Mohan goal keeps Monaghan on track to retain Ulster title

Gregory McGonigle’s Monaghan are firmly on course for a fourth successive TG4 Ulster ladies’ senior football championship title.

Monaghan, a leading contender for All-Ireland glory, beat Donegal by eight points in Saturday’s provincial semi-final at Donaghmore.

The Farney girls suffered a pre-match setback when experienced midfielder Amanda Casey failed a fitness test, but they still ran out 1-14 to 1-6 winners.

Caoimhe Mohan’s first-half goal helped Monaghan into a 1-6 to 0-3 half-time lead and Donegal had Rose Boyle sin-binned in the first half.

Monaghan stretched their advantage with scores from Catriona McConnell and Mohan early in the second half.

Boyle responded with a point for Donegal but the 2012 National League winners were in complete control as scores from Mohan and Cora Courtney piled on the misery.

Donegal were handed a lifeline when Aisling Cunningham netted, but Monaghan hit back in impressive fashion with a string of scores to make the game safe.

They will meet Tyrone in the July 14 decider after the Red Hands scored a 1-9 to 0-11 victory over Armagh in Inniskeen.

Former All Star Cathy Donnelly scored Tyrone’s goal in the 20th minute as the 2010 All-Ireland finalists led 1-6 to 0-6 at half time.

Donnelly finished as leading scorer for Tyrone with a haul of 1-3, while Caroline O’Hanlon notched 0-4 for Armagh.

This was an encouraging victory for Tyrone’s new joint-managers Paudge Quinn and Brian McGee, who took over the reins recently after Mickey Read left the post by mutual consent.

Tyrone also welcomed back Maura McMenamin and Neamh Woods.

In Leinster, Meath booked their place in next Sunday’s semi-final against Laois with a 2-12 to 1-9 victory over Westmeath. Sinead Coyle scored both goals for the Royals.