League Campaign Ends In Defeat

Sunday 22.03.2026

Uncategorised

Tyrone 0-19 0-22 Cork

Cork have made a return to the top flight of the National league, after a ten year absence. The jubilant scenes which greeted the hooter showed how much promotion meant to the Munster men as they proved too strong for Tyrone at Healy Park.

Despite the early start and long journey Cork made little of both, and dominated the opening twenty minutes. They always seemed to have time on the ball as they carved through the Tyrone defence  and although playing against the breeze they led 0-8 to 0-3, Ethan Jordan kicking both Tyrone scores. Both midfielders and two of the half backs were on the scoresheet as Tyrone struggled particularly on break ball.

Tyrone began to claw their way back into the contest with their outstanding player Mattie Donnelly leading the revival. The Trillick star kicked two points, Sean McDonnell responding for Cork having earlier been denied by Oisin O’Kane. However further points from Darragh Canavan, Seanie O’Donnell and Jordan left the minimum between the teams at the break, 0-9 0-8.

Tyrone also missed an excellent goal chance when Darren McCurry saw his shot rebound off the crossbar following a Canavan pass in the 27th minute.

Tyrone emerged a hungrier side in the second half early points from Canavan and Donnelly edged them in front and they created two goal opportunities smothered by the Cork defence. Chris Og Jones levelled and suddenly we had a proper game.

O’Callaghan and Canavan swapped points before Donnelly’s fourth put Tyrone back in front. McDonnell levelled before Canavan and McCurry created a two point gap. Tyrone spurned a two point free electing to going short but a turnover saw Mark Cronin split the posts at the other end. Dara Sheedy levelled again, as the game entered its final quarter.

The introduction of Brian Hurley gave the visitors fresh impetus and Steven Sherlock kicked his customary two pointer followed by a free to stretch the lead to three. Donnelly and McCurry left a point between them a set up a grandstand finish with ten minutes remaining.

Hurley and Sherlock were again on target before a fortunate two pointer from Hurley which bounced over the bar seemed to confirm victory. Tyrone continued to fight Ciaran Daly, Mattie Donnelly’s sixth from play and a Conn Kilpatrick point reduced the margin to two entering the final minute but Cork secured the kick out and Hurley used all his experience to fist over to confirm victory and promotion.

Once again Tyrone showed glimpses of their capabilities but the failure to sustain it for long periods means another season in the second tier of league football and a bit of work to do before the opening championship game, when they visit Armagh.