Intriguing clash of settled Monaghan and evolving Derry

The Ulster final clash between Monaghan and Derry pits the consistent performer against a real up and coming team.

Monaghan have had relatively recent success with Ulster titles in 2013 and 2015 and have competed well in Allianz League Division 1 for eight years now.

In the same period, Derry have played in all four divisions of the Allianz League. In the championship the Oak Leaf county have simply not performed.

Monaghan need little introduction. Banty McEneaney and Malachy O'Rourke before him worked with a core of quality players and leaders. Little tweaks and additions have been made but the core of players have remained.

Rory Beggan, Conor Boyle, Colin Walshe, Ryan and Drew Wylie, Darren and Kieran Hughes seem to have been playing forever. Leading from the front throughout that period has been their three-time All-Star Conor McManus.

Banty, Malachy, Donie Buckley, Leo McBride, Conor Laverty and various other coaches have made a big impact on developing the Monaghan players. While other counties have had clear outs and fresh starts, Monaghan management have tended to stick by the same players.

It was more of the same in their most recent performances in the league against Dublin and Ulster Championship win against Down. The same core players coming to the fore, grinding out wins.

Monaghan have a great balance in their team. Strength and physicality when needed from the likes of the Wylies, Niall Kearns and Darren Hughes. Flair and creativity from Jack McCarron, Conor McCarthy and Conor McManus. Their squad is full of well-coached, athletic players.

All of us GAA fans are used to watching Monaghan on TV. At this stage we know what they will bring to every match they play. The same cannot be said for Derry. Rory Gallagher