Tyrone make a serious statement as they defeat Ulster champions

Donegal 0-20  Tyrone 2-17

A RED-HOT display brimming with energy and composure has announced to the GAA world that Tyrone are back among the serious contenders for All-Ireland glory.

In one of their best performances in recent memory, the Red Hands stunned Donegal in their Ballybofey citadel on Saturday evening in Group One of the All-Ireland Senior Championship. Two superb goals from Seanie O’Donnell laid the foundation, but this was a collective triumph, with key contributions from across the pitch breathing new life into Tyrone’s championship prospects.

Next up for Malachy O’Rourke’s side is Mayo in O’Neill’s Healy Park, and the evidence from this pulsating contest suggests Tyrone could be poised to make a serious charge for Sam.

There were countless positives to take from this three-point victory – from O’Donnell’s double, to standout performances by Darren McCurry, Kieran McGeary, Peter Teague and Mattie Donnelly.

All the talk beforehand centred on how Tyrone might break the apparent hoodoo against them at Ballybofey. But there was certainly no sign of them being overawed by the partisan venue during a first half which thrilled the almost capacity attendance at MacCumhnaill Park.

Early scores gave Donegal an initial lead, with Michael Murphy and Michael Langan both hitting the target. Tyrone, though, were in no mood to accept their apparent fate, and were soon making their mark.

It took an opportunistic goal to really get them going. Michael McKernan’s speculative lob into the goalmouth was fumbled by the Donegal goalkeeper and Seanie O’Donnell was on hand to palm the ball into the net from close range. Suddenly, the Red Hands were 1-0 to 0-2 ahead, and ready to build their challenge.

Michael McKernan and Kieran McGeary orchestrated much of Tyrone’s good play. Conn Kilpatrick won good possession at midfield, while Darragh Canavan, Mattie Donnelly and Mark Bradley were looking lively up front.

Things remained tight, with Ciaran Thompson bringing the teams level. But Tyrone were now firmly in the ascendency, their speed, energy and vision on the counter-attack creating space in front of the goal.

Michael McKernan and Darragh Canavan registered scores to leave the Red Hands ahead again, before a second goal transformed their challenge.

For the second time in minutes, Seanie O’Donnell was on hand to fire home.

A great run from Conn Kilpatrick set up O’Donnell who raced through to hit the net. Tyrone were now leading 2-2 to 0-3 and determined to consolidate that deserved advantage.

Swapped points between Michael Murphy and Mark Bradley briefly maintained the status quo. But while that first quarter was productive for the Red Hands, Donegal responded strongly to ensure that the tie remained intensely contested.

There were times when Tyrone frustratingly wasted possession. On other occasions, they worked hard to force the turn-overs and there was an energy when they forged forward. Nevertheless, it was Donegal who enjoyed the better of the exchanges approaching the interval.

A brace of two-pointers courtesy of Michael Murphy kept Donegal in contention. However, they were fortunate not to have conceded a third goal when Conn Kilpatrick saw his shot for goal well saved by Shaun Patton. Points from Darren McCurry and a great effort from Kieran McGeary continued Tyrone’s momentum. But this tie was still very much in the melting pot, as Donegal’s Michael Murphy and Michael Langan fought back to reduce the deficit to just two at the break.

Both teams tried hard to break the deadlock during the opening stages upon the resumption. Donegal reduced the deficit to the minimum courtesy of Ciaran Thompson. But they looked flat, and this was emphasised by two disappointing wides and a generally lethargic display.

In contrast, Tyrone looked sharp, determined and on form. They were displaying the greater hunger, as Rory Brennan, Peter Teague and Kieran McGeary attacked the ball, showed composure when in possession and attacked with purpose.

Gradually, Tyrone tightened the stranglehold. The passes were connecting almost to perfection and their ability to run through the centre of the Donegal defence was causing the home team real problems.

The Red Hands grew steadily in confidence. Four points in quick succession really emphasised their dominance. Ben McDonnell stretched their lead to four from a well-taken score, Darren McCurry added three more. Suddenly they were five ahead by 2-11 to 0-12 and poised to capitalise.

It all looked perhaps too easy at this stage as Tyrone scored at will. Suddenly, though, Donegal found new impetus.

The beauty of the new rules is the quick swings which can occur in matches and this was certainly the case here.

Donegal bounced right back in two attacks. First Michael Murphy fired over a monster two pointer. Moments later Michael Langan repeated the feat.

Now there was just one point between the teams, and the excitement within the attendance of 16,120 was intensifying.

It was clear that the next score was going to be vital, as the tie entered its closing stages.

Michael Langan brought the teams level, and then Ciaran Daly ran through to fist over for Tyrone after briefly thinking about going for the goal.

Now the exchanges were really heating up. Each play took on added significance as the small margins of a turnover or misplaced pass became increasingly vital.

It was one such turnover which handed the initiative back to Donegal. Michael Langan capitalised with another point, before a massive two pointer from Patrick McBrearty edged them ahead, 0-20 to 2-12.

Tyrone, though, never lost their nerve.

Substitute Peter Teague excelled, as Peter Harte’s experience, the speed of Cormac Quinn and the efforts of Conn Kilpatrick and Kieran McGeary had a huge influence.

The Red Hands broke through, and Darren McCurry left the minimum between them again before Darragh Canavan equalised.

Three minutes remained when Peter Harte displayed all his poise and accuracy to put them with an outstanding two pointer.

Time was almost up when Cormac Quinn raced through to make sure, confirming a special 2-17 to 0-20 win

Scorers