Tyrone Through To Croke Park Following Defeat Of Kildare

Sunday 21.07.2013

Club

Tyrone defeated Kildare in Saturday evening’s All Ireland Round 3 Qualifier after a close and exciting game in Newbridge. The Red Hands edged it by two points in the end on a 1-11 to 0-12 scoreline but were made fight all the way as Kildare produced a superb second half comeback having been five points down at the short whistle. Tyrone had looked sharp and focussed in the opening half and took total control following an excellent goal from Mattie Donnelly midway through the first period. Mickey Harte’s side looked comfortable at the break leading 1-6 to 0-4 but were rocked during the opening ten minutes of the second half as Kildare upped the pace and hit five unanswered points to draw level. Tyrone were struggling in the middle of the park to win decent possession but the introduction of Aidan Cassidy redressed that and turned the game in their favour once more. Mark Donnelly, Sean Cavanagh, Cassidy and Peter Harte came more into the game and Tyrone reasserted control to win by two. Indeed they should probably have won by more had it not been for a missed penalty early in the second half from team captain Stevie O’Neill. This result means Tyrone will now take on defeated Leinster finalists Meath in round four of the qualifiers for a place in the All Ireland quarter finals.