Monaghan rally falls short as McCaul suffers injury setback
Monaghan narrowly lost their All-Ireland SFC first-round match 1-24 to 2-20 against Mayo at Clones, after trailing by 11 points at half-time. Manager Gabriel Bannigan praised his team’s character and spirit for fighting back to within a point, but they could not find the equalising score before the final whistle. Bannigan noted the side had lost key players to injury, including Stephen O’Hanlon during the week and Bobby McCaul during the match. McCaul, who had only returned from a year-long ACL injury, scored a goal and a point after being introduced as a halftime substitute, but was later stretchered off with what Bannigan described as a “bad knee injury” that “doesn’t look good.” Bannigan expressed particular disappointment for McCaul, calling it “a big blow” but expressing confidence the teenager would recover.
What’s reported
Monaghan lost 1-24 to 2-20 to Mayo in the All-Ireland SFC first round at Clones.
Mayo led by 11 points at half-time, having scored six two-pointers.
Monaghan cut the deficit to one point in the second half but could not score the equaliser.
Manager Gabriel Bannigan praised the “character and the spirit” of his players.
Monaghan lost Stephen O’Hanlon to injury during the week and Bobby McCaul to injury during the match.
Bobby McCaul had just returned from a year-long ACL injury and scored a goal and a point after coming on at half-time.
McCaul was stretchered off later in the half with what Bannigan called a “bad knee injury.”
Bannigan said the dressing room was emotional and that McCaul “will be back.”
Key figures
Gabriel Bannigan, Monaghan manager
Bobby McCaul, Monaghan player
Stephen O’Hanlon, Monaghan player
Sources: BBC News
