Talk about an impact sub.
Eight minutes into the second half of their Allianz Football League clash with Dublin, Malachy O’Rourke freshened up his attack by bringing on two players.
The Monaghan fans in Clones let out a roar as Conor McManus entered the fray, but the young forward keeping him company would swing the game in the host’s favour.
Last August, Stephen O’Hanlon came to the attention of many in the county when he scored 2-11 for Carrickmacross in the U21 club final. On Sunday afternoon, O’Hanlon made his mark on the national stage. Every Division 1 team in the country will have an eye out for him now.
Just 60 seconds after his introduction, and with Monaghan three points down, O’Hanlon soared higher than his own teammate and Dublin defender Jonny Cooper to claim an offensive mark.
O’Hanlon was not content with stopping there and taking a free-kick at the uprights. Instead, he spun and played on. He raced through on goal and finished coolly past Evan Comerford in the Dublin goal.
A leithéad!! CÚL!!!
O'Hanlon do @monaghangaa
Cad é mar cluiche áta againn!#AllianzLeagues pic.twitter.com/LD9JDUtuNq
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 27, 2019
O’Hanlon could have had a second when Monaghan claimed another kick pass and turned right at the reigning champs.
The young forward received a pass, mere yards from goal, but opted to hand-pass to Shane Carey to swat one in as Comerford rushed up on him.
A goal and an assist all in the first five minutes of coming on. Some impact.
McManus prospered when being sprung off the bench, too. Monaghan sought him out for offensive mark passes and, when he caught the ball, their talisman took a breath, settled himself and curled over a couple of fine points from range.
His final score came after Carey claimed a gem of a mark close to the Dublin goal before being fouled:
What a catch!!
Féach ar sin, ceann ard isteach i mbéal an cúl!@monaghangaa #AllianzLeagues pic.twitter.com/98CGlXE9Vn
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) January 27, 2019
Overall, O’Rouke’s men made twice as many offensive mark catches than Dublin as well as dominating in the skies when defending. Crucial moments in a 2-13 to 1-13 victory over Jim Gavin’s side.
