Monaghan GAA
Encyclopedia
The Monaghan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association
(GAA) or Monaghan GAA is one of the 32 county boards
of the GAA in Ireland
, and is responsible for Gaelic games
in County Monaghan
and the Monaghan inter-county football
and hurling
teams. Separate county boards
are responsible for the camogie
and ladies football teams. The current manager of the football team is Eamonn McEneaney
who was appointed in October 2010.
in a semi-final to reach the All-Ireland final, where Kerry
beat them by 3-11 to 0-2 without their goalkeeper touching the ball.
In 1979 the Monaghan team won the Ulster
championship for the first time in 41 years with a defeat of Donegal
. In the final Monaghan Kieran Finlay scored 1-09, which was a record in an Ulster final for 20 years, until Armagh
's Oisin McConville bettered it with a 2-07 tally against Down
in 1999. The Dr McKenna Cup
was also won in 1979. Victories in the Ceannarus Tournament against Roscommon
and Dublin
in 1979 brought gloss to the county's finest year on the football field in almost half a century. In the All-Ireland final at Croke Park
Monaghan were again beaten by Kerry, 5-14 to 0-07.
In 1984 the Centenary Cup final was reached following wins over Limerick
, Mayo
, Offaly
(quarter final) and Derry
(semi-final after extra time) The Offaly
and Derry
games were played in Croke Park
as was the final against Meath
which Monaghan lost by 0-10 to 0-08. Monaghan also won Division 3 of the N.F.L. that year and lost to Meath
in the quarterfinal.
1985 was the county's most successful year to date when a National League final victory against Armagh
in 1985 created a momentum that peaked in 1985 when current Monaghan manager Eamonn McEneaney
kicked one of the most spectacular equalizing points in many years from 48 metres out near the sideline beside the Hogan stand to draw the thrilling All Ireland semi-final against Kerry
on a scoreline of Monaghan 2-09 to Kerry
s 1-12. Kerry
won the replay on a 2-09 to 0-10 score.
That National football league title of 1985 was won by Monaghan on a 1-11 to 0-09 score against pre-match favourites Armagh
. The game was effectively settled by an Eamon McEneaney penalty in the first half when referee John Gough from Antrim decided that an Armagh
defender had taken too many steps in his own penalty area. Armagh
got to within a point in the second half but a flurry of exceptional long range points from Bernie Murray, Eamon McEneaney and Ray McCarron brought the trophy to Monaghan for the first time ever.
The Ulster championship was also a stirring success. An easy first round victory over Donegal
in Castleblayney, marked by a spectacular Eamon Murphy goal, followed by a lucky draw against Armagh
in the semi final and one point victory in the replay saw Monaghan meed Derry
in the Ulster final. The first day against Armagh
, Monaghan relied on pure luck to survive for a draw, as Armagh
dominated the game from start to finish, doing everything but score. Paddy Linden saved a penalty, while and Armagh
player saw the line barely 30 seconds after coming onto the field as a substitute, following an apparent high tackle on Declan Flanagan. The replay was a better match but a late Armagh
goal had Monaghan concerned. However they won by 1-11 to 2-07.
In the Ulster final against Derry
Eamon McEneaney helped himself to 2-04 as Monaghan recorded and easy 2-09 to 0-08 win. As stated the drawn All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry
was a thriller but the absence of David Byrne through injury in the second half probably cost Monaghan victory. Eamon McEneaney's last gasp equaliser was something special but in the replay Kerry
were ruthless and despite serious Monaghan pressure the Kingdom won by 5 points. Monaghan's run that year was something special considering the fact that they were missing Declan Loughman, Gerry Hoey and Bernie Murray (all with broken legs). All three were prominent in the National Football League win over Armagh
while they would form the spine of the Ulster championship
winning side of 1988. It could be argued that with these three players on board, Monaghan could have won the All-Ireland in 1985. Certainly their absence robbed the team of vital strength in depth.
The 1986 league final was reached once more but this time the opposition was Laois
. Played in front of over 30,000 supporters the Laoismen edged out Monaghan by 2-06 to 2-05. Monaghan's championship run in 1986 consisted of a draw against Down
in Castleblayney thanks to a last gap Eamon McEneaney free while in the replay Down
emerged victors in Newcastle on a 2-11 to 0-11 score. A promising season was over before it had begun.
In 1987 the league semi-final was reached again where Monaghan and Kerry
played out a thrilling game at Croke Park
. A superb second half performance against the wind had Monaghan leading by a couple of points near the end but a Pat Spillane
goal and a late point by Mikey Sheehy saw the Kingdom win by 2-11 to 2-09. Monaghan's goals came from Mick O'Dowd and Hugo Clerkin. Disappointment followed in the Ulster championship with a shock 0-14 to 0-12 loss to Cavan
in Breffni Park
. The early promise of 1985 looked over as two successive seasons of flattering to deceive left the county in a state of gloom.
In 1988 the league semi-final was again reached but ended in a 4-12 to 1-08 drubbing from Dublin in Croke Park
. However a good league run prior to that had rescued a season where relegation to Division 2 of the National Football League looked a distinct possibility. A change in management during that league run also added to the merit of the achievement. The 1988 All Ireland semi-final against Cork was even less memorable. Monaghan were holding out against a gale force wind in the first half and were 0-08 to 0-01 behind at the break. Goalkeeper Paddy Linden had saved a penalty from Larry Tompkins. Two early second half points brought Monaghan to within 5 points. A highly controversial goal following an apparent foul on Monaghan's Brendan Murray rocked the Monaghan revival and Cork took over. Linden's display in that match was a significant factor in him being the first Ulster goalkeeper to receive an All-star award that year. As stated the game was decided when Cork scored a dubious goal and the All-Ireland dream died again. With that defeat, the successful team of the mid 80s started to break up.
However 1988 will be remembered for the Ulster title win over Tyrone
when a "Nudie" Hughes goal following a fumble by Tyrone
keeper Aidan Skelton saw Monaghan win by 1-10 to 0-11. An interesting facet of this particular game was that all Monaghan's scores came from play. Previous wins over Cavan
(0-16 to 0-14), again marked by a 5 star performance from Nudie Hughes and Down
(1-11 to 0-09) had brought Monaghan to the Ulster final.
In 1989 Monaghan scraped home with an 0-08 to 0-05 win against Antrim
in Casement Park
, Belfast
where the homesters literally kicked the game away. Down
ended Monaghan's run in Castleblayney
a few weeks later.
The 1990s and early part of the 2000s were lean years for the county. Notable wins in that period were championship successes over Donegal
in 1995 and defending All-Ireland champions Armagh
in 2003. The Dr McKenna Cup
was also won in 1995 against Derry
and in 2003 against Tyrone
.
Another noticeable effort was a dramatic second half display against Derry
in 1992, which saw a 9 point deficit hauled back to earn a draw. Wins were also recorded over Antrim
in 1990 and Cavan
in 1993 and 1994. After losses to Fermanagh
in 1999 and 2000, a win over them was recorded in 2001.
The National Football League
run of 1998 was also memorable for Monaghan when they surprisingly qualified from a "group of death" that included Tyrone
, Dublin
, Kerry
, Cavan
and Sligo
to qualify for the quarter-finals against Down
in Croke Park. Behind at one stage early in the second half by 1-05 to 0-02, the Down
goal scored by James Mc Cartan, a rousing rally with goals by Darren Swift and Stephen Mc Ginnitty and a spectacular individual point by Peter Duffy saw Monaghan cause a mild surprise with a 2-05 to 1-06 win. The semi final against Derry
was less memorable and defeat on a score of 1-12 to 0-08 was the result. The game had a bit of controversy too when a Mark Daly goal was disallowed and a Monaghan player was sent off. It set the tone for a niggly Ulster Senior Football Championship
meeting between both sides a few weeks later. Monaghan's Edwin Murphy was sent off on the advice of a linesman but video evidence subsequently cleared him. However it didn't stop Monaghan suffering a heavy defeat on the day to Derry
.
1999 was even less memorable at senior level, the big highlight being the county U-21 side winning the Ulster championship with a final success over Donegal
thanks to a last gasp super point from Kieran Tavey. The run ended with a 2-10 to 0-08 defeat to eventual champions Westmeath
in Croke Park
.
At minor level there was an upsurge in fortunes with the county U-18 team reaching the Ulster minor league finals in 2000 and 2002 losing to Tyrone
on both occasions by a point. The Ulster championship final was reached in 2001 for the first time in 18 years when a splendid effort fell short with a 2-13 to 0-13 defeat again to Tyrone
. A missed penalty late on when only 4 points separated the sides was a big blow, however on reflection it was Monaghan's misfortune to meet Tyrone
sides that would backbone their senior All-Ireland winning sides of 2003 and 2005. In 2001 the countys Vocational Schools team won the Ulster and All-Ireland championships.
2005 was another memorable year for the county when they contested the Division 2 National Football League final against Meath
at Croke Park
. However it took a last gasp point from Paul Finlay in the final league game against Longford
in Clones to earn a draw and automatic promotion to Division 1 for the first time in 18 years. The league semi final against Derry
in Clones was also a thriller from a Monaghan perspective. A goal within 15 seconds of the throw in by Tommy Freeman set Monaghan on their way and despite Rory Woods being sent off Monaghan held out for a 1-13 to 1-11 win.
The N.F.L. Division 2 final was a thrilling ding dong battle between two well match sides and was full of top drawer scores. It had the 40,000+ crowd on their feet from start to finish. Fortunes ebbed and flowed between both sides and in injury time Meath
looked like holding onto a 2 point victory. However a Paul Finlay free with the last kick of the game (sounds familiar) from 40 yards out was deflected into the Meath
net by a Meath
player and Monaghan edged out 3-13 to 3-12 winners. This game preceded the National Football League final which saw Armagh
overcome Wexford
to gain their first league title. This marked Monaghan's first visit to Croke Park
in 7 years, that resulting in a 1-12 to 0-08 N.F.L. league semi-final defeat to Derry
back in 1998.
Derry
gained revenge in the Ulster championship with a 1-17 to 2-08 win, but back door wins over London
, Wexford
and Louth
brought Monaghan to a last 12 meeting with eventual All-Ireland champions Tyrone
in Croke Park
. In a very entertaining game the tactic of isolating Tommy Freeman up front caused havoc for Tyrone in the first 25 minutes as they leaked 1-05, the goal a spectacular effort from Freeman. However a shrewd management move from Tyrone
resulted in a player being brought back to double mark Freeman and the Farney threat was quashed. On the day Monaghan had no plan "B" and Tyrone
took over. They ran out flattering 2-14 to 1-07 winners in the end, limiting Monaghan to a single point from a free in the second half. All the pre match hype surrounded the question as to whether or not Tyrone
s Ryan McMenamin would be playing having being suspended following an incident in the Ulster final. He missed the game but later returned for the quarter final against Dublin
. Freeman's exploits in the summer of 2005 brought him an All-star nomination and an "Irish News" Ulster All star award on the "40".
2006 saw Monaghan compete in Division 1A of the National football league but apart from a win over Dublin
and a draw with Offaly
, there was little else to celebrate despite battling displays against Kerry and Tyrone and relegation followed in the spring. The season ended in the championship qualifiers with a desperately poor display against Wexford
resulting in an 0-08 to 0-06 defeat. The Dr McKenna Cup
final was also reached early in the year but ended in a heavy defeat by Tyrone
. The Ulster championship started with a 0-10 to 0-10 draw against eventual Ulster champions Armagh in rain soaked Clones. Six days later Armagh emerged victorious on a 1-13 to 0-10 score, the main difference between the sides being that Armagh took their chances and Monaghan didn't. Two missed goal opportunities on the day proved costly. A 2-19 to 3-05 win over Wicklow in the qualifiers saw Monaghan meet Wexford in Clones in what was probably the worst game of 2006. The continuous rain and wet conditions didn't help but it was the performance of the referee that grabbed the headlines on the day. Wexford who had Matty Forde controversially on board following an incident against Offaly for which he would be subsequently suspended won out by 0-08 to 0-06 and thus Monaghan's year ended on a dismal note.
and home to Longford
and Carlow and away to Clare and away trips to London
and home to Offaly
and away to Leitrim were fashioned out of great work ethic and spirit and no little skill. The semi-final match is against Meath
. The Ulster Championship saw Monaghan play in the quarter final against the winners of Cavan
and Down
; who meet in the preliminary round. If successful there they would play the winners of Derry
and Antrim
in the semi-final. Having avoided the "big 2" namely Armagh
and Tyrone
, this was viewed as Monaghan's best chance of reaching an Ulster final for the first time in 19 years. However in recent seasons they had flattered to deceive and have disappointed their supporters when something big was expected from them. This was a big year for the Farney county. Monaghan reached the Dr McKenna Cup
semi-final where they suffered a heavy defeat to Tyrone
under floodlights in Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan
on February 13, 2007. They had initially qualified from Section A of the competition as runners up to Armagh
.
on June 24 was also another triumph for Monaghan as they easily defeated Derry
by 0-14 to 1-09. The scoreline doesn't in any reflect Monaghan's superiority on the day as they stuck to a rigid game plan and easily disposed of a fancied Derry side. The news that Paul Finlay wouldn't play any part due to illness proved no handicap to Monaghan and his replacement Rory Woods game a tigerish display on the "45" bringing much needed bulk and skill to trouble Derry's vaunted defence. The only disappointment on the day was the lack of credit given to the victors as the media seemed to concentrate solely on Derry's poor display when in fact credit should be given to Monaghan for playing them off the green carpet that was Casement Park.
The final set for July 15 in the home of Ulster football that is Clones
was between Monaghan and Tyrone
, ironically the same pairing as 1988 when Monaghan recorded their last Ulster Senior Football Championship
success and final appearance. Tyrone were favourites in everyone's eyes for this game but in the Oriel county there was an inner belief that their side could upset the formbook and win a title that seemed so unlikely in January 2007. Sales of Monaghan jerseys, flags and anything white and blue went through the roof as the county lit up in anticipation of a great day out. The question on everyone's lips was whether or not Paul Finlay would be cleared by the medical experts to play some part on a stage he was born to grace. He was awaiting results for a viral infection and up to the throw in no-one apart from the doctors treating him, the team management, players and Finlay's family was sure what the diagnosis was. Monaghan folk crossed their fingers in the hope this talented lad would get his chance to play in an Ulster senior football final- an arena he deserved to be part of. In the end Finlay started the match: a match which Tyrone
won by a scoreline of 1-15 to 1-13. However the scoreline doesn't tell the story of a cracking match which at one stage had Monaghan trailing by 8 points. A cracking goal by Philip Jordan after 6 minutes put Tyrone in the driving seat but slowly and surely Monaghan came back to trail by 1-08 to 0-07 at half time. Another strong Tyrone rally at the start of the second half put Tyrone on their way. Monaghan goaled in the 51st minute through Tommy Freeman and a succession of high balls on a beleaguered Tyrone defence saw Monaghan plunder the scores to leave just 3 points in it going into injury time. Monaghan had numerous chances to level the game but they had to settle for an injury time point from converted full back Vincent Corey whose switch from No. 3 to No 14 was the catalyst for the Farney fightback. Alas it was a case of too little too late and Tyrone edged out winners by 2 points.
and Croke Park was named as the venue as part of a triple header involving a minor hurling semi final involving Tipperary and Kilkenny and a senior hurling semi-final involving Waterford and Limerick.
The game was fixed for August 12, 2007, almost 22 years to the day that Eamon Mc Eneaney earned his place in Monaghan folklore for a massive equalising point against the same opposition who were as now defending all-Ireland champions. Monaghan were raging outsiders against the Kingdom where the defending champions were odds on to stroll to a semi final against Dublin. Monaghan started on fire with points from Rory Woods and Tommy Freeman. A 7th minute penalty was awarded to Monaghan when Ciáran Hanratty was dragged down whilst bearing in on the Kerry goals. Tommy Freeman coolly stuck the ball away to give Monaghan a commanding lead in front of 80,000 spellbound spectators. However Kerry fought back to parity at the interval on a 0-08 to 1-05 score.
The second half was a thrilling affair and despite the concession of a slack goal Monaghan led by 2 points entering the final 8 minutes. However a combination of panic and inexperience both on the field and on the line told as Kerry fought back to level terms and go a point in front with a minute left. Monaghan strived might and main for an equalising point but a series of missed passes and downright hard luck proved to be their downfall. It ended in heartbreak on a score of Kerry 1-12, Monaghan 1-11.
A standing ovation was given by the Monaghan supporters to a team that in the words of their manager had left everything they had on the pitch. They gave their all but just came up short. That ended Monaghan's run of 2007 but in terms of the previous 2 decades what a run it was. The county was buzzing again, everywhere was a sea of blue and white and people were proud of their team once more.
Afterwards manager Séamus McEnaney
vowed they would be back again in 2008 and as a unit all Monaghan folk hoped they would be, especially team coach/trainer Martin Mc Elkennon, who brought this group from a bunch of also-rans to a team of great potential. On reflection this game was one that got away as it was there for the taking. The only plus was that it meant we were good enough to have beaten anyone in Ireland but Kerry. It also showed this group of players that they could indeed compete with the best.
Kerry though went back home to the south to prepare for a semi-final meeting with Dublin on August 26 which they duly won by 1-15 to 0-16 to qualify for the final against Munster rivals Cork. This turned out to be a complete mismatch as the Kingdom crushed a very weak Rebel side without ever slipping into top gear.
The eventual champions were quoted many times in the immediate aftermath that their joust with Monaghan had brought them on in leaps and bounds and steeled them sufficiently for the tests against Dublin and Cork. For Monaghan it was a case of a lot done and more to do. Martin Mc Elkennon had the team in superb shape, a fact that received comments from throughout the country. Hopes were high that he would stay on board for 2008 as he was the key to success.
The hopes of the county were realised when Mc Eneaney, Mc Elkennon and Trappe decided to stay on board for 2008 and this was ratified by the county committee in September 2007. The only retiree was kit man Michael Mc Kenna who stepped down for work reasons. A big miss to a solid team. Mc Eneaney promised to freshen things up and raise the bar again for 2008, a year that Monaghan fans are looking forward to with relish. The year finished with Monaghan being awarded 7 Irish News Ulster GAA all-stars but more significantly a Vodafone All-star award for Thomas Freeman at right corner forward. As well as that he was chosen as the Irish News and Ulster GAA writers Ulster gaelic football player of the year. Manager Seamus Mc Eneaney picked up the Ulster GAA writers personality of the year award as well to end 2007 on a high note.
Monaghan team v down Allianz football league division 1
1 Mark Keogh
2 Kieran Duffy
3 Vincent Corey
4 Colin Walshe
5 Neil McAdam
6 Dessie Mone
7 David Hughes
8 Dick Clerkin
9 Owen Lennon
10 Christopher Mcguinness
11 Mark Downey
12 James Turley
13 Tomás Freeman
14 Paul Finlay
15 Conor McManus
and Fermanagh
respectively. They played Armagh
in the final on April 14 and after a good showing they lost out to a late Armagh
resurgence on a 1-16 to 1-09 score. The 7 point victory flattered the winners on the day as Monaghan were level with minutes to go.
3 (1979,1985,1988)
county board in Monaghan in 1933. Anne Sherry from Ballybay was a high scoring forward on the UCD Ashbourne Cup winning team in 1961.
Monaghan won the Máire Ní Chinnéide Cup in 2010 and 2011 having unsuccessfully contested the finals of 2006 and 2007. Mary Lynch
served as president of the Camogie Association
). Bernie Byrne refereed the All Ireland senior finals of 1966.
Under Camogie’s National Development Plan 2010-2015, “Our Game, Our Passion,” Donegal, Kerry, Mayo and Monaghan are to get a total of 14 new clubs by 2015.
Gaelic Athletic Association
The Gaelic Athletic Association is an amateur Irish and international cultural and sporting organisation focused primarily on promoting Gaelic games, which include the traditional Irish sports of hurling, camogie, Gaelic football, handball and rounders...
(GAA) or Monaghan GAA is one of the 32 county boards
GAA county
A Gaelic Athletic Association county is a geographic region within the Gaelic Athletic Association , controlled by a county board and originally based on the counties of Ireland as they were in 1884. While the counties of Ireland have changed since the foundation of that date, the GAA counties have...
of the GAA in Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
, and is responsible for Gaelic games
Gaelic games
Gaelic games are sports played in Ireland under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The two main games are Gaelic football and hurling...
in County Monaghan
County Monaghan
County Monaghan is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Border Region and is also located in the province of Ulster. It is named after the town of Monaghan. Monaghan County Council is the local authority for the county...
and the Monaghan inter-county football
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
and hurling
Hurling
Hurling is an outdoor team game of ancient Gaelic origin, administered by the Gaelic Athletic Association, and played with sticks called hurleys and a ball called a sliotar. Hurling is the national game of Ireland. The game has prehistoric origins, has been played for at least 3,000 years, and...
teams. Separate county boards
GAA county
A Gaelic Athletic Association county is a geographic region within the Gaelic Athletic Association , controlled by a county board and originally based on the counties of Ireland as they were in 1884. While the counties of Ireland have changed since the foundation of that date, the GAA counties have...
are responsible for the camogie
Camogie
Camogie is an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women; it is almost identical to the game of hurling played by men. Camogie is played by 100,000 women in Ireland and world wide, largely among Irish communities....
and ladies football teams. The current manager of the football team is Eamonn McEneaney
Eamonn McEneaney
Eamonn McEneaney is a retired Irish Gaelic Football player and current manager of the Monaghan Senior Football Team.He took over as manager in October 2010 from Seamus McEnaney who confirmed that he would not allow his name go forward for the role which he had held for the previous six years...
who was appointed in October 2010.
History
Gaelic football was recorded in Inniskeen in 1806 in a poem. Monaghan were prominent in Ulster championship competitions during the period 1914-30 and one of the first Ulster counties to contest an All Ireland final.Gaelic football
In 1930 Monaghan beat KildareKildare GAA
For more information see Kildare Senior Club Football Championship or Kildare Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Kildare County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Kildare GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kildare...
in a semi-final to reach the All-Ireland final, where Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
beat them by 3-11 to 0-2 without their goalkeeper touching the ball.
In 1979 the Monaghan team won the Ulster
Ulster
Ulster is one of the four provinces of Ireland, located in the north of the island. In ancient Ireland, it was one of the fifths ruled by a "king of over-kings" . Following the Norman invasion of Ireland, the ancient kingdoms were shired into a number of counties for administrative and judicial...
championship for the first time in 41 years with a defeat of Donegal
Donegal GAA
The Donegal County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Donegal GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Donegal. The county board is also responsible for the Donegal inter-county teams.Gaelic football is strongest in the...
. In the final Monaghan Kieran Finlay scored 1-09, which was a record in an Ulster final for 20 years, until Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
's Oisin McConville bettered it with a 2-07 tally against Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
in 1999. The Dr McKenna Cup
Dr McKenna Cup
The Dr McKenna cup is a gaelic football competition played between counties and universities in the province of Ulster. It is the secondary gaelic football competition based in Ulster behind the Ulster Senior Football Championship, and the fourth most important inter-county competition in which...
was also won in 1979. Victories in the Ceannarus Tournament against Roscommon
Roscommon GAA
For more details of Roscommon GAA see Roscommon Senior Club Football Championship or Roscommon Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Roscommon County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Roscommon GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games...
and Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
in 1979 brought gloss to the county's finest year on the football field in almost half a century. In the All-Ireland final at Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
Monaghan were again beaten by Kerry, 5-14 to 0-07.
In 1984 the Centenary Cup final was reached following wins over Limerick
Limerick GAA
The Limerick County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Limerick GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Limerick...
, Mayo
Mayo GAA
The Mayo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Mayo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Mayo and the Mayo inter-county teams.-History:...
, Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
(quarter final) and Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
(semi-final after extra time) The Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
and Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
games were played in Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
as was the final against Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
which Monaghan lost by 0-10 to 0-08. Monaghan also won Division 3 of the N.F.L. that year and lost to Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
in the quarterfinal.
1985 was the county's most successful year to date when a National League final victory against Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
in 1985 created a momentum that peaked in 1985 when current Monaghan manager Eamonn McEneaney
Eamonn McEneaney
Eamonn McEneaney is a retired Irish Gaelic Football player and current manager of the Monaghan Senior Football Team.He took over as manager in October 2010 from Seamus McEnaney who confirmed that he would not allow his name go forward for the role which he had held for the previous six years...
kicked one of the most spectacular equalizing points in many years from 48 metres out near the sideline beside the Hogan stand to draw the thrilling All Ireland semi-final against Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
on a scoreline of Monaghan 2-09 to Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
s 1-12. Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
won the replay on a 2-09 to 0-10 score.
That National football league title of 1985 was won by Monaghan on a 1-11 to 0-09 score against pre-match favourites Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
. The game was effectively settled by an Eamon McEneaney penalty in the first half when referee John Gough from Antrim decided that an Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
defender had taken too many steps in his own penalty area. Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
got to within a point in the second half but a flurry of exceptional long range points from Bernie Murray, Eamon McEneaney and Ray McCarron brought the trophy to Monaghan for the first time ever.
The Ulster championship was also a stirring success. An easy first round victory over Donegal
Donegal GAA
The Donegal County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Donegal GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Donegal. The county board is also responsible for the Donegal inter-county teams.Gaelic football is strongest in the...
in Castleblayney, marked by a spectacular Eamon Murphy goal, followed by a lucky draw against Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
in the semi final and one point victory in the replay saw Monaghan meed Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
in the Ulster final. The first day against Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
, Monaghan relied on pure luck to survive for a draw, as Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
dominated the game from start to finish, doing everything but score. Paddy Linden saved a penalty, while and Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
player saw the line barely 30 seconds after coming onto the field as a substitute, following an apparent high tackle on Declan Flanagan. The replay was a better match but a late Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
goal had Monaghan concerned. However they won by 1-11 to 2-07.
In the Ulster final against Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
Eamon McEneaney helped himself to 2-04 as Monaghan recorded and easy 2-09 to 0-08 win. As stated the drawn All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
was a thriller but the absence of David Byrne through injury in the second half probably cost Monaghan victory. Eamon McEneaney's last gasp equaliser was something special but in the replay Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
were ruthless and despite serious Monaghan pressure the Kingdom won by 5 points. Monaghan's run that year was something special considering the fact that they were missing Declan Loughman, Gerry Hoey and Bernie Murray (all with broken legs). All three were prominent in the National Football League win over Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
while they would form the spine of the Ulster championship
Ulster Senior Football Championship
For information on this years competition, see Ulster Senior Football Championship 2011-2010 Draw:-2009 Draw:-2008 Draw:-Top winners:* All-Ireland winning years in bold.-Roll of honour:Notes:* 1907 No final result in records...
winning side of 1988. It could be argued that with these three players on board, Monaghan could have won the All-Ireland in 1985. Certainly their absence robbed the team of vital strength in depth.
The 1986 league final was reached once more but this time the opposition was Laois
Laois GAA
The Laois County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Laois GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Laois and the Laois inter-county teams.-History:...
. Played in front of over 30,000 supporters the Laoismen edged out Monaghan by 2-06 to 2-05. Monaghan's championship run in 1986 consisted of a draw against Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
in Castleblayney thanks to a last gap Eamon McEneaney free while in the replay Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
emerged victors in Newcastle on a 2-11 to 0-11 score. A promising season was over before it had begun.
In 1987 the league semi-final was reached again where Monaghan and Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
played out a thrilling game at Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
. A superb second half performance against the wind had Monaghan leading by a couple of points near the end but a Pat Spillane
Pat Spillane
Patrick Gerard Spillane , better known as Pat Spillane, is a retired Gaelic footballer and well known Irish sports pundit. He played Gaelic football with his local club Templenoe and was a member of the Kerry senior inter-county team from 1975 until 1991...
goal and a late point by Mikey Sheehy saw the Kingdom win by 2-11 to 2-09. Monaghan's goals came from Mick O'Dowd and Hugo Clerkin. Disappointment followed in the Ulster championship with a shock 0-14 to 0-12 loss to Cavan
Cavan GAA
The Cavan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Cavan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Cavan...
in Breffni Park
Breffni Park
Breffni Park—known for sponsorship reasons as the Kingspan Breffni Park— is a Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Cavan, Ireland. It is the home of the Cavan Gaelic football team. The ground has an overall capacity of about 32,000 with a 6,000 seated capacity. Breffni is the historic...
. The early promise of 1985 looked over as two successive seasons of flattering to deceive left the county in a state of gloom.
In 1988 the league semi-final was again reached but ended in a 4-12 to 1-08 drubbing from Dublin in Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
. However a good league run prior to that had rescued a season where relegation to Division 2 of the National Football League looked a distinct possibility. A change in management during that league run also added to the merit of the achievement. The 1988 All Ireland semi-final against Cork was even less memorable. Monaghan were holding out against a gale force wind in the first half and were 0-08 to 0-01 behind at the break. Goalkeeper Paddy Linden had saved a penalty from Larry Tompkins. Two early second half points brought Monaghan to within 5 points. A highly controversial goal following an apparent foul on Monaghan's Brendan Murray rocked the Monaghan revival and Cork took over. Linden's display in that match was a significant factor in him being the first Ulster goalkeeper to receive an All-star award that year. As stated the game was decided when Cork scored a dubious goal and the All-Ireland dream died again. With that defeat, the successful team of the mid 80s started to break up.
However 1988 will be remembered for the Ulster title win over Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
when a "Nudie" Hughes goal following a fumble by Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
keeper Aidan Skelton saw Monaghan win by 1-10 to 0-11. An interesting facet of this particular game was that all Monaghan's scores came from play. Previous wins over Cavan
Cavan GAA
The Cavan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Cavan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Cavan...
(0-16 to 0-14), again marked by a 5 star performance from Nudie Hughes and Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
(1-11 to 0-09) had brought Monaghan to the Ulster final.
In 1989 Monaghan scraped home with an 0-08 to 0-05 win against Antrim
Antrim GAA
The Antrim County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Antrim GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Antrim. The county board is also responsible for the Antrim inter-county teams...
in Casement Park
Casement Park
Casement Park is the principal Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland, home to the Antrim football and hurling teams...
, Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
where the homesters literally kicked the game away. Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
ended Monaghan's run in Castleblayney
Castleblayney
Castleblayney or Castleblaney is a town in County Monaghan, Ireland. The town has a population of about 3,000.Castleblayney lies near the border with County Armagh and is on the N2 road from Dublin to Derry...
a few weeks later.
The 1990s and early part of the 2000s were lean years for the county. Notable wins in that period were championship successes over Donegal
Donegal GAA
The Donegal County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Donegal GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Donegal. The county board is also responsible for the Donegal inter-county teams.Gaelic football is strongest in the...
in 1995 and defending All-Ireland champions Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
in 2003. The Dr McKenna Cup
Dr McKenna Cup
The Dr McKenna cup is a gaelic football competition played between counties and universities in the province of Ulster. It is the secondary gaelic football competition based in Ulster behind the Ulster Senior Football Championship, and the fourth most important inter-county competition in which...
was also won in 1995 against Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
and in 2003 against Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
.
Another noticeable effort was a dramatic second half display against Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
in 1992, which saw a 9 point deficit hauled back to earn a draw. Wins were also recorded over Antrim
Antrim GAA
The Antrim County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Antrim GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Antrim. The county board is also responsible for the Antrim inter-county teams...
in 1990 and Cavan
Cavan GAA
The Cavan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Cavan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Cavan...
in 1993 and 1994. After losses to Fermanagh
Fermanagh GAA
The Fermanagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Fermanagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. The county board is also responsible for the Fermanagh inter-county teams-History:...
in 1999 and 2000, a win over them was recorded in 2001.
The National Football League
National Football League (Ireland)
The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
run of 1998 was also memorable for Monaghan when they surprisingly qualified from a "group of death" that included Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
, Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
, Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
, Cavan
Cavan GAA
The Cavan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Cavan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Cavan...
and Sligo
Sligo GAA
The Sligo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Sligo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Sligo...
to qualify for the quarter-finals against Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
in Croke Park. Behind at one stage early in the second half by 1-05 to 0-02, the Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
goal scored by James Mc Cartan, a rousing rally with goals by Darren Swift and Stephen Mc Ginnitty and a spectacular individual point by Peter Duffy saw Monaghan cause a mild surprise with a 2-05 to 1-06 win. The semi final against Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
was less memorable and defeat on a score of 1-12 to 0-08 was the result. The game had a bit of controversy too when a Mark Daly goal was disallowed and a Monaghan player was sent off. It set the tone for a niggly Ulster Senior Football Championship
Ulster Senior Football Championship
For information on this years competition, see Ulster Senior Football Championship 2011-2010 Draw:-2009 Draw:-2008 Draw:-Top winners:* All-Ireland winning years in bold.-Roll of honour:Notes:* 1907 No final result in records...
meeting between both sides a few weeks later. Monaghan's Edwin Murphy was sent off on the advice of a linesman but video evidence subsequently cleared him. However it didn't stop Monaghan suffering a heavy defeat on the day to Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
.
1999 was even less memorable at senior level, the big highlight being the county U-21 side winning the Ulster championship with a final success over Donegal
Donegal GAA
The Donegal County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Donegal GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Donegal. The county board is also responsible for the Donegal inter-county teams.Gaelic football is strongest in the...
thanks to a last gasp super point from Kieran Tavey. The run ended with a 2-10 to 0-08 defeat to eventual champions Westmeath
Westmeath GAA
The Westmeath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Westmeath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Westmeath...
in Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
.
At minor level there was an upsurge in fortunes with the county U-18 team reaching the Ulster minor league finals in 2000 and 2002 losing to Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
on both occasions by a point. The Ulster championship final was reached in 2001 for the first time in 18 years when a splendid effort fell short with a 2-13 to 0-13 defeat again to Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
. A missed penalty late on when only 4 points separated the sides was a big blow, however on reflection it was Monaghan's misfortune to meet Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
sides that would backbone their senior All-Ireland winning sides of 2003 and 2005. In 2001 the countys Vocational Schools team won the Ulster and All-Ireland championships.
2005 was another memorable year for the county when they contested the Division 2 National Football League final against Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
at Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
. However it took a last gasp point from Paul Finlay in the final league game against Longford
Longford GAA
The Longford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Longford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Longford...
in Clones to earn a draw and automatic promotion to Division 1 for the first time in 18 years. The league semi final against Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
in Clones was also a thriller from a Monaghan perspective. A goal within 15 seconds of the throw in by Tommy Freeman set Monaghan on their way and despite Rory Woods being sent off Monaghan held out for a 1-13 to 1-11 win.
The N.F.L. Division 2 final was a thrilling ding dong battle between two well match sides and was full of top drawer scores. It had the 40,000+ crowd on their feet from start to finish. Fortunes ebbed and flowed between both sides and in injury time Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
looked like holding onto a 2 point victory. However a Paul Finlay free with the last kick of the game (sounds familiar) from 40 yards out was deflected into the Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
net by a Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
player and Monaghan edged out 3-13 to 3-12 winners. This game preceded the National Football League final which saw Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
overcome Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
to gain their first league title. This marked Monaghan's first visit to Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
in 7 years, that resulting in a 1-12 to 0-08 N.F.L. league semi-final defeat to Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
back in 1998.
Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
gained revenge in the Ulster championship with a 1-17 to 2-08 win, but back door wins over London
London GAA
The London County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or London GAA is one of the county boards outside Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in London...
, Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
and Louth
Louth GAA
The Louth County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Louth GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Louth. The county board is also responsible for the Louth inter-county teams....
brought Monaghan to a last 12 meeting with eventual All-Ireland champions Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
in Croke Park
Croke Park
Croke Park in Dublin is the principal stadium and headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association , Ireland's biggest sporting organisation...
. In a very entertaining game the tactic of isolating Tommy Freeman up front caused havoc for Tyrone in the first 25 minutes as they leaked 1-05, the goal a spectacular effort from Freeman. However a shrewd management move from Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
resulted in a player being brought back to double mark Freeman and the Farney threat was quashed. On the day Monaghan had no plan "B" and Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
took over. They ran out flattering 2-14 to 1-07 winners in the end, limiting Monaghan to a single point from a free in the second half. All the pre match hype surrounded the question as to whether or not Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
s Ryan McMenamin would be playing having being suspended following an incident in the Ulster final. He missed the game but later returned for the quarter final against Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
. Freeman's exploits in the summer of 2005 brought him an All-star nomination and an "Irish News" Ulster All star award on the "40".
2006 saw Monaghan compete in Division 1A of the National football league but apart from a win over Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
and a draw with Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
, there was little else to celebrate despite battling displays against Kerry and Tyrone and relegation followed in the spring. The season ended in the championship qualifiers with a desperately poor display against Wexford
Wexford GAA
The Wexford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Wexford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Wexford. The county board is also responsible for the Wexford inter-county teams.-History:Hurling has been played in...
resulting in an 0-08 to 0-06 defeat. The Dr McKenna Cup
Dr McKenna Cup
The Dr McKenna cup is a gaelic football competition played between counties and universities in the province of Ulster. It is the secondary gaelic football competition based in Ulster behind the Ulster Senior Football Championship, and the fourth most important inter-county competition in which...
final was also reached early in the year but ended in a heavy defeat by Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
. The Ulster championship started with a 0-10 to 0-10 draw against eventual Ulster champions Armagh in rain soaked Clones. Six days later Armagh emerged victorious on a 1-13 to 0-10 score, the main difference between the sides being that Armagh took their chances and Monaghan didn't. Two missed goal opportunities on the day proved costly. A 2-19 to 3-05 win over Wicklow in the qualifiers saw Monaghan meet Wexford in Clones in what was probably the worst game of 2006. The continuous rain and wet conditions didn't help but it was the performance of the referee that grabbed the headlines on the day. Wexford who had Matty Forde controversially on board following an incident against Offaly for which he would be subsequently suspended won out by 0-08 to 0-06 and thus Monaghan's year ended on a dismal note.
2007
2007 saw Monaghan compete in Division 2A of the National football league. A backroom clean out of trainers and selectors didn't augur well but the introduction of Tyrone native Martin Mc Elkennon to the Oriel set up proved to be a master stroke by Seamus Mc Eneaney for the year ahead. A straight run of seven successive victories in matches away to RoscommonRoscommon GAA
For more details of Roscommon GAA see Roscommon Senior Club Football Championship or Roscommon Senior Club Hurling Championship.The Roscommon County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Roscommon GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games...
and home to Longford
Longford GAA
The Longford County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Longford GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Longford...
and Carlow and away to Clare and away trips to London
London GAA
The London County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or London GAA is one of the county boards outside Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in London...
and home to Offaly
Offaly GAA
The Offaly County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Offaly GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Offaly...
and away to Leitrim were fashioned out of great work ethic and spirit and no little skill. The semi-final match is against Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
. The Ulster Championship saw Monaghan play in the quarter final against the winners of Cavan
Cavan GAA
The Cavan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Cavan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Cavan...
and Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
; who meet in the preliminary round. If successful there they would play the winners of Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
and Antrim
Antrim GAA
The Antrim County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Antrim GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Antrim. The county board is also responsible for the Antrim inter-county teams...
in the semi-final. Having avoided the "big 2" namely Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
and Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
, this was viewed as Monaghan's best chance of reaching an Ulster final for the first time in 19 years. However in recent seasons they had flattered to deceive and have disappointed their supporters when something big was expected from them. This was a big year for the Farney county. Monaghan reached the Dr McKenna Cup
Dr McKenna Cup
The Dr McKenna cup is a gaelic football competition played between counties and universities in the province of Ulster. It is the secondary gaelic football competition based in Ulster behind the Ulster Senior Football Championship, and the fourth most important inter-county competition in which...
semi-final where they suffered a heavy defeat to Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
under floodlights in Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan
Cavan
Cavan is the county town of County Cavan in the Republic of Ireland. The town lies in the north central part of Ireland, near the border with Northern Ireland...
on February 13, 2007. They had initially qualified from Section A of the competition as runners up to Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
.
N.F.L. Div 2A
Monaghan enjoyed a fantastic run in the National football league, winning all their 7 games. The platforms for both successes against Roscommon, Longford and Carlow were excellent first half displays where big scoring returns were racked up. The second half display against Clare was probably the best of the season so far. Next up was an away trip to London which Monaghan easily won by 0-16 to 1-05. The game against Offaly in the penultimate round in Clones could well be called the defining match in the group. As it turned out it was and a last gasp Paul Meegan point in injury time was enough to give Monaghan a 0-13 to 0-12 win, guaranteeing them a semi final place as table toppers and an all important position in the revamped Division 2 in 2008. This was achieved with a game in hand against Leitrim which was scheduled for April 15 and won by Monaghan on a 1-14 to 2-10 score. The league semi-final against Meath was played in Croke Park and it was a disaster for the Farney men as two early Meath goals gave them a cushion that they built a winning platform on. Despite the early concession of 2 goals within the first 3 minutes Monaghan dominated and could have been in front at half time but instead went in 2-04 to 0-05 in arrears. The concession of a third goal early in the second half settled matters and despite a late Monaghan rally Meath emerged winners on a 3-10 to 0-12 score. This game asked more questions than it answered and it was obvious from this game that Monaghan's full back line and team in general needed a major overhaul prior to the Ulster championship meeting against Down in Newry on June 10.Ulster Championship 2007
Pairc Esler in Newry was the venue for Monaghan's first game of the Ulster championship where they faced a Down team who had disposed of Cavan in the preliminary round after a replay. This was the day Ciarán Hanratty announced his arrival on the county stage with a 2 goal salvo which inspired Monaghan to a 2-15 to 1-15 success. The defence had tightened up considerably and a couple of late fantastic points by Paul "Jap" Finlay near the end were other highlights in a resolute display in front of 17,000 vocal onlookers. The semi final against Derry in Casement ParkCasement Park
Casement Park is the principal Gaelic Athletic Association stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland, home to the Antrim football and hurling teams...
on June 24 was also another triumph for Monaghan as they easily defeated Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
by 0-14 to 1-09. The scoreline doesn't in any reflect Monaghan's superiority on the day as they stuck to a rigid game plan and easily disposed of a fancied Derry side. The news that Paul Finlay wouldn't play any part due to illness proved no handicap to Monaghan and his replacement Rory Woods game a tigerish display on the "45" bringing much needed bulk and skill to trouble Derry's vaunted defence. The only disappointment on the day was the lack of credit given to the victors as the media seemed to concentrate solely on Derry's poor display when in fact credit should be given to Monaghan for playing them off the green carpet that was Casement Park.
The final set for July 15 in the home of Ulster football that is Clones
Clones
Clones is a small town in western County Monaghan, in the 'border area' of the Republic of Ireland. The area is part of the Border Region, earmarked for economic development by the Irish Government due to its currently below-average economic situation...
was between Monaghan and Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
, ironically the same pairing as 1988 when Monaghan recorded their last Ulster Senior Football Championship
Ulster Senior Football Championship
For information on this years competition, see Ulster Senior Football Championship 2011-2010 Draw:-2009 Draw:-2008 Draw:-Top winners:* All-Ireland winning years in bold.-Roll of honour:Notes:* 1907 No final result in records...
success and final appearance. Tyrone were favourites in everyone's eyes for this game but in the Oriel county there was an inner belief that their side could upset the formbook and win a title that seemed so unlikely in January 2007. Sales of Monaghan jerseys, flags and anything white and blue went through the roof as the county lit up in anticipation of a great day out. The question on everyone's lips was whether or not Paul Finlay would be cleared by the medical experts to play some part on a stage he was born to grace. He was awaiting results for a viral infection and up to the throw in no-one apart from the doctors treating him, the team management, players and Finlay's family was sure what the diagnosis was. Monaghan folk crossed their fingers in the hope this talented lad would get his chance to play in an Ulster senior football final- an arena he deserved to be part of. In the end Finlay started the match: a match which Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
won by a scoreline of 1-15 to 1-13. However the scoreline doesn't tell the story of a cracking match which at one stage had Monaghan trailing by 8 points. A cracking goal by Philip Jordan after 6 minutes put Tyrone in the driving seat but slowly and surely Monaghan came back to trail by 1-08 to 0-07 at half time. Another strong Tyrone rally at the start of the second half put Tyrone on their way. Monaghan goaled in the 51st minute through Tommy Freeman and a succession of high balls on a beleaguered Tyrone defence saw Monaghan plunder the scores to leave just 3 points in it going into injury time. Monaghan had numerous chances to level the game but they had to settle for an injury time point from converted full back Vincent Corey whose switch from No. 3 to No 14 was the catalyst for the Farney fightback. Alas it was a case of too little too late and Tyrone edged out winners by 2 points.
All-Ireland Qualifiers
It was the qualifiers next and Monaghan were drawn against Donegal in Healy Park in Omagh. This was probably Monaghan's finest display of the year as they humiliated the National League Division One champions by 8 points in a game they dominated from start to finish. Superb displays by Dessie Mone, Eoin Lennon, Tommy Freeman and man of the match Vincent Corey were chief factors in a 2-12 to 1-07 win which saw the Donegal manager retire afterwards but in August 2007 it appeared as if he may rescind that decision according to newspaper reports. Donegal on the night had simply no answer to Monaghan's power, passion, poise and frightening will to win as the Tír Chonnail men reverted to type and fell away long before the end.All-Ireland Quarter Final
The quarter final draws were made as Monaghan entered this arena for the first time since the qualifiers were started. They were drawn against KerryKerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
and Croke Park was named as the venue as part of a triple header involving a minor hurling semi final involving Tipperary and Kilkenny and a senior hurling semi-final involving Waterford and Limerick.
The game was fixed for August 12, 2007, almost 22 years to the day that Eamon Mc Eneaney earned his place in Monaghan folklore for a massive equalising point against the same opposition who were as now defending all-Ireland champions. Monaghan were raging outsiders against the Kingdom where the defending champions were odds on to stroll to a semi final against Dublin. Monaghan started on fire with points from Rory Woods and Tommy Freeman. A 7th minute penalty was awarded to Monaghan when Ciáran Hanratty was dragged down whilst bearing in on the Kerry goals. Tommy Freeman coolly stuck the ball away to give Monaghan a commanding lead in front of 80,000 spellbound spectators. However Kerry fought back to parity at the interval on a 0-08 to 1-05 score.
The second half was a thrilling affair and despite the concession of a slack goal Monaghan led by 2 points entering the final 8 minutes. However a combination of panic and inexperience both on the field and on the line told as Kerry fought back to level terms and go a point in front with a minute left. Monaghan strived might and main for an equalising point but a series of missed passes and downright hard luck proved to be their downfall. It ended in heartbreak on a score of Kerry 1-12, Monaghan 1-11.
A standing ovation was given by the Monaghan supporters to a team that in the words of their manager had left everything they had on the pitch. They gave their all but just came up short. That ended Monaghan's run of 2007 but in terms of the previous 2 decades what a run it was. The county was buzzing again, everywhere was a sea of blue and white and people were proud of their team once more.
Afterwards manager Séamus McEnaney
Séamus McEnaney
Séamus McEnaney is Gaelic football manager and the current manager of the Meath senior football team. He previously managed the Monaghan Senior Gaelic football team from 2004 until 2010. He was appointed as Meath manager in November 2010.-References:...
vowed they would be back again in 2008 and as a unit all Monaghan folk hoped they would be, especially team coach/trainer Martin Mc Elkennon, who brought this group from a bunch of also-rans to a team of great potential. On reflection this game was one that got away as it was there for the taking. The only plus was that it meant we were good enough to have beaten anyone in Ireland but Kerry. It also showed this group of players that they could indeed compete with the best.
Kerry though went back home to the south to prepare for a semi-final meeting with Dublin on August 26 which they duly won by 1-15 to 0-16 to qualify for the final against Munster rivals Cork. This turned out to be a complete mismatch as the Kingdom crushed a very weak Rebel side without ever slipping into top gear.
The eventual champions were quoted many times in the immediate aftermath that their joust with Monaghan had brought them on in leaps and bounds and steeled them sufficiently for the tests against Dublin and Cork. For Monaghan it was a case of a lot done and more to do. Martin Mc Elkennon had the team in superb shape, a fact that received comments from throughout the country. Hopes were high that he would stay on board for 2008 as he was the key to success.
The hopes of the county were realised when Mc Eneaney, Mc Elkennon and Trappe decided to stay on board for 2008 and this was ratified by the county committee in September 2007. The only retiree was kit man Michael Mc Kenna who stepped down for work reasons. A big miss to a solid team. Mc Eneaney promised to freshen things up and raise the bar again for 2008, a year that Monaghan fans are looking forward to with relish. The year finished with Monaghan being awarded 7 Irish News Ulster GAA all-stars but more significantly a Vodafone All-star award for Thomas Freeman at right corner forward. As well as that he was chosen as the Irish News and Ulster GAA writers Ulster gaelic football player of the year. Manager Seamus Mc Eneaney picked up the Ulster GAA writers personality of the year award as well to end 2007 on a high note.
Monaghan team v down Allianz football league division 1
1 Mark Keogh
2 Kieran Duffy
3 Vincent Corey
4 Colin Walshe
5 Neil McAdam
6 Dessie Mone
7 David Hughes
8 Dick Clerkin
9 Owen Lennon
10 Christopher Mcguinness
11 Mark Downey
12 James Turley
13 Tomás Freeman
14 Paul Finlay
15 Conor McManus
Under 21's
The under 21 side also managed by the senior team management reached the Ulster final following emphatic wins against CavanCavan GAA
The Cavan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Cavan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Cavan...
and Fermanagh
Fermanagh GAA
The Fermanagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Fermanagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. The county board is also responsible for the Fermanagh inter-county teams-History:...
respectively. They played Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
in the final on April 14 and after a good showing they lost out to a late Armagh
Armagh GAA
The Armagh County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Armagh GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Armagh...
resurgence on a 1-16 to 1-09 score. The 7 point victory flattered the winners on the day as Monaghan were level with minutes to go.
Honours
- All-Ireland Vocational Schools ChampionshipAll-Ireland Vocational Schools ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Vocational Schools Championship is a Gaelic Athletic Association football and hurling competition. There are two levels of competition. Individual schools compete for county, provincial and All-Ireland competitions...
s:2- 2001, 2009
- All-Ireland Junior Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Junior Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Junior Football Championship is a Gaelic Athletic Association competition for junior gaelic football inter-county teams in Ireland. The definition of what constitutes a junior player differs from county to county. In some, the junior team is the second team after the senior team...
s: 1- 1956
- National Football LeagueNational Football League (Ireland)The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
Division 1: 1- 1985
- National Football LeagueNational Football League (Ireland)The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
Division 2: 1- 2005
- Ulster Senior Football ChampionshipUlster Senior Football ChampionshipFor information on this years competition, see Ulster Senior Football Championship 2011-2010 Draw:-2009 Draw:-2008 Draw:-Top winners:* All-Ireland winning years in bold.-Roll of honour:Notes:* 1907 No final result in records...
s: 14- 1888, 1906, 1914, 1916, 1917, 1921, 1922, 1927, 1929, 1930, 1938,1979, 1985, 1988
- All-Ireland Junior "B": 1
- 1998
- Ulster Under-21 Football ChampionshipUlster Under-21 Football ChampionshipFor the Senior equivalent see: Ulster Senior Football ChampionshipThe Ulster Under-21 Football Championship known for sponsorship reasons as the Cadbury Ulster Under-21 Football Championship is a Gaelic football tournament for players under the age of 21, contested by the nine counties of Ulster in...
s: 2- 1981, 1999
- Ulster Minor Football ChampionshipUlster Minor Football ChampionshipThe Ulster Minor Football Championship is the Minor "knockout" competition in the game of Gaelic football played in the province of Ulster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Ulster Council. The trophy for the winning side is The Liam Murray Cup. The competition began in 1930, with...
:3- 1939, 1940, 1945
- Dr. McKenna Cup:13
- 1928, 1932, 1934, 1935, 1937, 1948, 1952, 1976, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1995, 2003
- Dr Lagan CupDr Lagan CupThe Dr Lagan Cup was inter-county Gaelic football competition in the province of Ulster. The competition was discontinued in 1967 when Donegal won the competition. The Lagan Cup was the trophy for a Senior Football League limited to five Ulster counties at a time unlike the Dr McKenna Cup which was...
:1- 1951
- All-Stars (football) 7
Eugene Hughes (Gaelic footballer)
Eugene 'Nudie' Hughes was a former Gaelic football player for Monaghan.-Playing career:Nudie helped Monaghan to victory in the 1984 National Football League Final defeating Armagh and he collected three Ulster Senior Football Championship medals in 1979, defeating Donegal, in 1985, beating Derry ...
3 (1979,1985,1988)
-
- Ciarán MurrayCiarán MurrayCiarán Murray was a former Gaelic football player for Monaghan.-Playing career:Murray helped Monaghan to victory in the 1984 National Football League Final defeating Armagh. He collected two Ulster Senior Football Championship medals in 1985, beating Derry and again in 1988, defeating Tyrone in...
1 (1985) - Ray Mc Carron 1 (1986)
- Paddy Linden 1 (1988)
- Tomás FreemanTomás FreemanTomás or Thomas "Tommy" Freeman is an Irish Gaelic footballer from Magheracloone, County Monaghan. He plays for Monaghan. He was awarded an All Star in 2007. Freeman plays his club football for Magheracloone Mitchells.-Personal life:...
1 (2007)
- Ciarán Murray
Honours
- All-Ireland Junior Hurling ChampionshipAll-Ireland Junior Hurling ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Junior Hurling Championship was a hurling competition organized by the Gaelic Athletic Association in Ireland. The competition was originally contested by the second teams of the strong counties, and the first teams of the weaker counties...
s: 1- 1997
- Ulster Senior Hurling ChampionshipUlster Senior Hurling ChampionshipThe Ulster Senior Hurling Championship is the premier intercounty "knockout" competition in the game of hurling played in the province of Ulster. The series of games are organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and are played during the summer months. The Ulster Hurling Final is played in July...
s: 2- 1914, 1915
- Ulster Junior Hurling ChampionshipUlster Junior Hurling ChampionshipThe Ulster Junior Hurling Championship is a junior "knockout" competition in the game of Hurling played in the province of Ulster in Ireland. The series of games are organised by the Ulster Council....
s: 6- 1971, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1997, 1998
- National Hurling LeagueNational Hurling LeagueThe National Hurling League is an annual hurling competition between the county teams of Ireland. Contested by 35 teams , it operates on a system of promotion and relegation between four different divisions, with Division One...
Division 4- 2008, 2010
Ladies' Gaelic football
Vourneen Quigley won the 2002 ladies' All-Ireland Kick Fada Championship.Honours
- All-Ireland Senior Ladies' Football Championships: 2
- 1996, 1997
- All-Ireland Under-18 Ladies' Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Under-18 Ladies' Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Under-18 Ladies' Football Championship is a "knockout" competition in the game of Ladies' Gaelic football played by women in Ireland. The series of games are organised by Ladies' Gaelic Football Association ) and are played during the summer months...
s: 3- 1994, 1995, 1999
- All-Ireland Junior Ladies' Football ChampionshipAll-Ireland Junior Ladies' Football ChampionshipThe All-Ireland Junior Ladies' Football Championship is a "knockout" competition in the game of Ladies' Gaelic football played by women in Ireland...
s: 1- 1992
- All-Stars (Ladies football)
- Jenny Greenan 7 (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2002)
- Brenda Mc Anespie 3 (1996, 1997, 1999)
- Edel Byrne 3 (1998, 1999, 2002)
- Niamh Kindlon 2 (1998, 2002)
- Mairead Kelly 2(1996, 1997)
- Margaret Kierans 2 (1996, 1998)
- Christina O' Reilly 2 (2004, 2011)
- Ciara McAnespie 2 (2009, 2011)
- Linda Farrelly 1 (1996)
- Angela Larkin 1 (1997)
- Elieen Mc Elvaney 1 (1998)
- Orla Callan 1 (2002)
- Therese McNally (2011)
- Grainne McNally (2011)
- Ronan McNally (2011)
Camogie
Felix Donnelly from Latton established the first camogieCamogie
Camogie is an Irish stick-and-ball team sport played by women; it is almost identical to the game of hurling played by men. Camogie is played by 100,000 women in Ireland and world wide, largely among Irish communities....
county board in Monaghan in 1933. Anne Sherry from Ballybay was a high scoring forward on the UCD Ashbourne Cup winning team in 1961.
Monaghan won the Máire Ní Chinnéide Cup in 2010 and 2011 having unsuccessfully contested the finals of 2006 and 2007. Mary Lynch
Mary Lynch
Mary Kelly-Lynch was the 20th president of the Camogie Association.-Playing career:She was introduced to camogie at secondary school in her native Carrickmacross and played for the county while still at school...
served as president of the Camogie Association
Camogie Association
The Camogie Association organises and promotes the sport of camogie in Ireland and across the world. The Association has close ties with the Gaelic Athletic Association.-History:...
). Bernie Byrne refereed the All Ireland senior finals of 1966.
Under Camogie’s National Development Plan 2010-2015, “Our Game, Our Passion,” Donegal, Kerry, Mayo and Monaghan are to get a total of 14 new clubs by 2015.