Tyrone show their mettle to upset the odds at Ballybofey

By Alan Rodgers

TWO goal strikes from Seanie O’Donnell set Tyrone on the road to a brilliant victory in this All-Ireland group one clash at Ballybofey.

The Red Hands upset the odds in magnificent fashion with a 2-17 to 0-20 victory over the Ulster champions. It was a rainy night at Sean Mac Cumhaill Park and a memorable one from a Tyrone perspective as they assumed control in the closing stages of a seesaw battle to record a thorougly deserved victory.

It means that they will be in bouyant mood ahead of next weekend’s clash against Mayo in Omagh.

This was probably Tyrone’s best championship performance since the All-Ireland win in 2021.

They displayed energy, skill and determination to record the victory. O’Donnell hit the net twice in quick succession. First, he fired to the net from close range to put them ahead, and then took a pass from Conn Kilpatrick to leave the score 2-2 to 0-3 ahead.

But the tie remained tight as Donegal fought back. Michael Murphy and Ryan McHugh hit the target as things were still very much in the balance.

Darren McCurry and Kieran McGeary made it 2-7 to 0-11 at half-time.

Matters were still very tentative on the resumption. Then, four points in a row really set Tyrone on the road to victory.

Ben McDonnell and three from Darren McCurry left them enjoying a 2-11 to 0-12 lead, and they looked poised to capitalise.

But Donegal fought back through two pointers from Michael Murphy and Michael Langan. The teams were level with 11 minutes remaining, and it was all to play for during the closing stages.

Ciaran Daly edged the Red Hands ahead again, before Michael Langan and Patrick McBrearty responded to claim the lead for Donegal.

It was Tyrone, though, who held the upper hands when it mattered most. Darren McCurry, Darragh Canavan and a two pointer from Peter Harte sent Tyrone on their way before Cormac Quinn’s insurance point just before the hooter confirmed victory.