Neighbours Fermanagh and Monaghan clash in this Sundays Ulster Championship Semi Final knowing that an Ulster Final is only 70 minutes away.
Monaghan will be aiming to make it a third final appearance in a row, having won the 2013 showpiece final and losing the 2014 final, both games in particular against Donegal. Fermanagh on the other hand are not accustomed to Clones Ulster final day with the 2008 final against Armagh being their last appearance, while before that you would have to go back to 1982, the winning line is well documented that Fermanagh have never got their hands on the Anglo Celt trophy.
Monaghan are managed by former Derrylin and Fermanagh footballer Malachy O’Rourke, and arrive at Sunday’s semi final after a victory over Cavan in the first round, 0-16 to 0-15. Monaghan’s performance that day was subjected to criticism for not playing well but they got over the line and with Conor McManus, Paul Finlay and Kieran Hughes all performing strongly in a very capable looking attack late on which seen substitutes Colin Walshe and Dick Clerkin coming on and kicking late points.
Fermanagh come into Sunday’s clash with a hugely encouraging 2015 already. An strong McKenna Cup showing was a starter for things to come which then seen Pete McGrath’s side gain promotion to Division 2 for 2016 before a double scores win over Antrim in the Ulster Championship first round, 1-13 to 0-8. Fermanagh a bit like Monaghan did not perform to the best of their abilities that day in Enniskillen but a double scores win over any side in the Ulster championship is a credit to how far the Erne team have came since Pete McGrath has took charge.
Monaghan will have key defenders Damien Mone and Ryan Wylie ready to meet the Fermanagh rear-guard while the loss of Drew Wylie is a severe blow to the Farney County. At midfield Neil McAdam and Shane Carey performed admirably against Cavan but with Owen Lennon and scoring substitute from the last day Dick Clerkin they will be pushing for starting rolls come match day. Key man in the Monaghan attack is undoubtedly Conor McManus, he was to hit 0-7 the last day out, around him players such as Paul Finlay and Kieran Hughes have class. Monaghan can also call upon players such as Vinny Corey, Colin Walshe and Darren Hughes so it is no surprise they have been tipped by some to go all the way in this year’s All-Ireland Championship.
The Fermanagh side defeated Antrim in the Quarter Final clash, 1-13 to 0-8, the defence is anchored by a strong full back line in Michael Jones, Niall Cassidy and Martin O’Brien that will have to be at their best to contain the Monaghan attack. Encouragingly for Fermanagh supporters, defence has been their strongest sector this season, as evidenced by the fact that they had the second best defence in this years NFL just behind division 4 outfit Offaly.
Richard O’Callaghan and Ryan Jones are set to start in the midfield section and they will know they can turn the game in favour of the Erne men if they can come out on top here.
Fermanagh’s Sean Quigley will once again take up the role as being Fermanagh’s main marksman, the Roslea attacker has been hugely impressive thus far and the onus will be on getting the ball into Quigley quick and often. Around Quigley, the likes of Ryan Jones, Tomas Corrigan and Paul McCusker will haver to chip in with further scores if Fermanagh are to overcome the Farney challenge.
So Sunday will tell a lot about both sides, Monaghan have the pressure on them with being overwhelming favourites, for Fermanagh a strong performance and the curtailing of Conor McManus may just be enough to send them to an Ulster Final.
By Tom Sat 20th Jun
