well done on another brilliant performance. Well done to our Blues on the panel, Rory, Ryan, Conor, Micheál, Gavin, Darren and Jack, with excellent scores by Conor (1-4, 1 x 2 pointer); Rory (0-5, 2 x 2 pointer); and Jack (0-2). Monaghan next play Meath away on Sunday 16th March in Round 6 in Meath at 2:00pm. All the best to our Blues on the County panel, and the rest of the Monaghan team, and the management. You can get your tickets at McMahon’s Centra Scotstown. No ticket sales at the ground. The full Monaghan fixture list is as follows. Round 1: Cavan (0-20) v (2-22) Monaghan, Saturday January 25th, Cavan; Round 2: Monaghan (2-29) v (2-21) Westmeath, Sunday 2nd February, Clones; Round 3: Roscommon (0-25) v (2-14) Monaghan, Sunday 16th February, Roscommon; Round 4: Monaghan (3-16) v (1-15) Cork, Sunday 23rd February, Inniskeen; Round 5: Louth (1-21) v (1-27) Monaghan, Sunday 2nd March, Drogheda; Round 6: Meath v Monaghan, Sunday 16th March, Navan, 2:00pm; Round 7: Monaghan v Down, Sunday 23rd March, 2:00pm, Clones. Lidl Ladies Division 2 National Football League Round 4 Result: Clare 1-9 Monaghan 4-11 Well done to the Senior Monaghan County Ladies in their 4-11 to 1-9 win against Clare in Round 5 of the LGFA National Football League Division 2 on Sunday last. Well done to Éabha Sherry in scoring and outstanding 2-5 of the scores including a brilliant long range point from 45 metres. The County Senior Ladies next play Galway at home on Sunday 23rd March at 2pm in Round 6. We wish our players on the panel, Casey Treanor, Eabha Sherry, Aishling McGuirk, Katie McCaffery and Katie Sherlock, and the rest of the team and management the very best. National League Tickets You can purchase your tickets for the Round 6 Meath v Monaghan National League game in Navan on Sunday 16th March at 2:00pm in McMahon’s Centra Scotstown shop through the Ticketmaster system. U20 Monaghan Football Ulster Championship The groups for the upcoming 2025 Ulster GAA Under-20 Football Championship have been confirmed. Monaghan is in Group B with Armagh, Cavan & Derry. The competition commences Wednesday 19th March, with Monaghan’s first game at home to Cavan on March 26th. LGFA U18 Monaghan Well done to Monaghan minors in their 1-15 to 2-5 win against Down at home in Round 2 of the Ulster Minor Championship Group 2 on Saturday last. The U18 girls next play Antrim away in Round 3 on Saturday 8th March at 2pm. We wish our Blues on the panel, Aoife Corrigan, Shannon Corrigan. Michaela Grew, Caoimhe Kelly, Trea MacCinna, and Ava McGinnity, and the rest of the team and management the very best! LGFA U16 Monaghan Well done to the Monaghan U16 girls in their 6-12 to 1-9 win against Fermanagh at home in Round 2 of the U16 Ulster Championship. The Under 16 Monaghan County girls next play Antrim away in Round 3 of U16 Ulster Championship Group 1 on Sunday 30th March at 2:00pm. We wish our player on the panel Branagh Connolly and the rest of the team and management the very best. Rory Beggan and Conor McCarthy make GAA.ie Football Team of the Week A massive congratulations to Rory Beggan and Conor McCarthy for making the GAA.ie Football Team of the week after their amazing performances against Louth on Sunday last. Well done lads. This was Rory’s 2nd week in a row for being awarded on Team of the week after his outstanding performance against Cork on the Saturday previously which included an exceptional scoring tally of 7 points! Reserves Men Season Commences this Sunday. Our Junior Reserves 2023 season commences this Sunday 9th March at 2:00pm in Blackhill when the Division 3A team play Blackhill away in the Reserve League Football Division 3A Round 1 game. Our Senior Reserves commence their season with an away game against Carrickmacross on Saturday March 15th at 5:00pm in the Division 1A Round 1 fixture. We wish the teams and managements all the best. Scotstown Senior Ladies The Scotstown senior ladies commence their competitive 2025 football season with a home game on Sunday 16th March at 11:00am against Castleblayney in Round 1 of the Reserve League Division 2. We wish the team and management the very best. Scotstown GAA Online Club Lotto – Jackpot €9,800 Thanks to everyone involved in our online lotto draw for a €9,600 jackpot on Wednesday 5th March. Please see our Social Media platforms for more details of the results. In the February 26th draw, there was NO Jackpot winner. Numbers drawn on the night were 3, 16, 21, 27. There were NO match 3 w1nners. We had 5 Lucky-Dip winners, Tracey McCaffrey, Arthur King, Sean Arthurs, James Turley, and Nicola McKenna who win €30 each.Congratulations to all our winners! The Scotstown GAA online Lotto Draw takes place every Wednesday at 8:30pm with last entries at 8pm. The draw is conducted on-line and is fully automated using secure facilities. There are 4 numbers to choose from a range of 1 to 31. Match the 4 numbers to win the Jackpot of €9,800. If no jackpot winner €200 is rolled over to the following week. Also if there is no jackpot winner there will be lucky dips. Next draw is Wednesday 12th March at 8:30pm. Ciste Draw Congratulations to Frankie McCarey our €1,000 February Ciste Winner! Also congratulations to our 5 x €100 winners,Jackie Caulfield, Niamh Doherty, Betty McKenna, Michael & Bernie McKenna and Damien Martin. Sellers prize: Tommy McMahon and Stephen McKenna You can purchase your Ciste tickets in our local shops. There are tickets, envelopes and collection boxes in each of these shops; McMahon Centra, Scotstown; XL Ballinode & Killylough, and in Knockatallon. You can also purchase your Ciste tickets using the Scotstown Clubforce website and clicking on ‘buy event tickets’ link. First prize €1,000 and 5 prizes of €100 must be won. In total €18,000 in prize money is won every year! “Leave your Mark” Big Cash Prize Fundraiser Another super result and great days craic last weekend in the ticket selling. Massive effort from everyone again—70 people out selling, from every part of the club! Veterans, minors, senior lads and ladies, players and non-players—all pulling together to make this happen. Big shoutout to Shane Stirrat, Seamus McCarville, and Damian Stirrat for their table topping selling display! But honestly, every single person played a part, and that’s what makes the difference. At the end of the day, it’s all about getting as many people as possible in that room on a Saturday morning. We appreciate every single volunteer who generously sacrifices their valuable time and this fundraiser simply couldn't function without you. A big push now will make an impact for generations! We launched our Club Development fundraiser “Leave your mark”, with 1st prize of €15,000 plus several more large cash prizes to be won including a special €5,000 winning prize for any nominated club. Please see our social media platforms for more details. Social Club open The Social Club is open this Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9pm. Bar Rota: Trevor McKenna and Damian Mohan. The Highstool Prophets playing Saturday 15th March in Scotstown Complex Get Ready for a Cracking Night with The Highstool Prophets! - Supporting acts announced! Join us for an unforgettable evening as The Highstool Prophets, the sensational 5-piece folk band from Cavan, light up the stage at Scotstown GAA. Known for their energetic performances and unique twist on folk classics, they're set to deliver a night full of foot-tapping tunes and sing-along favorites. Live Music starting at 8.00 and Highstool prophets on stage at 9.30 followed by DJ till late. Supporting acts include Caolium Mullen, Charlene and Stephen, Cúpla Port. Link for tickets, https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-highstool-prophets-tickets-1104797762849 Win 2 Tickets to The Highstool Prophets We are giving away 2 free tickets for the High Stool prophets To Enter the Draw visit our Facebook page and click on the featured post at the top. Please do the following. 1. Like the post 2. Tag some of your friends in the Comment Box 3. Share thie post on your Facebook Page (Please set your share to public view) Please see our The Highstool Prophets Facebook Event page on the link for all the details and please share and invite your friends on Facebook! https://fb.me/e/2NVffvbRR We will make the draw on during week of the 9th March and reveal the winner on our Social media platforms to the The Highstool Prophets gig New Ladies Junior Development Team Training continues on a Friday night. All players who wish to return to football are welcome to join our new women's junior development team. Email jnr2025anbhoth@gmail.com for more information. This new team is part of our Player Pathway. Juvenile Presentation Night – March 21st On Friday night, 21st March we are having a presentation night for our juveniles. A night to celebrate our amazing Juvenile success in 2024. Appeal for members to volunteer in Fundraising activities We would be grateful if members could become involved in fundraising activities, such as selling tickets. Please contact Shane on 086 836 7997. Thank you. Interested in Volunteering? Anyone interested in helping out in one of our many new committees, we are looking for volunteers. Please contact Cyril at 087 9628521. Membership 2025 – Open for payment on Clubspot You can register for 2025 Membership on our Clubspot app. Please go to Menu, select Memberships, Buy Membership and select your appropriate option. Please note players must be registered before they start training. Any teams who have started group trainings should register asap. You can also pay your membership through a club officer. Health and Wellbeing Scotstown GAA will continue in 2025 with its Healthy Club project which aims to help GAA clubs explore how they support the holistic health of their members and the communities they serve. During 2024 we continued the Make a Ceili initiative which was launched before Christmas. In January / February saw the start of the Operation Transformation walk, the Scotstown Ladies hosted a Women’s Health talk, a drugs and Alcohol awareness workshop with our coaches, and we had several card nights during the first quarter. During May we had the Hello How are you? Campaign and in August, a community event after the Blessing of the Graves. In November we had daffodil planting in Kilmore and in November we had the return of the card nights for the winter. In January / February we had a charity fun / walk which took place on St. Brigid’s weekend. Please donate to the Dillon Quirke Foundation On the St. Brigid’s Bank holiday Monday last, Scotstown GAA Health and Wellbeing committee organised a Charity Fun Run / Walk in aid of the Dillon Quirke foundation. Thanks to all our bakers, supporters, volunteers on the day and whoever else contributed to make the event welcoming and successful. The event was run to raise money for the Dillion Quirke foundation. This foundation provided heart screening for over 90 pre teens and teens last year from 12-18 year olds within the club. It was an excellent service of which we at Scotstown GAA are very grateful. You can donate at the following link. Many thanks! https://www.idonate.ie/forms/DQF Card Playing night Friday March 7th Scotstown GAA are inviting everyone to come along and play Cards in the Scotstown complex this Friday March 7th at 8pm especially young people who want to learn the game of 45, there will be card players there on the night to guide and help, fun night ahead don’t let our traditional card games become a thing of the past. The card nights will continue every subsequent fortnight on Friday nights till the end of April. Couch to 5K – Week 3 We’re now three weeks into our Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others Couch to 5K at Kilmore Training Grounds, Scotstown – and it’s been fantastic to see everyone getting stuck in! If you’ve been with us from the start, well done and keep going! If you haven’t joined yet, it’s never too late to get involved. All welcome! Sunday @ 10AM €2 per week Just a few weeks to go – let’s keep it up! See you all there! Vote of Sympathy The following votes of sympathy were passed at the last Committee meeting. McDonald Family on the death of Ethna Maguire Family on the death of Patrick Sewell Family on the death of Alan We would like to offer our condolences to all the family and friends who lost loved ones during this time. Scór agus Cultúr Please note the All Ireland Senior scor final is in Mayo on April 26. The Ulster final is April 5th. The Ulster semifinal between Monaghan Antrim, Donegal, Fermanagh and Armagh Saturday is March 22nd. Monaghan County events final this Thursday March 6th for Table Quiz in Currin and March 9th at Inniskeen at 1:45 for Stage events. We wish all our participants the very best. Tá an Ciorcal sa Spórtlann gach Oíche Mháirt ag a 8 a chlog! Fáilte roimh gach duine!