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GAA

08th Jul 2018

One brilliant display saved Laois from suffering a seriously heavy defeat to Monaghan

Matthew Gault

Monaghan had too much quality for Laois.

Malachy O’Rourke’s side saw off the Leinster finalists in Navan on Sunday afternoon to book their spot in the Super 8s.

Despite Laois’ best efforts, Monaghan progressed with relative comfort, finding scores much easier to come by than their opponents.

However, while The Farney Army’s forwards found plenty of joy, they were foiled by an inspired Graham Brody, the Laois keeper saving no fewer than six one-on-ones to ensure the scoreline stayed more than respectable at the final whistle.

Brody’s reflexes and sheer stubbornness were positive points for Laois.

The Portlaoise club man produced a string of top-drawer saves in one-on-ones in the first half, firstly from Fintan Kelly before thwarting Ryan McAnespie and Conor McCarthy.

Brody made another hat-trick of fine stops in the second period but his virtuoso display between the posts would prove in vain for John Sugrue’s men as Monaghan progressed.

It was genuinely one of the finest goalkeeping displays in recent memory and one which deserves plenty of attention – he’s got to be in the conversation for an All-Star. It’s a pity more people couldn’t see it live as there was no television coverage for Laois v Monaghan.

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