O’Neill rolls back the years with Tyrone Masters

Tyrone….2-18
Louth………0-3

IT was apt that St Tiernach’s Park in Clones was the backdrop to another Tyrone Masters victory spearheaded by Stephen O’Neill on Saturday.

So often O’Neill has graced the Monaghan venue on the big occasion and once again his contribution was pivotal as the Red Hands booked a place in next month’s All-Ireland Masters final.

From the opening minutes of this game at Clones there was never any doubt about Tyrone’s progression as they eased to a 21 point victory over Louth to set up a meeting with Dublin.

While there were several missing personnel for Tyrone in Saturday’s clash it certainly didn’t cause them any issues as they dominated throughout with some excellent scores as well as a solid team performance with O’Neill top scoring yet again.

1-9 to 0-3 up by the break it wasn’t all plain sailing for the Red Hands with several first quarter Louth attacks opening the Tyrone defence.

Brian Mullan opened the scoring from a free before Michael Anderson, Stephen O’Neill and Brian Mullan points set Tyrone up.

Mullan and Ciaran Gourley did the ground work as O’Neill fired in a goal on 17 minutes and by the first water break Tyrone were well positioned.

The wee county minus several regulars did add two points before half-time, Carr impressive but as Anderson tagged on several points, Donal McAnallen scored and O’Neill dropped over a couple of frees, Tyrone were not to be caught.

The second half was about how many Tyrone would win by as Louth tried to repel attack after attack. Eoin Bradley, Ciaran Kearney, and John Mullan (0-2), joined O’Neill, Anderson and Mullan who added further points with Eamon McElroy rattling in a second goal before the end.

Louth were on the back foot for much of the half, living off scraps but never really getting the ball into the scoring zone as O’Neill (1-5) and Anderson (0-7) top scored for a Tyrone side that should be back to full strength for the November 6th final and what will be sterner test against a very experienced Dublin.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK’S CHRONICLE