Tyrone U14 girls to face Cavan in Platinum Final

TYRONE Under 14 Ladies completed their round robin series of games last weekend with wins over Cavan and Down.

Louise Daly’s side are now set to face a return encounter with the Breffni side at Castleblaney on Saturday (throw-in 3pm) with the Platinum Ulster title up for grabs.

It will be a worrying few days in the run up to the final though with a full round of Adman Minor League pencilled in, where members of the U14s squad will be making appearances for their clubs.

There are eight or nine girls involved with minor club games on Tuesday and  Daly will hope all of them come through injury free to allow management to pick from the full panel of thirty.

There’s no doubt Tyrone have their sights firmly fixed on the big prize. Tyrone sides have certainly secured several titles in recent years through the grades but as Louise set out at the start of the year, the target was the top rung in Ulster. Daly states that it has been a great journey so far.

“ It’s a great achievement for the players and management to be in the Platinum Final. It has been a number of years since Tyrone U14s have competed at this level and that was our goal at the start of the season. Getting back to competing at the highest level was key.”

Daly has instilled a fine brand of football into an athletic and well prepped side. They have come through the Ulster campaign with eight wins from eight, so their record speaks for itself.

Their work ethic too has been commented on by their opposition so far this year and while at times it has been challenging Louise and her long time management assistant Pius Fox have been positive

“ We are delighted with the effort and commitment given to the team by the players and parents.

“ The panel of thirty is very competitive and have a great work ethic. There’s no doub that the girls have responded really well to the management team this year and are playing some great football to date. The goal now is to push on in the next week with full focus on the Platinum final.”

Cavan have been the kingpins of youth football, setting the benchmark through all the age groups over the past few years.

They are reigning Ulster Platinum champions, although with Tyrone making steady progress at underage level they are now well placed to get their hands on the top prize in the province.

Winning the top prize could well be just the starting point for the squad.

“ Winning is the ultimate goal,” smiled Daly this week at their training at Cookstown.

“ There is still work to do over the next week we are well aware of how good Cavan are. However we are confident in our ability and our set up.

“ We are looking forward to the final…to showcase the talent within Tyrone and to represent our clubs and families.”