GOALS WIN GAMES

Sludden strike is final Niall in coffin for gallant Farney

tuck throughout, a de facto second Ulster final of the summer played between two close rivals who failed to make it to the actual provincial decider.

But with Donegal and Fermanagh’s Championship campaigns already consigned to the history books and the wikipedia page, this Ulster decider had the grand prize of a place in the All-ireland final.

And it played out as one would expect, with plenty of thrills and spills from both sides, particularly Monaghan.

No surprise there, given that this was their first appearance in the Championship’s last four since 1988.

But Tyrone felt it, too, and that was no surprise either, because this was the county’s fifth shot at making the final since they last won the Allireland a decade go.

In the end, Monaghan could disappointed not to have brought it to extra-time. With one minute remaining of the three minutes of injury time allotted by the officials, Malachy O’rourke’s side had reduced the deficit from three points to just one.

On another day Rory Beggan (right) would have connected with a longrange point attempt but on this occa- sion the goalkeeper’s effort skewed to the right and well short, but it also seemed Kieran Hughes was fouled in the air as he went to collect the mis-kick. Referee Anthony Nolan put his hand up, which would normally signify a free. But no free came, and seconds later it was over and Monaghan’s 88-year wait to reach the final goes on.

Nevertheless, Tyrone deserve their place in the final, and they made history in getting there as the first county to lose twice in a SFC campaign to make it to the last two.

Having lost to Dublin already – by three points in Omagh – they know they must improve significantly. And can the psycholgical damage caused by a 12-point loss to the Dubs a year ago be erased so soon?

Harte will hope that’s the case in just under three weeks, but does know his players had their mettle tested by Monafeel