RYAN: WE KNEW FARNEY WOULD DIP

RYAN MCMENAMIN says Fermanagh knew Monaghan would be vulnerable at Healy Park on Sunday.

The three-time All-ireland winner from Tyrone helped Erne manager Rory Gallagher plan the shock of the season with their sensational Ulster semi-final win.

It may have been a smash and grab raid at the end, but what went before was meticulously planned, according to Mcmenamin (left).

“We knew there was going to be a bit of a dip in them after a big high with Tyrone, and I think historically, Monaghan do struggle,” he said.

“They struggled with Carlow last year and have struggled with other teams. After a big first round game against Tyrone, to come and do it two weeks later, it’s difficult.

“We studied the Tyrone game and we worked out what way we could work it.

“They were superb that day against Tyrone. They were getting a lot of plaudits, but Tyrone didn’t play particularly well, they’ll tell you that themselves and the game was still a draw in the last five minutes.”

Monaghan’s reliance on Conor Mcmanus was an area of particular interest, and Mcmenamin lauded Che Cullen, who held the Clontibret star scoreless from play.

“We knew they looked a lot to Mcmanus, and we knew we had to close him down, and big Che was superb on him.”