Donegal hurlers record massive win against Monaghan

Donegal had no difficulty in disposing of a feeble Monaghan challenge in O’Donnell Park today as they cruised to a 24-point win. 

It was all too easy for Mickey McCann’s men on a day when veteran Danny Cullen made his first appearance for the county when he came on as a sub in the second half. 

And he set up his brother-in-law Declan Coulter for his side’s third goal as Donegal cruised to the easiest of victories. 

Liam McKinney got Donegal’s opening goal as they cantered to a half-time lead of 1-14 to 0-7. 

Gerry Gilmore was one of six other Donegal players to split the posts in a most one-sided opening half. 

And two second-half goals from the powerful Oisin Grant and a cheeky free from Gilmore bookended the easiest of victories. 

Clare native Niall Arthur was the standout for the Farney Army who supplied the bulk of Monaghan’s scores from frees. 

Stephen Gillespie opened the scoring for Donegal as Arthur replied with a free. 

But McKinney strode through the Farney defence and smashed home a great goal to give the home side real momentum. 

Gilmore, Seán McVeigh and the impressive Josh McGee Cronolly made it 1-5 to 0-2 by 14 minutes with Declan Hughes pointing for Monaghan. 

But it was all Donegal as they tacked on five more points from Ruarí Campbell, McGee Cronolly (0-2) Gilmore and Declan Coulter to lead by 1-10 to 0-4 as Arthur landed two frees for Monaghan. 

Further scores from Gilmore and McKinney which were responded to by Arthur as Donegal deservedly led by 1-14 to 0-7 at the break. 

And any lingering hopes that Monaghan might have had of mounting any kind or a revival were firmly quashed when Oisin Grant caught a great ball on the edge of the square and crashed home a great goal to put Donegal ahead by 2-14 to 0-7. 

Brian MacIntyre, Gilmore (0-2) Coulter and McKinney pushed Donegal into a 2-20 to 0-10 lead with Arthur landing a few points that were not initially given on the scoreboard but were added on after a consultation with referee Matthew Farrell. 

The pace of the game dropped considerably as both sides ran their benches as Donegal began to relax a bit and hit five wides in a row. 

Danny Cullen was given his first start of the year after a shoulder injury had ruled him out and he quickly set up Declan Coulter for a goal to leave the home side leading by 3-21to 0-9 as the final 10 minutes beckoned. 

Although badly outgunned Monaghan kept trying and subs Leo Moloney and Thomas Hughes were on target from frees. 

But the inevitable Gilmore, Coulter and McVeigh replied for the home side and Gilmore sealed matters when he deceived the Monaghan defence by going for goal to bookend an easy victory. 

Donegal have a week off but have a much tougher test away to Roscommon in a fortnight and their final match away Louth. 

Scorers - Donegal: Gerry Gilmore 1-10, 8f; Declan Couler 1-3; Liam McKinney 1-3; Josh McGee Cronolly 0-4; Oisin Grant 1-0; Ruairi Campbell and Sean McVeigh 0-2 each; Brian McIntyre, Conor O’Grady, and Gavin Browne 0-1 each. Monaghan: Niall Arthur 0-9, 8f; Leo Moloney 0-3; Thomas Hughes 0-2f; Declan Hughes 0-1. 

Donegal: Luke White; Ciaran Curran, Steven McBride, Declan Coulter; Stephen Gillespie, Sean McVeigh, Jack O’Loughlin; Gerard Gilmore, Conor O’Grady; Brian McIntyre, Oisin Grant, Conor Gartland; Josh McGee Cronolly, Liam McKinney, Ruairi Campbell. Subs: Sean Ward for Oisin Grant (42), Peter Kelly for Ruairi Campbell (45), Dean Harvey for Brian MacIntyre (48), Gavin Browne for Stephen Gillespie (50), Danny Cullen for Josh McGee Cronolly (51) 

Monaghan: Dylan McAree; Jack Guinan, Aaron Kenny, Conall McHugh; Kevin Crawley, Colin Merrick, Declan Hughes; Martin Murphy, Conor Flynn; Pauric Malone, Conor Gernon, Emmet Walsh; Niall Garland, Niall Arthur, Oran Kiernan. Subs: Conor Flynn for Conor Boyle (12), Thomas Hughes for Conall McHugh, Rowan McMahon for Pauric Malone (47), Leo Moloney for Niall Arhur (62), James Brady for Kevin Crowley (63)    

Referee: Mathew Farrell (Roscommon)