In a mixed weekend for Monaghan teams, the county senior footballers slipped to a disappointing defeat in the Allianz NFL away to Cavan, although the Under-21s continued their winning start to the Shamrock Cup by easing to victory against Antrim at Casement Park. The ladies’ league game against Mayo was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch in Inniskeen.

Emerald Sarsfields became the first Monaghan team to qualify for the Ulster Club Under-21 Football Championship semi-finals when they eased past Antrim champions St. John’s at Creggan on Sunday. The Blackhill/Oram amalgamation had goals by Pauric Graham and Philip Donnelly – the latter from a penalty – and a few points from Ciarán Courtney to thank for their seven-point half-time lead and they pushed on to win by 2-11 to 0-5 and set up a last-four meeting with Bryansford from Down.

Meanwhile, Castleblayney lost their Quinn’s Corner Ulster Club Senior Football League opener at home to Down side Annaclone on Sunday, while Truagh were beaten by Louth side St. Fechin’s in the Táin Club Hurling League Division 5A on Saturday.

There was also disappointment for Our Lady’s, Castleblayney’s senior team, who exited the MacLarnon Cup at the quarter-final stage when they lost narrowly to a Conor McGrady-inspired St. Patrick’s, Downpatrick on Saturday.