Conor McCarthy’s last-gasp point gave Monaghan a dramatic 1-11 to 0-10 victory over Kildare at O’Connor Park, Tullamore.
Kildare were two points clear into injury time before points from Jack McCarron and McCarthy sent Monaghan through to the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
Monaghan made a blistering start. McCarthy’s goal gave them a two-point cushion five minutes in.
The Scotstown man made an incisive run through the Kildare defence, collected Stephen O’Hanlon’s pass before finishing to the net.
Ben McCormack edged Kildare in front on 12 minutes before a hat-trick of points from Micheal Bannigan restored Monaghan’s two-point cushion.
McCormack restored parity yet again on 25 minutes. Rory Beggan’s well-taken free saw Monaghan regain the upper hand four minutes later.
The Lilywhites responded impressively, however. Points from McCormack and Darragh Kirwan saw them lead 0-9 to 1-5 at half-time.
Kildare’s Neil Flynn made it a three-point game within six minutes of the restart before Darren Hughes opened Monaghan’s second-half account on 46 minutes.
Grand stand finish
The Farney men could’ve been further behind two minutes later only for Kildare’s inaccuracy in front of goal.
Firstly, Darragh Kirwan could've got a goal but fortunately for Monaghan, his effort came crashing off the crossbar. The rebound was claimed by Conor Boyle, only to be dispossessed by Daniel Flynn. Boyle shot the lose ball wide.
McCarron made it a one-point gap on 50 minutes only for Alex Beirne to double Kildare’s lead 60 seconds later.
Monaghan were resilient however. Gary Mohan and Conor McCarthy added a point each as the Farney men restored parity with seven minutes to play.
Neil Flynn’s pointed free edged Kildare back in front in the final minute of normal time before Vinny Corey’s men claimed victory in dramatic fashion.
What a day! Congratulations to @monaghangaa minors and seniors! Both team's hit 1-11 and both teams march on! Heroic stuff! pic.twitter.com/1MxrJLARz3
— Fergal Monaghan (@FergalMonaghan1) June 24, 2023
