Tyrone lose out to Donegal after extra-time

Tyrone 0-16

Donegal 0-18

A BRAVE performance which saw Tyrone dominate for long periods fell just short for the Red Hands who will now be aiming to regroup for the All-Ireland series after exiting the Ulster Senior Championship title-race following this enthralling semi-final clash.

Just two points separated the teams at Celtic Park on Sunday at the final whistle before an attendance of 14,714.

But it was in extra-time that the toll of two intense 90 minute tussles within a week really made the difference as Tyrone struggled to find the attacking fluency which had stood to them so effectively here.

Glimpses of the style which has seen the Red Hands occasionally make such an impressive mark were often evident. Darragh Canavan, Niall Morgan, Mattie Donnelly and Ciaran Daly excelled as they stretched three ahead on a number of occasions. Ultimately, though, Tyrone were unable to push further ahead as Donegal came with the greater energy when it mattered most.

A tentative start highlighted the nerves of both teams in addition to the significance of this clash. A succession of passing movements failed to create too many scoring opportunities during the opening stages, as these great rivals attempted to create openings.

Swapped points between Niall O’Donnell for Donegal and then Darren McCurry maintained the status quo. The massed defences made for a poor spectacle, but the trend of the game was still developing and it was Tyrone who soon took advantage.

Mattie Donnelly, Niall Devlin and Seanie O’Donnell proved to be an effective half back trio. Their ability to point and probe created space further upfield. The indications of this were soon evident as the Red Hands gradually gained a foothold.

Points courtesy of Darragh Canavan and Darren McCurry edged them 0-3 to 0-2 ahead. But they had to be on their toes as Donegal attempted to pinch their way past the defensive qualities of Mattie Donnelly, Niall Devlin and company.

The Tyrone confidence was clear by the end of the first quarter. A patient build-up was soon complimented by a sudden burst of space which saw Mattie Donnelly forge a way through before setting up Seanie O’Donnell for a well-taken score.

Moments later they were again making a strong mark. On this occasion a great pass from Niall Morgan found Ciaran Daly. He pushed through, found himself in space and slotted over an impressive score. This combination of patience mixed with a burst of speed was beginning to have a real beneficial impact for the Red Hands.

Still, though, there was little between the teams. Donegal represented a big threat and were soon back level courtesy of Ciaran Thompson and Oisin Gallen. But, in contrast to Tyrone, the Donegal attacking build-ups were laboured, allowing the Red Hands both the time and space to organise themselves and reduce the space that was available.

In fairness, a succession of wides proved frustrating for the Tir Connaill side. It meant that the closing minutes of the half saw them lose more ground, as Tyrone made their mark in emphatic fashion.

Kieran McGeary provided the assist for a well-taken Darragh Canavan point from play. Then Niall Morgan fired over a free to leave them two ahead, 0-7 to 0-5. Suddenly daylight was emerging between the teams and Tyrone soon extended that lead. The speed and quick-thinking of Niall Morgan saw him place a great long-range pass to Brian Kennedy. Within seconds, Cathal McShane had fired over to leave them three ahead.

There was little for Tyrone to be too concerned about as Donegal’s challenge faltered. Things might have been different only for the quick-thinking of Conall Devlin who moved across to block Oisin Gallen after a rare mistake with the kick-out.

Now the game was beginning to enter a critical stage. Tyrone may have enjoyed a good interval lead, but it was their opponents who emerged for the second half with the greater energy and fire. Their running off the ball created space throughout the attack, and Donegal were soon back on track.

On two occasions, Jason McGee found pockets of space before firing over. His efforts reduced the deficit to the minimum and the tempo of the tie was reaching new levels of intensity. Tyrone in contrast were more sluggish and, while Niall Morgan briefly restored the two point advantage, the general feeling was less optimistic.

Space was opening up to a far greater extent, but missed chances ensured that both teams failed to really capitalise. Donegal’s attacking speed and fluency was superior, putting the pressure on the Red Hands to maintain their defensive discipline.

It was a case of limiting this period of momentum from Donegal.

Padraig Hampsey, Sean O’Donnell and Niall Devlin tried to prompt creativity. It was up front where they really impressed to get back on track in a game that ebbed and flowed in increasingly dramatic fashion.

Within minutes of seeing their lead erased, Niall Morgan’s pointed free restored Tyrone’s confidence. Ciaran Daly added a brilliant point soon after and then Darragh Canavan put them 0-12 to 0-9 ahead.

By then the midfield tussle was becoming critical. Michael Langan and Jason McGee were winning most of the primary possession, as Conn Kilpatrick and Brian Kennedy drifted out of things for Tyrone. Donegal capitalised, too, and as the final quarter loomed, there was absolutely nothing between the teams when Peadar Mongan, Caolan McGonigle and Oisin Gallen brought the teams level at 0-12 each.

Every break, each marginal error and misplaced pass now took on great significance. Every scoring opportunity was also vital, and it was Tyrone who were proving slightly more successful as they forced their opponents into rushed shots under pressure. A total of ten wides entering the closing stages highlighted their problems in this regard.

Ciaran Thompson equalised, only for Darragh Canavan to edge Tyrone ahead again on a score of 0-14 to 0-13. It was a great score which gave the Red Hands the advantage as the game edged into added time. Tyrone held firm, keeping Donegal firmly at bay and eventually forcing them to make the break in a bid for the equaliser.

Aidan Clarke made a crucial interception, and then Brendan McCole just about got the ball over after an initial shot for goal from Aaron Doherty was blocked. Nobody minded extra time as the final whistle sounded.

Low-scoring is generally the trend in extra time, but this game remained very different indeed. The teams were level on two occasions in the enthralling first period of extra time. But the big difference now Donegal had the advantage, leaving the Red Hands chasing.

Jack McKelvey’s lead point was cancelled out by Mattie Donnelly. Minutes later, Michael McKernan, fired over, only to be pegged back by Paddy McBrearty. Then, Shane O’Donnell edged them ahead to leave the score 0-17 to 0-16 entering the closing ten minutes.

One of the moments of the game saw Padraig Hampsey dispossess Aaron Doherty as Tyrone were caught with their goal uncovered. The impact of an extra time encounter just a week previously, though, meant that Tyrone were exhausted in those closing minutes in the second half of extra time before Paddy McBrearty’s late point finally sealed the deal for Donegal.

The Scorers 

Tyrone

Darragh Canavan 0-4 (1f, 1 OM), Niall Morgan 0-3 (3f), Darren McCurry 0-2 (2f), Michael McKernan 0-2, Ciaran Daly 0-2, Seanie O’Donnell 0-1, Mattie Donnelly 0-1, Cathal McShane 0-1.

Donegal

Oisin Gallen 0-3 (3f), Niall O’Donnell 0-2, Ciaran Thompson 0-2 (1f), Jason Magee 0-2, Daire O Baoill 0-2, Paddy McBrearty 0-2 (1f), Peadar Mongan 0-1, Caolan McGonigle 0-1, Brendan McCole 0-1, Shane O’Donnell 0-1.

The Teams

Tyrone

Niall Morgan, Conall Devlin, Padraig Hampsey, Michael McKernan, Seanie O’Donnell, Matthew Donnelly, Niall Devlin, Brian Kennedy, Conn Kilpatrick, Ciaran Daly, Kieran McGeary, Cathal McShane, Darren McCurry, Darragh Canavan, Michael O’Neill. Subs  Aidan Clarke for C Devlin (40), Ben Cullen for K McGeary f(62), Ruairi Canavan for M O’Neill (75), Aodhan Donaghy for C McShane (87), Cormac Donnelly for C Kilpatrick (88).

Donegal  Gavin Mulraney, Mark Curran, Brendan McCole, Ciaran Moore, Ryan McHugh, Caolan McGonigle, Peadra Mongan, Jason McGee, Michael Langan, Shane O’Donnell, Ciaran Thompson, Daire O Baoil, Paddy McBrearty, Oisin Gallen, Niall O’Donnell. Subs – Aaron Doherty for P McBrearty (half-time), Jamie Brennan for D O Baoil (49), Jack McKelvey for M Curran (74), Paddy McBrearty for A Doherty (71), D O Baoill for C Moore 71), Aaron Doherty for O Gallen (81).

Referee – Brendan Cawley, Kildare.