Contenders collide in Monaghan championship

By Shaun Casey

SATURDAY’S clash between Inniskeen and Donaghmoyne has the potential to be the game of the weekend in Monaghan as both have been in fine form throughout the season.

Inniskeen currently sit top of Group Two with two wins from their two outings, having saw off both Scotstown and Magheracloone.

John McEntee’s side, who qualified for the league final where they’ll face Latton, carried that momentum into the championship and are one of the top contenders for the throne.

Donaghmoyne enjoyed a great league campaign where they finished top of the table, but crashed out at the semi-final stage, losing to Latton by the minimum of margins.

David Lennon’s men also lost their first championship outing last weekend, with a last-minute Conor McManus penalty proving their undoing, so they’ll be keen to get points on the board when they travel to Inniskeen.

Also in Group Two, Scotstown, fresh off the back of a bye week, have the chance to rectify their opening day defeat when they host Magheracloone on Sunday afternoon.

The former kingpins, who dominated the club scene for the best part of the last decade, have Monaghan sharpshooter Jack McCarron in their ranks now and he only adds to their quality, alongside Darren and Kieran Hughes, Rory Beggan and Conor McCarthy.

Aughnamullen secured the result of the weekend in round two when they overturned reigning champions Ballybay, away from home, with a fantastic display that saw them cross the finishing line with nine points to spare.

They’ll hope to carry that momentum into round three as they take on a Truagh side on Saturday that are sitting at the bottom of the table with zero points after last week’s five-point defeat at the hands of Corduff.

Seamus McEnaney’s side are the front runners in Group One having accumulated three points from a possible four and will enjoy a well deserve break this weekend.

That leaves Latton and Ballybay on Sunday evening and Seanie Johnston’s side have yet to mount a notable defence, but that could all change in round three.

At intermediate level, Carrickmacross are leading the way in Group One having proved too strong for both Killanny and Sean McDermott’s in the first two rounds. They’ll look to make it three from three when they host Emyvale on Sunday while Killanny and Sean McDermott’s are targeting their first points of the campaign when they clash on Sunday.

Castleblayney are the team to beat in Group Two and have begun their title charge in perfect fashion with hard-fought wins over Doohamlet and Clones. Clones are bottom of the group but have a chance to pick up some points when they host Monaghan Harps.

Blackhill take on Eire Og in Group One of the Junior Championship and both are currently unbeaten while Aghabog are searching for their first points against Drumhowan.

Rockcorry are in the same situation in Group Two as they host Scotstown while Tyholland take on Killeevan on Saturday evening.