Brolly upbeat about Ulster U20 Derry decider

TYRONE’S rematch with Derry in the Ulster Under-20 Final will likely go ‘right down the wire’ similar to their last meeting, Odhran Brolly believes.

The young Gortin half-back has been one of the shining lights of the Red Hands march to the provincial decider which is pencilled in for the Athletic Grounds this Wednesday evening (throw-in 7.30pm).

His searing breaks down the flank have proved a useful attacking outlet for the team, while he also have shown a priceless ability to pop up along the way with the odd crucial score.

A Civil Engineering student at Omagh College, Brolly is looking forward now to renewing acquaintances with the Oak Leafers, after Tyrone carved out a narrow 0-13 to 1-9 victory over them in their Section A meeting last month at Celtic Park.

“We know it will be a battle. We had a tight game already with them in the Group and just came out on top at the end. That went right down to the wire and we got a point just at the end to win it. They will put up a tough challenge no doubt.”

Gavin Potter was the Tyrone late late match winner that evening, slotting over a last gasp point just after Johnny McGuckin appeared to have rescued a draw for Derry with a 63rd minute equalising goal.

The mettle of Paul Devlin’s side was again severely tested last Wednesday night when they chiselled out a one point 2-9 to 0-14 victory over Monaghan in the Ulster semi-final at Healy Park, early first and second half goals from Cormac Devlin and Ronan Fox in the end proving vital scores as they fended off their stubborn Farney opponents.

It was a marked contrast to the five-goal hammering Tyrone inflicted on a much-weakened Monaghan in the final group game at Coalisland a fortnight beforehand, but Odhran knew to expect a much different challenge in the rematch

“ We were expecting a battle from the start. We knew it was going to be a much different game to the group match a few weeks ago, because they rested a lot of their main men that night. We had to dig deep at the end and every man worked their tails off to the last whistle. That’s why we got the result we were looking in the end up. We are just pleased to get to the final.”

Monaghan’s direct approach threatened to pay dividends at times, especially when they looked to feed muscular targetman Bobby McCaul inside, but Brolly was full of prise for his teammate, full-back Ben Hughes who was embroiled in a terrific duel with McCaul all evening

“ Ben did brilliant on him. He kept him very quiet. All credit to our management. They had their home work done. We knew that Bobby (McCaul) inside was their target man. We did well on him I thought.”

Brolly revealed that there has been a strong self-belief and confidence instilled within the fold all year that they could be in the reckoning for a provincial title, and they now find themselves one step from realising that goal.

“ Every training session there is a good buzz about it. We are all working hard and there has been a good intensity and focus about the camp. That’s what you want.

“ From the start of the season the Ulster Final was the target. We are there now so it will be another tough test next Wednesday.”

The Gortin lad was one of nine different scorers for Tyrone against Monaghan, which has been a constant pattern across their campaign. He feels that with sides forming solid defensive platforms in the modern game it was vital to have a variety of attacking threats.

“ The last day (vs Monaghan) we had thirteen different scorers I think and it was the same tonight too with so many different boys pitching in. That is what you want, scores from all areas of the field. You need to have different options to break down teams. We are playing well as a team in fairness and I am happy to chip in when I can.”

Brolly is one of three Gortin men involved in the Tyrone Under-20 squad, with Omagh CBS All-Ireland School winner Liam Og Mossey also featuring in the playing panel, while the two time successful Omagh CBS Hogan Cup manager Diarmaid McNulty is also part of Paul Devlin’s backroom team. Odhran said it was a boast for the club to have this notable contribution to a county team.

“For Gortin to have three involved in an Ulster Final is great- me, Liam and Diarmuid obviously. Let’s hope we will have even more to celebrate on Wednesday next after the match.”