Monaghan secured passage to the All-Ireland semi-finals in dramatic fashion on Saturday, defeating Armagh on penalties at Croke Park.
It was a game that was difficult to watch at times, although there is no doubt that it produced plenty of drama at crucial moments. That included at the end of extra-time, with both teams trading scores at the death in order to send the game to penalties.
Of course, the penalties provided no shortage of tension as Rory Beggan made two saves to help his county in the final four.
This was a massive with for Vinnie Corey's men, a team that many had written off at various points over the course of the season.
They secured their place in Division 1 yet again for 2024, before coming up short against Derry in the Ulster championship. In the round robin series, they would beat Clare, draw against Monaghan, before overcoming Kildare in the preliminary quarter-finals.
Such a run is no small achievement for a county with a small playing pool and a manager in his first year in inter-county coaching, although some feel their achievements are being overlooked.
Monaghan fans unhappy with coverage on The Sunday Game
During last night's edition of The Sunday Game, Monaghan vs Armagh was the final match to be shown on the broadcast. Some felt this was an odd move, especially when you consider that both of Saturday's fixtures would not have been seen by many after being moved behind a paywall on GAAGO.
Even when the highlights were shown, some Monaghan fans were not happy with the way the discussion that followed played out. It is fair to say that Armagh was the main focus of the chat, with many feeling that the tone surrounding Vinnie Corey's men was dismissive at best.
God forbid if Monaghan beat Dublin in the semi final. @TheSundayGame will have to be postponed because they full on refuse to praise a County with only 27Clubs and a population of 60ish thousand. @TheSundayGame why not give us praise🤷🏼♂️
— Michael Quinn (@MichaelQuinn37) July 2, 2023
#SundayGame thanks Sunday game for your lack of respect and dismissiveness of Monaghan. Typical of this programme over the years. Equal rights for all quarter final games definitely not part of your agenda
— Catriona Lennon (@AnascueKate) July 2, 2023
@TheSundayGame the absolute disrespect the panel showed Monaghan before the draw. You all should be ashamed of yourselves @monaghangaa
— Siobhan (@siobhanmul20) July 2, 2023
Monaghan last on the bill on #thesundaygame. Spent more time talking about Armagh. Monaghan, one of the smallest counties in Ireland by population. All Ireland Semi Final and minors in the All Ireland final. A story worth talking about! #monaghan #AllIrelandSFC
— Liam Kelly (@lkdrumhirk) July 2, 2023
Former Monaghan star Dick Clerkin made a similar point in his Irish Independent column, believing that commentary surrounding the county's exploits has been somewhat condescending up to this point.
In the end, this could all suit Monaghan. They have thrived as an underdog in recent years, a tag they will no doubt carry into their semi-final against Dublin.
While Dessie Farrell's side will be favourites, you couldn't bet against the Ulster side at this point.
SEE ALSO: "There's A Narrative That Armagh Are An Unlucky Team - I'm Not Sure"
