Hurlers Suffer Opening Day Defeat

Sunday 04.02.2024

County

Allianz Hurling League Div 2B
Derry 2-20 Tyrone 0-16

Tyrone started life in division 2B of the national hurling league when they suffered defeat at the hands of their hosts Derry.

Despite a strong third quarter, which saw Tyrone hit seven unanswered points but a goal from Corey O’Reilly in the 53rd minute, guided Derry to victory. Derry, with the aid of a strong breeze, started brightly, and with Cormac O’Doherty and midfield partner Ruairi O’Mianain in commanding form, they led by 9 points by the mid point of the half. Aidy Kelly opened Tyrone’s account in the 19th minute, but with three points from Corey O’Reilly the home side built on the advantage of the elements.

Tyrone had goal chances as the half drew to a close but keeper Eoin Mulholland denied Aidy Kelly and Dean Rafferty from a penalty. Mickey Little and Aidy Kelly added points which saw Tyrone trail 0-17 to 0-5 at the break. Points from Aidy Kelly, Mickey Little, Lorcan Devlin Tiernan Morgan, and Rory Weir had given Tyrone serious momentum, and when Ben Gormley reduced the deficit to 5, with 18 minutes left it looked like a shock Tyrone win was on the cards. O’Reilly’s goal and a further major from Dara Mooney however ensured a home victory.

Tyrone finished with 13 with second half dismissals of Joe McToal and Lorcan Devlin.