Monaghan u17’s travelled to Glen county Derry to take part in the Jim McGuigan cup semi-final last Saturday. This competition is run by the Ulster council and is the Ulster championship for this level. Monaghan qualified for the semi-final by beating both Cavan and Derry earlier in the summer.

Armagh were the opposition in the semi. It was a cagey affair to start with. A couple of early Frank Connolly frees settled Monaghan down. Connor Leonard scored a very good goal after 12 minutes to put them four ahead a lead they would hold onto for the rest of the game. Points from Fergal Hanratty and Connor Leonard soon followed before an excellent move started in the full back line resulted in Leonard getting his second goal to leave Monaghan eight ahead by half time.

The second half Armagh started the quicker of the two and had the Monaghan lead down to two having outscored them 1-04 to 01 in the first twelve minutes of the half. Points from Aaron Courtney and Fergal Hanratty got Monaghan back on track. An excellent point from sub Shane Monaghan soon followed and the Farney boys were back in control when Aaron Courtney netted Monaghan’s third goal. Darragh Hughes pointed from long range to seal Monaghan’s victory. They had now qualified for final were they would play Donegal who defeated Tyrone easily in their semi.

Monaghan got off to the worst possible start in the final with Donegal racing into an early lead scoring two early goals. Points from Aaron Courtney, Connor Leonard and Fergal Hanratty settled Monaghan down and with Darragh Hughes providing a good option in full forward Monaghan had a foot hold in the game. They went in behind 2-06 to 06 at half time.

The second half started with two early Monaghan wides which Donegal punished with their third goal. Monaghan found it difficult to work scores in this half against Donegal’s mass defence. Darragh Hughes pointed free was the only score Monaghan got in this half having hit eight second half wides. Donegal ran out deserving winners. Monaghan can be proud of the work they put in throughout the year and it was the first time Monaghan had qualified for the Ulster final at this level.

Monaghan squad Jack Kirk Ben McKenna Cian Hand Cillan Hand Calvin Carsyle Frank Connolly Leonard McDermott Colm Lennon Pauric Finnan Fabian Beggan Fergal Hanratty Dean Brennan Connor Leonard Shane McMahon Aaron Courtney Ryan Connolly Oisin Campbell Lorcan Kilpatrick Shane Kelly Shane Monaghan Stephen McGee Darragh Hughes Ryan O Connor Dean McDonald Sean Grant Dean McGuigan Dillon Duffy Ciaran Burns