Quinn hungry for more success with Tyrone Under-20s

TYRONE Under-20 footballer Matthew Quinn has tasted success on the big stage for the first time with their provincial final win over Donegal, and he’s confident that there could be more to come.

The Dungannon lad is in his first year as part of the U20 set-up, and he’s shown no signs of trepidation, playing a major role from the half-forward line in their run to back-to-back Ulster titles.

Now the question is whether they can replicate that feat at All-Ireland level, and while Quinn is sure that they have the ability, he knows they face a stiff test of their ambitions in Sunday’s semi-final showdown against Kerry at Portlaoise.

“The goal is winning the All-Ireland and this time is capable of back-to-back All-Irelands, there’s no doubt about that.

“There’s two steps to go – at the start of the year we talked about eight steps, it didn’t quite go to plan and we had a quarter-final in Ulster, but we’re where we want to be. Two steps is still a hell of a lot when you’re playing at least level, there’s a hell of a lot more to do and we’re here to do it.”

Their dramatic win over Donegal was all the more special to Quinn as it marked his first Championship title win of any description. He won’t forget it in a hurry – Tyrone needed extra-time but they got there in the end against a strong Donegal team.

“It’s my first real championship win at any level. I won the league with my club [Dungannon] but nothing at underage leve.

“ Lads like Ruairi [McCullagh] and Callum [Daly] have been spoilt for choice but this is my first so I’ll savour it.”

Tyrone’s composure and ability to land two-pointers made the difference in extra-time, but what also stood to them was their impressive fitness levels, as Quinn acknowledged.

“The stats come through after every game, there’s boys covering 11 or 12k and it was maybe even more against Donegal.

“We put in massive work in the pre-season, we started later because of the success of last year but the training in December and January was tough – I was injured but what I was seeing the boys doing was crazy.

“I’m sure the Ulster Final was nervy for the fans and a very good game for the neutrals.

“ About three times I thought we had it won and about three times I thought we had it lost. I think Ulster football at the minute is just sensational.”