by James McMahon
A place in the provincial decider against either Donegal or Tyrone and guaranteed action until the end of July awaits the winners of this clash at the Morgan Athletic Grounds.
An Ulster title would be treasured in both counties, with Down’s last success coming in 1994, while Monaghan’s wait for an Anglo Celt Cup goes back to 1988. The winner on Sunday will go into this year’s decider as underdogs, irrespective of any improvement that is shown at the Armagh city venue.
Down were workmanlike, and nothing more in their victory over Fermanagh the last day. Monaghan squeezed past Antrim in a game not short on endeavour, but lacking in quality. On paper, the Mournemen have the greater depth of talent, and if they rediscover the form that brought them to an All-Ireland in 2010, then victory should be theirs.
Donal O’Hare and Conor Laverty figured prominently at Brewster Park on 3 June, netting the vital goals, and with Conor Maginn alongside them in the full-forward line, the trio are well capable of making of making a telling effect on the scoreboard.
Sunday’s game see Gerard McCartan come in for the suspended Aidan Brannigan at No 4, but otherwise James McCartan sticks with the side that saw off the Erne county. Dan Gordon and Benny Coulter are still sidelined with foot and ankle injuries respectively.
Monaghan are bidding for their third Ulster final appearance in six years, and history has shown that they are more than capable of upsetting the big guns on any given day.
Seamus McEnaney achieved some notable results during his time in charge, though the provincial final loss to Tyrone in 2010 was a crushing blow and ultimately brought about the end of his reign.
Eamonn McEneaney took over, but no wins in last year’s championship and subsequent relegation to Division 3 in the Allianz League means that the pressure is on for a decent return this summer.
The way in which Monaghan dug out a result the last day shows that the spirit is good within the camp and they won’t be overawed by their opponents.
McEneaney has again decided not to start Tommy Freeman, despite his appearance as a sub against Antrim, where he scored two points.
Darren Hughes returns from injury to captain the side and will line out at centre-half back in place of Kieran Duffy. Drew Wylie replaces Donal Morgan at No 2, while Pete Dooney starts in the half-forward line with Matthew McKenna making way. Kieran Hughes takes over from Christopher McGuinness at No 13.
As referred to earlier, Down would appear to have more aces and a livelier forward line to deliver a victory, but Monaghan will be competitive and won’t be brushed aside that easily.
Verdict: Down
Down: B McVeigh; D McCartan, B McArdle, G McCartan; D O’Hagan, K McKernan, C Garvey; A Rogers, K King; D Hughes, M Poland, A Carr; D O’Hare, C Laverty, C Maginn.
Monaghan: M Keogh; D Wylie, V Corey, C Walshe; D Hughes, D Mone, K O'Connell; O Lennon, D Clerkin; P Dooney, S Gollogly, J Turley; K Hughes, P Finlay, C McManus.
