Monaghan missed out on the TG4 All-Ireland intermediate ladies football semi-finals following a narrow defeat to Down at Newry.
The sides were level at 2-8 apiece 11 minutes from time before a strong finish saw Down win 2-12 to 2-9.
Monaghan got off to a blistering start. Sarah Tierney opened the scoring with a goal as early as the second minute
Down eventually settled and 17 minutes later, Natasha Ferris restored parity making it 0-3 to 1-0.
Ferris subsequently pushed Down two points clear. Chloe McBride replied with two points as Monaghan restored parity on 24 minutes.
Ferris registered Down’s first goal 60 seconds later helping Down lead 1-6 to 1-4 at half-time.
Monaghan started the second half impressively. Tierney’s second goal within four minutes of the restart saw the Farney women move two points clear; 2-6 to 1-5.
Sarah Dougherty replied with a goal for Down on 43 minutes as the hosts got their noses in front. Six minutes later Leanne Maguire levelled the game at 2-8 apiece.
Down finished the game with a flourish landing four of the last five scores. Down will face Tyrone in the last four after they they defeated Clare 2-8 to 2-7.
