Tyrone U20s stun Derry at Celtic Park
Ulster Under 20 Hurling Championship (Round 1) Venue: Celtic Park
Tyrone 3-15 | Derry 2-17
In what will be remembered as the biggest shock in Ulster hurling for many years, the Tyrone Under 20 hurlers defied the odds to defeat firm favourites Derry by a single point on Friday evening at Celtic Park, Derry.
The Red Hands, however, refused to buckle. Showing incredible character, they clawed their way back into contention in the second half. The momentum shifted decisively thanks to two vital goals: one from star performer Aidan Woods and another from substitute Daire Sally. These scores were the lifeline Tyrone needed to stay in the fight against a potent Derry attack.
As the clock ticked down, the tension was palpable. Aidan Woods, who was instrumental throughout, top-scored for the evening with a magnificent haul of 1-8. Fittingly, it was Woods who held his nerve to fire over the equalizing point, setting the stage for a dramatic finale.
With the sides level and time running out, it fell to centre-forward Liam Griffiths to be the hero. Griffiths slotted over the winning point, sealing a sensational one-point win for the Red Hand county, an historic victory.
While this result is a seismic shock for the province, the round-robin format means Derry are not out of the competition and with four games still to play they will look to regroup.
There is a tenuous Antrim connection to the Red Hands win as the side is managed by Colm Moran who has managed the hurling teams in St Louis Grammar School in Ballymena for many years now. Colm, who is from Naomh Colmcille, Coalisland, was understandably delighted with the Tyrone win told the Saffron Gael that they have been putting in a lot of work with underage hurling in the county over the past three years and it was great to see it gaining some reward.
Tyrone actually play Antrim in their next game in the round-robin series on Monday week at Garvagaghey when Colm will be in opposition against a few St Louis pupils.
Teams & Scorers
Tyrone Scorers:
- Aidan Woods (1-8)
- Shea Munroe (1-0)
- Daire Sally (1-0)
- Liam Griffiths (Winning Point)
- Derry: 1. Oisin Mulholland, 2. Rory Scullion, 3. Tiarnan Melaugh, 4. Deaghlán McNamee, 5. Dáire Ó Lochlainn, 6. Emmett Óg McKeever, 7. Cailean Gallagher, 8. Paul McNicholl, 9. Caolan Connery, 10. PJ Glover, 11. Ruairi Biggs, 12. Cathal Quinn, 13. Ryan McGilligan, 14. Ben McCullagh, 15. Cormac Óg McCloskey.
- Tyrone: 1. Aodhan Grogan, 2. Michael Coyle, 3. Cormac McCrystal, 4. Malachi Leonard, 5. Cathal Cunningham, 6. Sheehan Fay, 7. Senan Munroe, 8. Cillian Early, 9. Francie Hurson, 10. Aidan Woods, 11. Liam Griffiths, 12. Donncha O’Neill, 13. Shea Munroe, 14. Pierce Mullin, 15. Caolan Lloyd.
ANTRM V DOWN AT MALLUSK
Meanwhile, holders Antrim are set to begin their title defence against Down on Sunday at Mallusk at 2pm. The game was fixed for Cushendall but the heavy rain during the week has ruled Pairc Mhuire unplayable. Team manager Mickey McShane will not name his team until tomorrow but it should be strong. However Down will no doubt present a stern challenge.