Allianz National Football League Division One Semi-Final

Dublin 0-17 Monaghan 0-16                                                12/4/15

Monaghan exited the National Football League after a spirited performance in Sunday’s semi-final against Dublin at Croke Park. Despite Dublin having the lion’s share of possession in the first half, Monaghan hung in there and they really put it up to the defending champions in the third quarter, with their defensive work-rate exemplified by Ryan Wylie and with Conor McManus giving an exhibition of point-scoring. Monaghan briefly led inside the final 15 minutes and although Dublin rallied to win, helped by the unerring free-taking of Dean Rock, Malachy O’Rourke can take plenty from their vastly-improved performance which saw them close the gap considerably from the previous week’s game in Clones. Attentions will now turn to the Ulster SFC opener against Cavan on May 24.

Dublin: S Cluxton (Capt.); J Cooper, D Byrne, J Small; J McCarthy, P McMahon (0-2), J McCaffrey (0-1); D Bastick (0-1), C O’Sullivan; P Flynn (0-1), D Connolly, B Fenton (0-2); C Kilkenny, D Rock (0-7, 6f, 1 ’45), K McManamon (0-2).

Subs: MD MacAuley for O’Sullivan (44 mins), P Andrews for McManamon (49), E Ó Conghaile (0-1) for Bastick, D Daly for Byrne (both 52), C Costello for Fenton (60).

Monaghan: R Beggan (0-1f); R Wylie, K Duffy, F Kelly; K O’Connell, V Corey, N McAdam (0-1); P Finlay (0-1f), D Hughes; D Mone, K Hughes (0-2), T Kerr; R McAnespie, C McManus (Capt., 0-8, 3f), O Duffy.

Subs: D Clerkin (0-3) for Kerr (H-T), D Malone for O Duffy (40), S Gollogly for McAnespie (42), P McKenna for Finlay (62), D McKenna for O’Connell (67).

Referee: R Hickey (Clare).