Following much pucking, striking, dribbling, blocking, hooking , tackling and stopping by Monaghan’s Celts in 5 group matches and a quarter final Monaghan’s Celtic Challenge journey came to an end yesterday.
Having defeated Louth , Cavan and Longford in the group stage of the competition they met Sligo in the quarter final on Saturday in Belnaleck, Fermanagh.

Despite going into this match under strength and missing some key players Monaghan dug deep and the final score didn’t reflect the effort made by the players throughout. Sligo’s dominance became apparent early in the game as they became more clinical and accurate than Monaghan. Sligo led at the interval but Monaghan came out strong scoring a goal after the restart which brought them back into the game . This was short lived as Sligo became dominant again and eased to victory on a scoreline of 2-04 to 6-12. Monaghan’s management team will take many positives from their side’s never-give-up attitude even as the margin widened.
Yesterday’s panel was Niall Bermingham(1-0), Conor Brennan, Caleb Mc Ardle, Darragh Watters, Senan O’Brien, Paudie Heavin, Zack McArdle, Thomas Keenan, James Slevin (0-3), Darragh O’Callaghan, David Moorehead, Cillian Han ratty (0-1), Leo Moloney, Daniel Boyle, Jack Cassidy(1-0),Aiden McKenna, Pauric Bolger, Cathal McCooey, Kieran Martin and Padraig Treanor

The matches played by Monaghan epitomized the ethos of The GAA Celtic Challenge competition as all players proudly wore the county jersey while developing their skills within a structure of respect and learning. After each match a player on each team was awarded The Best And Fairest player award and congratulations to James Slevin, Mikey Carville, Shane Slevin, Senan O’Brien, Cillian Hanratty and Darragh O’Callaghan worthy recipients of this award during the competition. The players now return to club action for the summer and we wish them good luck.

The curtain may have come down on the 2019 Bank Of Ireland GAA Celtic Challenge but come next spring another Monaghan team of young Celts will be ready for the challenge once again!!