By Cian O'Connell

The Monaghan success story rolls on with Ryan McAnespie delighted to be part of the tale.

On Saturday McAnespie rifled over four points in the crucial win over Galway securing Monaghan a first All Ireland SFC semi-final appearance in 30 years.

McAnespie was splendid for Malachy O'Rourke's team, who now face Tyrone at Croke Park on Sunday following five wins and one draw in their last half dozen Championship outings.

It is a great way to be hitting GAA headquarters again according to McAnespie. “It is surely, to be topping the group," McAnespie says. "We came into the Super 8s to play every game as it comes and hopefully win every game as it comes. We have the two wins out of the three and drew one, so we’d be happy with that performance.

"We have a week to prepare now for the next game; it’s nice to be going in with momentum, but it’s going to be a tough challenge so we’ll be prepared for it anyway."

A passionate Monaghan crowd hit Salthill at the weekend so McAnespie was completely aware about the significance of the victory. “Ah yeah, 30 years," McAnespie stated. "Even the whole Championship the support has been crazy. Every Championship game now.

"A couple of matches going away and we had more support than the home counties. They’ve been fantastic. And especially when you’re out there playing, when we score or a block, you can hear them.

"It just drives the whole team on, and hopefully next week they’ll be in Croke Park again cheering us on again. They’ve been fantastic now so - keep it up."

McAnespie is adamant that a real bond exists between the Monaghan players and supporters. “That’s it, they’ll always stand by us, whether we win or lose, and that’s what you need as a team," McAnespie adds.

"That you’re not being left out, hung and dry, if you do have a weak game. They’re always there backing you up. So again, it definitely drives the team on and hopefully come next week they’ll be there in numbers again and we’ll hopefully do them proud.

“It’s such a small county and you probably know half the people in the county and you’re probably friends with them all. Just very proud now. Just very close to all the supporters. It’s like one big family and hopefully keep it going. That’s what it feels like anyway."