MONAGHAN COME FROM BEHIND TO RECORD 1 POINT VICTORY OVER DUBLIN

Monaghan had to come from behind to record a one point win over Dublin in Aughnamullen on Sunday last. Despite both teams being assured of a semi final spot, they gave the spectators great value for their money in what was a thrilling encounter.

It was Dublin who came out all guns blazing with 4 quick points in succession, 2 from Sinead Goldrick and 1 each from Fiona Hudson and Orla Egan. It looked like Monaghan were going to have a bad day at the office as Dublin were in total control in the opening 10 minutes and indeed they could have gone further ahead, had their forwards been more accurate in front of goal. It took an inspirational move from Monaghan to kick start Monaghan’s comeback. Niamh Kindlon won a great ball, releasing to Therese Mc  Nally who found Ciara Mc Anespie who surged through on the Dublin goal, firing to the corner of the net, leaving the Dublin keeper Cliodhna O Connor no chance. Monaghan equalised soon afterwards with Catriona Mc Connell converting a free. Dublin were guilty of a few more wides before Sinead Goldrick hit another point to put Dublin in the lead once again. Dublin’s midfield were causing problems for Monaghan, and Monaghan introduced Amanda Caseyto stem the pressure. Olivia Leonard added another point for Dublin and then a run forward for Monaghan was intercepted leaving Dublin’s Orla Egan clear on goal. She made no mistake in converting and Dublin were now 5 clear with just 5 minutes of the half remaining. Sharon Courtney was moved to the middle and this seemed to give Monaghan the  lift they needed. Ellen Mc Carron fired over a wonderful point to reduce Dublin’s lead to 4 points. Monaghan continued to push forward . Therese Mc Nally went on one of her trademark runs and it looked like another goal was on the cards for Monaghan but a footblock denied the Monaghan girls.. This would normally result in a penalty but the referee judged that no offence had taken place so Dulbin held on to their 4 point lead going into the break.

Half time score   Monaghan 1-2   Dublin 1-6

Monaghan were forced to defend once again in the opening minutes of the second half and this they did excellently. Monaghan then started to pile on the pressure. A high ball into the Dublin square was well won by Ellen Mc Carron who fired to the corner of the net to give Monaghan that lease of life that they needed. An excellent point from Therese Mc Nally followed to level matters up and a free converted by Catriona Mc Connell shortly afterwards put Monaghan in the lead for the first time in the game. Dublin’s influential midfielder Sinead Goldrick went off injured and Ellen Mc Carron increased Monaghan’s lead to 2 points with another fine point. Dublin continued to push forward and Monaghan’s defence showed great character keeping Dublin out and leaving them with no easy options of scoring. It took a great run forward from their half back Gemma Fay to make a breakthrough. It looked like she had overcarried but the referee let the play continue and she fired to the back of the Monaghan net to regain the lead once again for Dublin. Monaghan responded however and a foul on Therese Mc Nally resulted in another point for Monaghan with Niamh kindlon converting. A great surging run forward from Aoife Mc Anespie resulted in Catriona Mc Connell getting another point for Monaghan to put them in the lead once again. It looked like another goal was on the cards for Monaghan when excellent pass from Ciara Mc Anespie found Niamh Kindlon straight through on goals. The Dublin defence somehow managed to keep the ball out and a counter attack saw substitute Amy Mc Guinness fire over the bar to level matters up once again with just 5 minutes of the game remaining . Those last 5 minutes were nerve wrecking for everyone present as both sides went in search of that all important winner. And once again, like on so many occassions before, Sharon Courtney came to Monaghan’s rescue as she won a ball near midfield and broke away. She was heading straight on goal, and as calmly as ever fisted over the bar to give Monaghan that all important point.. Monaghan held out for the final minutes and relief was felt all around as the ref blew the final whistle.

Final Score     Monaghan 2-8  Dublin 2-7

Line Out

Monaghan

Linda Martin, Grainne Mc Nally, Sharon Courtney(0-1), Christine Reilly, Aoife Mc Anespie, Nicola Fahy, Eileen Mc Elroy, Eileen Mc Kenna, Isobel Kierans,Therese Mc Nally(0-1), Ellen Mc Carron(1-2)Cora Courtney, Catriona Mc Connell(0-3 2f),Niamh Kindlon (0-1 1f), Ciara Mc Anespie (1-0) Subs used Amanda Casey

Dublin

Cliodhna O Connor, Sinead O Mahony, Sinead Tracey, Grainne O Malley, Gemma Fay (1-0), Siobhan Mc Grath (0-3), Fiona Hudson (0-1), Denise Masterson, Olivia Leonard (0-1), Niamh Mc Evoy, Ann Clarke, Orla Egan (1-1), Natalie Hyland, Sinead Ahern  Subs Used Amy Mc Guinness (0-1), Eilish Mc Kenna, Siobhan Woods, Nicole Owens.

Despite last Sunday’s result not having any relevance in the semi final positions, it was a great result for Monaghan, especially having come from behind on a number of occassions. It took Monaghan a while to settle but despite going behind they held their nerve and gradually got themselves back into the game. Their defence came under severe pressure for long spells of the game but once again they stood up, with Grainne Mc Nally once again outstanding holding All Star forward Sinead Ahern scoreless. Monaghan’s defence in particular in the second half left it really difficult for Dublin with Dublin only scoring twice in the second half. The move of the game was Sharon Courtney moving out to midfield to curb the pressure that Sinead Goldrick was putting on Monaghan. Sharon had an outstanding game in the middle and was rewarded for all her efforts with the match winining point. Up front Monaghan were without Caoimhe Mohan, but once again they showed what they are capable off, with some excellent scores. Indeed they were unlucky not to register 2 more goals.

All in all it was a good day for Monaghan, but they know only too well, that last Sunday’s win will mean nothing, if they cant repeat the performance in the semi final. It looks like Dublin will be Monaghan’s oppponents once again in the semi final, and only a top drawer performance will ensure Monaghan a place in the National league final. It has been over 10 years since Monaghan reached a league final so we hope that they continue the hard work over the next few weeks. They still have Kildare to play in the last game of the league. That game takes place on Sunday1st April.

Elswhere in the league, there were wins for Cork, Tyrone and Meath. Meath’s win over Laois gives Meath a very real chance of grabbing that 4th semi final spot. That 4th semi final position will go down to the last game. A win for Laois over Dublin will ensure Laois the place. But if Laois lose to Dublin and if Meath beat Donegal, then that 4th spot will be Meaths.

O CONNOR CUP

There will be great Monaghan interest in this weekend’s colleges finals. Ellen Mc Carron captains the DCU side along with Laura Mc Eneaney. They play Jordanstown in the semi final on Saturday. Jordanstown have Sharon Courtney so this tie will be very interesting for Monaghan followers, We wish all the Monaghan players involved at the weekend the very best of luck

U14
This Saturday sees our U14 county team get their Ulster campaign underway with a home fixture against Armagh, last year’s winners. This will be a big test for the Monaghan girls. The recent Ulster blitz showed that the panel have still a lot of work to do, but training has been going very well, and if the girls all play to their full potential, then anything is possible. We wish the team and management the very best of luck, and let’s hope they get their campaign off to winning ways. The venue for Saturday’s game is Tyholland. Throw in 2pm. We ask that you come out and give the girls your support.

U16s
Training continues for the U16s this Saturday morning in Cloghan at 11.30am.

CONGRATS
On behalf of the county board, I would like to congratulate Francis Coleman on winning the Ulster Tesco Club Person of the Year Award. Francis has been Donaghmoyne’s manager for many years now and has been instrumental in their many successes over the years.

FIXTURES

Ulster U14  championship

Monaghan V  Armagh   – Saturday 24th March @2pm   Venue Tyholland

This weekend sees the club football get underway, with the Div 1 and Div 2 Reserve leagues starting

DIVISION 1  ( First named at home)

Donaghmoyne  V  Emyvale               Sunday25th March @12.30pm
Scotstown  V  Aghabog                      Sunday 25th March @12.30pm
Corduff  V   Truagh                           Sunday  25th March @12.30pm
Magheracloone V Monaghan  Harps      Saturday 24th 5.00pm

DIVISION 2

Doohamlet   V   St Brigids                    Sunday 25th March @12.30pm
Killanny   V    Aughnnamullen               Sunday 25th March @12.30pm
O Neills   V    Latton                            Saturday 24th March @ 5.00pm
Seans     V   Latton                              Saturday 24th@  5.00pm

INVESTEC COME ON BOARD AS MONAGHAN SENIOR LADIES SPONSORS FOR 2012

At Tuesday night’s delegates meeting, the new INVESTEC jersey was launched. Monaghan ladies county board are delighted to have INVESTEC on board as their new sponsor for the coming year. THE SKULE INN were the senior sponsors for 2011 and we would like to thank them for their support. We now look forward to working with INVESTEC for the coming year. Let’s hope 2012 will be another great year as far as ladies football in Monaghan is concerned.