Minors Come Up Short

Sunday 05.07.2026

Championship Football

All Ireland Under 17 Final

Tyrone 1-16 2-16 Cork

Tyrone came agonisingly close to retaining the Tom Markham Cup, but in the end they came up short against Munster champions Cork, in St Conleth’s Park Newbridge

With almost thirty nine minutes played Tyrone had established a nine point advantage, a lead which was fully merited but a disastrous three minute spell, which saw Cork kick 1-4 without reply, was enough to swing the momentum in Cork’s favour and they wrestled control late on to be crowned champions for the twelfth time.

Before throw in Tyrone received a huge boost with Charlie Meenan being declared fit to start. Meenan who was struggling with illness all week and it shows the measure of him to play never mind get through sixty minutes.

Playing with the breeze Tyrone conceded the first point through Conrad Murphy. Vincent Gormley who had an outstanding hour levelled before Cork captain Joe Miskella kicked a two pointer in the sixth minute. However his side had to wait fifteen minutes for their next score, in the interim Tyrone went to town. Tom Gallen scored Ruairi O’Neill was unlucky to hit the under side of the crossbar, Brian Og McGuckin, Gormley, Matthew F Daly and Conan Canavan all on target as Tyrone led 0-10 0-4, Gormley and Canavan raising orange flags in the period.

Eoghan Aherne kicked a free before Vincent Gormley was fouled after quick hands from Matthew J Daly had created the chance. Aodhan Corry showed serious coolness to send the keeper the wrong way and the lead was nine with twenty five on the clock. Two late frees reduced the advantage but Tyrone were in control at the break.

Matthew F Daly got the opening score with Tom Whooley replied but a brace from Gormley had Tyrone perfectly placed. That was to change quickly when a point from Miskella was immediately followed by a two pointer from the same player. Jacob Barry was on target and the huge Cork support were in raptures when substitute Alex O’Herlihy found the net. The lead was two. Brian Og McGuckin almost had the perfect response but his shot was well saved by Twohig who had an off day with the frees.

Aherne left the minimum between them but Tyrone seemed to have stemmed the tide with McGuckin and Daly on target. A brace from Aherne between an O’Herlihy point levelled with four to go. McGuckin had Tyrone back in front but Eoghan Aherne delivered the fatal blow when he goalled in the final minute of normal time. Despite several opportunities Tyrone didn’t hit the target and Whooley left three between with the final score.

A brave effort to go with a wonderful campaign, thanks to the players and management for all their endeavours.