Monaghan developing underage hurling talent for the future

By Cian O'Connell

The journey has commenced, and Monaghan hurling enthusiasts are encouraged about significant underage developments in recent years.

Undoubtedly, it will take time before everything is truly reflected at senior level, but players are beginning to progress through the pathway created in the county. That is offering a source of encouragement.

Competing strongly in the Hibernia Cup and Celtic Challenge has afforded hurlers opportunities. In 2026, 11 of Monaghan's U20 panel from two years ago featured at senior - illustrating the work being carried out by clubs and those involved with county underage teams.

Patrick Hannon, Monaghan GAA's hurling committee chairperson, is encouraged about the progress being made. "It's definitely developing, if you go back to 2022 when some of us first got involved," he says.

"A few of us came in with the U15s that year. We got them out training with a proper schedule, the same with the minors, Gabriel McQuillan and myself. That developed then over time.

"We'd a good year in 2023, we got to our first ever Celtic Challenge final against Wicklow, who beat us in Abbottstown, and won the Hibernia Cup. In 2024, we got back to a Celtic Challenge final, and Louth beat us that day. So, it's been steadily progressing."

Fielding at U20 a couple of years ago was another important landmark. "With the work gone on since 2022, then in 2024 we were able to have our first ever county U20 team and we reached the C final that year," Hannon reflects.

"The following year again in 2025. So, that player pathway that we're always preaching about is coming. It's just about setting structures in place for it to develop."

Challenges exist, but Hannon credits the coaching and effort of clubs in the underage ranks. "I've noticed that at U14 and U15, you're getting fantastic numbers out - you've all seven hurling clubs fielding at that age grade," he explains.

"So, the player pool is always big. You're fortunate enough to be able to hold trials and dwindle your panel down to 30 or whatever you agree with the rest of your management team. Playing numbers at U15 are very strong.

"We've noticed in the county that the drop off rate is hitting at that U16 to U18 mark which is what we're trying to work on. We're trying to strengthen those competitions. People would speak about the Táin Óg and how that can help it.

"We're building it up in the county, we've seven teams fielding at U16 this year. They've a good schedule, between league and championship you're looking at 10 or 11 games within your county.

"The Táin Óg is optional, some clubs get great benefit from it. Some clubs might stick to the Monaghan schedule themselves, too."

With the inter-county teams, dual players are accommodated. Hannon credits administrators at local and national level, who try to facilitate emerging players. "In fairness, we work it well here in Monaghan and Croke Park works it well," Hannon says.

"The U16 development squad football doesn't clash with Celtic Challenge team be it training, games or even challenge matches. The dual players do have the option to turn out in the Celtic Challenge.

"Some of them take up on it, others at the U16 age grade where they could potentially make a county minor football squad the next year, they might put their full focus on that.

"We don't ask lads to pick and choose in Monaghan, they're encouraged to do both. We train on separate days, it's just about keeping sticks in the hands and enjoying it for the lads."

Having an organised U20 set-up at inter-county is crucial for Monaghan according to Hannon. "We were noticing drop off rates even at club level, but I think the U20 team has really strengthened the club hurling," he says.

"Those 17 or 18 year olds, who may not be making their senior team are out playing with the county U20s for four or five months of the year.

"That normally wraps up around May. It's keeping the boys hurling, if they're not making their senior squad, they've a schedule of games with ourselves.

"The training is structured. This year, we did a count, you've 11 of our 2024 U20 panel were involved with the county senior team this year, which is fantastic, and it's what you want."

Developing hurlers capable of representing Monaghan at senior is the aim. "That's the plan," he says.

"Now, we're at a level where we've an U15, U17, and U20 teams, who're out from January. The U15s would normally wrap up around June or July, even our minor and U20 squads would meet this side of Christmas in November. It's all about the player pathway and getting guys through."

Hannon is satisfied with the games programme for hurling in Monaghan. "At adult all seven clubs are fielding," he says.

"There is a great schedule of games in the county. You've a graded league that runs from March through to June, all players involved expect anybody playing county senior.

"Then, our Monaghan Senior League goes from June to August. Our championship is more or less straight knockout from August with our county final is on September 13."

A solid foundation is being established and there is hope that more talented players can be integrated into the Monaghan senior set-up. "There is a great relationship with the hurling clubs and the County Board Executive - the chairman and secretary - which is vitally important," Hannon says.

"They're 100 per cent backing hurling and hurling development. You can't really ask for anymore than that. There is buy in from all levels, you're not really banging the drum anymore. Everyone is rowing in the same direction."