Monaghan and Darren Swift dare to dream as All-Ireland IFC whittles down to four

By Jack Madden

When Darren Swift took the Monaghan Ladies’ gig on an interim basis back in January, there was only ever one real target.

The Ulster Championship came and went, but with provincial winners Cavan crashing out at the quarter-final stage of the All-Ireland series last weekend, this Intermediate title could prove a case of slow and steady wins the race.

A twisty, treacherous road to Drumcondra has levelled off and straightened out. In every sense, Monaghan are just an hour from Croke Park. Laois await in the final four in Longford next weekend.

The Monaghan manager and his players are hungry for more: “No one fully expected us to be here apart from ourselves as a group. We know Laois are a strong outfit, we certainly are taking nothing for granted. They topped their group; we came second in ours.

“They’ve won this title in 2022, and Mo Nerney is an exceptional talent. But we also reinforce the point that we have every bit as much of a chance as anyone else. Why not Monaghan?”

Revenge against neighbours Cavan and a surprise defeat to Wicklow culminated in an away quarter-final in Clare at the weekend, a tricky task which Monaghan negotiated brilliantly.

Playing against the wind, the Farney women conceded just three scores in the entire second half, paving the path for Éabha Sherry to fire them to victory.

Former intercounty star Swift admits conditions were tricky “right by the ocean” in Quilty, but admired his side’s tenacity to come good:

“We won the toss, we went with the wind, and we set about our defensive duties and broke really well. Éabha took her goal really well, and she had two crucial frees into the wind, two pressure frees. They were massive kicks.

“Even down to the last play she won the ball, laid it off, took it back and she might as well have broken the post. Orna Kelly was very strong in goal too, taking a few big high balls in the first half, and in fairness herself and the other goalies have been doing great work with Liam Swift and often don’t get the credit they deserve. Her kickouts were brilliant.”

SFC title winning manager with Emyvale Ladies last year, Swift is hopeful the county will be behind his charges, particularly with Monaghan knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the men’s SFC at the weekend.

He credits the players at his disposal for their loyalty to the badge across codes, and the management team of Paddy McNally, Rory McCann for their input in ensuring the season continues, as well as physio Mark Dockerry and FLO Charlene Sherry.

Swift hopes anyone and everyone Monaghan-inclined can make the venture to Longford this weekend: “We went down (to Clare) early on Saturday to get watching the lads, which was obviously disappointing in the end, but these girls are great ambassadors for their county.

“The girls have been great for supporting the men. All support is going to be needed, men women and children. This is a very important step for where this team are at and for Monaghan in general. We’ll need the crowd to push us through a massive day for our county.”