MASTERS| Tyrone’s Good Run Continues.

Monday 03.10.2016

Club

IRISH TV GAELIC MASTERS

Tyrone (0-14) v Donegal (1-9)

Venue: Killyclogher

Sat Oct 1^st 2016

Referee: Stephen Mc Namee

Tyrone’s winning run in this year’s competition continued with a hard fought win over Donegal at Killyclogher at the weekend.  This top of the table clash was always going to be tight with Donegal needing the win to secure a semi-final place. Tyrone made the running in a very competitive first half moving 4 points ahead before Donegal got their first score. Tyrone’s dominance continued and they went in at the half way mark 0-9 to 0-5 ahead.

Tyrone continued to push forward in the first 10 minutes of the second half but a number of missed goal opportunities meant that they never really shook off a dogged Donegal. Tyrone remained four up but Donegal were given a lifeline when they were justifiably awarded a penalty by referee Stephen Mc Namee. The well struck effort was saved by Tyrone goalie Kieran Leonard to keep Tyrone in charge but it marked the beginning of a period of dominance for Donegal. Minutes later Leonard was called into action again when he got his hand to another rocket deflecting it wide. Something was bound to give however and eventually the Tyrone goal was breached bringing Donegal within a point as the game entered the last ten minutes. Tyrone were able to rally and tag on a couple of points. Donegal replied with a couple of their own but Tyrone held on to take the win. Despite defeat Donegal showed that they will be a force to be reckoned with in the future and it will not be long until they make their mark in the master’s competition.

For Tyrone Kieran Leonard in goals was the standout player with his two second half saves virtually ensuring a Tyrone win. New recruits for Tyrone this year Brendan Mc Laughlin, Eunan Mc Anespie, Terry Donnelly, Eamon Mc Elroy, Liam Patterson, Ryan Mc Callion and Niall O’Neill have brought fresh impetus to the Tyrone cause for 2016 and have bolstered their chances of retaining the All Ireland title.  For Donegal John Haran proved to be a handful, alternating between midfield and full forward, and his efforts almost carried the day for Donegal. Also impressive was Charlie Doherty in defence.

Tyrone: Kieran Leonard(Castlederg), Kevin Gormley(Carrickmore), Gavan Mc Elroy(Carrickmore), Brendan Sheehy(Cookstown), Stephen Dooher. Capt.(Owen Roes), Eunan Mc Anespie(Trillick), Liam Patterson(Drumquin), Brendan Mc Laughlin(Strabane), Richard O’Neill(Strabane),Mark Gallagher(Eglish), Damien Gormley(Trillick), Conor Doris(Coalisland), Mark Darcy(Tattyreagh), Mark Donnelly(Fintona), Niall O’Neill(Clonoe): Subs used: Ryan Mc Callion(Drumquin), Conor Daly(Trillick), Barry Bleeks(Stewartsown),Eamon Mc Elroy(Galbally), Terry Donnelly(Galbally), Adrian Donnelly(Beragh). Subs: Conrad Quinn(Moortown),Gary Mc Kenna(Killyclogher), Paul Sweeney(Killyclogher), Eamon Conolly (Aghyaran), D. Donaghy(Galbally), P. Mc Gorrey (Brockagh), C. Gallagher(Newtonstewart)

Scorers: Niall O’Neill 0-4, Eunan Mc Anespie 0-2, Damien Gormley 0-2, Mark Donnelly 0-2, Brendan Mc Laughlin 0-1, Ryan Mc Callion 0-1, Liam Patterson 0-1, Conor Daly 0-1.