Enjoying Monaghan’s golden years

Dick Clerkin is leaning back against the front wall of Monaghan’s impressive training base at Cloghan, just outside Castleblayney.

His arms are folded, one foot is propped up behind him against the building. He is a picture of contentment.

The veteran midfielder spent more years than he’d care for chasing success with Monaghan, with little beyond two Ulster final defeats and a few Division 2 medals to show for it. Now? Now, he is on the brink of playing a provincial decider as a member of the defending champions squad.