Monaghan book first minor final spot in 84 years

All-Ireland MFC semi-final

Monaghan 1-11 Kerry 0-11

By Michael McMullan

IT was an historic day in Tullamore as Monaghan saw off Kerry to book the county’s first All-Ireland minor final berth since 1939.

Dermot Malone’s charges built on their quarter-final win over Mayo with a controlled performance.

They needed an element of luck when Tommy Mallen’s free sailed all the way to the Kerry net in first-half stoppage time.

With the interval to regroup, they were always able to keep their noses in front with Man of the Match Sean Óg McElwain giving Kerry plenty to ponder.

Monaghan defended well and half way in the midfield sector.

Kerry had a late chance to win the game but goalkeeper Mooney capped off a fine performance with a vistal save.

They await the winners of Derry’s clash with Monaghan in Sunday’s second semi-final (Armagh 5.30pm) in next month’s final.

Monaghan: J Mooney; J Lynch, C Meehan, C Greenan; T Quinn; A Stuart; D Connolly, M Carolan (0-1), C Jones; T Mallen (1-1. 1-0f); L McKenna, C Murphy, S McElwain (0-4, 2f, 1m); M McGinnity (0-5f), M Finn

Subs: C Clerkin for C Greenan (HT) S O’Connell for Murphy (40), M Maguire for M McGinnity (49,) E McCaffrey for L McKenna (59), J McCaughey for A Stuart (62)

Kerry: J Hoare; D Mulvihill, I Brosnan, K O’Shea; P Moynihan, G Evans, D Kirby (0-1); B Murphy, E Boyle; P Fitzgerald (0-1), T Kennedy (0-1), S Ó Cuinn; D Hogan, O Heal (0-1)y, P Lane (0-6, 4f)
Subs: S Gannon for D Hogan (40), A Kennelly (0-1) for S Ó Cuinn (41), D O’Keeffe for O Healy (45,) A Carey for P Fitzgerald (53,) J Moynihan for I Brosnan (53)

Referee: J Gilmartin (Sligo).