In the Final game of the season, two of the strongest teams in the CMUL lined up against each other as Monaghan United and Carrick Rovers played each other in the CMUL Shield Final in Cootehill. Monaghan were missing some key figures from their team through injury and this proved unfortunate as Carrick Rovers started the game at a high tempo, causing Monaghan problems early on. Monaghans defence of Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan & Fionan O’Gallchoir were defending well, but Carrick kept pressing and pressing at a high tempo. Carricks start to the game was well justified as the went 1-0 up in the first few minutes as they took full advantage of a dangerous corner kick. Monaghan were rattled and soon belief was shattered as Carrick fired in a second from long range within the first 10 minutes of the game. But all hopes were not lost as Captain Patrick Treanor encouragement lifted Monaghan. A change in formation, proved out to be a great move as midfielder Darragh McKenna was pushed upfront. His first moment as a striker changed the tempo of the game as he beat three players inside the box before smashing his shot narrowly against the woodwork. No goal but Monaghan were buzzing as their injured players Dylan O’Reilly, Cian Bradley-Gillespie & Ciaran Doyle roared encouragement from the sidelines. Monaghans midfield where starting to take full control with Fabian Kaminsky, Patrick Treanor and Josh Kelly beginning to dominate, using forwards Lewis Brady, Darragh McKenna and Eoin O’Hanlon as attacking wide outlets. Monaghan soon found a way back into the game as forward Eoin O’Hanlon fired in a deep cross which was met by the head of Lewis Brady who fired home. 2-1 the scoreline at half time, game on!
Monaghan kicked off the second half on the front foot as forwards Lewis Brady, Darragh McKenna and Eoin O’Hanlon drove at the heart of the Carrick defence. Eoin O’Hanlon came closest to finding an equaliser as he fired in three quick shots from long range, only to be denied by the Carrick goalkeeper. They did however find an equalising goal when Conal Harpin won the ball in midfield, he found forward Lewis Brady whos cross was met by Eoin O’Hanlon who rocketed the effort into the back of the net. 2-2 after an amazing comeback. Midway through the first half Carrick were pressing hard but with Robin Pratt-Clarke and Cian Brennan in centre back, Blake Lees and Fionan O’Gallchoir in fullback, being protected by Patrick Treanor and Conal Harpin, Monaghan were proving to be a defensive force as time and time again they set up a defensive wall which Carrick were struggling to break through. Monaghan were beginning to dominate as midfielders Josh Kelly, Patrick Treanor and Conal Harpin took control of possession in the game. But minutes later Carrick did however managed to slip through the Monaghan defence in search of a winning goal, but stand in goalkeeper Donal Moynagh was on hand to pull off a fingertip save and keep Monaghan in the game. The next effort of the game came from Monaghans captain as he struck a powerful effort from outside the box, but again was denied by the inform Carrick goalkeeper. Carrick looked to respond and tried to find a winning goal late on but Monaghans defensive unit of Robin Pratt-Clarke and Cian Brennan were putting in an expedition of defending as they made sure no shots where fired at Monaghans young goalkeeper. 2-2 the final normal time score as the game couldn’t be settled and progressed into extra time.
Extra time kicked off as the second half finished with Monaghan once again starting off at a high tempo as Darragh McKenna broke through time and time again and was firing shots at goal as Carricks defence couldn’t handle his pace. As Monaghans legs started to tire, Monaghan introduced a new young player in Daithi Brennan who provided extra pace into the frontline as Monaghan pressed for a winning goal. As the game looked all set to go to penalties, the Monaghan players believed their was still enough time left in the match. Defender Fionan O’Gallchoir won the ball in midfield, he found forward Eoin O’Hanlon the centre of the field, his disguised pass fell to midfielder Josh Kelly on the right hand side of the pitch. As everyone expected a cross into the box, Josh had other ideas as he struck the ball from distance. Time felt like it was standing still, everyone held their breath, as the ball flew into the top left corner of the net. 3-2 to Monaghan!!!! as the players roared in celebration after an inspiring hard fought comeback. 3-2 the game finished, as Monaghan progressed as victors in one of the most entertaining CMUL Shield finals there ever has been, ensuring Monaghan won an impressive double for two years running.
Monaghans Man of the Match award goes to midfielder Darragh McKenna, who playing out of position, ran the opposition defence ragged with his pace and determination, proving an important vocal point in Monaghans forward line, and playing a vital role in Monaghan’s comeback victory.
The Managers would like to thank all the parents of the team for their continued support and efforts all season, the club for all their important work throughout the year, especially Ronan Callan and Pauric Cassidy who went out if their way to help the team, but most of all the players who time and time again put in fantastic performances in each and every game, ending the year with another impressive double.
Man of The Match: Darragh McKenna
Goals: Lewis Brady, Eoin O’Hanlon, Josh Kelly
Team: Ciaran Doyle, Donal Moynagh, Blake Lees, Robin Pratt-Clarke, Cian Brennan, Conal Harpin, Fionan O’Gallchoir, Patrick Treanor (C), Josh Kelly, Darragh McKenna, Michael McMorrow, Fabian Kaminksy, Lewis Brady, Dylan O’Reilly, Daithi Brennan, Cian Bradley-Gillespie, Eoin O’Hanlon
Managers: Conor Finnegan, Brian Finnegan
Monaghan United U-14's 