Young Guns Show The Way.

Thursday 17.03.2011

Club

Tyrone Minor Star Ronan O'Neill who picked up an injury in the Minor League Final

When the Tyrone panel for this year’s Under 21 competition was selected it was expected that a few of the 2010 minor squad would feature but not figure prominently. However if the drawn game against Down is anything to go by it would appear that two players in particular have the talent and self belief to step up to the mark already.

Omagh youngster Ronan O’Neill top scored for the team last night with six points including the equalising score that earned the replay for Tyrone. However his game was about much more than scoring as he worked tirelessly throughout and while many of his team mates and opponents were suffering badly from cramp and fatigue late in the game, the corner forward was still working like a Trojan.

He was more than ably assisted in his endeavours by Trillick lad Richard Donnelly whose introduction to centrefield late in normal time swung the balance of the game towards Tyrone. Raymond Munroe’s team had failed to get any decent possession in that vital area as the Down tactics of swarm and break with pace made the Red Hand midfield look slow and cumbersome. Donnelly’s introduction changed that and allowed the Tyrone forward line to get some decent quality early ball. The St. Michael’s student showed that, like O’Neill, he is ready to take up the baton if asked and his versatility will certainly give the manager several worthwhile options when the teams come face to face again next Wednesday.