Pontefract Collieries have honoured the Secretary of the Castleford & District Sunday League Patrick Monaghan, by making him a Life Member of the club.

Monaghan, who played for the Colls in the 1960s, has been a mainstay of local football in the Castleford and Pontefract area for many decades, having played for several clubs in the area – including the Colls – before a spell as a referee in the early 1980s, (when referees had to be real men!) For over a quarter of a century, Pat Monaghan has been a central figure in local football, in his role at the Castleford & District league.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the cause of local sport, he was invited to meet Her Majesty, The Queen, at Buckingham Palace. While Ponte Colls could not persuade her majesty to make the trip to Beechnut Lane on a rainswept Tuesday night to present Pat with his latest honour, they were delighted that existing Life Member Malcolm Bruce was happy to make the presentation.

Colls Chairman, Guy Nottingham, said of Pat Monaghan: “Pat has played a unique role in the history of Pontefract Collieries. Having played for us in the 1960s and made contributions in all sorts of ways to the club in the ensuring decades, Pat represents both the past, present and future of our club. We are delighted and honoured that he has agreed to join our very short but distinguished list of Life Members, and are excited about his contribution to driving this club to new heights.”

Monaghan responded in kind, stating, “I have always considered Pontefract Collieries to be my club, having played for them so long ago. I am deeply honoured to be made a Life Member of this great club”.

Pat Monaghan was presented with a Life Membership plaque, together with a decanter, in recognition of his award.