Tyrone U16s Face Monaghan In Ulster B Final

Friday 12.05.2017

County

The Tyrone under 16s will attempt to collect three in a row of Ulster under 16 titles this Sunday when they face Monaghan in the B final at Carrickcruppin, their third meeting with the Farney girl. This will be Tyrone’s fourth final in four years. After losing to Cavan in 2014 they enjoyed wins over Monaghan in the A final in 2015 and in the B decider last year followed.

Tyrone lost to Louth in the all Ireland semi-final last year, one perhaps they left behind. Some players remain from that outing but in the main this squad is made up from the Under 14 squad of two years ago, a team that manager Louise Daly readily admits has not had the best of Ulster campaigns.

“Look at Under 14. Many of our squad failed to perform and suffered a difficult Ulster campaign. They didn’t win a game so this final appearance is really more than just a final appearance. It is an achievement but I have to say we are not just turning up to make up the numbers.”

Daly is assisted in her management role by the very experienced Pius Fox. The duo almost guided Tyrone to an all Ireland minor title a few short years ago. They have big game experience which they will certainly need as they face a very good, high scoring Monaghan side. Tyrone however are fully focussed on the task at hand claims Daly.

 “We are in the final to win it. We want to push on but we are well aware that we face a very difficult challenge. Monaghan are always so difficult to beat in any match but I feel we have worked hard and prepared hard for this final. The preparation is good. There is a buzz in the camp and I suppose we have a real determination to get our hands on winners medals. From two years ago they have shown so much improvement.”

Tyrone came through a very difficult group series. Table toppers Antrim narrowly came away with a six point win over Tyrone on a day when Tyrone conceded eight goals. In their first game they were beaten ten times, so eighteen goals in two games, not a great  confidence booster as they face one of the highest scoring Group two sides. Tyrone got off to a great start when they came out on top in an eighteen goal thriller against Armagh. Eight players scored Aoife Daly, Ellie Jay McMenamin, Chloe Collins and full back Saorise Donnelly were all impressive .

The defence though were caught napping in that  second outing against Antrim. Jmprovements were needed and against Fermanagh as the forward division scored seven goals there was no leakage at the back and Tyrone progressed with a spring in their step.

Daly is full of praise for the whole squad as she looks ahead to this weekend’s clash with the Farney girls, a side bolstered by players with College success this year. “It’s more than just about the starting team. Every player in the squad has contributed through the campaign. They have all played their part and you need that if you are to progress and certainly if we are to beat Monaghan this weekend.”

The bulk of Daly and Fox’s squad were involved in crunch club minor football championship quarter finals on Monday night. The management were anxious but it appears there are no major injury issues for them ahead of the Monaghan clash. Daly has been happy with the way the players have been working despite a full diary, it can be demanding for young players.

 “We will have players who have had a tough couple of weeks. Between games, training and exams it isn’t easy for them but they have all worked hard in this Ulster campaign. We face a tough test this weekend but our girls deserve so much credit for the way they have approached the final. If we play the way we can we won’t be far away.”