ForeverBlue2 (Cavan) - Posts: 4141 - 24/06/2025 13:47:11    2620681

Do we know if Gary Mohan is going to be fit? His presence is going to be huge around the middle. He'll handle McGee and McCarville will handle Langan. McCarthy, Dessie Ward and Bannigan will be our major threats, hopefully knock over plenty of two pointers early and force Donegal to come out. Then we'll get them on the inside with Mooney and Jack.

BrehonBlonde (Monaghan) - Posts: 120 - 24/06/2025 13:54:19    2620689

If donegal started well in clones, it will be double that Saturday given all that has went on with the scheduling. Mc guiness will be on one. So a good start will be required. We have to break even in midfield and we can't be exposed like we were against down. Murphy is playing out of his skin and will take stopping. Lavelle didn't look right v down. Patton is a huge weapon for them as is beggan for monaghan. Although I feel rory has had a quiet campaign so far. If Mc carthy bannigan ward Mc anespie O Hanlon click we can hurt them. I really feel monaghan need to go for this and win the game. To many times in the past 10 years we have left HQ feeling deflated (armagh 23 the exception). Let's see can we do it.

222 (UK) - Posts: 866 - 24/06/2025 14:56:36    2620719

CCFabu (Donegal) - Posts: 230 - 24/06/2025 15:22:34    2620734

Blackcardnot (USA) - Posts: 62 - 24/06/2025 20:06:38    2620805

veterngaa (Monaghan) - Posts: 786 - 24/06/2025 20:19:04    2620807

Shelbourne1 (Monaghan) - Posts: 425 - 24/06/2025 23:06:24    2620843

Louis Kelly to start and tie down Thompson, who wrecked Monaghan in Clones? McPhillips did well off the bench in the first match - to neutralize Neil McGee in second half. Keep Jack in reserve. Get one big show from Woods, like the Louth league game. All familiar themes here.
Lavelle and Mohan's fitness are utterly vital- Monaghan have no business in Croke Park without them. I'd be more worried about Killian at this point. Hope Gabriel Bannigan makes bold and courageous calls- time to die with the boots on.

Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1263 - 25/06/2025 10:40:17    2620891

S1234 (Mayo) - Posts: 257 - 25/06/2025 10:47:16    2620893

S1234 (Mayo) - Posts: 257 - 25/06/2025 11:06:10    2620901

Seanfanbocht (Roscommon) - Posts: 2474 - 25/06/2025 11:09:06    2620902

S1234 (Mayo) - Posts: 257 - 25/06/2025 11:11:37    2620903

MrPBoylan (Monaghan) - Posts: 255 - 25/06/2025 13:32:23    2620958

MalsBalls (Monaghan) - Posts: 233 - 25/06/2025 14:06:28    2620967

Fortune favours the prepared and I think Saturday will be all about how mentally and physically prepped Monaghan are. Donegal will try win the game in the first half, I expect them to be utterly relentless, they'll go for goals and try to put as much distance between us and them on the scoreboard leaving them to play that rangy, defensive type play in the second half protecting their score line.
Hope we do ourselves justice for the duration of the game.

Blackcardnot (USA) - Posts: 62 - 26/06/2025 15:06:35    2621270

Few things stand out about the game... discipline in the tackle will be huge, especially in 2pt range. Beggan and Murphy will both punish any frees that are given away there, and we're going to have to stay smart chasing Donegal runners on the break, not pull them down or foul in the wrong areas.

Donegal will probably push out a bit more than in the Ulster Championship, they'll be rightly wary of our shooters from 2pt range, so there'll be more space inside for Bannigan, O'Hanlon, Mooney, Jack etc. looking for goals, fisted points. I think we've a goal or two in us.

Keeping the tempo going and the pressure on. All the talk about the 6-day turn around is probably over-blown but if there is an advantage there, it'll most likely show up in the first 10 minutes (Monaghan being able to come out of the traps with huge intensity) and the last twenty minutes (Donegal fading quicker than us). We'll only see that advantage if we find ways to keep that pressure on Donegal. I remember us doing a great job against Armagh in 23, sapping some of the tempo out of the game, and it helped, given we'd played the PQF the week before. I also remember thinking, why are Armagh being so cautious and letting this happen. Would love to see plenty of solo-and-go and kick-passing options out of defence, even if we end up recycling and working slower scores once we get up the field, keep Donegal moving.

Donegal's zonal defence will have a lot more cracks in it in Croke Park than on a wet windy day in Clones. We'll get our chances.

MunnionOfMunnionHill (Monaghan) - Posts: 23 - 26/06/2025 15:51:37    2621288

Strong bench named at least. I wouldn't assume full fitness for Lavelle and Mohan but to be fair to management they are keeping it tight in terms of plans.
Controversial maybe but I think Ryan McAnespie might be better starting on the bench, the same for Jack McCarron. Would love to see Louis Kelly get a start on Thompson but I don't think Aaron Carey and Kelly will be on the pitch together. Hold Mohan for the second half? Lavelle to get the nod from the off.
Am not expecting a win but have to say you'd be 20% more hopeful looking at that panel. Huge game need from Andrew Woods though, he has the capacity and now is the time.

Eddie the Exile (Monaghan) - Posts: 1263 - 26/06/2025 20:39:30    2621358

stoneygrey (Monaghan) - Posts: 241 - 27/06/2025 09:09:06    2621411

There appears to be few outside of the County that rate our chances. Most seem to be going with Donegal. Good. That suits us, as we all know how heavy the favourites tag has been for us in the past.

Wouldn't be at all surprised to see a few tweaks to the eventual starting 15, as highlighted above. Although this is nothing new (Banty for example, was forever at this) I genuinely believe that we now have the kind of bench depth that gives us chances we did not previously possess.

Add in the positive style of play, the 2 pointers /rule changes etc means we have real momentum and should fear no-one. We have already won silverware in Croke Park this year. Let's go and win.

Hon

Knoxboya (Monaghan) - Posts: 374 - 27/06/2025 11:00:48    2621445

Safe travels tomorrow lads. I'm gonna hit the road early and actually stop in Monaghan on the way down for a wee stretch of the legs. I'd say the roads will be busy what with ourselves and also Tyrone supporters heading the same way. Funny with all the chatter about fixture scheduling I didn't hear much mention of the inevitable traffic congestion tomorrow. Maybe we'll all end up agreeing with Jimmy McGuinness after all! :D

Always had great time for Monaghan teams. Play with a hard but fair edge, and also have produced some damn good footballers over the years. May the best team win, and if we do end up losing to yez, I genuinely will be supporting you for the rest of the campaign.

Lockjaw (Donegal) - Posts: 9846 - 27/06/2025 11:06:09    2621448