The week got off to a good start for Monaghan football when the county Under-21s beat Derry in the Cadbury’s Ulster Under-21 Championship first round, but the seniors lost to Down by 1-16 to 0-11 in the Allianz National Football League Division One in Newry on Saturday evening. Meanwhile, the minor hurlers started their Ulster Minor Hurling League Division Two campaign with a good win over Fermanagh. In the Ulster Club Senior Hurling League, Castleblayney continued their 100% start with a good win over Cappagh from Tyrone in Division 4A and Carrickmacross beat Carryduff of Down in Division 5A.

There were two first-round games played over the weekend in the Monaghan Electrical Intermediate Football League. Rockcorry edged out Aughnamullen on Saturday, while Tyholland won a high-scoring game against Éire Óg. In the Gerry’s Takeaway, Ballybay Junior Football League, Cremartin had a four-point win in Aghabog and Toome drew with Clones.

There were also games in the Platinum Tanks-sponsored Reserve Football Leagues. On Tuesday evening, Carrickmacross got the better of Inniskeen in Division Two, while on Thursday; there were wins for Doohamlet and Ballybay against Tyholland and Drumhowan respectively. In Division Four, Aghabog got the better of Truagh and Castleblayney had a comprehensive win over Emyvale. In Division One on Sunday, Scotstown and Magheracloone took the points from Clontibret and Truagh, while Monaghan Harps and Castleblayney played out a draw.