Facing champions excites O’Rourke

Malachy O’Rourke is going to embrace the challenge of facing All-Ireland champions Donegal in the Ulster final.

The reward for beating Cavan on Saturday night is a dubious one, with Jim McGuinness’ side chasing the county’s first three-in-a-row of provincial titles. No one expects Monaghan to have a hope of causing an upset on July 21, but that’s fine with their manager.

“We’ll be written off by those looking on from outside, that’s only natural,” said O’Rourke. “Donegal have been the benchmark for all teams in the last few years.