Devlin acclaims outstanding Tyrone defensive effort

By Alan Rodgers

A TENTH All-Ireland U-20 final now beckons a terrific Tyrone side following another excellent performance on Sunday which has now brought them to the brink of a second consecutive title.

It has been a roller-coaster journey for the Red Hands so far in 2025. Now the task facing them is to complete their quest for that third national title in four years and a history-making achievement for a golden generation of players.

Their 2-14 to 0-14 victory over Kerry once more proved their worth when it mattered most. But they will have to keep their feet firmly on the ground ahead of an All-Ireland Final clash against either Mayo or Louth later this month.

Team manager, Paul Devlin, was delighted with the victory which has proven to be another step towards more glory. He is also well aware of the challenges ahead as they prepare for the next and final stage of a journey which has provided many memorable moments so far.

“It was a great game all round. We have a lot of talk all along about the great forwards which Tyrone have, but I thought today that the defenders were fantastic,” said the manager who is now seeking a third All-Ireland at this level.

“At times, it was tough to win breaking ball and to try and get a wee edge. But we still kept that three or four points ahead most of the time and Kerry could never close that gap.

“We have to give massive credit to the players. I know that Kerry had a determination after losing last year. We had a lot of chances that were missed as did both teams, but I’m immensely proud of these players.

“All the defenders did really well and Sean Broderick came in and played great.

“The lads are all aware of the need to be there and ready to go no matter when and they really proved that again here.

“I thought Kerry really tried and just couldn’t break our defence down. That’s the way to look at this game and it’s a great day for this bunchy of lads who have worked so hard so far this year.”

Now the stage is set for Tyrone’s tenth All-Ireland final at the U-21 and U-20 levels. This class of 2025 will bid to emulate the heroes of 1991, 1992, 2000, 2001, 2015, 2022 and 2024 in bringing the title back to the county.

Paul Devlin was a member of the teams which clinched the title for the first time in 1991 and retained it the following year. He was a tenacious corner back in those days, and has brought that determination through to managerial level two decades later.

A third All-Ireland title in four years is the target, and it’s one which Tyrone will be approaching with commitment, determination and excitement, just as they have done throughout this campaign.

“This was a reward for the people who travelled here today, including the parents and the families of the players,” he added, “They can be really proud of the players and it’s all about them. We all know what the players can do and it’s about getting that edge in games.

“We’ve got the mix together over the past few years.

“It’s about looking forward to the final, it’s going to be a big occasion and either Mayo or Louth are going to be very difficult opposition.”