Tyrone’s provincial dreams shattered by late Grugan free

Armagh 0-23

Tyrone 0-22

TYRONE have been left to ponder what might have been after succumbing to a late Armagh rally in today’s Ulster Championship semi-final against Armagh at Clones.

The Red Hands looked primed to reach their first provincial showdown since 2021 when Ruairi Canavan opened up a two-point lead with five minutes remaining, but Armagh showed commendable composure on the home straight to snatch victory from the draws of defeat.

Clutch scores from Jarly Og Burns and sub Stefan Campbell restored parity and then Conor Turbitt was fouled in front of goal after the hooter had sounded for full-time, leaving Rory Grugan with the simplest of tap-over frees to seize victory for Armagh in front of more than 21,000 supporters who had been utterly engaged from the very opening whistle of an absorbing contest.

For long stretches, Tyrone had struggled to exert themselves in the midfield area and they trailed by six points with just over 20 minutes remaining, but Malachy O’Rourke’s side kept on driving forward with subs Ben McDonnell, Eoin McElholm and Padraig Hampsey making a particular positive impression, and they found themselves within touching distance of victory as the finish line approached.

Armagh had the final say, however, and will take on the winners of tomorrow’s corresponding semi-final clash between Donegal and Down in the Ulster final in a fortnight’s time. Tyrone, meanwhile, will lick their wounds and begin their preparations for the All-Ireland Round Robin series, which commences in the third weekend of May.

Darragh Canavan, who made a recovery from a hamstring injury in time for today’s match, opened the scoring but Armagh soon found their groove and opened up a 0-4 to 0-1 lead.

Darren McCurry, imperious throughout, replied with his first of ten points, five of which came from open play, but they were struggling to get their hands on primary possession in the middle sector and the impressive Callum O’Neill left it 0-6 to 0-3 with 18 minutes gone.

The two teams traded blows for the remainder of the half, Armagh leading 0-11 to 0-8 at the interval, and they compounded their advantage with a scoring burst in the third quarter with Oisin Conaty (twice), Ross McQuillan, Oisin O’Neill and Jarly Og Burns all finding the target.

Tyrone trailed 0-18 to 0-12 but they enjoyed a hugely fruitful spell with McCurry, Darragh Canavan and lively substitute Eoin McElholm nailing down a succession of scores.

Two pointers from Peter Harte and Darren McCurry left it 0-21 to 0-19 with ten minutes remaining, and following further scores at both ends of the pitch, Armagh seized the initiative in the closing exchanges and did enough in the final end up to book their spot in the Ulster final.