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EMYVALE

Emyvale Footballer Honoured

Despite losing the All-Ireland SFC final to Cork, Monaghan lady footballers can look back on September with a lot of pride, none more so than CIARA McANESPIE.  The flying Emyvale winger did what she could during the Oriel girls’ brave attempt to overcome the Rebels.

Ciara covered acres of ground at Croke Park and, apart from attributing to the scoreboard tally, she linked up perfectly with her team mates to put endless pressure on the opposing defence.

“It was very disappointing to be so close to victory but not achieving it and knowing that we could have won the match. I think losing a final by two points (2-7 to 0-11) is even worse than being well beaten.

“I suppose it is good to know that we got so close to winning. Next year, we hope to build on that and do better. We will be more experienced at that level,” reflects Ciara (21). “Getting this Monthly Merit Award certainly helps to overcome the disappointment.”

After completing a three-year Education Degree at DCU, Ciara is now on a year out and working locally. “It will probably be hard getting back to studies again,” she reflects.

Already, our monthly winner has collected senior league and intermediate county medals with her club and three O’Connor Cup awards with DCU. She has also collected three Ulster Championship medals with Monaghan. To concentrate fully on football, she gave up athletics but continues with Irish Dancing.

As her Merit Award she receives an engraved Belleek Living vase, specially designed silver jewellery from Omeath’s Garrett Mallon, training gear from O’Neill International Sports and a €170 Sports Voucher from UGAAWA. She will also receive two tickets and overnight accommodation for our 24th annual banquet at the Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran, on November 18.

The presentation was made at Quinn’s Corner on October 3 by Quinn Insurance Commercial New Business & Renewals Team Leader Pauric McGovern.

To earn the honour Ciara shook off the challenges of Antrim camogie star Jane Adams, who hit 12 points in the All-Ireland Intermediate final, and Cavan referee Joe McQuillan who took charge of the Dublin-Kerry All-Ireland final.

Ciara McAnespie receives her September Merit award from UGAAWA Chairman, John P. Graham (left) and Pauric McGovern, representing sponsors, Quinn Insurance.

Ciara pictured with her mother, Brenda, and below with her grandparents, Brendan and Kathleen Mohan, after being presented with her Award by Pauric McGovern and John P Graham.

Matt Fitzpatrick, UGAAWA, with Ciara, John and Pauric and Ciara pictured with her Belleek  Vase.