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Monaghan GAA thread

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The overcomplication in the first half when we seemed to be determined to walk the ball into the goal was baffling. We must have butchered 4 or 5 chances that could have been easy points, when it seemed we were needlessly trying to force a goal.

Yet again Rory showcased his shot-stopping ability with 2 first-half saves, the game could have been over at halftime had those gone in.

Mooney looked sharp when he came on, got a couple of nice scores from distance, something which the rest of our forwards failed to do. We got a sum total of 0 points from our full forward line, which is a terrible return. Credit to Down, they did defend very well, blocked up the middle, forced us wide, tackled hard and turned us over on multiple occasions. Maybe do us no harm to know it's not a given that we can just shoot the lights out every day.

The whole thing just felt a bit shambolic - Beggan hitting his own player on the back with a clearance summed the day up. The chances we butchered in the first half, McCarthy missing chances he'd normally get with his eyes closed, Beggan blasting wide, Ryan Wylie (I think) falling over with the goal at his mercy...our inability to score got to the stage it was almost comical.

Having said all that...we still could have got something from the game, so credit for sticking at it in the 2nd half. I suppose you'd say the fact we were able to rest Mohan, and just give McAnespie and O Hanlon a half each was the benefit of pretty much having the job done with a game to spare. Dessie got some great scores, I would agree that he's best as an impact sub, certainly at this stage.

Another game will do us no harm, and also good for the team to get a trip to Croke Park. It would be good for confidence to finish the league with a win in the final, but we have a much bigger game against (most likely) Donegal in a few weeks.

moodoo (Monaghan) - Posts: 460 - 24/03/2025 09:34:51    2598200

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Replying To Blackcardnot:  "What happened G Mohan today?"
I believe rested, seemed to take some small part in the warm up. If he and Darren Hughes can get back up to speed I'd say that'll be our starting midfield come the business end of the season… I don't think McPhillips or McCarville will ever be energetic or quick enough to deal with the top level midfielders and will be fairly quickly found out come the business end of things.

Jjoniel79 (Monaghan) - Posts: 195 - 24/03/2025 09:46:23    2598208

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Replying To seanie08:  "Bannigan gave a v telling interview after the game. Basically said they went all out for the win in navan and weren't going to risk some players v down. Definitely no harm getting the reality check yesterday . We all know monaghan on their day can beat anyone but equally we are always vulnerable to the smash and grab underdogs coming to town and beating us. If and its a massive if we did end up playing Down in Ulster this year certainly be no complacency. Down when they get their tails up are v hard side to beat and are coming team who will walk div 3. Be interesting to see if Bannigan and Moran stick with attacking style in championship as while we scored loads our defence v div 2 teams has been wide open."
Bannigan said a bit too much as in updates every week on players thats injured so opposition in ulster knows exactly where we're at plus our defence is so porous at the minute does not work v ulster teams our defence need to shut out opposition and keep our mouth shut when it comes to inside info ie player injuries

Farneyblueandwhite (Monaghan) - Posts: 32 - 24/03/2025 10:16:14    2598220

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Replying To Eddie the Exile:  "Job done today but it did have a strange anti-climactic feel in Clones on the final whistle. Bottom line is that promotion was secured with a game to spare. Huge credit to Gabriel Bannigan and team on the promotion- they have done the county some service in recent months.

On the game itself, Down were much the better team on the day, and hard luck to them on relegation, Eugene Brannigan has some engine. It played out well for Monaghan despite the loss . Another tilt at Roscommon was the best outcome before the game and so it is. No new injuries was vital, and great to see Dessie Ward back and going well. Lavelle's value to the team was laid bare by Down's attack. Davy Garland struggled for a long time but got his goal reward, however Mooney caught the eye a bit more . Gavin McPhilips changed the balance of power at midfield in the second half. But overall the Monaghan supporters got a much needed dose of reality.

It's set up for an interesting few weeks."
Mooney's movement of the ball is brilliant. I thought he was very good. Mooney doesn't overplay the ball, always looking to do the simplest thing to engineer a score. McCarron remains an enigma - mercurial and capable of pieces of skill only a handful can execute but wildy inconsistent. Seen on X last week , Woolly Parkinson asking why McCarron didn't start for Monaghan against Meath- well yesterday was the answer. But look, so many others could have been subbed off too - McNulty had a poor game by his standards, his decision making just seemed off yesterday. Whatever problem exists in the Monaghan team - Loughran isn't the answer any time. McCarville was chasing shadows throughout.

The second half performance was better. Ward - great to see him back. He's such a driving force of a player. You'd expect to see Mohan and O'Hanlon start against Roscommon. 1

sleater (Monaghan) - Posts: 174 - 24/03/2025 10:17:40    2598221

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Replying To Jjoniel79:  "I believe rested, seemed to take some small part in the warm up. If he and Darren Hughes can get back up to speed I'd say that'll be our starting midfield come the business end of the season… I don't think McPhillips or McCarville will ever be energetic or quick enough to deal with the top level midfielders and will be fairly quickly found out come the business end of things."
Well done GB and team for getting to the league final, it will be better than any challenge game they might of had before the championship starts, A lot tougher days to come and yesterday was a reality check for everyone, Down were very sharp yesterday and pity that they are relegated. Would have thought Ronan Boyle could have fitted in somewhere,Rock steady as a defender. Hopefully Injuries are minimal for the start of the championship, we need all Available for championship. Onwards and upwards

stoneygrey (Monaghan) - Posts: 227 - 24/03/2025 10:19:37    2598222

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Replying To sleater:  "Mooney's movement of the ball is brilliant. I thought he was very good. Mooney doesn't overplay the ball, always looking to do the simplest thing to engineer a score. McCarron remains an enigma - mercurial and capable of pieces of skill only a handful can execute but wildy inconsistent. Seen on X last week , Woolly Parkinson asking why McCarron didn't start for Monaghan against Meath- well yesterday was the answer. But look, so many others could have been subbed off too - McNulty had a poor game by his standards, his decision making just seemed off yesterday. Whatever problem exists in the Monaghan team - Loughran isn't the answer any time. McCarville was chasing shadows throughout.

The second half performance was better. Ward - great to see him back. He's such a driving force of a player. You'd expect to see Mohan and O'Hanlon start against Roscommon. 1"
Mc Carrons skill is outrageous and we know what he can offer but the fast paced pitch does not suit him which is unfortunate. Impact sub is his best role for the summer.

222 (UK) - Posts: 837 - 24/03/2025 10:42:18    2598235

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Does McCarville start for the Parishes??

farneygael3 (Monaghan) - Posts: 162 - 24/03/2025 11:46:28    2598264

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am i missing something here? people mentioning dessie wards age? he's in the prime of his career - has to start if he's fit

MalsBalls (Monaghan) - Posts: 215 - 24/03/2025 14:50:09    2598325

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Replying To stoneygrey:  "Well done GB and team for getting to the league final, it will be better than any challenge game they might of had before the championship starts, A lot tougher days to come and yesterday was a reality check for everyone, Down were very sharp yesterday and pity that they are relegated. Would have thought Ronan Boyle could have fitted in somewhere,Rock steady as a defender. Hopefully Injuries are minimal for the start of the championship, we need all Available for championship. Onwards and upwards"
Have heard that there's even some players on the panel that are confused as to why Boyle isn't getting a look in. He was a fixture on the sigerson cup winning team last year and was usually the no.1 man marker - something the county team is crying out for. Hopefully Louie Kelly will be back in shape for the championship too, he's a big unit at centre back, which on yesterday's evidence is something we're crying out for.

Jjoniel79 (Monaghan) - Posts: 195 - 24/03/2025 15:00:42    2598329

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Saturday night it is. Some may remember I posted before the Roscommon game that it was just a dress rehearsal for the final. A pity it's not Sunday with the Division 1 game, but that is just first world problems.

farneygael3 (Monaghan) - Posts: 162 - 24/03/2025 15:23:55    2598336

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Replying To farneygael3:  "Saturday night it is. Some may remember I posted before the Roscommon game that it was just a dress rehearsal for the final. A pity it's not Sunday with the Division 1 game, but that is just first world problems."
yea you were right...im sure many others thought it too at the time but i wouldnt dare say incase i jinxed it...personally i thought itd be rossies 1st and we'd be battling for second but thats not how the cookie crumbled...i dno what happened roscommon but they seemed to go downhill fast towards the end

i thought after our game in the hyde that it would be good to have another crack at them - especially considering we were missing a couple of key men...i dont want to go as far as say that im confident for saturday but with form against roscommon and the fact that its not in the hyde - plus the ohanlon factor - id be disappointed if we dont win

MalsBalls (Monaghan) - Posts: 215 - 27/03/2025 08:43:32    2598828

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It would be great to see Sean Jones and Mooney see significant game time on Saturday night, so too Barry McBennett Louis Kelly if fit. Also Darren Hughes.

We know what O'Hanlon, Jack, Bannigan et al can do.

Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1168 - 27/03/2025 09:36:01    2598834

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Was at the u20 game last night & I walked out wondering who the hell appoints these management teams.
On paper this is a very talented group but look total at sea.
I was positioned behind the dug out and what I seen along the line for an intercounty team was nothing short of farcical. Terrible changes, poorly set up, lack of direction, all was on show.
There was changes being made that actually drew gasps followed by stone silence from the stand, never experienced anything like it before..

MonaghanMan44life (Monaghan) - Posts: 34 - 27/03/2025 09:39:57    2598835

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Replying To MonaghanMan44life:  "Was at the u20 game last night & I walked out wondering who the hell appoints these management teams.
On paper this is a very talented group but look total at sea.
I was positioned behind the dug out and what I seen along the line for an intercounty team was nothing short of farcical. Terrible changes, poorly set up, lack of direction, all was on show.
There was changes being made that actually drew gasps followed by stone silence from the stand, never experienced anything like it before.."
The second half from Monaghan was calamitous. It was littered with unforced errors by Monaghan, poor skills, mad decision making on the field and on the sideline (the free kick decision when moving it beyond the arc). Couldn't understand Doogan-Burke coming off. Bringing McCaul further out the field when he was causing havoc on the square?

But even before the ball was thrown, the starting lineout really puzzled me. Leaving A natural scorer like McGinnity on the subs bench for so long? Callan was outstanding in the half back line last year at U20 but was positioned in the forwards last night and didn't make in impact there.
Some of last years starting team like McQuillan , McGorman are those lads injured or not opted in this year?

Young Finn from Emyvale was brilliant at minor level but the lad has just come back from a serious injury and played no football last year. He looked like he's gonna need a while to back to his best self. This is a highly talented group of players. But it wouldn't be the first time I've seen a management team take a talented bunch of players and then vastly underachieve (remember the 2019 minors who were excellent ulster minor champions and then were awful as U20 in 2022?)

sleater (Monaghan) - Posts: 174 - 27/03/2025 10:55:24    2598860

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I don't think we will see any repeat of the 2005 division 2 league final Saturday night. I expect a challenge game feel to this game with the rossies having one eye on london. Both teams have met their objectives this spring and probably could do without this game. Monaghan to see it out but I wouldn't read anything into the game in the slightest. Championship time now.

222 (UK) - Posts: 837 - 27/03/2025 12:20:04    2598888

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Replying To MonaghanMan44life:  "Was at the u20 game last night & I walked out wondering who the hell appoints these management teams.
On paper this is a very talented group but look total at sea.
I was positioned behind the dug out and what I seen along the line for an intercounty team was nothing short of farcical. Terrible changes, poorly set up, lack of direction, all was on show.
There was changes being made that actually drew gasps followed by stone silence from the stand, never experienced anything like it before.."
2 points in the second half……. Our minors at the weekend, 2 points in the second half……..

farneygael3 (Monaghan) - Posts: 162 - 27/03/2025 12:22:15    2598889

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Replying To MalsBalls:  "yea you were right...im sure many others thought it too at the time but i wouldnt dare say incase i jinxed it...personally i thought itd be rossies 1st and we'd be battling for second but thats not how the cookie crumbled...i dno what happened roscommon but they seemed to go downhill fast towards the end

i thought after our game in the hyde that it would be good to have another crack at them - especially considering we were missing a couple of key men...i dont want to go as far as say that im confident for saturday but with form against roscommon and the fact that its not in the hyde - plus the ohanlon factor - id be disappointed if we dont win"
So you are confident then!? To be honest I expect Monaghan to edge it Saturday night, don't know if either team is too concerned about winning it. Be interesting to see what team Ros go with, with going to London next Friday. Pity it's on Saturday night, I know it accommodates Ros but it's already a game with nothing much on the line and now with a crowd of maybe 8/9k in Croke Park it'll be a poor atmosphere! Be great if it was in Cavan or someplace

D.Hyde (Roscommon) - Posts: 259 - 27/03/2025 15:21:36    2598926

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Replying To D.Hyde:  "So you are confident then!? To be honest I expect Monaghan to edge it Saturday night, don't know if either team is too concerned about winning it. Be interesting to see what team Ros go with, with going to London next Friday. Pity it's on Saturday night, I know it accommodates Ros but it's already a game with nothing much on the line and now with a crowd of maybe 8/9k in Croke Park it'll be a poor atmosphere! Be great if it was in Cavan or someplace"
Better to have it in Croker for both teams. Some of our younger players could do with that experience & same for Roscommon I'd imagine. As long as team performs well & no injuries then both counties will be happy, regardless of the result.

Shelbourne1 (Monaghan) - Posts: 396 - 27/03/2025 16:47:44    2598946

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Replying To Shelbourne1:  "Better to have it in Croker for both teams. Some of our younger players could do with that experience & same for Roscommon I'd imagine. As long as team performs well & no injuries then both counties will be happy, regardless of the result."
Regardless of the result…??? What nonsense.. It's still a national title and it's not as if you have a chance of winning another one anytime soon… Both teams should be going all out to win or otherwise they are making fools of those traveling up to Dublin on a Saturday…!

ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 3678 - 27/03/2025 18:06:59    2598964

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Replying To Shelbourne1:  "Better to have it in Croker for both teams. Some of our younger players could do with that experience & same for Roscommon I'd imagine. As long as team performs well & no injuries then both counties will be happy, regardless of the result."
Spot on. Good opportunity for both teams' younger players to get a run in Croke Park. No real pressure in terms of result and a good prep for championship. Saturday night a good time for it in my opinion, makes an occasion of it. No injuries is the main thing. Could be Darren Hughes' last run out in HQ- for that reason alone you'd like a cup in the boot heading home.

Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1168 - 27/03/2025 18:57:37    2598969

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