Tyrone Through To The U20 Final

Sunday 11.05.2025

Championship Football

Tyrone are through to the All Ireland U20 final after a really spirited display saw off the threat of Kerry in a 2-14 to 0-14 victory.

Team captain Joey Clarke exemplified all that was good about the performance covering every inch of the park in setting up attacks for his team or clearing the ball off the line when Kerry looked certain to score a goal.

The Red Hands signalled their intent inside the opening minute when Mc Elholm turned his marker only to see his goal bound effort cleared off the line by the Kerry defender Maidhci Lynch.

Tyrone went two up inside two minutes following a converted 45 and a well struck free from Ruairi Mc Cullagh before Ben Murphy got the ball rolling for Kerry. Tyrone were looking sharp and three points in a row from the Loughmacrory duo had Tyrone looking comfortable. Paddy Lane landed a free for Kerry to reduce the gap to three but they were rocked back on their heels when Mc Elholm burst through and fired to the back of the net.

Just when you expected Tyrone to push on the direction of the game changed as Paddy Lane and Killian Dennehy added five points between them to leave two in the contest.

Mc Cullagh added a two pointer to stretch the lead again before Noah Grimes found space in the Kerry defence and floated the ball into the back of the net.

Half Time Score Tyrone 2-8, Kerry 0-9

The second half saw Kerry more on the front foot but the Tyrone goalkeeper and defence stood tall with some superb defending. Eoin Mc Elholm got the first point of the second half but for most of the half himself and Mc Cullagh lived on scraps. Kerry created numerous chances but their profligacy in possession and good defending from the Tyrone defence kept them at bay.

Kerry Manager Tomas O’Shea emptied the bench hoping to change the direction of the game but the superb work of Callum Daly, Clarke and his team mates kept Tyrone in front.

As Kerry attempted  to chase the game down it became clear Tyrone needed a score and substitute Shea Mc Dermott pointed to steady the ship as The Red Hands finished strongly. Mc Cullagh and Mc Elholm each added a point apiece as Kerry’s challenge faltered and Tyrone held on to win 2-14 to 0-14.