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Irish Times
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Monaghan's Croke Park record is of failure against big teams - Donegal clash is a chance to change it
This is usually the point at which any Monaghan bandwagon starts to creak and groan and chug its last. In their best years in the All-Ireland series, they have tended to be the little engine that could, right until it becomes obvious they can't. There's no big mystery as to when they arrive at that point, either – it's generally when they come face to face with a Division One team in Croke Park . In 2005, Monaghan played their first championship match in Croke Park for 27 years, a double-scores whipping by Tyrone . It was only their sixth championship game at HQ since 1930, including a replay against Kerry in 1985. They have become far more regular visitors since but their record is reliably dire, a between-the-eyes summing up of their place in the scheme of things. Over the past two decades, Monaghan have played 15 championship matches in Croker and lost 11. Those defeats have come against Tyrone (five times), Dublin (three), Kerry (twice) and Kildare (once). Of the remainder, they've beaten Kildare twice and Down once in normal time, as well as a memorable penalty shoot-out win over Armagh two summers ago. If you drill down into the victories, Down were a Division Two team when Monaghan beat them in 2017 . And though Armagh (2023) and Kildare (in 2014 and 2018) had played in Division One earlier in the season, they'd all been relegated at the end of their respective league campaigns. Of the four, only Armagh were considered as possible All-Ireland contenders – and even then, they were down the list behind Kerry, Dublin, Derry and Tyrone. READ MORE The point is, Donegal are favourites for the 2025 All-Ireland. Monaghan don't beat the favourites for the All-Ireland. They don't ever beat serious contenders for the All-Ireland, not in Croke Park and not in the All-Ireland series. History tells us that this is where they come unstuck. So why should this year be any different? On the face of it, it shouldn't. Donegal have beaten Monaghan already this summer and haven't lost a championship game against them since the 2015 Ulster final . They've won the last three clashes between the counties and drew the one before it, making this the longest unbeaten Donegal stretch in the fixture since the counties first met in 1929. But dig a little deeper and you'll find that games between these two have always found room for an upset. Even when Donegal were a bit of a rabble in the summer of 2023, they were still able to pull off the biggest win of their year with a two-point victory over Monaghan in Omagh . That result was in keeping with tradition – time and again, matches between these sides have been won by the unfancied team. For Donegal 2023, read Monaghan 2013 . And Monaghan 1995. And Donegal 1983. If you go through the games Monaghan have lost in Croke Park over the past 20 years, they have been against sides that they have no tradition of beating. Tyrone have been their bogey team for a generation now – they've never beaten them outside of the Ulster championship. As for Kerry and Dublin, Monaghan have never won a game against either of them in championship football. Donegal are favourites for the 2025 All-Ireland. Monaghan don't beat the favourites for the All-Ireland. Photograph: Leah Scholes/Inpho In the GAA, everyone has a mental block about somebody. It doesn't make sense but it's undeniably true. And it means that Monaghan supporters will travel in much more hope and confidence this weekend to face Donegal (top of the betting for Sam Maguire) than they would if they were facing Tyrone (sixth), Dublin (fifth) or Kerry (fourth). Don't ask for the science, just accept the facts. Away from that sort of specious juju though, Monaghan carry a threat that is specific to this particular championship. In Gabriel Bannigan's first year in charge, they have taken to the new rules in an eye-catching way, embracing the possibilities offered by two-pointers and backing their hard-running style in one-on-one situations around the arc. [ Malachy Clerkin: Mayo's decision to oust Kevin McStay was fair enough but the way they did it was foul Opens in new window ] Back in the spring, they were the top scorers in the league across all the divisions, averaging a shade over 1-24 a game. They have kept that number steady throughout the championship, putting up 4-96 in four matches. Only Down scored more than them in the group stage, with Armagh a full three points-per-game further back in third. There are caveats aplenty, of course. Monaghan ran up all their gaudy totals in Division Two of the league, which showed itself to be an outlier in terms of scoring. Of the 10 highest-scoring teams in the 2025 league, seven were in Division Two. Westmeath and Down got relegated from the second flight despite being the joint third-highest scorers in the country. Division Two was a high roller event this year and everybody played fast and loose. And though the average of Monaghan's totals hasn't dropped in the championship overall, the numbers don't tell you everything. All three group matches were against teams from Division Two and Three. In their only match all year against a Division One side, they scored just 0-21 against Donegal in Clones in April. That match was a ruthless depiction of the difference between the elite teams and the rest. Jim McGuinness's side put on a masterclass of scrubbing the opposition's strengths and making them find a different way to try to compete. Rory Beggan had been Monaghan's leading scorer in the league, filling his boots from two-point frees. So Donegal simply took that option away – they didn't concede a single kickable free to Beggan all day. No fouls outside the arc, no three-up breaches, no dissent. The Monaghan goalkeeper got to take just a single kick at goal all day, a first half 45 conceded by Shaun Patton when he turned a goal chance from Ryan McAnespie around the post. Monaghan stayed in that game by kicking two-pointers from play, five in all. But even that was a lower total than they needed – they tried for 12 two-pointers and missed seven. By contrast, Donegal only attempted a couple of two-pointers in the course of the game and landed them both. McGuinness's players didn't drop a single kick into Beggan's hands all day. Their shooting return was 76 per cent; Monaghan's was 57 per cent. Monaghan's best chance was always to try to sit in and hold on, to give themselves a chance down the stretch. It worked against Armagh in 2023. Photograph: Ben Brady/Inpho That's the difference. Monaghan's season so far has looked impressive at first glance but it has been built on games against lesser opposition. Clare and Down led them at half-time before Bannigan's side wrested control as the game progressed. In both games, they were helped by their opposition's wastefulness in front of goal. It seems unlikely that Donegal will be quite so obliging. And yet, there's no doubt Monaghan come to Croke Park this weekend with a genuine chance. Andy Moran's fingerprints are all over the way they attack. In the likes of Beggan, Dessie Ward, Micheál Bannigan, Jack McCarron and Conor McCarthy , they have a consistent two-point threat from a range of different angles and scenarios. That threat forces defences to come further out to meet them, leaving space for Bannigan, McAnespie and the elusive Stephen O'Hanlon to take on their men one-on-one. More than any other factor, the new dawn brought on by the rule changes have changed Monaghan's expectations here. All those years over the past two decades when they came to Croke Park to play a big Division One team, they were bound by their desire to keep everything tight. Their best chance was always to try to sit in and hold on, to give themselves a chance down the stretch. It worked against Armagh in 2023, albeit after penalties. But the limits of that approach were shown a fortnight later in the All-Ireland semi-final when they matched strides with Dublin all the way to the hour mark before eventually falling to a seven-point defeat. It was a slow death, the latest in a long line. [ Dean Rock: Rory Beggan is Monaghan's ace card who stops forwards at one end and puts fear in defenders down the other Opens in new window ] Whatever happens against Donegal, it won't be that. Monaghan have gone about the new game like a backpacker taking on a new identity in a foreign country. Who they were and what they did in the old game is irrelevant, for now at least. They know they can only win by going for broke. They are conceding big totals but on the flipside, they are taking a huge amount of shots. If they find the accuracy to go with their sense of adventure, they could finally smash through the glass ceiling. After 20 years of trying to beat a big team in Croke Park, this is as good a chance as they could hope for. If not now, when?
Irish Daily Mirror
15 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Roscommon boss Davy Burke steps aside after three years at helm
Roscommon GAA have announced that boss Davy Burke has departed his role as Senior Football manager after three years at the helm. In an amicable parting of ways statement, Burke said that he had the 'unwavering support' of their County Chairperson while adding it was an 'honour of a lifetime'. Burke guided Roscommon to a third-place finish in Division One during his first year in charge but were relegated the following season His best Championship run with the county was last year when they shocked Tyrone to reach the All-Ireland Quarter-Finals and were then beaten by eventual champions Armagh. This season, Burke guided the county back to Division One but an underwhelming Championship campaign ultimately spelled the end of his tenure. "During my tenure I have had the privilege of working alongside a fantastic group of people in my backroom team. While there are too many to mention individually, I want to express my heartfelt appreciation for your professionalism, dedication and loyalty to Roscommon Football," Burke said in his statement. "To the Roscommon players, it was an honour of a lifetime to be entrusted to manage you bunch of men for 3 years. I am very proud of the improvements we made, the work we put in together and the experiences we had along the way. I will be on the terrace in The Hyde keenly watching on and wishing you continued success. There is no better sight than The Hyde pitch full with Rossie jerseys after a win." Roscommon Chairperson Brian Carroll added: "I want to thank Davy most sincerely for everything he has done for Roscommon GAA. We have had highs and lows over the 3 years but Davy's ambitions and goals for our players, supporters and our County was always to be the very best we could possibly be."
Leader Live
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Northop Hall will look to their threatening attack again
Hall are one of three teams battling for the two promotion spots and bowling has proved to be a real strength of the side, who head to Wavertree tomorrow. Paul Jenkins finished with a superb six for 54 return in 21.5 overs during the eight-wicket success versus St Helens Town last time out and he was well supported by Carwyn Johnson (3-41) and James Hurlin (1-24). Slater said: 'It was really comfortable and Paul Jenkins bowled an excellent spell, well supported by Carwyn and James. We've not played everyone just yet, but as in an overall attack it's definitely one of the best in the league. 'Ainsdale have a very good attack, so ours is up there.' Matthew Jones (57 not out) and Slater (31 not out) led Hall to their latest success. 'I think one of those things over the last couple of weeks, if the top order aren't scoring runs, the middle order can all score runs,' added the skipper, who will welcome Finley Jenkins back into the line-up for tomorrow's away encounter. Northop Hall will be looking to achieve their eighth triumph of the campaign tomorrow, but Slater is not anticipating an easy contest versus sixth-placed Wavertree. 'They are a good side and they are always a solid team,' he added. 'They can bat time if they need to.' Hall Seconds will look to make the most of home comforts versus Wavertree Seconds. It's about making a return to winning ways for Chirk in Shropshire League action tomorrow. Following a decent spell in Division One, Liam Walker's side lost out by four wickets at Bomere Heath in their most recent encounter. A better outcome will be the aim as Chirk host mid-table rivals Worfield Seconds tomorrow. In Division Seven, Chirk Seconds pay a visit to Condover Seconds.
Metro
2 days ago
- Sport
- Metro
British World No.719 qualifies for Wimbledon - but misses out on £66,000 payday
World No.719 Oliver Tarvet pulled off a major upset to reach the Wimbledon main draw – but the Brit will be forced to sacrifice almost all of his £66,000 prize money. After two wins earlier in the week, Tarvet shocked World No.144 Alexander Blockx in the final round of qualifying on Thursday to book his spot in the first round at SW19. The 21-year-old becomes the first male Brit since Alex Ward in 2017 to come through qualifying at Roehampton, and means there are now 23 British players in the men's and women's singles draw at Wimbledon next week. A spot in the first round at Wimbledon comes with a lucrative reward, with each participant guaranteed £66,000 even if they lose. However, the Brit will unfortunately be forced to hand back the overwhelming majority of that prize money due to his amateur status. Currently attending the University of San Diego, Tarvet is only allowed to claim up to $10,000 (£7,300) per year from any prize money as a college athlete, which can only go towards expenses and entrance fees. But while he has to forgo large swathes of his prize money, Tarvet has already come up with a clever plan to ensure he gets the most out of his remaining £7,3000 reward. 'It's a little bit awkward because I've got to find a lot of expenses and I really want to come back to University of San Diego to complete my fourth year,' Tarvet said. 'What they've done for me is just incredible and I'm so grateful. I want to spend my fourth year there and really leave my mark on US history. 'I can claim up to $10,000 so I might be flying my coach on a private jet at home.' Men's draw Jack Draper, Jacob Fearnley, Cameron Norrie, Billy Harris, Jay Clarke, Oliver Crawford, Dan Evans, Arthur Fery, George Loffhagen, Johannus Monday, Jack Pinnington Jones, Henry Searle, Oliver Tarvet. Women's draw Emma Raducanu, Katie Boulter, Sonay Kartal, Jodie Burrage, Harriet Dart, Fran Jones, Hannah Klugman, Mika Stojsavljevic, Heather Watson, Mimi Xu. Despite his lowly professional ranking, Tarvet has already racked up an impressive resume as a collegiate player and was ranked inside the top five for Division One singles players in this year's NCAA Championships. More Trending On the accomplishment of qualifying for his first Grand Slam, he added: 'There's a lot of emotions but the main one is just happiness. There is a lot of work that's gone into getting where I am today. 'A lot of people who have worked hard to help me not only get through this qualification but the last year, two years. It's something that doesn't happen too often so when you can enjoy it, I feel like it's important to do it. 'Ever since I was a little kid, going to the Championships when you are nine, seeing the pros. 'It's always been a big dream of mine and especially being from Britain it's just a dream come true and I am just really, really happy to be part of it.' For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. MORE: Emma Raducanu provides worrying Wimbledon fitness update after Eastbourne loss MORE: Meet the Wimbledon 2025 tennis presenters, commentators and pundits MORE: Emma Raducanu issues response after stalker's attempt to buy Wimbledon tickets
Rhyl Journal
2 days ago
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
County Championship leaders Nottinghamshire held to a draw by Yorkshire
Yorkshire's first innings had stretched until lunch on day four thanks in part to an unbeaten 93 from Matthew Revis, helped by an earlier 224 by Finlay Bean, as they were all out for 510 thus setting an insurmountable challenge for the leaders to overcome to take the win. Ben Slater hit an unbeaten 74 for the hosts, the sixth consecutive innings in which he had passed 50, as they reached 148 for one before declaring. Ben Slater continued his fine First-Class form and Freddie McCann collected career-best bowling figures as Nottinghamshire stayed top of Division One in the Rothesay County Championship. Full Day 4 report 👉 — Notts Outlaws (@TrentBridge) June 25, 2025 Surrey, targeting a fourth successive title, had wrapped up a dominant nine-wicket win over Worcestershire on Tuesday. Danial Ibrahim's unbeaten 121 and John Simpson (85) helped Sussex to a draw at Durham, as they declared on 322 for six. The visitors had resumed play on 111 for four with a lead of 145 and successfully slowed the game down despite probing bowling from Matthew Potts and Ben Raine. Potts came closest to making a breakthrough when Ollie Robinson dropped Simpson on 77, as the teams remained lodged in mid-table. 🤝 Both sides decide to shake hands and the match is drawn. 🦅 #FlyLikeAnEagle — Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) June 25, 2025 A 215-run sixth-wicket partnership by Tom Westley and Michael Pepper saved Essex from a third County Championship defeat of the season against Hampshire at Chelmsford. Essex were still 26 short of making Hampshire bat again at 131 for five when the pair began their three and a half hour partnership – which carried them to 358 for six declared. The visitors had enjoyed a lead of 157 after their first innings but Pepper's 140 – his highest first-class score – and an unbeaten 130 from Westley took the game away from them, despite Hampshire spinner Liam Dawson finishing on four for 82. Warwickshire had been set an unlikely target of 377 from 69 overs by Somerset at Edgbaston, the sides unsurprisingly coasting to a forgettable draw on the final day. Tom Latham's 52 and Sam Hain's unbeaten 68 were all Warwickshire could muster after Somerset had extended their second innings to 229 for eight in the morning. 🤲 Northeast (139), c Wood.🤲 Kellaway (14), c Wood. Two 𝗕𝗜𝗚 catches from Woodsy. 🪣#Foxes🦊 — Leicestershire CCC 🦊 (@leicsccc) June 25, 2025 In Division Two, leaders Leicestershire stayed unbeaten but Glamorgan denied them a sixth win in eight games. It took a commendable effort from the visitors to deny the Foxes, as centuries from Sam Northeast and Colin Ingram contributed to a fourth-wicket stand of 225 at Grace Road. Glamorgan were 92 behind and three wickets down at the start of the day but Northeast's 139 and Ingram's unbeaten 133 helped them to a second-innings total of 342 for six when the declaration came. Second-placed Derbyshire were made to settle for a draw despite 91 not out from Harry Came against Gloucestershire at Bristol. The visitors had at one stage been 177 without loss, chasing 316, but their pursuit of victory was undone by Graeme van Buuren's four for 64. Anuj Dal's late 36 not out saw the visitors finish short on 296 for eight. 𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑨 𝑲𝒏𝒐𝒄𝒌 🇮🇹 9x4s and 8x6s on his way to 💯 🎥 LIVE Match Centre: — Kent Cricket (@KentCricket) June 25, 2025 James Sales (108) and Luke Procter (107) shone as Northamptonshire successfully chased down Middlesex's 311 with 10 overs to spare at Wantage Road to claim victory. Kent ended a run of four straight defeats and denied Lancashire a first win of the season in James Anderson's first match as captain thanks to Grant Stewart's 130. An eighth-wicket stand of 182 from Stewart and Joey Evison helped Kent hit back from a slow start to their second innings to finish on 328 for eight. Australian off-spinner Chris Green took four for 104.
