Winning Start For Red Hands

Saturday 03.01.2026

Armagh 0-17 Tyrone 2-13

Tyrone got their McKenna cup campaign off to a positive start with a hard fought two-point victory over Armagh in their first game of the 2026 season at the Athletic Grounds on Friday evening.

 

Malachy O’Rourke handed seven players their senior Inter County debuts as they attempt to build towards the future. The Red hands mixed youth and experience well throughout, particularly in the second half when Tyrone were on the backfoot and chasing the game. Experienced campaigner Mattie Donnelly led by example and was the standout performer for Tyrone, finishing the contest with an impressive 1-2 to his name with his influence up front proving crucial at key moments. His goal put Tyrone in front in the game and gave some breathing space when Armagh threatened to take control.

 

Armagh stayed in contention throughout the contest driven by their full forward Oisin O’Neill who top scored for them with 0-4 to his name. Tyrone’s bench ultimately proved decisive. The substitutions brought fresh energy and composure with Darren McCurry making an immediate impact after coming on, kicking three important points to help Tyrone see the game out. The introduction of fresh legs helped Tyrone regain momentum late on and manage the closing stage effectively.

 

Armagh’s wing half forward Darragh McMullan came down with what looked like a bad shoulder injury in additional time of the second half, he was took into the changing rooms to get better care by the physio’s and even paramedics that were on site. In the end, Tyrone held firm to secure a 2-13 to 0-17 victory, a promising early result for Tyrone as they look to build confidence into their squad early on and also good for Malachy O’Rourke as he continues to shape his panel and build towards the season ahead.

 

The sides shared the opening half a dozen points with the Armagh half back line of Ross McQullian, Daniel Magee and Jarlath Og Burns all on target, Donnelly, Ben Cullen and Ruairi Canavan the Tyrone marksmen. Lorcan McGarrity then palmed in a well worked 14th minute goal before a Canavan free edged the winners four clear.

 

The home side though then enjoyed a purple patch as they reeled off seven points without reply. Burns, Oisin O’Neill, Andrew Murnin and Oisin Conaty all registered from play with Conor Turbitt knocking over a two pointer from a free. Michael Conroy stopped the rot with a free to leave it 0-10 to 1-5 at the break.

 

Conaty and Canavan swapped points on the restart before the former left three between the sides. In the 38th minute though it was all square after Tyrone struck for a brilliant goal, Conroy, Conor O’Neill and Canavan all involved in the buildup with the latter crossing for Donnelly to palm into the net at the back net.

 

O’Neill, Fergal O’Brien and Turbitt all landed points for Armagh before Joe Oguz responded with a superb effort. O’Neill and Darren McCurry swapped points before McCurry free left the minimum between the two sides. Aaron O’Neill left two between the sides but Tyrone responded with efforts from McCurry and McGarrity to level matters before Cullen edged the visitors in front. Deep into injury time Donnelly sealed victory when he fisted over the bar.

 

 

Armagh scorers: Oisin O’Niell 0-4, Oisin Conaty 0-3, Fergal O’Brien 0-2, Jarlath Og Burns 0-2, Conor Turbitt 0-2 (2pf), Andrew Murin 0-1, Daniel McGee 0-1, Ross McQuillan 0-1, Aaron O’Neill 0-1

 

Tyrone scorers: Mattie Donnelly 1-2, Lorcan McGarrity 1-1, Darren McCurry 0-3 (1F), Ruairi Canavan 0-3 (1F), Ben Cullen 0-2, Joe Oguz 0-1, Michael Conroy 0-1 (F)