In the preliminary round of the Ulster SFC, Cavan triumphed over Monaghan, with the final score being Cavan 3-12 and Monaghan 1-12. Throughout the game, Cavan outperformed Monaghan, scoring two spectacular goals in injury time. The turbulent weather in Clones shaped the game, making it challenging for the players. However, Cavan managed to maintain control, outshining their rivals even amidst the roaring gale. The result was clear to all 8,324 spectators, with no confusion about the deserving winner.
Paddy Lynch from Cavan showcased exceptional skill, contributing 1-9 to the scoreboard. Despite the wind, Cavan successfully handled the conditions and capitalised on the benefits it brought while playing. Ultimately, the match saw an unexpected variety of four goals, out of which three were scored by Cavan – a number which could easily have been five or six.
The blustering wind played a crucial role, impacting kick-outs and goal opportunities. It was not enough to just have the wind backing, the players had to comprehend and measure its intensity without getting distracted or pressured by the opposing team.
In the first half of the match, the wind seemed to favour Monaghan, but it seems like they didn’t exploit it to their maximum benefit. Despite having multiple chances to disrupt Fary O’Rourke’s kick-out, Monaghan allowed Cavan repeated periods of uninterrupted handpassing. It appeared as if both teams listened to the Cavan manager Raymond Galligan’s shout to ‘Take the sting out of it!’ when Monaghan had started to take a marginal lead.
To the satisfaction of the fans, the day began with Rory Beggan’s name being listed to start the match. After a few months in the US pursuing a job in the NFL, he returned to resume regular duties here in Clones.
The absence from the league evidently didn’t negatively impact him, as he confidently took an early 45 and scored an additional free just before thirty minutes had passed. He also made a fantastic save from Paddy Lynch, diving low to his right, when the full-forward for Cavan had slipped past the defence. Beggan’s value to the Monaghan team was more evident than ever, after a league season where they conceded 15 goals.
A second point from Beggan edged Monaghan into the lead at 0-5 to 0-4. This was quickly followed by incredible scores from Conor McManus and Jack McCarron, giving the home team a surprise three-point advantage. This balance felt appropriate at half-time, rendering it particularly satisfying for Cavan when Lynch managed to score a point from a free along the sideline during extra time.
This set the scene for the second half, which revolved around the question of the wind’s value. After Beggan’s 45 was curtailed 10 yards from the posts shortly after the interval, the wind factor appeared to be evident.
Cavan capitalised on this, with wind-aided scores from Oisin Brady and Gerard Smith making them hot favourites. Playing it safe and avoiding unnecessary errors at the back seemed to be their strategy to prevail.
However, Monaghan have grappled with tough situations before. Following a prolonged hold up due to a serious injury to Darren Hughes, they composed themselves and racked up the following two points. An outstanding free was scored by McManus from the left while McCarron added an easier point from in front of the goalposts. Sean Jones, a substitute, marked at 57 minutes and converted it, helping the hosts regain their lead at 0-10 to 0-8. Stability was restored.
This, however, didn’t last long, with Lynch scoring free almost instantly. Shortly after, Cavan saw the first goal of the game in their favour at the hour mark, courtesy of an unexpected player, Padraig Faulkner. The defender found himself at the edge of the goal arc, spun Kevin Loughran and sealed his finish.
Cavan took a commanding 1-9 to 0-10 lead and set up an unpredictable climax. Cavan had an opportunity for another goal immediately, but failed to capitalise on a three-on-one break, as Brian O’Connell fired the ball above the crossbar. Now frequently exposed to counter-attacks, Monaghan saw Oisin Brady with an open net, narrowly missing a goal. It was looking increasingly likely that Cavan would deliver the final blow.
Surprisingly, however, it began to appear that Galligan’s team could pay the price for their missed opportunities. Impact was made by each of Vinny Corey’s reserve players, and the two sides were brought level when Micheál Hamill fired their goal into the back of the net on the 66th minute, following Conor McCarthy’s well-played moves. Joel Wilson, another substitute, managed to score shortly afterwards, and when the signal was given for 10 additional minutes, Monaghan held a narrow 1-11 to 1-10 lead.
Yet the advantage seemed slightly illusory. Even when Beggan successfully scored on the 72nd minute to lead by two, it was not a convincing enough indicator of Cavan’s defeat. Beggan’s subsequent unsuccessful free kick would have been decisive, but the ball went awry. Without delay, Gerard Smith responded with an excellent goal. As Monaghan were urgently searching for a drawing score, Lynch wrapped up an impressive game by calmly slotting his shot into an unguarded net.
Monaghan: Rory Beggan’s tally included three points, with one 45 and one free; Ryan Wylie, Kieran Duffy, Ryan O’Toole; Karl O’Connell scored a single point, and accompanying him were Killian Lavelle, Conor McCarthy; Gary Mohan, Darren Hughes; Ciaran McNulty, Kevin Loughran, Jason Irwin; David Garland with one point, Jack McCarron made two, with one being a free, Conor McManus scored three points including two frees. Subs: Michael Hamill scored the only goal, replacing McNulty at half-time; Joel Wilson scored one mark, replacing Hughes after 45 minutes; Sean Jones scored one mark, replacing Garland at 53 minutes; Michael Bannigan substituted for McCarron at 63 minutes; Stephen Mooney switched with McNulty at 66 minutes.
In the Cavan match, we saw Gary O’Rourke in goal, combined with Cian Reilly, Killian Brady, and Brian O’Connell, the latter of which made 0-1. We also witnessed an outstanding 1-0 by Pádraig Faulkner, along with Niall Carolan, Conor Brady, James Smith, and Oisin Kiernan from Denn. Ciaran Brady, Gerard Smith who scored a commendable 1-1 and finally, Oisin Kiernan from Castlerahan were also in the line-up.
Furthermore, Cian Madden and Paddy Lynch proved to be indispensable, who left an impressive 1-9 mark, which included 0-6 frees and 0-1 45, and an 0-1 by Oisin Brady. We also noted changes in the play, Luke Fortune switched for J Smith at 51 mins, while Tiarnan Madden substituted O Kiernan from Castlerahan at 54 mins.
Towards the end, we had Cormac O’Reilly come in for C Madden at 65 mins, followed by Ryan Donoghue for Brady at 77 mins and Conor Rehill replacing Kiernan of Denn at 79 mins. The match was officiated by referee Brendan Cawley from Kildare.