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The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Lee Keegan backs Andy Moran to fire up Mayo attack with fresh game plan
Mayo legend insists his former team-mate can unlock the county's forward power after being handed the reins LEE KEEGAN is confident that Andy Moran's forward thinking can get Mayo firing again. Moran has taken the green and red reins following a season coaching a Monaghan side who consistently racked up big tallies. 2 Mayo icon Lee Keegan has backed new county boss Andy Moran to be a success 2 The pair played alongside one another for their county - and Keegan reckons Moran can inspire the team to new heights During their run to the Division 2 title, the Farney were the highest scorers across all four tiers of this year's National League. Averaging five two-pointers per game over their five Championship outings, they also posted a total of 5-116 during a campaign that ended at the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final stage. After enhancing his credentials while playing a key role in Gabriel Bannigan's management, Moran has now been installed as gaffer in his own county. With a backroom team that includes Colm Boyle and Paddy Tally, the 2017 Footballer of the Year was ratified as Mayo's new gaffer on a three-year term this week. Former team-mate Keegan told SunSport: "It's a smart appointment and I think it's an opportunity Andy will relish. Colm Boyle and Paddy Tally will add something a bit different as well. It's exciting and there's a good buzz around it in Mayo.' It is Moran's second job as an inter-county manager as the Ballaghaderreen man also spent three years in charge of Leitrim prior to his involvement with Monaghan. Keegan continued: "While Andy is ultimately the manager, he also showed his quality as a coach in Monaghan. "There's obviously been a bit of chat about an apparent lack of quality in the Mayo forward line but the way Monaghan's attack functioned this year bodes really well for Mayo, particularly around the two-point threat. That was a huge struggle for Mayo. 'I also think he'll allow them to have a bit more freedom and confidence, which you could see a big change in now. "I believe we have brilliant forwards with serious pedigree in Mayo. With Andy taking charge of that, I expect to see a huge shift around the attacking game plan from next year." Inside Sharlene Mawdsley's 'delicious' yet atypical Tenerife holiday with GAA star boyfriend Mikey Breen Following a last-gasp Donegal point, Mayo failed to progress from this year's All-Ireland group stages. Kevin McStay's third and final season at the helm also yielded another Connacht final defeat to Galway. But Keegan said: "I'm really optimistic. If they can get a few bits right, Mayo will become a different team altogether. I think there's enough evidence to suggest that the potential is there to challenge. "The defence is good, the midfield can get a bit stronger and what Andy did with Monaghan tells me that he can bring something really promising to this group. "At the same time, we have to be realistic and it's important to be careful with expectations. We haven't reached an All-Ireland quarter-final in the last two years and we haven't won a Connacht title in four years. "We have to aim for certain things and we might end up in bonus territory after that. A provincial title should be a huge focal point for Mayo now. "Another thing is that I expect Andy to throw young players in during the league to see what they're made of. Let them show what they can do and build from there.' Keegan, who played alongside Moran for the majority of his Mayo career, believes it is vital that the new boss is now afforded the scope to do things his way. He added: "My biggest hope now is that the county board will allow Andy and his backroom team the time to flourish and not to take away from them. "Let them build into it, let them pick their team and let them do it how they feel is best. This is an exciting story for Mayo and it's a positive story so let's keep it that way by backing them. 'There will be challenging times ahead, of course, because it's new to a lot of them. "But we want fresh coaches and managers and I think we've got the best one we could have hoped for. Fair play to the county board for putting the right people in charge so let's stay behind them now."
The Irish Sun
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Jim McGuinness hails Donegal's epic comeback as his side storm into All-Ireland semi-finals
JIM McGuinness praised his Donegal players for digging themselves out of a big 'hole' at Croke Park. 2 Patrick McBrearty of Donegal celebrates after thel quarter-final match vs Monaghan 2 Donegal manager Jim McGuinness hailed his side as the came back in the clash at Croke Park But they showed just why they're All-Ireland SFC title favourites with a brilliant second-half performance to secure their semi-final spot. Man of the Match Shane O'Donnell, Michael Murphy, Conor O'Donnell and goal hero Michael Langan all punched holes in the Monaghan defence. Donegal reeled off 11 points in a row in the final 20 minutes or so as Monaghan crashed out of the Championship. It all turned sour for the Farney who capitalised on Donegal's fatigue in the first-half to lead 1-15 to 0-11 at the break. read more on gaa Gabriel Bannigan's boys were shooting two-pointers for fun with goalkeeper Rory Beggan drilling five first-half points. And Donegal goalie Shaun Patton was having a nightmare at the other end, struggling on his kick-outs and at fault for Micheal Bannigan's 27th minute goal. But Patton was redeemed after the restart, and Donegal rejuvenated generally, as they powered through to the Championship's last four. McGuinness said: "We didn't change any personnel at half-time, we just trusted the fellas to get it right themselves. Most read in GAA Football "It was over to the players. It's a moment where you've got to say, 'Listen, we're in a hole here - and only the players get themselves out of that hole'. "So very, very happy they responded the way they did, and very happy with the bench as well. That was very important, everyone that came on made a massive contribution." 'So much integrity' - RTE viewers hail Stephen Cluxton for 'principled stand' Dublin GAA icon took during Parnells saga McGuinness described the overall experience as a huge 'stress test' of the team's character. And he acknowledged that they looked 'tired' as they played their fourth game in June, and their ninth in the Championship. Langan's second-half brilliance after a quiet first-half summed up the team's afternoon. McGuinness said: "He scored a massive, massive goal. He was exceptional. He's a brilliant footballer and that's the bottom line. He can do it both ways - he's very stylish and he's very honest and brilliant defensively. He can fetch and finish. You don't want much more in a midfielder than that." McGuinness had words of praise too for Patton who looked much more assured after the break. Monaghan really got under his skin in the first-half with their aggressive press and two lines of four. Patton booted one short kick-out out over the sideline, leading to a Bannigan point. Bannigan capitalised again when Patton took too long with his kick-out and a tap-over free was awarded. And Patton must have wished the ground could have swallowed him up when he booted straight to Stephen O'Hanlon who fed Bannigan for the Monaghan goal. McGuinness said: "You were trying to thread the eye of the needle at that stage with the kick-outs, and we got caught with one, and we were punished for that. "There was much more variety in the second-half and also we trusted our bigger men to go and fetch. Hugh McFadden did that really well, Michael Langan did it well, Jason McGee when he came in, so all of that was a big plus for us." McGuinnes said he was well aware that Monaghan would push hard for the two-pointers. But knowing it and being able to stop the orange flags going up are two different things - as the first-half proved. Monaghan helped themselves to four from distance in that period and sub David Garland added a fifth at the end of the second-half. Beggan and Andrew Woods booted a couple of two-pointers each in the first-half. Conor McCarthy and Ryan O'Toole drilled important singles for Monaghan too. McCarthy also fired three wides and eventually went off with a hamstring injury in the second-half. So did Ryan McAnespie as everything that could go wrong for Monaghan did. But at half-time they must have thought a second All-Ireland semi-final appearance in three seasons was coming their way. It was some difference to their Ulster SFC quarter-final meeting in April. Back then, it was Donegal that led by seven points at one stage in the first-half, and by six at half-time. Monaghan fought back bravely that day in Clones to lose by just two. Donegal were the ones that had to do the fighting back this time and they pinched the win that has left them within touching distance of the Sam Maguire Cup. Murphy provided vital leadership for Donegal, playing the one-two with Langan for his 44th minute goal and sniping four points. His three wides were surprising though, particularly his first from a free he'd normally slot over. Shane O'Donnell and Conor O'Donnell were excellent in helping Donegal exploit gaps in the Monaghan defence after the break. Those openings hadn't been there in the first-half and Donegal took full advantage, nailing the first three points of the second-half. Monaghan were still three ahead in the 45th minute and will wonder how things might have panned out had Beggan converted a 49th minute two-point free. His long-range shot hit the post and while Woods gobbled up the rebound, he couldn't convert. If Beggan had scored, Monaghan would have been three ahead. It all added fuel to Donegal's fire and when Langan rifled to the net, it was hard to see how they wouldn't win. Peadar Mogan, Ciaran Moore and Ryan McHugh poured forward as Monaghan were pinned back for the final 20 minutes or so. They reeled off 11 points in a row between the 46th and 68th minutes as Monaghan's entire season spiralled out of their control. Monaghan resorted to pot-shots for two-pointers late on. Beggan did kick a huge free all the way to the net in the last minute but a free-out for a foul close to goal was given anyhow. Donegal 1-26 Monaghan 1-20 Donegal: S Patton; F Roarty, B McCole, P Mogan 0-2; R McHugh 0-1, E Ban Gallagher, C Moore; H McFadden, M Langan 1-3; C McColgan, C Thompson 0-4, 2 tp, S O'Donnell 0-3; C O'Donnell 0-4, M Murphy 0-4, 2f, O Gallen 0-3. Subs: D O Baoill for McColgan 40, J McGee for McFadden 45, P McBrearty 0-2 for Gallen 49, E McHugh for R McHugh 56, N O'Donnell for Murphy 67. Monaghan: R Beggan 0-5, 1 tpf, 1 tp 1f; R O'Toole 0-1, K Duffy, D Byrne; R Wylie, D Ward, A Carey; M McCarville, G Mohan; R McAnespie, C McCarthy 0-0-2, S O'Hanlon 0-3; A Woods 0-4, 2 tp, M Bannigan 1-2, 0-1f, C McNulty 0-1. Subs: J McCarron for McAnespie 40, L Kelly for McCarville 50, D Garland 0-2, tp for McNulty 51, D Hughes for Mohan 59, K O'Connell for McCarthy 59, S Mooney for Garland 60-63 blood. Ref: P Neilan (Roscommon).
The 42
15-06-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Powerful Monaghan finish defeats Down to book All-Ireland quarter-final spot
Monaghan 2-27 Down 1-26 Paul Keane reports from Armagh FOUR POINTS DOWN with 20 minutes to go, Monaghan turned a tricky situation into a hugely significant four-point All-Ireland SFC win for themselves, propelling them through to the quarter-finals as group winners. Jack McCarron's half-time introduction was vital in Armagh where the Farney claimed top spot in Group 3 and a last eight place in a fortnight. In what was a thrilling shoot-out for top spot between the two sides with perfect records in the group, Tailteann Cup holders Down led by that four-point margin with 50 minutes on the clock. But Monaghan, All-Ireland SFC semi-finalists just two seasons ago, showed all their big game experience to turn things around and McCarron's goal really got them going. The ciotog attacker added another two-pointer, as well as a single, to take his tally to 1-3 as the Farney squeezed Down out. Boss Gabriel Bannigan may be a little alarmed at just how many scoring opportunities they coughed up to a livewire Down side who picked off 1-26. But with a dozen different scorers, and tonnes of experience in this Monaghan team, he will still believe that they can go deep into the All-Ireland series as they excel under the new rules. All is not lost for Conor Laverty's Down as they will still advance to an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final next weekend as runners up in Group 3. Pat Havern hit a dozen points for the 2010 finalists but they will rue a couple of late missed opportunities as they fought desperately to reel Monaghan in. Both sides had been putting up big scores in the group stage so an open, attacking game was always anticipated and we weren't let down. The first-half alone yielded a combined 2-29 with Down edging it by 1-15 to 1-14. Monaghan edged the two-point count in that half, four to three, with goalkeeper Rory Beggan drilling two long-range frees. Advertisement Conor McCarthy and Michael McCarville curled over two beauties as well though the Farney's early 0-6 to 0-3 lead didn't last long. Down were slightly better at sweeping up the breaking ball and created chance after chance for themselves. They scored one goal, through John McGeough in the 21st minute, but could have had a couple more. The McGeough goal came at the end of a speedy move up the field, a Danny Magill kick-pass up to the influential Ryan McEvoy followed by another 30m kick pass into McGeough who finished smartly. But Beggan pulled off a great save to deny Magill a goal in the 30th minute, diving full length to his left to tip over. Murdock fired just over close to half-time while Monaghan defender Ryan Wylie twice blocked goalbound efforts from James Guinness and Murdock. Havern had a thrilling duel with Scotstown's Ryan O'Toole. O'Toole conceded 0-5 to Havern from play and the Down free-taker filled his boots from placed balls too, converting his second two-point free in the 43rd minute to leave Down 1-20 to 1-16 ahead at that stage. They started the second-half strongly but suddenly found themselves in Monaghan's slipstream again as the promoted Division 2 team rallied. Half-time substitute McCarron pulled Monaghan back with a 50th minute goal, finishing at the third attempt after McCarthy and Bannigan had gone close. McCarron butchered a second goal chance soon after as the ball hit the post and bounced out to safety. But the experienced attacker slotted a brilliant two-pointer in the 58th minute to tie a pulsating game up yet again, 2-21 to 1-24. Monaghan brought all their big game know-how to bear in the closing 15 minutes or so as they managed the contest superbly, picking off points from O'Toole, Beggan and substitute David Garland to keep Down just about at arm's length. Monaghan scorers: Jack McCarron 1-3 (1 tp, 0-1f), Rory Beggan 0-6 (3 tpf), Micheal Bannigan 1-2, Stephen O'Hanlon 0-3, Conor McCarthy 0-2 (tp), Micheal McCarville 0-2 (tp), Dessie Ward 0-2, Andrew Woods 0-2, Ryan O'Toole 0-2, Aaron Carey 0-1, Louis Kelly 0-1, David Garland 0-1. Down scorers: Pat Havern 0-12 (2 tpf, 3f), John McGeough 1-0, Danny Magill 0-4 (tp), Adam Crimmins 0-2, Daniel Guinness 0-2, Odhran Murdock 0-2 (0-1f), Conor McCrickard 0-2 (0-1f), Ceilum Doherty 0-1, Eugene Branagan 0-1. Monaghan 1. Rory Beggan 23. Killian Lavelle 3. Kieran Duffy 4. Dylan Byrne 2. Ryan Wylie 5. Ryan O'Toole 20. Aaron Carey 8. Micheal McCarville 6. Dessie Ward 12. Ryan McAnespie 10. Stephen O'Hanlon 7. Conor McCarthy 14. Andrew Woods 11. Micheal Bannigan 15. Stephen Mooney Subs 13. Jack McCarron for Mooney (h/t) 18. Louis Kelly for Lavelle (49) 25. David Garland for Woods (57) 19. Darren Hughes for Duffy (59) 21. Ciaran McNulty for McAnespie (70) Down 1. Ronan Burns 3. Peter Fegan 6. Pierce Laverty 2. Patrick McCarthy 4. Ceilum Doherty 7. Miceal Rooney 5. Ryan Magill 11. Odhran Murdock 13. James Guinness 10. Danny Magill 14. Pat Havern 8. Daniel Guinness 21. Adam Crimmins 15. John McGeough 9. Ryan McEvoy Subs 23. Caolan Mooney for James Guinness (h/t) 12. Eugene Branagan for Rooney (54) 26. Conor McCrickard for McGeough (56) 22. Oisin Savage for Ryan Magill (65) 18. Aaron McClements for Crimmins (67) Referee: David Coldrick (Meath).
Irish Examiner
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Monaghan march past Down to secure All-Ireland SFC quarter-final spot
All-Ireland SFC, Group 3, Round 3 Monaghan 2-27 Down 1-26 Jack McCarron's half-time introduction had a huge impact as Monaghan edged a classic encounter in Armagh to finish top of Group 3, securing an All-Ireland SFC quarter-final place. In what was a shoot-out for top spot between the two sides with perfect records in the group, Tailteann Cup holders Down led by four points with 20 minutes to go. But Monaghan, All-Ireland SFC semi-finalists just two seasons ago, showed all their big game experience to turn things around and lead by four points themselves at full-time. McCarron's 50th minute goal really got them going and the hugely experienced forward added another two-pointer and a single to take his tally to 1-3 as the Farney squeezed Down out. Boss Gabriel Bannigan may be a little alarmed at just how many scoring opportunities they coughed up to a livewire Down side who picked off 1-26. Read More Louth edge winner-takes-all thriller against Clare to stay in Championship But with a dozen different scorers, and tonnes of experience in this Monaghan team, he will still believe that they can go deep into the All-Ireland series as they excel under the new rules. All is not lost for Conor Laverty's Down as they will still advance to an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final next weekend as runners up in Group 3. Pat Havern hit a dozen points for the 2010 finalists but they will rue a couple of late missed opportunities as they fought desperately to reel Monaghan in. Both sides had been putting up big scores in the group stage so an open, attacking game was always anticipated and we weren't let down. The first-half alone yielded a combined 2-29 with Down edging it by 1-15 to 1-14. Monaghan edged the two-point count in that half, four to three, with goalkeeper Rory Beggan drilling two long-range frees. Conor McCarthy and Michael McCarville curled over two beauties as well though the Farney's early 0-6 to 0-3 lead didn't last long. Down were slightly better at sweeping up the breaking ball and created chance after chance for themselves. They scored one goal, through John McGeough in the 21st minute, but could have had a couple more. The McGeough goal came at the end of a speedy move up the field, a Danny Magill kick-pass up to the influential Ryan McEvoy followed by another 30m kick pass into McGeough who finished smartly. But Beggan pulled off a great save to deny Magill a goal in the 30th minute, diving full length to his left to tip over. Rory Beggan of Monaghan kicks his second 2 pointer of the game. Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor. Murdock fired just over close to half-time while Monaghan defender Ryan Wylie twice blocked goalbound efforts from James Guinness and Murdock. Havern had a thrilling duel with Scotstown's Ryan O'Toole. O'Toole conceded 0-5 to Havern from play and the Down free-taker filled his boots from placed balls too, converting his second two-point free in the 43rd minute to leave Down 1-20 to 1-16 ahead at that stage. They started the second-half strongly but suddenly found themselves in Monaghan's slipstream again as the promoted Division 2 team rallied. Half-time substitute McCarron pulled Monaghan back with a 50th minute goal, finishing at the third attempt after McCarthy and Bannigan had gone close. McCarron butchered a second goal chance soon after as the ball hit the post and bounced out to safety. But the experienced attacker slotted a brilliant two-pointer in the 58th minute to tie a pulsating game up yet again, 2-21 to 1-24. Monaghan brought all their big game experience to bear in the closing 15 minutes or so as they managed the contest superbly, picking off points from O'Toole, Beggan and substitute David Garland to keep Down just about at arm's length. Scorers for Monaghan: J McCarron (1-3, 1tp, 1f), R Beggan (0-6, 3tpf), M Bannigan (1-2), S O'Hanlon (0-3), C McCarthy, M McCarville (0-2, tp) each, D Ward, A Woods, R O'Toole (0-2) each, A Carey, L Kelly, D Garland (0-1) each. Scorers for Down: P Havern (0-12, 3tpf, 3f), J McGeough (1-0), D Magill (0-4, tp), A Crimmins, D Guinness (0-2) each, O Murdock, C McCrickard (0-2, 1f) each, C Doherty, E Branagan (0-1) each. Monaghan: R Beggan; K Lavelle, K Duffy, D Byrne; R Wylie, R O'Toole, A Carey; M McCarville, D Ward; R McAnespie, S O'Hanlon, C McCarthy; A Woods, M Bannigan, S Mooney. Subs: J McCarron for Mooney (h/t), L Kelly for Lavelle (49), D Garland for Woods (57), D Hughes for Duffy (59), C McNulty for McAnespie (70). Down: R Burns; P Fegan, P Laverty, P McCarthy; C Doherty, M Rooney, R Magill; O Murdock, J Guinness; D Magill, P Havern, D Guinness; A Crimmins, J McGeough, R McEvoy. Subs: C Mooney for J Guinness (h/t), E Branagan for Rooney (54), C McCrickard for McGeough (56), O Savage for R Magill (65), A McClements for Crimmins 67. Referee: David Coldrick (Meath).
RTÉ News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Louth brought back down to earth by impressive Monaghan in All-Ireland group opener
Monaghan came away from Newbridge with an emphatic opening Group 4 win over neighbours Louth, with six points between the sides at the finish. The margin flattered the off-colour Leinster champions on a day the Farney were hell bent on taking all the local bragging rights. While Louth were collecting silverware and the nation's hearts, Monaghan were stewing over a narrow loss to Donegal in April. With the Tir Conaill men capturing the Anglo Celt further fuelling Monghan's burning ambition to get back out on the field. Louth would feel all that wrath as Monaghan started both halves with gusto and laid the foundations for their win as well as laying down a marker in the All-Ireland race. Impressive Stephen O'Hanlon had the ball in the back of the net as early as the second minute and jaded Louth could never put themselves in a position to win the contest. Despite being outplayed at times, Ger Brennan's side were never fully out of this rip-roaring contest either. His men side possess a knack of getting goals and that helpful trait had the de-facto hosts only three points down at the break, 1-11 to 2-03. Captain Sam Mulroy found the net and then his creator ,Tommy Durnin, also raised the green flag but Monaghan's dominance was seen in a 0-06 to 0-00 run. Farney captain Micheál Bannigan hugely imposing himself on the game. Upon the resumption, the visitors again began like a train with four quick points that made Louth supporters' heads look towards the next round. Ballybay's Dessie Ward curled over his third point that highlighted Monaghan's intent. However, the confidence that made Louth champions meant they would not go away. Despite Sam Mulroy's waywardness from frees he dusted himself down to nail a vital penalty. A lifeline for Louth. Such was Louth's day, they could never quite build on their moments of class. Bannigan nailed the response and instigated a seven-point scoring run to close out the game. With a couple of black cards to defenders Donal McKenny and Killian Lavelle, the game got ragged but Monaghan marched on in spite of Durnin's late goal. Louth: Niall McDonnell; Dan Corcoran, Emmett Carolan, Donal McKenny; Conall McKeever, Daire Nally, Craig Lennon; Bevan Duffy, Tommy Durnin (2-00), Ciaran Downey, Sam Mulroy (2-02, 1-00pen, 0-01f), Conor Grimes; Ciaran Keenan, Kieran McArdle, Ryan Burns (0-05, 2tp, 0-01f). Subs: Ciaran Byrne (0-01) for Downey (ht), Dara McDonnell for McArdle (ht), Liam Jackson for Corcoran (40), Andy McDonnell for Duffy (42), Conor Branigan for A McDonnell (55). Monaghan: Rory Beggan (0-04, 2tpf); Ryan Wylie, Killian Lavelle, Dylan Byrne; Dessie Ward (0-03), Ryan O'Toole, Kieran Duffy (0-01); Mícheál McCarville, Gary Mohan; Ryan McAnespie, Stephen O'Hanlon (1-03), Conor McCarthy (0-01); Micheál Bannigan (0-6, 1tp 1f), Andrew Woods, Stephen Mooney (0-03). Subs: Cian Mulligan for Beggan (Blood 26-28), Jack McCarron (0-02, 0-01f), for McAnespie (45),Ciaran McNulty for Woods (49), Davy Garland for Mooney (59), Darren Hughes for McCarville (64), Karl O'Connell for Ward (69), Jason Irwin for O'Hanlon (70).
