It’s an all-Ulster showdown as Monaghan takes on Armagh in the opening round of Division 1. Armagh comes into the game as the favourites, with odds at 4/6, while Monaghan is 13/8 and a draw is 15/2.

The match will take place in Castleblayney, a far cry from last year’s league opener in Croke Park, but no less important as both teams aim to maintain their Division One status. Monaghan has just barely held onto their spot in the top tier in the last two years, while Armagh will be looking to get off to a strong start following their impressive 2022 campaign.

The two teams met twice last season, with both fixtures ending in a draw. They also faced off in the 2021 Ulster semi-final, which Monaghan narrowly won. Armagh last defeated their rivals in the first round of the 2021 league, a crucial win in maintaining their topflight status.

In 2022, Monaghan brought Armagh back down to earth after the Orchard County’s strong start to the season, with a 1-7 to 0-10 in the National Football league R3. The teams also couldn’t be separated in the McKenna Cup semi-final, with Monaghan winning on penalties after the game ended 0-15 to 0-15. 25 players saw game time for Armagh, but it was Jemar Hall’s missed penalty that saw Monaghan progress to the final.

As the teams prepare to face off once again, memories of those past games will no doubt be fresh in the minds of players and fans alike. Both Monaghan and Armagh will be looking to put their best foot forward and come out on top in this highly-anticipated all-Ulster clash.

Monaghan will be looking to prove that they are more than just the underdogs, and that they have what it takes to compete with the best in the league. They will be drawing on their recent success against Armagh, and will be looking to use that as motivation to secure a win in this opening round match.

Armagh, on the other hand, will be eager to redeem themselves and show that they are the top team in the league. They will be looking to use the disappointment of their past losses to Monaghan as fuel to come out strong and secure a victory in this opening round match.

The stage is set for an exciting and closely-fought match as Monaghan takes on Armagh in the opening round of Division 1. Both teams will be giving it their all in an effort to come out on top and start the season off on the right foot.

The post Armagh v Monaghan Division 1 – Stats, Preview & Starting Team’s appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Five players from the provincial champions, Dublin and Tyrone, make an appearance in the latest team of the week.

Three spots are awarded to Leinster runners-up Kildare who had some individual gems against Dublin on Sunday in Croke Park.

The final two spots are filled by Monaghan players after their spirited second-half display put Tyrone to the sword.

Monaghan goalkeeper Rory Beggan is one-half of his county’s representatives and earned his spot in the team after a magnificent display in the Ulster final.

The sweeper-keeper offered a different option to Tyrone counterpart Niall Morgan’s high press on kick-outs.

The Scotstown star was the 15th outfield player for his side in their first Ulster final since 2015 as he pushed up the pitch and offered himself as an extra man high up the pitch.

His work rate was evident in the fantastic steal he pulled off on Tyrone full-forward Conor McKenna, who was charging down on a Beggan-less net.

His ability to commit to this role so well and the impact it had on Monaghan makes him deserving of a spot in the team.

Padraig Hampsey is in at right corner-back after he shut down Monaghan danger man Conor McManus on the big stage.

The Tyrone skipper was up to the task and restricted McManus to just one point from play.

His leadership to organise the defence in the closing stages were also evident once again – Tyrone’s backs have formed the standout defence of this year’s Championship.

Kildare’s Kevin Flynn and Daniel Flynn appear in the left wing-back and centre full-forward spots respectively.

The pair were integral in Kildare’s competitive nature for much of the game.

Kevin Flynn’s high work rate imposed his authority on the Dubs while Daniel Flynn’s scoring ability and his fantastic goal was worthy of selection.

Dublin duo Ciarán Kilkenny and Niall Scully scored important points in the pivotal third quarter of the Leinster final to put the game beyond doubt.

Some of their work in defence was of a high standard too.

GAA.ie Football Team Of The Week – 3/8/2021

1. Rory Beggan (Monaghan)
2. Padraig Hampsey (Tyrone)
3. Mark Dempsey (Kildare)
4. Conor Boyle (Monaghan)
5. Brian Howard (Dublin)
6. Kieran McGeary (Tyrone)
7. Kevin Flynn (Kildare)
8. Brian Fenton (Dublin)
9. Conor Meyler (Tyrone)
10. Cormac Costello (Dublin)
11. Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin)
12. Niall Scully (Dublin)
13. Darren McCurry (Tyrone)
14. Daniel Flynn (Kildare)
15. Mattie Donnelly (Tyrone)

The post GAA.ie Football Team Of The Week 3/8/2021 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Monaghan will go head to head with Tyrone at Croke Park in Dublin this coming Saturday at 4.00 pm in the Ulster Senior Football Championship Final live on RTÉ.

It was announced that the game would be moved from the Athletic Grounds in Armagh to Croke Park.

The moving of the match will be the first time since 2006 that the Ulster championship will be played at Croke Park.

Now, the Ulster Senior Football Championship Final (Monaghan v Tyrone) is set for the capital, with the winner facing Munster champions Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Both Monaghan and Tyrone are close in terms of Ulster titles won, with Monaghan winning a grand total of 16 titles to Tyrone’s 15.

The last time Monaghan lifted the Anglo-Celt Cup was back in 2015, since then, they have not reached an Ulster final.

While Tyrone’s last title was back in 2017.

2010 was the last time Monaghan and Tyrone faced off in the pinnacle of Ulster football.

Tyrone came out on top that day, winning comfortably 1-14 to 0-07 in St Tiernach’s Park in Clones.

Monaghan Retrospective

Looking into the match, Monaghan has looked hot and cold throughout the league and championship.

Avoiding relegation after defeating Galway in the relegation play-off.

In the quarter-final, they overcame a rugged Fermanagh side by 1-21 to 0-14 and then having a contender for the game of the championship against Armagh in the semi-final.

Coming out on top with a 4-17 to 2-21 victory.

Monaghan is often seen as the dark horse for the championship every season, and every year they tend to fall apart.

Can they live up to their title of dark horse remains to be seen?

Conor McManus can only do so much and on the verge of turning 35 this year, Séamus McEnaney will hope his squad can perform without their star player, when and if he walks away from the panel.

Tyrone Retrospective

Tyrone were abysmal in the Allianz League, with their loss to Kerry a standout for how far behind Tyrone are compared to the elite teams.

Since then, they have knocked out current reigning Ulster champions Cavan in the quarter-final and then putting in a magnificent performance in the semi-final against favourites Donegal, pipping their rivals 0-23 to 1-14.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Without Conor McManus causing problems in the full-forward line, manager Seamus McEnaney will need to find a solution for his side’s lack of variety going forward.

Bar and injury, McManus seems set to play on, at the age of 34, he is in the twilight of his career, but if he can stay fit and get the proper service, he can make Monaghan serious contenders in Ulster and beyond.

Defeating Donegal was a shock to the system for many pundits and fans alike, showing they can play the best on any given day.

Star player and captain Mattie Donnelly is their most important player since Seán Cavanagh’s retirement in 2017.

Without Donnelly, not much emphasis will be put on this Tyrone side as major contenders.

Other key players for Tyrone is the returning Conor McShane and Conor McKenna, who both have much to prove going forward.

Conclusion

Predicting any game in the Ulster championship is difficult, Donegal and Cavan were the favourites coming into the season, and both went out with a whimper.

Just prior to the start of the championship season, Tyrone was struggling to find form, with many predicting them to bow out in embarrassing fashion, since then they have impressed many with their performances.

It will be a close game to call but based on the level of opponents faced and how they have improved ever so slightly since their league form, Tyrone will be crowned Ulster champions come Monday.

Prediction: Tyrone by 2 points

Starting Teams – TBC 

Monaghan

Tyrone

Betting

Monaghan: 13/8

Tyrone: 8/13

Draw: 8/1

The post Football – Monaghan v Tyrone – Starting News, Live Scores, Betting; TV Coverage appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Ó Dufaigh died in a road traffic accident in the late hours of Saturday after captaining his county to the Ulster U20 Final via a win over Donegal U20s.

Monaghan GAA has opened a book of condolence for the young man and extended their symptahies to the player’s family.

“Monaghan GAA are deeply saddened with the tragic passing of Brendan Óg Ó Dufaigh, captain of the Monaghan U20 team, following a traffic accident last night.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Brendan Óg’s family, his father Brendan, his mother Esther and his sisters Claire and Áine and to his friends, his teammates and his club Monaghan Harps. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very difficult time.”

The county board have also detailed the funeral arrangements for anyone wishing to pay their respects.

Many took to social media to pay tribute to the Drumlin County’s young half-back prospect.

The Monaghan U20 captain’s club, Monaghan Harps GAA, laid a reef by their gates in honour of their player.

Our club is devastated at the news of the untimely death of our senior player and county U-20 captain Brendan Óg Ó Dufaigh. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very sad time. All club activity has been postponed until further notice. pic.twitter.com/GUCZLeI9WA

— Monaghan Harps GAA (@MonaghanHarps) July 17, 2021

Inter-county accounts quote tweeted the post that included this photo and extended condolences to the young Monaghan star’s family and friends.

Those who did not quote tweet the above post tweeted separately to express their condolences.

Monaghan senior football boss Seamus ‘Banty’ McEnaney was emotional when speaking about the tragedy after his side’s Ulster semi-final win over Armagh in Newry.

"This man had a huge future in Monaghan football…"@MonaghanGAA manager Seamus McEnaney pays tribute to Brendán Óg Duffy after the Farney County's win over Armagh. pic.twitter.com/wIkJiTv7zk

— Sky Sports GAA (@SkySportsGAA) July 17, 2021

Banty managed Brendán Óg when they were both involved in the minor setup for the county.

“For me, personally, it was very difficult because I managed this young fella and he was my captain in the minor team and, you know, only those that have been in a manager’s position with a captain understands the trust that is there, the loyalty there, the love that is there,” Banty said.

Other inter-county figures such as senior captain Ryan Wylie and chairperson of Roscommon GAA Brian Carroll offered their sympathies to those affected by Ó Dufaigh’s untimely death.

The news spread beyond the GAA community with many established figures in other sports and walks of life hearing of the tragedy.

Ronan O’Gara is among those who offered condolences outside of GAA.

Sean McCaffrey commentated on the Monaghan – Donegal Ulster U20 semi-final on the night and praised Ó Dufaigh’s leadership throughout.

In a tweet, he said that he spent 20 minutes after the game talking to the young captain.

I was honoured to commentate on @monaghangaa U20 win over @officialdonegal and how they were lead by their captain Brendan Og Duffy. 20 mins were spent chatting to him in the carpark afterwards.The buzz and excitement unreal. Now it is impossible to take it in. pic.twitter.com/dTF0RgvU7p

— Sean Mc Caffrey (@Smccaffreyradio) July 17, 2021

“Now, it is impossible to take in,” concluded McCaffrey.

The post GAA: Tributes Pour In Online For Brendan Óg Ó Dufaigh appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

CLICK FOR LIVE SCORES ON ARMAGH V MONAGHAN

Armagh will face-off against Monaghan at Pairc Esler in County Down this coming Saturday at 4.00 pm in the Ulster Senior Football Championship semi-final.

Both sides are coming into this game with impressive and hard-fought wins in the quarter-finals. Armagh dispatched off Antrim with a score of 4-15 to 0-14. While Monaghan saw off Fermanagh with a final scoreline of 1-21 to 0-14 at Clones.

During their league campaign, Armagh was erratic. Inconsistent in their results in Division One, they won, drew, and lost one game each against three of their Ulster rivals in Donegal, Tyrone, and Monaghan.

Finishing above Monaghan by a single point in third place. Securing their Division 1 status with a comfortable 1-17 to 0-11 win over Roscommon in the relegation semi-final in June.

Their last encounter was back in May in Brewster Park of round one of both team’s league run. Armagh came out the victors in a close meeting by a score of 1-12 to 1-16. When betting online @ bet365 you can get even money on a Monaghan win.

Beaten comprehensively in last year’s Ulster semi-finalists against Donegal, they will hope to do one better and book their place in their first Ulster final since 2008.

Overall, they are not the team they once were. Looking hot and cold in their victory against Antrim, they would then face Monaghan.

Monaghan on the other hand is often seen as the dark horse when championship season comes around. Often disappointing when it comes to the crunch games.

Against Fermanagh in their last outing, they kept the Erne County’s scores from play at a minimum. With Sean Quigley’s free’s their main output with 0-7 points.

Their league campaign was awful, only surviving relegation by defeating Connacht finalists Galway, they will jump at the opportunity to redeem themselves.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Monaghan’s main scoring threat is still Conor McManus, the 34-year-old Clontibret O’Neills man driven his side to Ulster glory on two separate occasions and will hope to do so for the third time this year.

However, he can only do so much and with Monaghan having little variety in their threat going forward, an injury or an off day for the three-time All-Star could boast disaster for the Oriel County.

During their clash with Antrim, Armagh did not look like a side that could turn over teams to the extent which one would assume. Scoring 4 goals is impressive but the scoreline was not a true reflection of the game.

Looking shaky when pressed by Antrim, they looked vulnerable at times which may be a point of concern for Kieran McGeeney heading into this game.

Conclusion

If both teams play to the best of their ability, then it is a flip of a coin as to who will face either Tyrone or Donegal in the Ulster Final.

It is hard to look past Monaghan however, player for player they are superior.

Another advantage Seamus McEnaney’s side has is experienced in the past few years. Winning two Ulster titles in 2013 and 2015.

Prediction: Monaghan by 6 points

Predicted Teams – Subject to Change

Armagh

1. Brendan Hughes

2. James Morgan

3. Connaire Mackin

4. Ross Finn

5. Greg McCabe

6. Ciaron O’Hanlon

7. Aaron McKay

8. Niall Grimley

9. Oisin O’Neill

10. Jemar Hall

11. Rian O’Neill

12. Jarley Og Burns

13. Rory Grugan

14. Andrew Murnin,

15. Stefan Campbell

Monaghan

1. Rory Beggan

2. Kieran Duffy

3. Conor Boyle

4. Ryan Wylie

5. Karl O’Connell

6. Dessie Ward

7. Ryan McAnespie

8. Darren Hughes

9. Killian Lavelle

10. Stephen O’Hanlon

11. Conor McCarthy

12. Micheal Bannigan

13. Aaron Mulligan

14. Jack McCarron

15. Conor McManus

Betting

Armagh: EVS

Monaghan: EVS

Draw: 15/2

The post Football – Armagh v Monaghan – Starting News, Live Scores, Betting; TV Coverage appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH DONEGAL U20 v MONAGHAN U20 LIVE STREAM

The match will throw-in at 20:00 on Friday, 16^th July in Brewster Park in Fermanagh.

Donegal reached the semifinal after beating reigning Ulster Champions, Tyrone by three points in a strong performance.

The shining light of the team is the partnership between O’Donnell and McFadden in midfield. They form a strong spine for the entertaining team.

Monaghan beat out Derry last week by four points, though they did not score a lot, it was a considerably comfortable victory.

Jason Irwin made the difference on that day, scoring two goals in the first half. He will want to continue this form on Friday

The very best of luck to our Under 20 team & management in the Quarter-Final of the @EirGrid @UlsterGAA Championship tonight against Derry GAA in Celtic Park at 7:30pm.
This Quarter-Final will also be streamed live by @PaircTV
Purchase link for £6/€6 https://t.co/TrUbxEDBfZ pic.twitter.com/xYqYYZe98x

— @monaghangaa (@monaghangaa) July 9, 2021

Predicted Starting 15

Donegal

D Roberts (GK); C McColgan, J Grant, J Gallagher; K Tobin, D McBride, R O’Rourke; R O’Donnell, R McFadden; E Dowling, S O’Donnell, R McShane; C O’Reilly, P McGettigan, J McGroddy.

Monaghan

R Farrelly (GK); R Grimes, T McPhillips, R Boyle; D McElearney, S Hanratty, B Óg Duffy; G McPhillips, J Wilson; D Treanor, L McDonald, S Slevin; M Meehan, D Swinburne, J Irwin.

Betting

Donegal EVS

Draw 15/2

Monaghan EVS

Good luck to our club player Richard O'Rourke and the Donegal U20 team tonight against Tyrone, from everyone at Four Masters GAA. pic.twitter.com/z03so3F9Wd

— Four Masters GAA (@FourMastersCLG) July 9, 2021

Score Prediction

Donegal come into this game as the more exciting side, beating the reigning champions now makes them the favorites.

Although Monaghan was comfortable against Derry, Donegal will be a harder challenge.

Expect Donegal to reach the Ulster final, winning by around three points.

LATEST: @EirGrid Ulster U20 FC

FULL TIME IN OMAGH!@TyroneGAALive 1-09@officialdonegal 1-12

Donegal win by three!#Ulster2021 pic.twitter.com/3uSbBTW1rp

— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) July 9, 2021

The post U20 Football Preview: Donegal v Monaghan – Watch LIVE, Team News, Betting appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORES ON FERMANAGH V MONAGHAN

This is expected to be an entertaining and passionate contest to start off the Ulster Football Championship.

Only 500 fans will be in attendance at this match, but BBC NI will also be showing the game for those of us at home.

Monaghan had a dower football league with the finishing last in the Division 1 North with two draws and no wins. This was at least boosted by not being relegated after narrowly beating Galway in June.

Fermanagh on the other hand had an average league in the Division 3 North finishing second behind Derry. They eventually lost in the semi-finals to Offaly not leaving them in the best place for this Championship.

Monaghan have won four of the last five meetings, with their last game in 2019 the Farney County winning with 1-10 to 1-6.

Jack McCarron is best known for striking the winner against Galway in the play-off semi-final. With this pedestal, he may now have a chance to shine for Monaghan.

Conor Corrigan is a strong midfield presence for Fermanagh. The young teacher caught many viewers’ eyes last year picking up some crucial winning points for his county.

We enter the quarter-final stage of the 2021 Ulster Senior Football Championship this weekend!

First up, it's @monaghangaa v @FermanaghGAA

St Tiernach's Park, Clones
Sat July 3rd 3.30pm

Watch live on @BBCSPORTNI#Ulster2021 #OurColours pic.twitter.com/aSY4QWLD0F

— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) June 30, 2021

Predicted teams

Monaghan

R Beggan (GK); D Ward, K McMenamin, R Wylie; K Duffy, C Boyle, K O’Connell; N Kearns, K Lavelle; M Bannigan, C McCarthy, R McAnespie; S O’Hanlon, J McCarron, C McManus.

Fermanagh

S McNally (GK); L Flanagan, K Connor, J Cassidy; K McDonnell, T Bogue, A Breen; S McGullion, E Donnelly; C Corrigan, J McMahon, J Largo Ellis; D Leonard, D McGurn (0-03), S Quigley

Betting

Monaghan, as expected, are the bookies’ heavy favorites with odds of 1/10.

A draw would be most unlikely with odds of 14/1.

The outside bet is Fermanagh with odds of 13/2 to win.

Prediction

Do not expect any great surprises in this tie. Monaghan is set as one of the heavy hitters in the Ulster Championship and this will be their warmup for bigger games.

Fermanagh will not give up and will continue to fight till the end but expect a final score-line with Monaghan winning by at least seven points.

A Twitter List by IrishScoresGAA

The post Ulster Football Preview: Monaghan v Fermanagh, – Live Scores, Team News, Betting appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Dessie Farrell took over from Jim Gavin in 2019 and claimed his first All-Ireland title in 2020 against Mayo.

The men from the capital are the clear favourites to claim another Sam Maguire.

Before the start of the upcoming season, we look at each contender to dethrone the Dubs.

Kerry

Manager: Peter Keane

Last All-Ireland: 2014 (37 titles)

Last year’s finish: Munster Semi-Final

Betting odds: 5/2

Key Player: David Clifford. Fossa’s starman has been on a tear of the championship since his debut in 2018. Becoming an influential forward the likes that Cooper would be proud off. During the league campaign this season, Clifford has torn teams apart by himself. With his performance against Galway a standout. If Kerry go further than last years escapades he will be a danger for anyone.

Point of discussion: Can they match Dublin strength for strength? The Kingdom were on the verge of dethroning the Dubs in their first meeting in the 2019 final but came up short in the replay. While its hard to find a squad as talented as Dublins, Peter Keane has blooded youth with experience since his appointment. They might not be able to finish the job this year but this young team will be pushing the Dubs for years to coe.

Mayo

Manager: James Horan

Last All-Ireland: 1951 (3 titles)

Last year’s finish: All-Ireland finalists

Betting odds: 12/1

Key Player: Aidan O’Shea. The Breaffy man is coming back from a knee injury sustained in training months ago. Making his first appearance in a league win against Meath in May. The three time All-Star will be looking to fire Mayo towards glory after being named captain after last years losing effort to Dublin. He can be deployed in midfield or in full-forward to cause damage, and with Cillian O’Connor out injured. They might call upon his services to notch up the scores.

Point of discussion: Will Cillian O’Connors recent injury hamper their quest for Sam? The 29 year old Ballintubber forwards fitness is the worst possible injury for Mayo. He will be sorely missed through Connacht and if they were to retain their provincial title, they would go up against the Dubs in the All-Ireland semi-final. When Mayo have faced Dublin with O’Connor leading the line they have come up short, without him will be almost impossible for the Westerners.

Donegal

Manager: Declan Bonner

Last All-Ireland: 2012 (2 titles)

Last year’s finish: Ulster finalists

Betting odds: 16/1

Key Player: Michael Murphy. The last captain to lift Sam for Donegal is one of the most influential players in gaelic football history. Often carrying an inexperienced Donegal side to no end. The Glenswilly man is coming back from an hamstring injury in May on league duties. He may not be fully fit but without his presence, Donegal are not the same team.

Point of discussion: Can they get past Ulster? The Ulster giants have been out of sorts in the past few years since Jim McGuinness left in 2014. Not appearing in an All-Ireland semi-final since his departure. A success other than reedeming their Ulster final loss in 2020 will be a major objective going forward.

Tyrone

Managers: Feargal Lohan and Brian Dooher

Last All-Ireland: 2008 (3 titles)

Last year’s finish: Ulster Quarter-Finals

Betting odds: 18/1

Key Player: Mattie Donnelly. Since Seán Cavanagh’s retirement in 2017, Donnelly was given captaincy duties and has been his sides best midfielder by a long distance. Without him, not much emphasis will be put on this Tyrone side as major contenders. The two time All-Star will need a massive season if Tyrone are to pose a serious question.

Point of discussion: Can they return to former glory? Under Mickey Harte, Tyrone were Kerry’s bogey team, and were a major contender season in, season out until they fell off at the start of the new decade. After Kerry’s hammering in the league, many pundits have asked rather or not they have the minerals to even put up a showing in Ulster. It remains to be seen rather or not they can prove the doubters wrong.

Galway

Manager: Pádraic Joyce

Last All-Ireland: 2001 (9 titles)

Last year’s finish: Connacht finalists

Betting odds: 20/1

Key Player: Shane Walsh. When fully fit, is the focal point of a decent forward line for the Tribesmen. They will need him firing on all cylinders if they can get back to challenging Mayo in Connacht and beyond.

Point of discussion: Can they find form? Galway were a dissappointing outfit in the league. being relegated down to Division 2 alongside their West counterparts Roscommon, they will try to find their feet once again and get into the position to conquer rivals Mayo.

Monaghan

Manager: Seamus McEnaney

Last All-Ireland: No All-Ireland totles

Last year’s finish: Preliminary Round

Betting odds: 66/1

Key Player: Conor McManus. The man who was influential in Monaghans two Ulster title wins in 2013 and 2015 remains his counties main scoring threat. Being seen as the proponent in the Monaghan panel for years, given the chance he will keep Monaghans Ulster hopes alive.

Point of discussion: Can they live up to their title of dark horses? One of the favourites for Ulster glory every season, Monaghan have failed to bring home the Anglo-Celt Cup in half a decade, but are always favoured more than the likes of rivals Donegal and Tyrone. With the emergence of Cavan, they will have to fight off high expectations in order to bring home success.

The post A Look at the All-Ireland contenders for 2021 appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE SCORES

In round 7 of the National League, a draw with Meath was enough to see Monaghan survive in the top Division. In what was an up-and-down League for the Farney men, they will be content as they head into knock-out football. The Meath draw was preceded by a loss to Kerry. But, Seamus McEnaney will have told his side that if they were to lose, that was the time to do so.

2019’s defeat to Cavan in the Ulster Championship will be at the front of McEnaney’s mind. The loss shook the team who went on to lose to Armagh in the qualifiers. Now, he will be relying on his talisman Conor McManus to lead from the front. Thankfully for McEnaney, McManus is finding form at the right time. He scored 1-08 against Meath and 0-05 the week before against Kerry in just 35 minutes.

Cavan need to show mental toughness

On the other hand, Cavan will be wishing they had another week to prepare for this fixture. Last year’s trip to the Ulster final seems like a long time ago now in light of their new Division 3 status. Two losses since the restart will need to be quickly forgotten about by Mickey Graham’s men.

Graham admitted his side “got what we deserved” after failing to get a result against Roscommon. In fact, a win on the day could have seen Cavan finish in the promotion spots. But, Division 2 was the tightest of the four and, true to form, the loss saw Cavan fall to 7th. Graham continued to confess nerves among his team before the game.

If Cavan are to replicate their victory from last season, they need to quickly make peace with their League result. In the Championship there will be no time to wallow in self-pity. In particular, the Ulster Championship will be a gruelling one on its own. Beginning in the preliminary round only adds to the challenge.

Paddy Power rightfully have Monaghan at 3/10 favourites. Cavan are 10/3 and a draw is 8/1. The game is live on Sky Sports.

Prediction: Monaghan.

Starting Teams

Monaghan: Rory Beegan, Kieran Duffy, Conor Boyle, Ryan Whylie, Dessie Ward, Fintan Kelly, Karl O’Connor, Darren Hughes, Kieran Hughes, Ryan McAnespie, Micheál Bannigan, Dermot Malone, Stephen O’Hanlon, Conor McCarthy, Conor McManus

Cavan: Raymond Galligan, Jason McLoughlin, Killian Clarke, Killian Brady, Gerard Smith, Ciaran Brady, Luke Fortune, James Smith, Padraig Faulkner, Martin Reilly, Gearoid McKernan, Oisin Kieran, Oisin Pierson, Chris Conway, Cormac O’Reilly

Ulster Football Championship Preliminary Round: Monaghan vs Cavan, Saturday, October 31st, 1.15pm (Clones).

@UlsterGAA Senior Football Championship – Monaghan v @CavanCoBoardGaa
Saturday 31st of October 2020
@ClonesGAA
1:15pm #AllBoroFloorService @MonaghanGaaNYC pic.twitter.com/iDiahh9lDG

— @monaghangaa (@monaghangaa) October 26, 2020

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/could-mayos-relegation-be-a-blessing-in-disguise/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/could-mayos-relegation-be-a-blessing-in-disguise/

https://twitter.com/monaghangaa/status/1320857294880518144

The post Monaghan vs Cavan: Ulster Football Preview & Starting Team News appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.

Click for live score commentary

The Farney men had a chance to distance themselves from relegation last weekend but failed to take it. They came up three points shy of Kerry after poor accuracy in front of the posts left them chasing the game.

Conor McManus was sprung from the bench for the second-half. Despite adding 0-5, Kerry kept tacking on scores at the other end.

He could feature from the start against Meath. As a result, he will draw Meath’s primary attention, allowing Monaghan’s other forwards to step up.

Meath offered a spirited showing against Dubin without ever really threatening them. Donal Keogan driving runs caused the Dubs some problems in defence. If he can repeat the trick against Monaghan it will create chances. Shane Walsh impressed in corner-forward with 0-4.

Despite their relegation being guaranteed some time ago, Meath’s performances are no reflection of their lack of points. They came within a score of Mayo, Kerry, and Galway before the lockdown. Similarly, they have reason to be hopeful after their showing against Dublin. The Monaghan game is a chance for Meath to prove they were competitive in the top Division. Expect the handbrake to be let off by Andy McEntee.

Team News

Conor McManus may see more than just a half on Sunday. Monaghan will need his precision in front of goal.

Christopher McGuinness also came off the bench against Kerry. Two points may be enough to earn him a start against Meath.

McManus came on for Conor McCarthy at the weekend. If McCarthy is allowed the chance, he will be keen to show his worth.

Meath have an extra week to prepare for their Championship opener on the 8th November. Thus, McEntee may continue to use his strongest players against Monaghan for some match fitness. Debutants Eoin Harkin and Cathal Hickey impressed at opposite ends of the pitch. They could be rewarded with another cap.

Prediction: Monaghan. Meath are no outsiders in this one. But, Monaghan have more on the line and will approach it as such. When it comes down to the wire, back Conor McManus to get them over the line and into Division 1 safety.

Meath (Monaghan): Marcus Brennan; Seamus Lavin, Conor McGill, David Toner; Cathal Hickey, Shane McEntee, Donal Keogan; Bryan Menton, Ronan Jones; Jason Scully, Bryan McMahon, Ronan Ryan; Cillian O’Sullivan, Shane Walsh, Thomas O’Reilly.

Subs: Andrew Colgan, Eoin Harkin, Gavin McCoy, Matthew Costello, Brian Conlon, Ethan Devine, Joey Wallace, Jordan Morris, James Conlon, Donal Lenihan, Darragh Campion.

Monaghan vs Meath: Division 1, Sunday, October 25th, 2pm (Clones).

GAANOW have the highlights from last weekend's #AllianzLeagues Football action. Watch the round-up here! pic.twitter.com/HlRQePTUVZ

— The GAA (@officialgaa) October 20, 2020

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://3.249.64.60/gaa/weekend-gaa-fixtures-results-25th-26th-27th-july-2020/

https://twitter.com/officialgaa/status/1318509012535644160

The post Monaghan vs Meath: Division 1 Preview, team news and live scores appeared first on SportsNewsIreland.