Allianz National Football League Division One

Mayo 3-15 Monaghan 1-18                                      24/3/19

Monaghan maintained their NFL Division One status despite falling to a narrow defeat in a high-scoring shoot-out against Mayo in Castlebar on Sunday. A brace of goals from Kevin McLoughlin had Mayo in command (2-7 to 0-6) at half-time, but a Monaghan side with Conor McManus and Jack McCarron on form up front battled back. Despite losing Fintan Kelly, Monaghan cut to within two points when Darren Hughes fired to the net, but just moments later, a deflected goal at the other end gave the hosts breathing space again. A spirited effort by Monaghan brought them back within one score of the league finalists late on, but Mayo held on to secure second place in the table. Other results went Monaghan’s way, ensuring that they will remain in the top flight for 2020, with an Ulster SFC derby against Cavan next on the agenda on May 18.

Mayo: D Clarke; S Coen (0-1), B Harrison, E O’Donoghue (0-1); P Durcan, M Plunkett, J McCormack (0-1); M Ruane, A O’Shea (0-1); D O’Connor (Capt., 0-1), J Doherty (0-2, 1f), F Boland (0-3); K McLoughlin (2-2), D Coen (0-1), C Diskin.

Subs: B Reape (0-1m) for Diskin (inj., 30), R Hennelly (0-1f) for Clarke (inj., 33), D Drake for O’Donoghue (55), J Carr for D Coen (58), D Vaughan for McCormack (67), C Treacy for Boland (73).

Monaghan: R Beggan (0-1f); C Boyle, D Wylie (Capt.), R Wylie; K O’Connell, B Kerr, K Duffy; D Hughes (1-0), N McAdam; R McAnespie (0-1), D Malone, F Kelly; C McCarthy (0-1), C McManus (0-8, 5f), Jack McCarron (0-7, 1f).

Subs: S O’Hanlon for Malone (H-T), D Mone for McAdam (48), V Corey for D Wylie, J Mealiff for O’Connell (both 59), O Duffy for McCarthy (67).

Referee: D O’Mahoney (Tipperary).