By:
Conor Martin
Monaghan captain Mícheál Bannigan fired 1-6 as his side booked their place in Saturday’s Dr McKenna Cup final with a hard-fought win over Tyrone in Inniskeen on Wednesday night.
Bannigan delivered a commanding captain’s display, leading from the front with authority and composure and was named Player of the match. His 1-6 tally was central to Monaghan’s attacking threat, combining sharp finishing with clever movement around the scoring zone.
https://twitter.com/UlsterGAA/status/2011544781105844245
Bannigan’s goal in the 21st minute came at a crucial moment, lifting the tempo and confidence of his side, while his points taken from both play and placed balls punished Tyrone whenever they threatened to gain momentum. Beyond the scores, his work rate stood out, tracking back defensively and constantly offering an outlet in transition.
LATEST: 2026 @BankofIrelandUK Dr McKenna Cup Semi Final 🏆🏐@monaghangaa⬜️🟦 1-05@TyroneGAALive⬜️🟥 1-05
1st half, 21 minsGoal for Monaghan, a powerful low finish from Micheal Bannigan!
📺Watch on Ulster GAA TV⤵️https://t.co/5TBbWpbpCr#BOIMcKennaCup26#Ulster2026 pic.twitter.com/uR6wpJtJYJ
— Ulster GAA (@UlsterGAA) January 14, 2026
Monaghan dig deep to overcome Tyrone test
The Farneymen were rattled early, slipping 1-4 to 0-2 behind as Ethan Jordan struck first and Aodhan Donaghy buried a superb goal. Once Monaghan found their footing, though, the momentum shifted. Their quick, clever forward play began to stretch Tyrone and the pressure soon told.
David Garland, Thomas Hughes and Andrew Woods brought pace and incision, while Bannigan took control, dictating play and punishing every Tyrone lapse.
His goal proved the turning point as Monaghan swarmed forward, boxed Tyrone in and powered into a 1-10 to 1-6 half-time lead.
Tyrone hit back after the break, with Michael Conroy driving a strong response and briefly dragging his side back in front as he top scored with 1-5. The contest swung wildly, chances were missed, and nerves were frayed, but Monaghan held on to advance, and they’ll now play Donegal, who edged out Derry on Wednesday in the decider.
Mícheál Bannigan could be key to Monaghan cup glory
The final pairing sets up an intriguing Ulster showdown between two sides showing strong early-season form. Donegal’s pace, physicality and direct attacking style will pose a serious test, but Monaghan will take confidence from their resilience and scoring threat in recent outings.
Bannigan is likely to be central to Monaghan’s chances once again. The captain is in outstanding form, combining leadership with a consistent end product, and his ability to score from play, frees and two-pointers gives Monaghan a vital edge under the new rules. Just as important is his influence around the middle third, where his work rate and decision-making help link defence and attack.
If Bannigan can impose himself early, control possession and keep the scoreboard ticking, Monaghan will have every chance of matching Donegal and claiming their 16th Dr McKenna Cup and their first since 2022 as they look to carry momentum into the upcoming league season.
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