Monaghan GAA’s Near Miss: A Look Back at the 1985 Semi-Finals

For Monaghan GAA supporters, the memory of the 1985 All-Ireland semi-finals against Kerry remains a powerful reminder of both hope and heartbreak. This year marks the 40th anniversary of a gripping two-part saga that showcased Monaghan’s resilience and determination in the face of a storied opponent.

In August 1985, Monaghan faced off against Kerry, a team with a legacy of dominance in Gaelic football. Monaghan supporters had been waiting since 1930, the last time their men’s senior team reached the All-Ireland final. That match, dubbed “the last battle of the Civil War,” ended in a devastating loss for Monaghan, who were outclassed by a Kerry team aiming for their fourth consecutive title. The scoreline, 3-11 to 0-2, left an indelible mark on the county’s sports history.

Fast forward to 1985, and Monaghan was determined to rewrite its narrative. The team entered the semi-finals as defending league champions, having achieved their first national title earlier that summer. With a mixture of grit and tactical prowess, Monaghan held Kerry to just two scores in the first half of the initial match. One of those scores came from a fortunate goal that rebounded off the upright. The first half ended with Monaghan leading, showcasing a disciplined and aggressive defense that surprised their opponents.

As the second half progressed, Kerry regrouped and managed to pull ahead, seemingly on course for victory. That was until a moment of magic from Eamonn McEneaney. With just moments to spare, he struck a long-distance free kick that equalized the match, sending the Monaghan supporters into jubilation. The distance of that kick has since become the stuff of legend, growing from an already impressive 51 metres to nearly 70 metres in the retelling.

The excitement surrounding the first match led to heightened anticipation for the replay. During this time, Monaghan fans enjoyed a newfound respect, buoyed by the team’s impressive performance. Yet, reality struck hard in the second game. Kerry came out with a fierce intensity, scoring 2-3 in the first quarter. Monaghan fought back, aided by the early dismissal of Kerry’s star forward, the “Bomber” Liston, who received a red card for a reckless challenge.

Despite holding their ground and outscoring Kerry 10-6 for the remainder of the match, Monaghan fell short, losing by five points. The result was a bitter pill to swallow for supporters who had dared to dream of a final appearance. The aftermath of the match took a personal toll on one Monaghan fan, who found himself hitchhiking to Athlone after the game, only to be stranded overnight. This experience, while painful, mirrored the deep emotional investment that Monaghan supporters have in their team.

Throughout that August, the excitement in Monaghan was palpable. The county was thriving in the sporting world, highlighted by the success of local boxer Barry McGuigan, who had just claimed the world featherweight title. This success created an atmosphere of optimism among Monaghan fans, who walked with newfound pride.

As the 40th anniversary of the 1985 semi-finals approaches, Monaghan GAA supporters reflect on that exhilarating period with a mix of nostalgia and yearning. Their journey through the years has been marked by resilience and an unwavering commitment to their team, even in the face of disappointment. The hope remains that one day, Monaghan will again reach the ultimate stage of Gaelic football, and perhaps even transform their dreams into reality.