Monaghan made a breakthrough in their second season competing at U-20 Hurling level by winning the Ulster Development League Final against Louth on Sunday March 9th at Dowdallshill
After going through the group stage with an unbeaten record, Monaghan finished strongly in the decider to hold off a stern challenge from Louth and get their hands on some coveted silverware. Monaghan’s captain James Brady led and top-scored with 0-06, while their full backline battled well throughout, denying Louth’s goal-attempts with plenty of hooks and blocks. Following several near misses in the minor and U20 grades over the last couple of seasons, this win will be a sweet one for Monaghan, who will be hoping to take that form into the championship at the end of the month.
Monaghan will now turn their attentions to preparing for another crack at the All-Ireland U-20 “C” Hurling Championship, where Patrick Hannon’s side have been drawn at home to neighbours Cavan in the quarter-finals.
Team v Louth; Cillian Goodchild, Ronan Markey, Conor Meehan, Daithi McMeel, Oisin Hagan, James Brady(Capt) Conor Forde, Ian Walsh, Michael Meegan, Enda Brady, Ryan O’Rourke, Conor McHugh, Caolan Connnolly-Smith, Tomas Clarke, Kian Conlon. Subs Used: Fionn Mullholand, Odhran Lennon, Kyllian Murphy, Jamie Murphy
Full-time Monaghan 0-14 Louth 0-09
Report by Colm Shalvey
