Magic Red Hands through to Sam Maguire showdown

A BRILLIANT extra time display has clinched Tyrone a place in the All-Ireland Final thanks to a 3-14 to 0-22 victory over Kerry.

The red hot Red Hands are back in the Sam Maguire showdown for the for the first time since 2018.

It was Conor McKenna’s goal in extra time which really set them on the road to a famous win. He slotted home after the ball broke and suddenly Tyrone were 3-13 to 0-17 ahead and seemingly on course.

But they had to fight right to the finish as Kerry staged a big comeback during the second spell of extra time. Points from Sean O’Shea, Paudie Clifford and Paul Geaney reduced the deficit down to just a point, but the Red Hands held firm.

After all the concerns about Covid-19 in the panel, Tyrone approached the game with real fire. Their intent was clear right from the start as points from Niall Morgan, Mattie Donnelly, Peter Harte, Michael McKernan and Ronan McNamee left them 0-5 to 0-3 ahead at the end of the first quarter.

Kerry fought back, but then came the first goal. Conor McKenna fired low to the net after great work from Kieran McGeary and Peter Harte.

By half-time, they remaned ahead by 1-7 to 0-9 and they maintained the momentum on the resumption. However, the challenge facing them eas clear as they trailed by 0-14 to 0-9 entering the final quarter.

But the second of those three goals completely changed the dynamic. This time it was substitute, Cathal McShane, who palmed home after a great run and shot from Darragh Canavan to leave them 2-10 to 0-15 in front. However, further scores, inluding swapped points from David Clifford and Darren McCurry brought the team to extra time.