Monaghan had too much quality for Laois.
Malachy O’Rourke’s side saw off the Leinster finalists in Navan on Sunday afternoon to book their spot in the Super 8s.
Despite Laois’ best efforts, Monaghan progressed with relative comfort, finding scores much easier to come by than their opponents.
However, while The Farney Army’s forwards found plenty of joy, they were foiled by an inspired Graham Brody, the Laois keeper saving no fewer than six one-on-ones to ensure the scoreline stayed more than respectable at the final whistle.
Brody’s reflexes and sheer stubbornness were positive points for Laois.
The Portlaoise club man produced a string of top-drawer saves in one-on-ones in the first half, firstly from Fintan Kelly before thwarting Ryan McAnespie and Conor McCarthy.
Brody made another hat-trick of fine stops in the second period but his virtuoso display between the posts would prove in vain for John Sugrue’s men as Monaghan progressed.
It was genuinely one of the finest goalkeeping displays in recent memory and one which deserves plenty of attention – he’s got to be in the conversation for an All-Star. It’s a pity more people couldn’t see it live as there was no television coverage for Laois v Monaghan.
https://twitter.com/Woolberto/status/1015963520817606656
I don't mean to go on about it but Graham Brody is having an outrageous game! If he could take the frees too I'm sure he'd score them all! @CLGLaois 1-8 @monaghangaa 0-18
60 mins #TheToughest pic.twitter.com/cAQKzIVmfW— AIB_GAA (@AIB_GAA) July 8, 2018
https://twitter.com/Jack_DRFC/status/1015964536845848576
https://twitter.com/FintanMusic/status/1015975921440960512
Graham Brody would walk into almost every team in the country, such a class act, undoubtedly the best keeper in the country so far this year! Pity that you have to get to an AI semi/final to be given an all star these days though….
— Aaron Cooney ⚽️ (@_AC1__) July 8, 2018
