countyman2022 (Wexford) - Posts: 809 - 25/05/2025 14:14:10    2612378

I thought Monaghan played particularly well. They cound have panicked when the Louth goals went in but didn't. They were very strong around the middle of the park. Having a couple of big players in there makes a huge difference, and having Lavelle back was a major plus.

It was very tough for Louth to follow up the Leinster win with another game of that intensity, so no surprise that they maybe didn't play up to their expectations. Unlike Monahgan who were in a similar position in 2013, they get a chance to go again (which is good). Although playing Down will be tough.

If Monaghan keep it up they'll be handful for anyone. Hopefully next game will go OK too and then the final one with down will tell some more.

PolicemanFox (Monaghan) - Posts: 193 - 25/05/2025 20:04:20    2612508

Any truth to the rumour of mansey training with panel? could be a coincidence hes quiet on the media front atm

monaghanfootballfan (Monaghan) - Posts: 5 - 26/05/2025 11:05:55    2612664

yeh, and Tommy Freeman was too, but then he cut his hand in a carpentry accident...

moodoo (Monaghan) - Posts: 464 - 26/05/2025 12:58:01    2612714

farneygael3 (Monaghan) - Posts: 229 - 26/05/2025 13:56:03    2612743

It was a mighty display by Monaghan last Saturday.
I thought we showed a lot of fight and determination all through the team with one or two exceptions.
Ryan O'Toole was like a man possessed in defence, great to see.
We need same level of performance against Clare next Sunday and then the big showdown with Down 2 weeks after that for a place in the quarter final, as I fancy Down to beat Louth next Saturday in Newry.
To think of where we were this time last year, its been some turnaround to go back to Div 1 and be looking at very realistic chance now of a Quarter final.

SouthMonMan (Monaghan) - Posts: 163 - 26/05/2025 14:02:33    2612750

MrPBoylan (Monaghan) - Posts: 243 - 26/05/2025 14:38:37    2612768

ORIELMAN85 (Monaghan) - Posts: 560 - 26/05/2025 18:17:54    2612860

Job done in Newbridge- A strange game in many ways. It was never that certain until Beggan's late 2 pointer sealed the issue. Dodgier than it should have been when Louth got to within 3 after the penalty, and it certainly got heated in the stand for a while. Talking to a pair of Kildare stewards on the way out however, they were saying Monaghan were more than comfortable in the win- to be fair on second viewing that was closer to the truth of it.
Apart from the obvious trio, highlights were Mooney who was really super on the ball, such a clever player. Ryan O'Toole seems to have got the memo on hard but clean tackling, he was outstanding; Wylie at times not far behind him. Thought Kieran Duffy was quietly excellent. Work to be done in defence however, Byrne, Lavelle, Ward and Beggan all coughed up big chances for Louth.
Next weekend is a good chance to make further progress for this team. Can't be giving a team like Clare any leeway but still there is an opportunity for 2 or 3 changes in personnel. Would like to see two of McBennett, Kelly and McPhilips in from the start, which if anything would tighten up the middle and defence. Davy Garland up front too, with Woods needing to work hard alongside him and Mooney. Louth and Down will be interesting, sort of expecting a big Down performance in that one - Louth are understandably jaded and might already be looking to the final game v Clare as their chance to regroup for the knockouts.

Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1221 - 26/05/2025 19:51:43    2612887

ORIELMAN85 (Monaghan) - Posts: 560 - 27/05/2025 11:30:00    2612996

Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1221 - 27/05/2025 20:00:33    2613144

Why do some of the teams in the Minor leagues get extra points?

farneygael (Monaghan) - Posts: 302 - 27/05/2025 22:10:29    2613162

MalsBalls (Monaghan) - Posts: 225 - 28/05/2025 08:13:33    2613191

I'd say we need a better midfielder to work with Gary Mohan.Gallen got a free run in Clones through the midfield and Louth exploited midfield to a certain extent as well, when they come up against a strong midfield it's going to leave a lot for the backs to contend with . I think McBennett is worth a run on Sunday and also Mcphilips . All hands on deck giving 100% needed from now on

stoneygrey (Monaghan) - Posts: 235 - 28/05/2025 11:22:32    2613217

I have been one of McCarvilles biggest critics over the years but couldn't help but admire how he has turned himself in to a county footballer and massive kudos to him for that. I felt he showed well against Louth and seems to have lost his reluctance when on the ball. I do however feel his lack of pace may leave us exposed later on but I am delighted to be proved wrong as he is a shining example for any young girl or boy who are pursuing a dream. As for the Clare game I would see it as a superb chance to rotate, especially with Garland as I feel if he can contribute a few points from play next week he will grow massively in confidence. I am usually worried about flat performances from Monaghan in games like this but whatever magic Gabriel is working I am convinced the lads will perform no matter who he plays on Sunday. I will hold my hands up and say leaving Galway last summer I was expecting a downward spiral and the lads to become a yo yo squad like Kildare, Westmeath etc between Tailteann and Sam. This season has been a breath of fresh air.

updafaughs (Monaghan) - Posts: 57 - 28/05/2025 12:02:21    2613225

Please Please do not be underestimating Clare.. How well do we normally perform when we are favourites!! rarely..
With the new rules, games have become more unpredictable and a 8 point swing can happen in minutes.. The only time to start giving lads gametime is when we are sure of the result.. win the game first..

Farney (Monaghan) - Posts: 815 - 28/05/2025 14:42:51    2613254

MalsBalls (Monaghan) - Posts: 225 - 28/05/2025 15:28:27    2613264

Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1221 - 28/05/2025 16:09:34    2613275

moodoo (Monaghan) - Posts: 464 - 28/05/2025 16:44:54    2613288