As so often has been the case Monaghan stands between Tyrone and an Ulster title this Sunday. On this occasion it’s the turn of the Counties’ under 16s to do battle with Fermanagh venue Donagh playing host to an eagerly anticipated decider. Tyrone have been free scoring through the round robin series, Down, Cavan and Antrim have all fallen to some powerhouse displays with a handful of players racking up big scores. There has to be caution too though as they have also lost to Donegal and conceded 12 goals themselves. The new format of the Under 16 series saw Tyrone in Group one, by virtue of topping the group they face a Monaghan side who have also been impressive in the series so far.

MONAGHAN TOUGH

The Farney side, building for the future with this youthful side will be formidable opponents. Over the course of two games they racked up 17-32 including a twelve goal haul in their opener against Derry. In turn Tyrone have hit 15-46 conceding four goals last time out against Down, albeit when Brian Mc Ginn and Kevin Bogle rang the changes with the victory secured.

Nineteen clubs are represented in this squad and many will still be available next term. As a unit they have developed as a decent footballing side while like all teams there are some special performers. Caitlin Kelly, Shannon Stephenson and Chole McCaffrey have been amongst the scores in all their outings. Kelly from the Cappagh club rattled in 2-2 against Down last time out. At midfield Aoibhann McHugh and Meave McElroy have impressed while several players including Meabh Corrigan and Emma McMenamin have turned in some good defensive displays.

GOOD SQUAD

Overall this group have evolved as a solid team. Only two players have missed game time, that only because of illness and injury and the management team are delighted to have been in charge. Both Brian McGinn and Kevin Bogle also paid tribute to their entire backroom team, the parents and everyone involved as the team continued their build up to the decider.

A big task lies ahead but there’s certainly plenty of belief that this Tyrone side can produce the perfect performance on route to an under 16 Ulster title. This would be the perfect build up for the County’s minors who face Cavan next week in the Ulster grade A decider.