Scotstown and Inniskeen will contest this year’s Monaghan final after wins over Corduff and Clontibret in Clones yesterday.
Scotstown qualified for their 11th consecutive county final after surviving a scare from Corduff before winning 1-13 to 1-6.
After going through their group unbeaten, Corduff’s first appearance at this stage saw them threaten a major upset until their challenge dissolved as they were reduced to 13 men.
Points from Ryan O’Toole, Matthew Maguire and Jason Carey put Scotstown ahead but Corduff drew level with a breakaway goal by Diarmaid Marron.
Scotstown retained their composure, outscoring the 2022 Ulster IFC finalists by six points to two between then and half-time to lead by 0-9 to 1-2.
A dull third quarter produced a point each before a brace from Fergal Hanratty brought Corduff back within two. Scotstown needed a response, which they got through Jack McCarron, whose two points in quick succession doubled their lead again.
Corduff lost control in the closing stages, Pádraic Keenan’s second booking quickly followed by a straight red for sub Killian Callan.
Scotstown added gloss to the scoreline with a late goal from sub Francis Maguire.
Inniskeen are through to their first decider since 1990 after they repeated their group-stage victory over Clontibret, winning a thriller ny 2-22 to 2-18 .
Inniskeen started on the front foot, only to be pegged back by an audacious goal from Dessie Mone. Fellow veteran Conor McManus added a hat-trick of points as Clontibret led by 1-3 to 0-4 midway through the half.
Inniskeen responded in style, however, kicking six unanswered points from play, including three from Dónal Meegan and a brace by Andrew Woods.
Inniskeen went in ahead by 0-10 to 1-4 and although Michael P O’Dowd added pace to the Clontibret attack, they continued to struggle to get to grips with the Grattans’ forwards.
Runs by Seán Jones and Woods created goals for Séamus Kindlon and Michael Monahan that put the result beyond doubt, sealing a fifth straight win for John McEntee’s in-form side.
Monaghan manager Vinnie Corey’s cameo was cut short by a red card and although Clontibret finished with a goal from a penalty by McManus (taking his tally to 1-8), the 2019 champions exited at the semi-final stage for the second year in a row
