Cork hit serious speed bump with troubling loss as Monaghan take full advantage 

A strong fourth quarter from the visitors massaged the scoreboard and almost introduced the sense of contest to proceedings but, with Colm O’Callaghan seeing red near the end, Cork never seriously threatened an act of thievery.

PLENTY TO PONDER: Cork manager John Cleary during the Allianz Football League Division 2 match between Down and Cork at Páirc Esler in Newry, Down. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Allianz FL Division 2: Monaghan 3-16 (3-3-9) Cork 1-15 (1-2-11)

Cork’s encouraging start to Division 2 of the league hit a major speed bump on the long trip to rural Monaghan on Saturday with John Cleary’s side suffering a convincing and troubling defeat to the Ulster county.