Magical Monaghan heap more misery on Down

Monaghan 2-22 Down 0-9: So much for the ultra-competitive Ulster championship.

The northern province’s reputation as the brand leader in absorbing, high-intensity senior football matches took another bashing in Clones as Monaghan produced a power surge second-half to inflict a record 19-point championship defeat on Down.

For the fourth week in a row, deflated supporters streamed for the exits long before the second half was clearing its throat.