Casey the hero as hurlers record classic comeback win

WHAT must rank as the comeback of the year to date saw the Tyrone hurlers battle their way into contention again before ousting Armagh by two points.

It was a memorable game for the Red Hand hurlers who looked down and out when trailing by seven points early in the second half. But they staged a dramatic revival to edge out on a score of 1-18 to 1-16.

There were goals for both teams in the opening half, but Tyrone trailed by 1-8 to 1-6 at half-time despite playing with the breeze.

The situation facing them became even more bleak when Armagh forged ahead again on the resumption. They led by 1-13 to 1-6 at one stage and seemed set to ship a comprehensive defeat.

But the second water-break and their efforts throughout the field transformed them subsequently.

Chris Kearns and Dean Rafferty led the way in defence, Bryan McGurk as outstanding at midfield and Damien Casey and and Mickey Little led the way up front where Lorcan Devlin also made a big impact.

Six points in a row brought them right back into contention, before late points courtesy of Rory Weir and Michael Little clinched a memorable victory.