Monaghan opened their All-Ireland championship campaign with an impressive win over Leinster champions Louth.
A lighting fast start to the game saw a green flag raised for Monaghan after just three minutes.
The farney side played the ball through hands resulted in Stephen O’Hanlon scrambling the ball over the line.
Dessie Ward’s additional point was clapped back with a fine goal from Sam Mulroy. Just seven minutes were on the clock at this stage.
A Rory Beggan two-pointer gave Monaghan a foot-hold in the game once again before Louth snatched their second goal. Tommy Durnin burying a follow-up after the original shot rebounded back off the post.
Monaghan landed the next five scores of the half before a pair of Ryan Burns two-pointers kept Louth within touching distance going into half-time.
The Farney started the second-half much the same as they started the first. Recorded the first five scores, with Stephen O’Hanlon, Stephen Mooney and Dessie Ward all adding to their tally.
Luck appeared to swing in Louth’s favour 20 minutes into the second-half when they won a penalty. Sam Mulroy confidently dispatched as Monaghan led 1-16 to 3-7.
Monaghan responded with the next two scores before chaos ensued following a black card for Louth’s Donal McKenny.
As the game became more feisty and hostile, the farney kept their heads! Two-pointers from Rory Beggan and Michael Bannigan maintaining their control in the game.
There was still time for Louth to get another goal, Tommy Durnin finding the back of the net once again right at the death.
It was too little too late however, as Monaghan sealed a six point win, 1-23 to 4-8.
