All-Ireland SFC: Monaghan ‘put everything on the line’ – Bannigan

Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan praised his side’s character and spirit during their narrow 1-24 to 2-20 All-Ireland SFC first-round defeat by Mayo at Clones.

Mayo had an 11-point lead at the break after a ruthless display in the first half which included six two-pointers.

However, Monaghan fought back after the restart and were able to close the gap to just a point, but couldn’t find the crucial score before the final whistle.

“The character and the spirit in those lads, they’re just brilliant” Bannigan said.

“It’s remarkable, no matter what’s thrown at them, because we had lost a couple of big men with injuries. We lost Stephen O’Hanlon during the week in training and then we lost Bobby McCaul with that very nasty injury.

“So, for the boys to gather themselves together and produce what they did in that second half, I’m very, very proud of them. They put everything on the line again.”

Bannigan made a double change at the break which included Bobby McCaul, who was returning from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury which sidelined him for a year.

The teenager made an instant impact and scored a goal and added a point to Monaghan’s tally as they aimed to produce a late comeback.

However, he was stretchered off the field later in the half with Bannigan adding that the injury “doesn’t look good”.

“I’m particularly gutted for young Bobby,” he continued.

“He’s came off with a bad knee injury, just back after over 12 months out. It’s an emotional dressing room, mainly because of that. He was brilliant. He was causing havoc.

“Whatever about the game, it’s just such a shame to see a young lad like that coming off with a bad injury a second year in a row. It’s a big blow. But he’s made of good stuff and he’ll be back.”