Monaghan were outplayed by UUJ on Sunday

UUJ 2-16 Monaghan 1-9

Jordanstown set down a marker for their upcoming Sigerson Cup campaign, when they beat Ulster Champions Monaghan in Sunday’s McKenna Cup opener.

Malachy O’Rourke fielded a somewhat experimental side in the opening round section C game, starting only a handful of last year’s Ulster-winning team.

Ulster University were impressive, as the likes of Conan Grugan, Ryan McHugh, Danny Savage, Cailean O’Boyle and Mayo star Evan Regan showed off their considerable talents.

At half time, Ulster University were 0-8 to 0-4 ahead. Monaghan fought back in the second half, Barry McGinn stabbed a goal home to leave the score at 0-8 to 1-4. The students rallied, as O’Boyle and Regan found the net, and finished out the game with ease.

The result was met with surprise on Twitter, although that was tempered by the fact that Monaghan were understrength.

Toughest job today in Clones will be picking a man of the match between @monaghangaa & Ulster University… #Someonestepup

— Sean Mc Caffrey (@BreakfastRollNS) January 3, 2016

Section C: Monaghan 1-7 2-14 Ulster University. Goals from Cailean O'Boyle and Evan Regan put Ulster University in total control at Clones.

— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) January 3, 2016

2103: Martin McHugh's UUJ pull off shock of the day – Donegal Now https://t.co/sEftXWBsK5

— Future (@futurehacknow) January 3, 2016

Disappointing start, Meath hammered Carlow but Monaghan got a tanking from uuj and other game wed. On to next week and start again ???

— GAA Betting Tips (@bettinggaa1) January 3, 2016

Irrelevant competitions for a sport in crisis. The tens of thousands attending same today would suggest otherwise!! #loveyourgames #GAA

— Dick Clerkin (@dickclerkin8) January 3, 2016

Bank of Ireland Man of the Match in Clones is Ulster University's Stephen Sheridan.

— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) January 3, 2016