Monaghan 1-12
Carlow 1-7
MONAGHAN SURVIVED A heroic challenge from Carlow to progress into the last 12 of the All-Ireland SFC.
The Farney outscored a brave Carlow by 1-5 to 0-1 in the final 15 minutes, as the Division 4 outfit ran out of steam.
It was a disjointed performance from Malachy O’Rourke’s men. They kicked 14 wides and found themselves trailing by two points 15 minutes into the second-half.
Monaghan’s season flashed before their eyes when Gary Kelly thundered a strike past Rory Beggan in the 49th minute. It left the home side two in front and on the verge of a stunning upset, but they would add just two points to their tally by the finish.
Conor McCarthy’s introduction for the ineffective Jack McCarron proved pivotal for Monaghan and breathed life into an attack where Conor McManus was unusually quiet.
Fintan Kelly punched in a critical goal in the 65th minute and McCarthy kicked a couple of scores as the Farney made it out with their season intact.
(If the video doesn’t play click here)
Monaghan led after a turgid opening 35 minutes by 0-5 to 0-3. They kicked eight wides in a wind-assisted half where Carlow’s defensive structure utterly frustrated O’Rourke’s side.
The Farney lost Darren Hughes to a black card for remonstrating with a linesman before half-time, another sign of their annoyance.
Carlow scored just once from play before the break – through Brendan Murphy – but Sean Gannon missed a glorious goal chance to send the Barrowsiders into an unlikely lead.
Brendan Murphy and Broderick (free) had Carlow level by the 40th minute and the home side visibly started to grow in confidence.
Gary Kelly’s goal shook Monaghan into life and the wheels finally started to turn from the 60th minute onwards. The Ulster men dominated possession and Fintan Kelly’s goal confirmed their progression.
The42 is on Instagram! Tap the button below on your phone to follow us!
Presuming Leinster send a B team to SA. Bulls will be hoping they drop points and bulls will go full out for top spot with pretty much all home games now till the end …would like to see a fully loaded Leinster playing the bulls in the final in Pretoria ..that would be awesome to see….
@Stuart: I say they will send a B side with the Northampton game after the SA tour
@Stuart: I reckon Munster are more than a bit offended that the Bulls couldn’t be bothered playing their strongest team in CC quarter final. Hoping for a cracking match.
@sean o’farrell: send a good mix, start most of the first squad in game 1 and the so called B team in game 2 with a strong bench. Loads of game time and fantastic team building trip.
@chris mcdonnell: they may fly the A team back after the Lions game – I think they did that a few season ago – B team should still be stronger than the team we put out last year when we played the Bulls
This season could work for Leinster. Last year; the URC and Champions Cup Semi finals were all in May This year, URC doesn’t finish until June; so they won’t have to decide which semi final to priortise. They can go full strength for both. So if Leinster are going to do the double; this is the year to do it They won’t get as long a season next year, so managing knockouts of two completions with a trip to SA will be more difficult.