Mayo clash set Monaghan up for final glory

Sunday, July 21 is a date that will live long in the memories of Monaghan supporters but for players and management it was Wednesday, July 10 where the plan to beat Donegal came together.

In a behind-closed-doors game against Mayo at Pearse Park, they groomed their tactics for their Ulster final tilt, edging out James Horan’s side with a last-gasp goal.

Mayo found the exercise just as useful coming up against a swarm defence for the first time in quite a while. But it was Monaghan who were the main benefactors as they honed their preparations to match and beat Donegal.