Galway 0-8 Monaghan 0-16
Monaghan have booked their place in the All-Ireland semi-finals for the first time in 30 years.
The Farney men’s win over Galway means that not only have they qualified for the final four, but they finish top of Group A and avoid a semi-final clash with Dublin.
Galway had already qualified for the semi-finals thanks to their previous wins over Kerry and Kildare respectively. They hosted Monaghan this evening knowing that if they didn’t beat them, then they would have to face Dublin next weekend.
Monaghan were full value for their victory over the 70 minutes. They led at half-time 0-7 to 0-5, with six of their seven scores coming from play. The pick of the bunch coming from corner back, Colin Walshe.
Colin Walshe with a point for Monaghan. pic.twitter.com/53ZT6Wt30F
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 4, 2018
Monaghan extended their lead to five in the second half. After two early misses – one from play, one from a free – the mercurial Conor McManus proved deadly in the second half from the dead ball.
Darren Hughes was a colossal at midfield for the Ulster men all day long, kicking a fantastic long-range point in the first half, followed by this one from a tight angle in the second.
Darren Hughes kicks a lovely point for Monaghan from a tight angle. pic.twitter.com/Rigp2MXPA1
— The GAA (@officialgaa) August 4, 2018
After all the talk about Rory Beggan following his near flawless performance in Clones two weeks ago, he was quite subdued today as Galway done well to close down his kick-outs.
It wasn’t until ten minutes from the end that the goalkeeper got the chance to come up and kick a booming point to put Monaghan seven points clear heading into the home stretch.
Ryan McAnespie kicked his fourth and Monaghan’s 16th point of the day to ensure that they would be coming out victorious in Salthill.
Monaghan can now relax and look to tomorrows game between Donegal and Tyrone knowing that they face the winners. Malachy O’Rourke’s men will relish an all-Ulster tie against either team for a place in an All-Ireland final
Galway must pick themselves up now and get ready to take on Dublin in Croke Park next weekend.
