It takes something special to beat Dublin in Croke Park.
Jim Gavin’s side extended their unbeaten stretch to 16 games tonight across league and championship with a narrow 1-14 to 0-16 win over Monaghan in the National Football league.
Bernard Brogan got the all important match winning score, but his point was overshadowed by a majestic display once again by Conor McManus.
After watchin Conor Mcmanus, Down may start workin on a triple sweeper now for the championship game! Phenomenal performance!#differentgravy
— Steven Poacher (@Stevie_Poacher) February 27, 2016
Monaghan had opened the game with tactics that frustrated Dublin, and especially Stephen Cluxton, whose kick-out was severely compromised at times.
Monaghan started this one in flying form. They're pushing right up on Cluxton's kickouts and causing him problems #gaa
— Kevin O'Brien (@Kevobrien) February 27, 2016
Monaghan enjoyed a five point lead at one stage of the opening half until Dublin, thanks to Dean Rock who scored 0-5 in the first half, and 0-2 from Philly McMahon, had the home side ahead by a point at the break by 0-10 to 0-9.
Dublin got an ideal start to the second half when Diarmuid Connolly slotted home a penalty to give the Dubs a sizeable lead, but Conor McManus then took the game by the scruff of the neck.
He scored 0-12 in total, but Bernard Brogan’s last gasp point gave the Dubs the win, which was a harsh refection on the efforts of the Clontibret man.
Early in the year but Conor McManus is the best footballer in Ireland.
— Kyle Coney (@kyleconey90) February 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/maceyebrow/status/703678809585930244
Even hurlers were praising him for God’s sake.
https://twitter.com/power_richie/status/703678694145990657
But most players just could not get over the Monaghan forward’s incredible display.
https://twitter.com/JohnShiel15/status/703684789065392129
Top drawer from Conor McManus tonight 👏🏻
— Emlyn Mulligan (@emlynmulligan) February 27, 2016
Conor McManus outrageous again, is there a betr fwd in the game?
— Aidan McCarron (@aidanwyliemcc) February 27, 2016
12 points for @ConorMcManus_15 in HQ tonight. What a player. Best forward in the country. Give him the all star now. @monaghangaa
— Robert Cox (@extratime_sport) February 27, 2016
The other league game tonight saw a late Stefan Campbell point give Armagh a one point win over Fermanagh by 1-10 to 0-12.
Stefan Campbell kicked this beauty to win the game for Armagh against Fermanagh tonight #AllianzLeagues pic.twitter.com/KpPPCJNraK
— Kevin O'Brien (@Kevobrien) February 27, 2016
The game was also marred by a row between both teams at half-time.
HT at the Athletic Grounds.@Armagh_GAA 1-05 to 0-06 @FermanaghGAA! Handbags in the tunnel. #AllianzLeagues https://t.co/BZCsnhe2gx
— eir Sport (@eirSport) February 27, 2016
