Allianz National Football League Division 1: Dublin v Monaghan (Saturday, Croke Park, 7.30pm, live on TG4)
They have flirted dangerously with the pitfalls of relegation in recent seasons, but only Kerry have been in Division One longer than Monaghan.
Malachy O’Rourke led Farnyman to Division One in the 2015 season, but since then other top-flight counties have thwarted them and Saudi have been forced to be relegated at some stage. Vinny Coley was O’Rourke’s side’s trusted lieutenant back in 2015 and the Clontibre clubman is now tasked with retaining their prized Division One status for a 10th consecutive season. No game is easy, but Monaghan might have hoped for a less demanding opening game rather than facing the reigning All-Ireland champions at Croke Park.
The Dubs, who overcame a stubborn challenge from Monaghan to win the semi-final by seven points on their way back to Sam Maguire last July, are back in the top flight after a season in Division Two. Of course, it was Monaghan who got them there thanks to Farneyman’s unforgettable stoppage-time win against the Clones, inspired by Jack McCarron, in the final game of the 2022 league season.
There was more heroics in the final round last year when Monaghan were once again in grave danger of relegation when they traveled west to face Mayo at Castlebar. This time it was McManus who stung the tail, and his penalty sealed a six-point win, which, combined with Tyrone’s defeat of Armagh, meant Monaghan stayed and Orchardmen were relegated.
At the start of this campaign, we can’t rule out the possibility of Fernie Man being on the edge of his seat again. A strong start against Dublin will ease any early nerves, but Monaghan have not won their opening league game since 2019, when they beat the Dubs at the Clones.
Although they lost Kieran Hughes to retirement over the winter, this Monaghan group still has an experienced and seasoned team of players who are committed to county colors and are used to performing in Croke Park. A group of warriors.
It’s not just about rolling up your sleeves. Monaghan are a versatile and smart team. You get frees when you need them to score, you get frees when you’re marked, and you can hold onto the ball and control the pace of the game when you need it.
However, a slow, low-scoring game will favor Dublin, so Monaghan will be expected to look to score at every opportunity.
McManus is still there and there is always hope where ‘Muncy’ is, Gary Mohan could be promoted to full-forward and Dublin will have a new full-back after Davy Byrne’s retirement. It will cause trouble for the defense. McCarron is another focal point up front, with Monaghan always carrying a threat on the wing with the pace of Conor McCarthy and Carl O’Connell.
Whatever Monaghan comes up with, Dessie Farrell’s Dubs will be keen to start their season with a home win on Saturday night.
The Dubs entered the competition after a number of useful challenge matches, including a match against Armagh, but although they beat Offaly and Wexford in the opening stages of the competition, they lost to Longford in the O’Byrne Cup final.
Youngsters Killian McGinnis, Luke Bresnach, Brian O’Leary and Sean Lawrie were among the players who performed well in pre-season competition, and these familiar names will return to the starting line-up for the opening game. .
Since the success of Sam Maguire last season, not only Byrne but also Ryan Baskell and Dean Lock have left, Dubs will still have a strong presence in Paul Mannion, Con O’Callaghan and Cormac Costello. Their goal threat means they have a nod to win a competitive opening game.