AS Monaghan prepare for their Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football semi-final on Sunday against reigning champions Kerry we take a look at their path so far.
In Ulster Monaghan benefitted immensely from the new backdoor system because, in their first-round game against Derry, the Farney lads had been cruising until a penalty and a deflected shot saw two goals in the last five minutes send them home in defeat.
From there, though, the team regathered and decisive wins against Antrim, Donegal, Down and Cavan saw them return as a rejuvenated team to play Derry once more in the Electric Ireland Ulster Minor Football Final.
That game was a cagey affair, as many who travelled to the Athletic Grounds in Armagh had expected, with Brendan Óg Ó Dufaigh anchoring a stubborn Monaghan defence and with 10 minutes left on the clock there was nothing between the sides.
After a well-worked move that flowed through in-form Aaron Mulligan and Sean Jones, Donnach Swinburne was fouled in the box leaving the referee no choice but to award a penalty kick. Swinburne then stepped up to take the resulting kick to send the squad and Monaghan’s travelling faithful home as Ulster Champions.
After the Ulster Final the team then had two weeks to prepare for their All-Ireland Quarter Final against Kildare, who had been beaten by Meath in the Leinster Final in early July. This game had the potential to upset a very good Monaghan team but a determined and disciplined effort saw the Farney team prove their worth in dispatching the Leinster side 2-11 to 0-8. That booked them a semi-final slot against a Kerry side who brushed past Roscommon in their quarter-final encounter and who will be confident, having won the Electric Ireland Minor Championship last year.
With everything to play for this weekend, this year’s Electric Ireland Minor Star Awards judging panel of Sean Cavanagh, Daniel Goulding, Ollie Canning, and Michael Fennelly will be watching closely.
Last year’s Electric Ireland Minor football “Team of the Year” featured notable names such as Kerry’s David Clifford and Derry’s Padraig McGrogan.
The Electric Ireland Minor Star Awards highlight the major achievements at the Minor grade of individual performers from the entire season and takes place in Croke Park at the end of September. The awards recognise the effort of not only the Minor players but those who support them day in day out, from their coaches to their parents, teachers and clubs. The awards create a major moment by celebrating the best ‘on the pitch’ performances throughout the season.
Electric Ireland’s campaign, entitled ‘This is Major’ emphasises the concept that ‘there is nothing minor about playing minor’ and is designed to empower young players, recognising that to them, their families, clubs and communities, playing Minor is major!
Follow the campaign at:
@ElecIrelandNI
#GAAThisisMajor