U20 Hurlers Inaugural Ulster Shield Winners

Monday 10.03.2025

County

Tyrone under twenty hurlers became the inaugural winners of the Ulster Shield with a 2-7 to 0-9 win over Donegal on Sunday afternoon. Played in warm conditions on an excellent surface at Garvaghy the game attracted a large crowd of spectators and as is usual with Tyrone v Donegal clashes it was a competitive match with no quarter asked for nor given.

The home side began as slight favourites having won their league clash earlier in the season quite convincingly but this was a much more competitive Donegal outfit and the exchanges reflected the prize that was on offer.

Donegal settled quickly and opened the scoring two minutes into the game when exciting wing half forward Brendan Gaffey converted his first free of the day. Tyrone’s response was that of a side that meant business as corner forward and goal machine Shea Munroe hit the net with his first attack. A minute later and the score was 2-0 to 0-1 as Correy Bell also found the net. It looked as if Tyrone were well on their way to the title as they looked sharp and committed.

However Donegal remained composed and a brace of frees from the stick of Gaffey had them back in the game. Francie Hurson converted a long range free for the Red Hands but Tyrone were guilty of taking some wrong decisions and failing to take advantage of good possession.

Pierce Mullin and Aidan Woods swapped scores with the deadly accurate Gaffey and the sides left the pitch at the short whistle with Tyrone leading 2-3 to Donegal’s 0-5.

The second half lacked the fluidity of the first as both defences got on top. The second thirty minutes became more attritional as time and space on the ball was limited. Aidan Woods added four second half points for Tyrone while the Tir Chonail men converted scores from Donal Farrell, David Horgan and Gaffey. The Red Hands managed to keep their opponents at arm’s length and could have stretched the lead when they were awarded a penalty deep in added time. Donegal goalkeeper Joseph Patton produced a superb save to stop Aidan Woods’ shot but Tyrone were not to be denied and they became the inaugural winners of the Ulster Shield.

Final score: Tyrone 2-7, Donegal 0-9