FACE OFF AGAIN

Fermanagh await in familiar Ulster duel

COLM SHALVEY COMMENTARY

A familiar foe awaits Monaghan in Sunday week’s All-Ireland SFC Round One Qualifier after Monday morning’s draw paired them with Fermanagh. This local derby in Clones on June 9 will be an eighth time for Malachy O’Rourke to face his native county since he took charge in Monaghan for the 2013 campaign.

Monaghan had enjoyed a good record against their near-neighbours, including Ulster championship wins in 2015 and 2017, but Fermanagh, of course, turned the tables on a fancied Oriel side in last year’s provincial semi-final. Monaghan had kicked 1-20 in each of their previous two summer meetings with Fermanagh, but a lacklustre performance against a well-organised Erne County team in Omagh saw them struggle to break down their opponents.

Having managed just ten points, Monaghan left Healy Park frustrated and facing a run in….