Cadbury’s Ulster Under-21 Football Championship Semi-Final

Cavan v Monaghan, Wednesday, 8.00, Athletic Grounds

Monaghan take on their four-in-a-row-chasing neighbours Cavan in Wednesday’s Ulster U-21 semi-final in Armagh.

Monaghan battled past Down in the quarter-finals, while Cavan, who have won the last three provincial titles at this grade, already have two wins under their belts, having convincingly beaten Derry and a highly-rated Tyrone team. Earlier this year, Cavan lost narrowly to eventual winners Roscommon at the semi-final stage of the Hastings Cup, while Monaghan exited the Shamrock Cup at the group stage, with a win over Louth being followed by defeats against Antrim and Tyrone. Monaghan gave Cavan a scare in a thrilling Ulster quarter-final last year, but the Breffni County eventually went through after extra-time.

Monaghan will need big performances from their players with county senior experience – Ryan Wylie, Pádraic Keenan, Conor Boyle, Thomas Kerr and Paudie McKenna – as well as captain Johnny McGuigan and top scorer against Down, Christopher McKenna. Killian Clarke, Conor Moynagh, Brian Sankey, Michael Argue and Kevin Bouchier make up a strong spine to the Cavan team, while Dara McVeety, Joe Dillon, Paul Graham, Conor Madden and St. Macartan’s, Monaghan student Tom Hayes also provide options up front.

Monaghan: David Kirk; Ryan Wylie, Conor Boyle, Ryan McEnaney; Pádraic Keenan, Johnny McGuigan (Capt.), Shane Conlon; Mel Boyce, Brian Greenan; Cillian Cromwell, Christopher McKenna, Thomas Kerr; Mark McGuirk, Pádraig McKenna, Fearghal McMahon.