Monaghan capped off a hugely impressive team display with a brilliant solo goal by Pete Dooney a minute into stoppage time that wrapped up victory completely and under scored Monaghan's superiority on the day that was far greater than was reflected on the final score line.

From Monaghan's point of view it was a great team performance that was liberally sprinkled with some fine individual efforts, none more so than Mark Connolly in midfield and well supported by Ciaran Hughes, Pete Dooney and Aaron McCarery at full forward.

Top marks also go to the defence where everyone played their part with Sam Dooney and Colin Walsh in particular always in the thick of the action.

In the early stages, Derry looked to have the momentum and their use of the high ball in to full forward Gavin McGeehan threatened danger but the Monaghan defence soon came to terms with that particular tactic and, as a result, the supply to the inside Derry men and was much more limited in quality and quantity.

Monaghan led by two points at the break and continued to make the running in the early stages of the second half and were four in front approaching the end of the third quarter.

A goal from a penalty by Lee Moore threw Derry a lifeline but there were unable to capitalise on that and Monaghan regrouped to strike for vital points on counter attacks to again take control of the match.

In the last minute, Pete Dooney ran all of 80 yards, beating four defenders in the process before crashing to the bottom right-hand corner of the Derry net for a goal that reflected Monaghan's classy performance on the day.

Monaghan now play Tyrone in the Ulster minor championship final on Sunday, July 20 in Clones.

Monaghan: E McArdle, M Reilly, C Farrell, S Dooney, D Farrell, P Boyle, C Walsh, M Connolly, K Duffy, D Malone, K Hughes 0-6 (3f), P Dooney 1-2 (1'45), C McGuinness 0-2, A McCarey 0-2, P O'Callaghan 0-2. Subs: J Farrell for P O'Callaghan, P O'Hara for K Duffy.

Derry: A Warnock, B Lyons, C McWilliams, B Doyle, T Brady, G Burke, N Forrester, M McCormick, M Quinn, E McGuckian, L Moore 0-4 (1f), A Mullan 0-1, G O'Neill 1-1 (p), G McGeehan 0-2 (2f), N McFeely. Subs: C Dillon for T Brady, C Boyle for M Quinn, B Herron for A Mullan, D McVey 0-1 for M McCormick.

Referee: G Walsh (Antrim).