Lory Meagher Cup round two

Louth v Monaghan

Sunday, Darver, 2pm

By Shaun Casey

MONAGHAN are on the road this Sunday as they travel to Darver and attempt to make it two from two in the Lory Meagher Cup.

It’s the third time on the trot that the Farney men head to the Louth Centre of Excellence and they’ve experienced mixed results in their previous two encounters.

The Wee County prevailed when the sides clashed in the second round of the Lory Meagher Cup last season, winning 3-15 to 0-17.

Two goals from Andrew Mackin, the 2020 Lory Meagher Player of the Year, and another from Paul Mathews put Monaghan to the sword.

That win sent Louth through to the last four of the competition, where they eventually lost to Cavan by four points.

Monaghan mastered the most recent meeting the two counties shared, in round three of this year’s National League.

A personal haul of 1-1 from sharpshooter Thomas Hughes guided his side to an important 2-8 to 0-7 triumph.

Victory over Louth, along with their first-round win over Warwickshire, ensured that Monaghan stayed clear of the dreaded relegation zone.

Louth on the other hand, failed to win a single game in the league and only secured their spot in the division due to a superior scoring average after drawing with Warwickshire, who went down.

The Wee County opened their Lory Meagher Cup campaign with a victory, defeating Lancashire in the opening round.

Paul McCormack’s side posted 1-18 in the second half to earn a 2-27 to 1-10 win, having been level at the halfway stage.

Paul Mathews struck the net while substitute Sean Kerrisk also raised a green flag and finished with 1-2 after coming off the bench.

The Farney men hosted Cavan in their first round and claimed a three-point victory over their neighbours, 3-9 to 2-9.

Thomas Hughes was once again the hero as he finished the game with a personal haul of 2-1 to lead Monaghan to victory.

There’s plenty to work on for Arthur Hughes’ side, particularly in attack, as they struck a huge tally of 18 wides.

The hosts were well ahead at the break, 1-6 to 0-2, but their efficiency up front allowed the Breffni Blues to remain in contention.

Monaghan will take huge confidence from their recent league meeting with Louth and if they can improve their shooting, they could make it two from two.