Maeve relishing a big week for Monaghan on two fronts

THERE is a unique buzz around Monaghan this week with both the ladies and the men’s teams competing in Ulster finals, and experienced defender Maeve Monaghan is enjoying the build-up.

On Saturday, the ladies travel to Brewster Park, Enniskillen to take on Intermediate holders Cavan while, 24 hours later, the men’s representatives will be eyeing up the Anglo Celt, with Armagh standing between them and Ulster glory.

It’s been a long time since Monaghan got over the line in Ulster. 2016, back when they were competing at senior level, was the last time they held the status of Ulster champions.

Emmet Óg’s star Monaghan is hoping that long drought ends on Saturday. “It’s a great feeling for the two teams to be in the finals on the same weekend. There’s been a great buzz in the area.

“I remember the men won it in 2015 and then the last time we won it was 2016 and that was the Senior Championship. It’s been a long time for us.

“There are club connections between the two teams and there’s a few partners so I’m glad the games won’t clash and everyone can go and support their partners; it works out better that way.”

The Farney County did compete in the Intermediate Championship final as recently as two years ago but they came up short against Down, tasting defeat by the minimum of margins after a dramatic second half revival.

“I remember that game as clear as day,” Monaghan continued. “That was a tough blow, and you have to find a way to keep going from that. A loss like that can be so disheartening but you have to keep going and keep fighting.”

Like Monaghan, Cavan spent a few years battling it out with Donegal and Armagh in the Senior grade but stepped down to the second-tier last season and hammered Down in the decider, with 17-points to spare, to claim the crown.

The Breffni Blues also gained promotion from Division Two in the league, defeating Monaghan in the process, so the Farney girls know exactly what they are facing into.

“They are in a good position going into the game but to be honest, I’d rather be where we are. We’ve had great training sessions over the last couple of weeks so we’re feeling confident and we’re all looking forward to it.”

Only three points separated the sides in that aforementioned league meeting at the start of March. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then, and Monaghan believes they have to be better than they were that day.

“They’re very strong and going well but we can only focus on ourselves and on our performance and how we can counteract them and hopefully get over the line on the day,” Monaghan continued.

“In the league game we had the wind in the second half and didn’t make use of it. We gave the ball away and Cavan got a sloppy goal.

“Things like that can’t happen the day of an Ulster final. They’re alright in the league but if we make those same mistakes, they’ll cost us the game.”