Brian Kennedy’s goal helps ease Tyrone through

A SECOND half goal from substitute Brian Kennedy helped ease Tyrone through to the Ulster Final following an emphatic win over Cavan by 1-18 to 0-13.

The towering midfielder hit home from close range as the return from injury of Cathal McShane provided another positive for the Red Hands.

It means that they will now be in confident mood ahead of meeting either Donegal or Derry in next weekend’s semi-final.

But they were caused some anxious moments by the reigning champions, especially during the opening half when it was score for score for long periods.

However, after trailing by 0-7 to 0-6 approaching the interval break, Tyrone finished the first half in a flourish. Points courtesy of Darren McCurry and Peyer Harte saw them into  0-11 to 0-7 half-time lead.

More of the same was demanded on the resumption and delivered. But it was the goal from Brian Kennedy which really catapulted them onto the road to victory. He fired home from close range after good approach work from Darren McCurry and Niall Sludden.

From then on Tyrone were never really troubled. The introduction of Cathal McShane for his first appearance since the start of 2020 gave them added impetus in the attack and they soon opened up and established an eight point lead, 1-15 to 0-10.

The only disappointing feature was the dismissal for a straight red of Ronan McNamee, but the Red Hands fully deserved their win.

Check out Monday’s Tyrone Herald for full match report, reaction and analysis from all the big match action at Healy Park.