Monaghan reached an All-Ireland MFC final for the first time since 1939 after beating Kerry 1-11 to 0-11 at Tullamore.
Tommy Mallen’s dramatic goal on the stroke of half-time proved decisive in the end as Dermot Malone’s men recorded an historic victory.
The sides traded five points each inside the opening 24 minutes. Max McGinnity (three), Tommy Mallen and Sean Og McElwain were on target for the Farney men.
Two Paddy Lane points subsequently gave Kerry a two-point buffer. Monaghan subsequently fashioned a one point lead by half-time courtesy of a goalkeeping error.
Tommy Mallen’s free slipped through the hands of Kerry netminder James Hoare and into the net. The Farney men led 1-5 to 0-7 at the break.
Here's the goal that set the Monaghan minors on their way to an All-Ireland final #GAA pic.twitter.com/Hiqr6FDzjN
— NorthernSoundFM (@NorthernSoundFM) June 24, 2023
McGinnity’s pointed free gave Monaghan a two-point cushion five minutes into the second half. Lane replied for Kerry three minutes later.
Monaghan restored their three-point cushion on three further occasions, Kerry trimmed the deficit to two points each time.
The pattern changed 60 second into injury time when Sean Og McElwain slotted over a free and Monaghan held on for a three-point win.
The Farney men are in the decider for the first time in 84 years and will play either Dublin or Derry. The second semi-final takes place on Sunday at 6pm.
