Hurlers prepared for derby clash with Donegal

A CRUCIAL derby clash in round three of the Christy Ring Cup offers the Tyrone hurlers a golden opportunity to finally record their first win of the 2025 season while also giving their hopes of securing their tier three status for 2026 a major boost.

It will be another important match for the Red Hands this year. Pairc Colmcille will be the venue at the earlier time of 12.30pm to allow supporters the chance to also attend the Ulster football semi-final clash against Armagh at Clones later the same day.

Tyrone manager, Stephen McGarry, has issued a timely call on supporters to make the effort to cheer on the hurlers.

But the team will have to be at their best to defeat a Donegal team which won the corresponding National League clash between the counties in February.

Last weekend’s trip to Trim resulted in a comprehensive defeat against Meath.

But Tyrone will be hoping to build on the positive pointers from that game when they renew the rivaly with Donegal this Saturday.

“We will hurt after each defeat, but we’re in Carrickmore this Saturday, it’s a local derby, and my hope is that Tyrone people will really get behind the team in this match because that makes all the difference. I would hope that the people will come out and support this young team,” he said.

“I thought we were terrific for the first quarter against Meath. It was a very competitive match and then they hit their purple patch and didn’t miss anything until half-time. We were just left with too much to do in the second half.

“We felt that we could eat into their lead in the second half. No defeat is good and you judge each game by the spirit.

“The players have been giving their all, the conditions were difficult against Meath, but we’ll just be trying now to get a reaction against Donegal.

“They have made great progress, the same as us over the past four or five years. Ulster hurling is in good shape, they beat Kerry.

“They will fancy themselves to beat us, but we will fancy ourselves equally as much.”

This, of course, is a period of transition for Tyrone. The hope will be that the young players who have been introduced to the panel in 2025 will gain in confidence as they progress at senior level and it’s a point emphasised by the manager.

“There is a transition period happening that hadn’t been done for a long time.

“It’s about making things achievable and sustainable at this level.”