Monaghan ended their Doctor McKenna Cup campaign with a 2-12 to 1-13 defeat to Derry in Armagh this afternoon. James Kielt struck for the goal that was to send Derry into their second successive final in the competition as the clock ticked into added time. After a disappointing opening period this game improved on the resumption and in particular the Monaghan performance. Malachy O’Rourke’s side didn’t perform to their high standards in the opening half and trailed at the break by 0-6 to 0-4. A higher work rate and more intensity to their game in the second half saw them overturn that advantage and to move into a four point lead at one stage only to be pegged back by a spirited Derry side.
Conor McCarthy was introduced at the break and he hit Monaghan’s goal on 51 minutes and this edged them in front for the first time in the game. He added a further point after that and suddenly Monaghan led by three, but Derry came back and a quick break saw them register a goal through Emmett McGuckin to give them a one point lead 1-10 to 1-9.
Points from Conor McManus and Drew Wylie put Monaghan in front but Derry levelled the contest before Kielt struck for the all-important goal to send them into the Doctor McKenna Cup Final against Tyrone in Newry on Saturday night next.
Malachy ORourke spoke to Northern Sounds Alan Gunn after the game and says while they are disappointed they’ll learn a lot from the match ahead of the league. In regards to the competition the former Fermanagh manager says ‘The Doctor McKenna cup was of benefit as ‘we got a look at a lot of players’.
Tyrone are just one win away from winning their sixth consecutive McKenna Cup as they defeated Fermanagh in the other semi-final in Saint Tiernach’s Park, Clones, with Mickey Harte’s side winning by 0-14 to 0-11.
Monaghan now turn their attentions to Mayo and the start of their Allianz National Football League Division One campaign. Conor McCarthy who missed all of Scotstown’s Monaghan Championship Campaign through injury made an impressive return for Monaghan and will be a key player for the Farney men in the league.
