Football

Captains past and present starred for Tyrone in Ulster Final

Tyrone line out before the Ulster SFC Final against Monaghan at Croke Park. <br />Pic Philip Walsh
Tyrone line out before the Ulster SFC Final against Monaghan at Croke Park.
Pic Philip Walsh
Tyrone line out before the Ulster SFC Final against Monaghan at Croke Park.
Pic Philip Walsh

Niall Morgan: A mixed day, with some impressive kick-outs but also some clipped short which put recipients in trouble. Missed a couple of 45s and took some unnecessary risks out the field, but also pressured Monaghan by pushing up on their kick-outs. 7

Michael McKernan: A typically energetic display, charging into attack regularly; fisted one wide but scored another chance. Got the better of Bannigan but was then kept back more by Walshe. 7

Ronan McNamee: Struggled on McCarron in the opening quarter but largely closed him down after that, reducing his attacking impact. Pushed up to help create Harte's point. 7

Padraig Hampsey: Did a very good job containing Conor McManus, his close marking and physicality contributing to the Monaghan man's off-day. Struck a fine score and made important interceptions. 8

Niall Sludden: Scored a good point from the left was disciplined in defence and carried a lot of ball forward to launch attacks. 7

Michael O'Neill: Marked Stephen O'Hanlon fairly well and assisted Donnelly's first point from play but was subbed with only a quarter of the game gone. 5.5

Peter Harte: Concentrated on defensive duties at first, marking McCarthy pretty well, then got forward more to good effect, notably with his point on the hour. 7

Brian Kennedy: Put in some great defensive and aerial work before being taken off injured 10 minutes into second half. 7.5

Conn Kilpatrick: Earned an early free and kept the ball moving well. His man Darren Hughes made little impact, albeit from a withdrawn role. Subbed at three-quarter mark. 7

Kieran McGeary: Another assured all-round display. Averted danger with some terrific tackling back, took a point, and also set up scores with good use of the ball. 8

Mark Bradley: Opened the scoring early on but dropped deeper to link play, before adding another point. Covered plenty of ground, was still chasing around when subbed late on. 7

Conor Meyler: Contained the threat from deep of Ryan McAnespie and his perpetual motion was central to Tyrone's possession game. 7

Darren McCurry: Always a confidence player, this season he's showing what he can do - more than ever before. Top-scored again, his 0-5 including a right-foot point and the soaring catch for the mark which won the title. 8

Mattie Donnelly: STAR MAN

Even by Tyrone's standards, the Trillick man is 'Mr Versatility' and he is really growing into the full-forward role: scoring frees (although a late one hit an upright), selling dummies, and taking and making scores. Led the attack impressively against the tenacious Conor Boyle and showed his adaptability by moving to midfield later in the game. Still had the energy to burst forward with the goal in his sights only for Beggan to dispossess him in stunning style. 8.5

Conor McKenna: His talent is undoubted, with searing pace and clever kick-passing, but sometimes he appears over-eager to impress, leading to poor decision-making. Booked after 20 minutes. Delivered kick-pass for winning mark. 7

Substitutes:

Niall Kelly: Came on for Michael O'Neill and did well. Brave in the challenge, made one fine sliding interception, and kept Carey quiet. Booked late on. 7

Cathal McShane: Dispossessed, then fumbled another possession, but calmly kicked a point. 6.5

Darragh Canavan: On for the final quarter but never really got into the game. 5.5

Ronan O'Neill: Not on long enough to be rated.