Paul Finlay retires

[GrandMasterFlash]

One of the classiest footballers in Monaghan, ever. Possibly one of the classiest footballers in Ulster, ever.

He will no doubt be remembered most for his display against Armagh in 2003 in the USFC, scoring 8/9pts off either foot.

I remember him doing much more however; pulling Monaghan out of many a hole during dark lengthy periods before 2013.

His champagne moment for me was the last last ditch free against Meath in the 2005 division 2 final, what a bit of craic that was..

The word 'legend' is diminished of late through its exhaustive usage in social media. In Monaghan footballing terms how ever, Paul Finlay is a legend.

Good luck in you're retirement, you've done Monaghan proud.

[Main Street]

Never mind Monaghan, if he's regarded as the best to have come out of Ballybay, then that enough to define GAA legend

He was a part of a dynasty of sorts, that surfaced in the mid 1960's from the bowels of Shang (lower Mains st) with his father Ciaran and his uncle Gerry, both class footballers.

There are many Monaghan memories, one at the end of an awful championship qualifier of a game with Armagh, a grind that endured into extra time, when Paul scored  a magnificent winning last point, elegantly struck on the run with the outside of his left  boot. coming across at an angle from the left side.
Another would be the winning point v Donegal in the championship, a pressure free kick from on the right sideline.

[Jinxy]

Never mind Monaghan, if he's regarded as the best to have come out of Ballybay, then that enough to define GAA legend

He was a part of a dynasty of sorts, that surfaced in the mid 1960's from the bowels of Shang (lower Mains st) with his father Ciaran and his uncle Gerry, both class footballers.

There are many Monaghan memories, one at the end of an awful championship qualifier of a game with Armagh, a grind that endured into extra time, when Paul scored  a magnificent winning last point, elegantly struck on the run with the outside of his left  boot. coming across at an angle from the left side.
Another would be the winning point v Donegal in the championship, a pressure free kick from on the right sideline.

Sounds like a nice place.

[GrandMasterFlash]

Never mind Monaghan, if he's regarded as the best to have come out of Ballybay, then that enough to define GAA legend

He was a part of a dynasty of sorts, that surfaced in the mid 1960's from the bowels of Shang (lower Mains st) with his father Ciaran and his uncle Gerry, both class footballers.

There are many Monaghan memories, one at the end of an awful championship qualifier of a game with Armagh, a grind that endured into extra time, when Paul scored  a magnificent winning last point, elegantly struck on the run with the outside of his left  boot. coming across at an angle from the left side.
Another would be the winning point v Donegal in the championship, a pressure free kick from on the right sideline.

Sounds like a nice place.

up there with Nobber..

[Main Street]

Never mind Monaghan, if he's regarded as the best to have come out of Ballybay, then that enough to define GAA legend

He was a part of a dynasty of sorts, that surfaced in the mid 1960's from the bowels of Shang (lower Mains st) with his father Ciaran and his uncle Gerry, both class footballers.

There are many Monaghan memories, one at the end of an awful championship qualifier of a game with Armagh, a grind that endured into extra time, when Paul scored  a magnificent winning last point, elegantly struck on the run with the outside of his left  boot. coming across at an angle from the left side.
Another would be the winning point v Donegal in the championship, a pressure free kick from on the right sideline.

Sounds like a nice place.

up there with Nobber..

From a football perspective, Shang would inspire fear in a bold Meath man.

[5 Sams]

Two huge players for Monaghan gone in  a short space of time...himself and Dick. He played in the Ulster league against us a few years ago and he gave a masterclass....a Rolls Royce of a player.

Makes me feel even older now that I remember vividly Jap and Hugo playing

[orangeman]

Long levers with one of the sweetest strikes of the ball with the left peg. Broke many opposition hearts all down the year.

Enjoy the retirement.

[regal]

Brilliant footballer and always a joy to watch.

Enjoy your retirement

[Unlaoised]

Ozzed class a fine footballer to watch and never involved in any rough and tumble

made the game look easy which it isn't

Enjoy your free time Paul

[seafoid]

Never mind Monaghan, if he's regarded as the best to have come out of Ballybay, then that enough to define GAA legend

He was a part of a dynasty of sorts, that surfaced in the mid 1960's from the bowels of Shang (lower Mains st) with his father Ciaran and his uncle Gerry, both class footballers.

There are many Monaghan memories, one at the end of an awful championship qualifier of a game with Armagh, a grind that endured into extra time, when Paul scored  a magnificent winning last point, elegantly struck on the run with the outside of his left  boot. coming across at an angle from the left side.
Another would be the winning point v Donegal in the championship, a pressure free kick from on the right sideline.

Sounds like a nice place.

The women are worse !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqu2mwPdkGE

[seafoid]

It's great that Clerkin and Finlay got to be part of successful Monaghan teams.
There was a long period post Nudie when Monaghan won nothing.
And when the county eventually wins Sam people will remember things like 2013. It all counts.