Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Bannigan's side will face Derry in the last four after overcoming Cavan on Sunday
ByJohn McGovernBBC Sport NI Contributor at Clones- Published56 minutes ago
Monaghan manager Gabriel Bannigan admitted there was a sense of "relief" after his side secured a 0-27 to 2-14 victory over Cavan to reach the Ulster Championship semi-finals.
The Farney men responded strongly after a difficult National League campaign, which ended in relegation without a win, by producing a composed display in Clones to set up a last-four meeting with Derry.
"We've had a very tough league, so there is big relief," Bannigan told BBC Sport NI.
"We've been preparing hard for this since the Galway game and were focused on getting a squad as near to full strength as we could. We weren't quite at full strength, but we were stronger."
Monaghan survive Cavan comeback to set up Derry semi-final
- Published3 hours ago
'Derry will be favourites' in last four
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Media caption,Monaghan survive Cavan scare to reach semi-final
Monaghan's fast start proved decisive as they dominated kick-outs and turnovers in the opening half, building a seven-point lead by the break.
Bannigan felt that early control reflected the benefit of competing against Division One opposition during the league campaign, despite the disappointing results.
"The biggest thing we got out of the league was 16 debuts under our belt and big-game experience against Division One opponents," he added.
Bannigan was also glad to have the opportunity to give multiple players their first experiences of the Ulster Championship.
"You saw that today with some of the younger players. Stephen Mooney, Aaron Carey and Louis Kelly all came in and made big contributions."
Mooney, who missed much of the league through injury, was among the standout performers as Monaghan registered a spread of scorers across the team.
"We missed Stephen during the league, so it was great to have him back," Bannigan continued.
"We had a lot of injuries; it's a long list, but it's great to get those players back. They are not all back fully fit yet, but hopefully, two weeks from today, they will be further down the line."
Bannigan acknowledged the difficulties in Clones as his side had to withstand a second-half push from their neighbours, with goalkeeper Rory Beggan making a crucial penalty save from Paddy Lynch to maintain their advantage.
"We're going to have to look at that because they got too many goal chances and Rory did pull off a couple of great saves, but Cavan were always going to come at us," he said.
"They're our neighbours and our oldest rivals, so we knew they would bring it in the second half.
"We still ended up winning the game by seven with 10 different scorers, so you have to be happy with that."
Attention now turns to a semi-final meeting with Derry, who progressed after a comfortable win over Antrim on Saturday.
"Derry are a top, top team and they'll be favourites," Bannigan added.
"But we'll prepare as best we can and try to be ready for them.
"Taking the game on its merits, we have an Ulster semi-final, and us and Derry will be going at it hammer and tongs to try to get to an Ulster final; that's prize enough in itself."
