A 47 metre Rory Beggan free at the death of extra-time saw Monaghan into the Ulster final.
Derry led by two points inside the opening three minutes of play through Brendan Rogers and Lachlann Murray.
Monaghan replied with Michael Bannigan and Andrew Woods drawing the side’s level after six minutes.
However, Derry got their opting goal of the contest seconds later. Niall Laughlin rifled past Rory Beggan into the Monaghan net, moving Derry three ahead.
Michael McCarville replied for Monaghan but Derry came again with points from Conor Glass and Niall Laughlin, as Derry led by five points after 18 minutes, 1-05 to 0-3.
Points from Shane McGuigan, Ethan Doherty and Lachlann Murray had Derry in a six point lead.
Ethan Doherty landed Derry’s second goal on 33 minutes as the oak leaf took a 10 point lead to half-time; 2-10 to 0-06.
Rory Beggan opened the second-half scoring with the opening two-pointer of the day. Indeed, Monaghan sought to eat into the Derry lead. Derry responded though when Shane McGuigan, who kicked three points on the bounce.
Michael McCarville and Andrew Woods hit consecutive two pointers for Monaghan. The backing breeze was encouraging The Farney to drive forward.
However, it appeared Niall Laughlinn had sunk Monaghans hopes of a comeback. Laughlin palmed home Derry’s third goal of the day as they led 3-13 to 0-12 after 53 minutes.
Monaghan responded again when Rory Beggan and Conor McCarthy scored a two-pointer each within five minutes of each other. Michael Bannigan raised a white flag as the Derry lead was reduced to four on 61 minutes.
Monaghan never say die
Efforts from Shane McGuigan and Lachlann Murray put six between the sides as Derry looked to seal the win heading down the home straight.
However, Monaghan had other ideas and they went on to take full control of the final five minutes.
Michael Bannigan hit the Derry net on 65 minutes. A Jack McCarron point on 67 minutes left two between the sides.
Indeed, the drama was just beginning. Derry were fully convinced they had sealed their place in the Ulster final as the hooter sounded with fans invading the pitch.
However, referee Noel Mooney allowed Monaghan a free on the side-line. Up stepped McCarron with the time up to send the game to extra-time.
Balls of steel @monaghangaa pic.twitter.com/9CYyF5bUnB
— Paddy Hughes (@pt67hughes) May 2, 2026
Extra-time was just as dramatic. Michael Bannigan opened the scoring in extra-time for Monaghan along with a wonderful Dessie Ward effort. The farney leading for the first time.
Indeed, Noel Mooney, Conor Doherty and Derry’s first two pointer of the contest from Lachlann Murray gave Derry a half-time in extra-time lead.
Derry held a two point lead, 3-20 to 1-24 at half-time in extra-time.
Shane McGuigan gave Derry a three point lead, before Dessie Ward and Oisin McGorman drew the side’s level yet again.
Michael Bannigan and Eoin McEvoy traded scores as the sides were tied again on the brink of full time in extra-time.
However, up stepped Rory Beggan to land Monaghans eight two pointer of the game, sealing the win with a 47m free.
Monaghan scoring 1-30 to 2-23 win and seal a place in the Ulster final on May 17.
