The Monaghan team to take on Derry in the semi-final of the Bank of Ireland Dr. Mc Kenna Cup in the Athletic Grounds this Sunday the 22nd of January at 2pm has been named by Malachy ORourke. It features 9 changes from the team that started against St. Mary’s on Wednesday night last.
Scotstowns Conor Forde makes his second start in goals. Drew Wylie,Neil McAdam and Owen Coyle feature as the full back line. The half back line consists of Fintan Kelly, Kieran Hughes and Colin Walshe. Darren Hughes and Niall Kearns are in Midfield. Karl OConnell, Barry McGinn and Owen Duffy are in the half forward line. Ryan McAnespie, Dermot Malone and Clontibrets Conor McManus who returned to the side last Wednesday night make up the full forward line.
The Farney side are unbeaten so far in 2017 winning their three group matches in the competition. They defeated Saint Mary’s in Iniskeen midweek. They won out by 1-13 to 0-10 it was a game that would have given manager Malachy O Rourke plenty of food for thought as his side were flat in the first half and indeed saw themselves behind at the break 0-06 points to 0-05, Clontibrets Conor Mc Manus rattling over 3 points in the opening 35 minutes and indeed he added a further 3 in the 2nd half before been replaced.
Their first day out saw the 2015 Ulster champions beat neighbours Fermanagh by 1-13 to 0-15 with a goal from David McAllister proving decisive. That win was followed up a week later with a 2-20 to 0-09 triumph over Ulster rivals Antrim in Gleneavy.
Reigning champions Tyrone will play Fermanagh in Saint Tiernachs Park Clones in the other semi-final. Alan Gunn will be providing commentatory on the game on Sunday Sport on Northern Sound. Monaghan will then focus on playing Divison one football in the National football league this season.
