Brendan McKenna and Darren Doyle

Brendan McKenna and Darren Doyle talk about their efforts to start up a new club in Monaghan, Fergal O'Hanlons. Originally from Derry, Brendan played for his local club, Newbridge, before later moving to Monaghan and joining Monaghan Harps. Also at the club was Darren, and he moved to England in the 1980s before returning some years later. Both were then involved in setting up the new club, which was formed due to the large number of players at Monaghan Harps who could not get on a team. They describe the setting up of the club and the reaction of Monaghan Harps, who were not best pleased. In time they began fielding underage as well as senior teams and developed their facilities, and relations with their neighbouring club improved. Brendan started training a ladies football team and also acted as a club delegate to the county board, where he also sat on a CCC committee. Darren started working on the development squads for young players. In time Fergal O'Hanlons became a stable club, and although there are many things that need to be improved in terms of facilities, Brendan and Darren are proud of what has been achieved so far and confident for the years ahead.