"That is a point worthy of winning any football match. That is absolutely different class."
Monaghan sent Tyrone crashing into the qualifiers today as their 1-18 to 1-16 victory dumped the champions out of Ulster. It was a deserved victory spearheaded by a Conor McManus masterclass who finished with 0-6 including a spectacular effort from the sideline.
What a point! Watch this class score from Conor McManus! pic.twitter.com/UopRcS9Y9e
— The GAA (@officialgaa) May 20, 2018
McManus's performance ensured his side would not lose today, and it certainly helped Monaghan that the two best-placed ball kickers were in blue as Rory Beggan also chipped in with four points.
McManus has proven himself as one of the countries best footballers in recent years and could be poised for his best year yet as Monaghan have tailored their game just slightly to get the most out of the Cluain Tiobraid man. Powerful running lines and committed runs forward gave McManus more options outside and left him less isolated than previous years.
It was a score that topped off an exceptional performance.
There should be a statue of Conor McManus. The main man.
— Kieran Cunningham (@KCsixtyseven) May 20, 2018
Just seeing Conor McManus’s point from the right wing properly now. Majestic is not the word for it. If I think of an adequate description I’ll add it later. #TYRVMON
— Frank McNally (@FrankmcnallyIT) May 20, 2018
Space will once again be at a premium next time out for McManus, as Fermanagh await in the semi-final. Yet as he demonstrated today, he only needs an inch.
