Monaghan lost out to Derry on Sunday in Section B of the Barrett Sports Lighting Dr. McKenna Cup. Conleith Gilligan and Paddy Bradley were in prolific form for Derry, as they scored 1-13 between them to lead Derry to a 1-21 to 1-12 victory at Celtic Park. Paul Finlay kicked eight points for Monaghan, while substitute Owen Duffy notched a goal and a point. Monaghan manager Eamon McEneaney handed senior debuts to Pat Kieran of Seán McDermotts and Doohamlet duo Ted Duffy and Darren Connolly. Monaghan are now out of the running for a semi-final place, but they finish their campaign with a home game against Cavan in Inniskeen on Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, an understrength Monaghan Harps fell to a heavy defeat against Belcoo from Fermanagh at an icy Creggan in the Ulster Under-21 Club Football Championship.