ULSTER FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

COLM SHALVEY TALKING POINTS

Monaghan really needed to build up a considerable lead in the first half, but a hangover from the losing run in the league may have contributed to a lack of confidence at times on Sunday. Monaghan got some joy from pressing the Cavan kick-out, but save for a quick one-two of points from Conor McManus and Jack McCarron towards the half-hour mark, they were unable to turn that into any sustained momentum. The hosts looked to have timed their run well when Michael Hamill’s debut goal was followed by scores from fellow sub Joel Wilson and keeper Rory Beggan to turn a three-point deficit into a two-point lead, but Cavan had an extra gear, as late strikes by Gerard Smith and Paddy Lynch proved decisive.

Vinnie Corey summed it up as follows: “I thought at times the energy wasn’t there. I don’t know if it’s an extension of the league or not. I thought the boys were in a good enough place coming here. That’s why it’s disappointing.” Former Donegal star Michael Murphy noted in his Irish Times column: “It ended up as a case of Monaghan expecting a win versus Cavan’s desire to create an upset. One team was waiting for it to happen and the other made it happen. The energy we saw from Monaghan last year took them close to an All-Ireland final – in the semi-final they played as well against Dublin as anyone…