Round-up: Donegal and Monaghan advance in McKenna Cup
Aidan Forker, Armagh, and Andrew Woods, Monaghan, in Dr McKenna Cup action at the Athletic Grounds.
Dr McKenna Cup semi-finals
Monaghan 0-15 Armagh 0-15
Monaghan win 5-4 on penalties
Donegal 2-9 Derry 0-11
Monaghan and Donegal will contest the Dr McKenna Cup final following an eventful evening.
Penalties were required at the Athletic Grounds to separate Monaghan and Armagh following an eagerly contested match.
Ultimately Seamus McEnaney's charges prevailed as Conor McCarthy, Aaron Mulligan, Shane Carey, Jack McCarron, and David Garland converted penalties for Monaghan.
Rian O'Neill, Aidan Nugent, Rory Grugan, and Stefan Campbell scored for Armagh with Jemar Hall the unfortunate player to miss.
A late Campbell point forced extra-time at the end of a lively second half.
With eight minutes remaining a Rian O'Neill free edged Armagh 0-14 to 0-11 clear, but Monaghan responded impressively.
Two Jack McCarron frees either side of a Conor McCarthy effort from play ensured Monaghan drew level.
McCarron subsequently guided Monaghan in front, but Campbell replied for Armagh.
At the break Armagh with Niall Grimley and Rory Grugan sharp were 0-8 to 0-4 ahead in front of 3,422 spectators.
When the action recommenced Monaghan improved considerably and they will now face Donegal on Saturday at Healy Park.
Michael McEvoy, Derry, and Tony McClenaghan, Donegal, in Dr McKenna Cup action at Páirc MacCumhaill.
Two first half Donegal goals were crucial at Páirc Seán MacCumhaill as Declan Bonner's team defeated Armagh.
Caolan McGonigle and Odhran McFadden Ferry delivered important majors for Donegal, who led by 2-5 to 0-6 at the turnaround.
After the restart Donegal were comfortable dealing with Derry to earn a place in this weekend's decider.
Initially Derry were causing Donegal some problems edging 0-4 to 0-2 in front before McGonigle contributed an 18th minute goal.
The teams were level, 1-3 to 0-6, in the 30th minute, but then Donegal landed a significant blow.
McFadden Ferry added a second Donegal goal to edge the home side ahead with Michael Langan and Shane O'Donnell adding further points.
Derry's Lachlan Murray rifled over some fine scores in the second half, but Donegal were always in control.
