Monaghan Harps 2-12, Clontibret 1-10.

Clontibret will not be appearing in their third County final in a row after they were dramatically dumped out of the race for the Mick Duffy Cup by a stronger, more focused Monaghan Harps, who last appeared in the final back in 1991, in this very competitive and very entertaining semi-final that was played in brilliant conditions in Scotstown yesterday. Monaghan Harps led at half-time by 1-6 to 1-4, the Harps goal coming from the penalty spot when Fearghal McMahon drilled home after Shane Smyth was brought down on the way through. Earlier Conor Boyle had finished well for the Clontibret goal after just 6 minutes when he was placed at the end of a strong run by Vincent Corey. By half-time though, the Harps had turned it around with a series of points and the writing was on the wall for the reigning champions as they had also been reduced to 14 players with the second yellow card dismissal of Dessie Mone. On the resumption Monaghan Harps pushed their advantage out to 5 points with two from Fearghal McMahon and one from a free by Neil McAdam, but they were then also reduced numerically when Donal Hahessy was sent off on a second yellow card. The clinching score came with some 12 minutes of normal time remaining when Michael Galligan found the Clontibret net to put his side seven points in front and while Clontibret mounted a late charge to try and turn things around they could only register four points, three from frees by Conor McManus and one by Colum Greenan as Monaghan Harps held out for a deserved victory. In that final quarter too Clontibret were further reduced numerically when Darach Mooney was sent off on a second yellow card.

Teams and Scorers: Monaghan Harps: A White, N Hahessy, D Hughes, N Scott, G Treanor 0-1, C Galligan 0-1, K Loughran 0-1, N McAdam 0-1 (f), S Driver 0-1, G White, N Treanor, M Galligan 1-1, D Hahesey 0-1, S Smith 0-1, F McMahon 1-4 (1-0 peno). Subs: J Mulligan for G Treanor, L Hahessy for G White.

Clontibret: C Fadian, B Greenan, C Greenan 0-1, C Boyle 1-0, D Mooney, D Mone, D Savage, E Greenan, C Lavelle, M Corey, A Curran, P Boyle, R McGuigan 0-1, V Corey, C McManus 0-8 (7f). Subs: P McGuigan for A Curran, K Greenan for P Boyle, K Lavelle for R McGuigan, S Mohan for E Greenan. Referee: S Gilsenan (Donaghmoyne).

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