MARK Bradley's second half goal helped Tyrone beat Monaghan 1-10 to 0-10 and retain the Shamrock Cup U21 football title following a highly competitive decider at host club Cremartin yesterday, writes Francis Mooney.
But the Red Hands had to fight a backsto-the-wall battle for survival in the final quarter as the Farneymen threw everything into attack.
Midfielder Cathal McShane shot three points from play as Tyrone reached the break leading 0-7 to 0-4.
Fergal McMahon, who finished with 0-6, narrowed the gap to one early in the second half, but McShane set up Bradley for a 40th minute goal, and the holders never lost their lead. However, they scored just once in the final 22 minutes, and had to withstand a furious Farney fightback which produced scores from Donal Meegan, David Freeman and McMahon.
Tyrone scorers:
M Bradley (1-3, 0-3 frees), C McShane (0-4), R Sludden (0-1 free),
L Brennan, S McKenna (0-1 each).
Monaghan scorers:
F McMahon (0-6, 0-4 frees), C McCarthy 0-2 (0-2 frees),
D Meegan (0-1 free),
D Freeman (0-1).