Under-20 boss Devlin delighted with provincial title

A SHOT at All Ireland glory is now the big focus for Tyrone’s U20s after they dramatically secured the Ulster title following victory over Derry last Wednesday night.

It was a night to remember for the young Red Hands. But they will have little time to savour as they look forward to next weekend’s All Ireland semi final.

Roscommon will provide the opposition in that one. The Rossies scored three goals in their Connacht decider and will likely provide tough opposition as a place in the National final beckons both counties.

Tyrone manager, Paul Devlin, will be studying the Rossies closely. He praised the character of Tyrone after their penalty shoot out win.

“We have young players coming through to play for the Tyrone seniors, with the experience those lads are gaining there, he said.

“The most important thing is the experience that they are gaining at U20 level. It’s a great boost for Tyrone football, and there are plenty who want to slate us.

“The performances that our senior team has been putting in over the last couple of weeks in championship football have been outstanding, and what more desire can these boys get for driving on, when they’re seeing the seniors driving over the line and playing the games they have played lately.”

Tyrone have been the dominant force in the provincial U20 competition in recent years. Now they are aiming to add to the All Ireland success of 2022.  This group of players lost the All Ireland Minor final in 2021, so there are no shortage of incentives for them in the coming week.

That desire helped them through the Ulster final and more of the same will be required at the penultimate stage.

“The desire these lads are showing, that’s what they have to do to get playing at that level, and full credit to them,” added Paul Devlin.

“From the start of the year I have asked them for two things – honesty and never give up. That’s it in a nutshell, what those lads have done.”