10 YEARS AGO

ANY suggestion that Monaghan were one-hit wonders were swatted away as they again got the better of Donegal on Ulster final day at Clones.

Two years previous, Malachy O’Rourke’s side had caused a major shock when they beat the Tir Chonaill County to lift the Anglo Celt, but any lack of respect for that win was washed away in the sun.

It was a low-scoring affair with the Oriel County edging a tense game on a 0-11 to 0-10 scoreline.

The success owed much to a second-quarter powerplay as they kicked over five points to take an 0-8 to 0-4 lead in at the break – Conor McManus on fire.

Donegal came out hot for the second half but a series of wides killed their momentum and despite Monaghan failing to score for the final 24 minutes, they held on to spark chaotic scenes.

“It seemed more to do with Donegal being tired,” O’Rourke said afterwards when reflecting on the credit his team missed out on in 2013.

More scores but much less excitement in Connacht as Mayo hit six goals to hammer Sligo.

Aidan O’Shea managed a hugely impressive 3-4 tally in a 26-point win, Mayo winning 6-25 to 2-11.

On the Qualifier front, Brian McIver stepped down as Derry boss after losing to Galway, but not without a parting shot.

The Ballinderry man took aim at the standard of officiating in the game, his rage coming from a penalty not giving eight minutes from time with Galway breaking to score the crucial goal in a 1-11 to 0-8 win – a six-point swing.

“I had spoken to the players during the week. Conor Lane, I said, is a referee that comes with no agenda. By God, he came with some agenda today.”

20 YEARS AGO

SEÁN Boylan oversaw his last game as Meath manager following a shock two-point All-Ireland Qualifier loss to Cavan.

Although the GAA legend would take a few weeks to officially confirm he was stepping away, it would be the game that would end his long association with the Royal County.

Boylan was in charge for 22 seasons, winning four All-Ireland titles and eight Leinster crowns.

Cavan were deserving 1-8 to 1-6 winners at Clones in the first championship meeting between the sides in 51 years.

The Breffni County celebrated wildly, a release for a tough year that saw manager Eamonn Coleman having to step down mind-season with assistant Martin McElkennon having to step into the breach.

There were also Qualifier wins for Derry and Monaghan.

The Oakleaf County were too strong for Limerick, Paddy Bradley the pick of the bunch in a 0-13 to 0-9 win, while Monaghan just edged out Louth 1-12 to 0-14 – Hugh McElroy with the only goal of the game.

Fermanagh were handed a bye into the quarter-final of the Tommy Murphy Cup as Carlow were unable to field a team.

Carlow secretary Tommy O’Neill said they were “now at the mercy” of Croke Park for their no-show with a financial penalty set to follow.

Weddings, injuries and dual players on hurling duty meant that Liam Hayes was shorn of so many players.

On the club front, there was a massive shock in Galway as kingpins Corofin were dumped out by Killanin.

With Kevin Walsh and Gary Fahey inspiring the underdogs, they stormed to a 1-11 to 1-6 victory.

30 YEARS AGO

JASON Sherlock’s full focus remained on Dublin’s Leinster final against Meath despite reports linking him with a trial with Liverpool FC.

Roy Evans, it had been reported, was interested in having a look at his talents but the then UCD player said it was news to him.

“I have heard nothing from Liverpool or UCD,” he said.

The Dublin attacker had caught the eye in a friendly match between UCD and the English giants at Lansdowne Road.

Reigning All-Ireland champions Offaly killed any suggestion that they had won a lucky title in 1994 as they rolled over Kilkenny in the Leinster final.

In reality it was a trouncing with the Faithful County winning 2-16 to 2-5 in the end.

Team captain Johnny Pilkington was in a bullish mood afterwards.

“One bookie in Birr was offering Offaly at 9/4, he’s down a lot of money today.”

There was joy in Ulster for Down as they claimed the provincial hurling crown with a 1-19 to 2-10 win over Antrim.

In their replayed final, it was the long-serving Noel Sands who scored the goal for Down.