Gilmore leads the scoring as classy Donegal too good for Monaghan in Rackard Cup
Nicky Rackard Cup: Donegal 4-27 Monaghan 0-15
Donegal outclassed Monaghan and ran out convincing winners
Donegal demonstrated their dominance against a lacklustre Monaghan team at O’Donnell Park, securing a comfortable 24-point victory.
Mickey McCann's squad had a smooth ride in the Nicky Rackard Cup clash, with seasoned player Danny Cullen making a notable debut for the county during the second half.
Cullen's contribution, setting up Declan Coulter for Donegal's third goal, underscored their effortless triumph.
The match saw Liam McKinney scoring Donegal's first goal, propelling them to a commanding 1-14 to 0-7 lead by half time. Gerry Gilmore and five other Donegal players showcased their skill, ensuring a one-sided first half.
In the second half, Oisin Grant's goal and a clever free from Gilmore further solidified Donegal's lead. Niall Arthur stood out for Monaghan, primarily scoring from frees, but was unable to tip the scales in their favour.
Despite Monaghan's efforts, including points from substitutes Leo Moloney and Thomas Hughes, Donegal maintained control.
The home side, led by Gilmore, Coulter, and Seán McVeigh, secured a resounding victory.
The win sets Donegal up for a challenging match against Roscommon in two weeks, followed by their final away game against Louth.
Scorers – Donegal: G Gilmore 1-10, 8f; D Couler 1-3; L McKinney 1-3; J McGee Cronolly 0-4; O Grant 1-0; R Campbell and S McVeigh 0-2 each; B McIntyre, C O’Grady, G Browne 0-1 each. Monaghan: N Arthur 0-9, 8f; L Moloney 0-3; T Hughes 0-2f; D Hughes 0-1.
Donegal: L White; C Curran, S McBride, D Coulter; S Gillespie, S McVeigh, J O’Loughlin; G Gilmore, C O’Grady; B McIntyre, O Grant, C Gartland; J McGee Cronolly, L McKinney, R Campbell. Subs: S Ward for O Grant (42), P Kelly for R Campbell (45), D Harvey for B McIntyre (48), G Browne for S Gillespie (50), D Cullen for J McGee Cronolly (51)
Monaghan: D McAree; J Guinan, A Kenny, C McHugh; K Crawley, C Merrick, D Hughes; M Murphy, C Flynn; P Malone, C Gernon, E Walsh; N Garland, N Arthur, O Kiernan. Subs: C Flynn for C Boyle (12), T Hughes for C McHugh, R McMahon for P Malone (47), L Moloney for N Arhur (62), J Brady for K Crowley (63)
Referee: Mathew Farrell (Roscommon)
