Harte and McCurry shoot Red Hands to Ulster Final win

LATE scores from Peter Harte and Darren McCurry fired Tyrone to their 16th Ulster title thanks to a nerve-wrecking victory over Monaghan by 0-16 to 0-15.

The Red Hands had to show all their guile and experience to close out an enthralling provincial decider before an attendance of 18000 at Croke Park.

It sets up a showdown against Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final in a fortnight’s time.

But for now Brian Dooher, Feargal Logan and the players can take a moment to reflect and celebrate a famous Anglo Celt Cup success.

A number of players and Feargal Logan were self-isolating, so were unable to be at Croke Park. As they watched from home, the players did them justice with a big win.

The success owed much to Tyrone’s performance during the first half when they dominated after a closely fought opening spell. Matthew Donnelly lead by example at full-forward as Ronan McNamee, Niall Sludden, Michael McKernan and Kieran McGeary all impressed.

Points from team captain, Padraig Hampsey, Michael McKernan and Niall Sludden helped them into a 0-7 to 0-5 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, the real advantage was earned when they finished the first half in a real flourish.

Mark Bradley, Matthew Donnelly and Darren McCurry all fired over points to leave them 0-11 to 0-6 ahead.

But their hopes of consolidating that advantage on the resumption didn’t materialise as Monaghan came battling back. Within minutes they had overturned the Tyrone lead, with Conor McCarthy, Conor McManus, Jack McCarron and Colin Walshe brought the teams back level at 0-12 each.

Indeed, Monaghan outscored Tyrone by 0-6 to 0-1 during that spell.

Then, the introduction of Cathal McShane and Darragh Canavan helped transformed Tyrone again and they re-discovered their form just in time.

It ensured an exciting finish. Peter Harte and Darren McCurry edged them three ahead, as Mattie Donnelly run with the goal on was thwarted by a tremendous Rory Beggan interception.

But Monaghan just couldn’t find the equaliser that they so needed  and swapped points between Darren McCurry and Conor McManus right at the end of normal time completed the 0-16 to 0-15 final scoreline.