Tyrone 0-18
Monaghan 0-14
Fintan O’Toole reports from Croke Park
TYRONE SAW OFF Ulster champions Monaghan in a bad-tempered All-Ireland football quarter-final clash at Croke Park this afternoon to continue their excellent progress through the back door.
Victory for Tyrone sets up a semi-final tie with Kerry on 23 August and Mickey Harte’s side were fully deserving of their four-point triumph.
The game descended into chaos in the closing stages with referee Marty Duffy struggling to keep a handle on proceedings. Monaghan duo Darren Hughes and Paul Finlay were both sent-off as was Tyrone’s Ronan McNamee with several flashpoints emerging all over the pitch in injury-time.
But when the full-time whistle was sounded, Tyrone could celebrate a significant win as their excellent transformation continues since the loss to Donegal in their Ulster opener back in May.
Corner-forwards Darren McCurry and Conor McAlisksey shared 0-11 between them with eight of those points coming from placed balls as they punished Monaghan indiscretions at the back.
At the other end Conor McManus top scored for Monaghan with a 0-7 haul but he was tightly marked throughout by McNamee while Colm Cavanagh and Justin McMahon successfully screened in front of the Monaghan danger man.
The game opened at a smart pace with the teams tied at 0-2 apiece after 5 minutes but gradually Tyrone got on top. McAliskey’s free and a fine point from Peter Harte sent them 0-6 to 0-3 clear by the 23rd minute.
McManus helped Monaghan rally to ensure they were still in touch at the break as they trailed Tyrone by 0-7 to 0-5.
But Tyrone accelerated clear in the second-half. They hit the first three points after the break before McManus replied with a brace.
Mickey Harte’s side continued to score at will and regularly constructed five-point advantages. They got scores from several sectors as well and full-back Ronan McNamee stormed upfield for an inspirational point in the 57th minute that sent them 0-16 to 0-10 clear.
Monaghan tried desperately to get back into contention but the closest they got was three points and couldn’t find the net to ignite their challenge.
The brilliant Mattie Donnelly pointed at the death to seal success for Tyrone.
Scorers for Tyrone: Darren McCurry 0-6 (0-3f, 0-1 ’45), Conor McAliskey 0-5 (0-4f), Mattie Donnelly 0-2, Ronan McNamee, Ronan McNabb, Joe McMahon, Peter Harte, Sean Cavanagh 0-1 each.
Scorers for Monaghan: Conor McManus 0-7 (0-5f), Owen Duffy 0-2, Dick Clerkin, Paul Finlay (0-1f), Dessie Mone, Kieran Hughes, Fintan Kelly 0-1 each.
Tyrone
1. Niall Morgan (Edendork)
2. Aidan McCrory (Errigal Ciarán)
3. Ronan McNamee (Aghyaran)
4.Cathal McCarron (Dromore)
5. Ronan McNabb (Dromore)
6. Joe McMahon (Omagh)
7. Peter Harte (Errigal Ciarán)
8. Colm Cavanagh (Moy)
9. Mattie Donnelly (Trillick)
10. Tiernan McCann (Killyclogher)
11. Mark Bradley (Killyclogher)
12. Conor Meyler (Omagh)
13. Darren McCurry (Edendork)
14. Sean Cavanagh (Captain – Moy)
15. Connor McAliskey (Clonoe)
Subs
23. Justin McMahon (Omagh) for Joe McMahon (inj) (8)
22. Conall McCann (Killyclogher) for Meyler (black card (23)
24. Padraig McNulty (Dungannon) for Conall McCann (45)
25. Ronan O’Neill (Omagh) for McAliskey (58)
20. Richie Donnelly (Trillick) for Bradley (68)
Monaghan
1. Rory Beggan (Scotstown)
2. Colin Walshe (Doohamlet)
3. Vinny Corey (Clontibret)
4. Ryan Wylie (Ballybay)
5. Dessie Mone (Clontibret)
6. Neil McAdam (Monaghan Harps)
7. Karl O’Connell (Tyholland)
8. Owen Lennon (Latton)
9. Fintan Kelly (Clones)
10. Kieran Duffy (Latton)
11. Darren Hughes (Scotstown)
22. Stephen Gollogly (Carrickmacross)
25. Ryan McAnespie (Emyvale)
14. Kieran Hughes (Scotstown)
15. Conor McManus (Clontibret) (Captain)
Subs
20. Dick Clerkin (Currin) for Lennon (half-time)
17. Drew Wylie (Ballybay) for Corey (half-time)
12. Owen Duffy (Latton) for McAnespie (half-time)
13. Dermot Malone (Castleblayney) for McAdam (49)
21. Paul Finlay (Ballybay) for Gollogly (52)
26. Christopher McGuinness (Ballybay) for Kieran Duffy (60)
