‘Any time you beat Tyrone it is a good night’

MONAGHAN 0-15 - TYRONE 0-14: Monaghan people could almost be tempted to take it for granted, but after this win over Tyrone, they are almost virtually guaranteed to play in Division One in 2019, for the fifth consecutive season under Malachy O’Rourke.

There are signs of a serious maturity in the panel, even to the point where O’Rourke can plan for victory over a strong Tyrone team and not require the services of Conor McManus until the 48th minute.

Even at that, the game carried the subtext that they will see each other in May for the Ulster Championship, fully locked and loaded.