Monaghan are through to the Lory Meagher Cup semi-final after a high-scoring draw against Longford in Pairc Grattan.
A Longford goal after only five minutes looked to be the ideal start for the visitors. However, Monaghan kept their heads. A hat-trick of frees from Niall Arthur and two from Niall Garland had Monaghan level after the halfway point of the first-half.
Longford opened up a two-point gap in the 27th minute before Niall Arthur added another, along with scores from James Brady and James Slevin had the sides level at the break.
It a tight start after the interval but mid-way through the second period Longford had their best spell, getting five scores in a row, including their second goal of the day to open up a seven point gap, the biggest of the game.
Monaghan responded well again however, getting a goal of their own thanks to James Slevin, before another brace of Niall Arthur frees got them back within four points. The game remained tight, with both sides exchanging scores before Monaghan got their crucial second goal through Emmet Walsh on the 30 minute mark.
Longford got themselves narrowly back in front deep into the big chunk of stoppage time, before an extremely late Niall Arthur free brought Monaghan level again and sealed the draw. A result which is enough to send Monaghan to next week’s semi-final, where they will face New York.
The game finishing Monaghan 2-20 Longford 2-20. Monaghan will meet New York in the semi-final next Saturday.
