Ryan O'Toole hunts down Stephen O'Hanlon. Photo: Fintan McTiernan

Fast Start for Scotstown in SFC

Colm Shalvey

Published: Thu 13 Aug 2026, 4:30 PM

Scotstown 3-12 Carrickmacross 1-9

Scotstown sent out a statement of intent in the first round of the Monaghan SFC with a convincing win away to Carrickmacross on Sunday.

The Ulster champions made light of the absence of Rory Beggan, Kieran Hughes, Max Maguire and Jack McCarron to ruthlessly put the game beyond Carrick’s reach with a first-half performance full of purpose and intent.

The holders were mean in defence, led by the immense Ryan O’Toole, and impressive in attack, with Conor McCarthy dictating much of the play, contributing 1-4 of his own within 15 minutes, along with several assists.

McCarthy and Seán Óg McElwain racked up 2-10 between them as Scotstown proved too strong for the home side.

Carrick retained 13 of their starting team from last year’s IFC Final, with Andy Callan handing SFC debuts to Conor Meehan and goal-scorer Dualta Honney.

For the full match report pick up this week's Anglo-Celt.