By Michael McLoughlin
It is a great privilege to continue as Captain of Monkstown FC for the 2019/2020 season.
Firstly, I would like to thank our outgoing President, Pierce FitzPatrick, who was a tremendous support to the team last year. I would also wish our incoming president Peter Mooney all the best for the season ahead.
As this year’s Captain, it is a great pleasure to welcome all players, members, supporters and referees to Sydney Parade.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our club sponsors and club committee members. Our new gym and refurbished changing facilities is a testament to the commitment you give to our club and has ensured we have top class facilities for our players to utilise.
I would like to welcome Declan Lavery to the club, who will support head coach David Mahon and Chris O’Connor on the coaching ticket. Declan will bring a huge amount of experience to our team, having played and won in Ireland’s top division for many years.
Brian Flaherty will remain strength and conditioning coach and has already ensured the squad are ready for the new season. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Blaithin Brady, our club physio, as her wealth of experience is invaluable to the club. I would also like to thank David Kilbride and the newly retired James “Taz” Clifford, who will coach the 2nd XV this year. Fosi Pala’amo will head up our new under 20’s program.
Our own Hugh Gowing gets on the scoresheet as Leinster win the Interpros yesterday! ? Congrats to our two boys involved and Bláth! #wanthetown #Leinster pic.twitter.com/NwtrFbFc7m
— Monkstown FC (@MonkstownFC) May 12, 2019
Finally I would like to thank our team managers John Carroll & Oisin Farrell , video analyst Damian Strick and social secretary and club stalwart Ed Sweeney for everything they do for our club.
We made huge strides as club last season and it was incredible to see our 2nd XV and 3rd XV win their respective leagues, while the 1st XV fell short; winning 11 out of 14 games is a fantastic achievement and I know we will have the focus and commitment to go better this year.
I wish all teams in the club all the very best in the coming season,
Michael McLoughlin
Club Captain 2018-2019
