STAR quality passed down through the generations is driving Tyrone’s relentless pursuit of modern-day success.
Stirring displays by the sons of four former greats helped the Red Hands triumph in an epic tussle with Donegal to qualify for the Ulster U20 Football Championship final.
Proud fathers Peter Canavan, Plunkett Donaghy, Mattie McGleenan and Adrian Cush watched their offspring play key roles in an extra-time thriller.
Ruairi Canavan’s seven points made all the difference, Steve Donaghy was a hero at the heart of the defence, Michael McGleenan’s towering midfield display was the highlight of a memorable encounter, while Conor Cush fired in the clinching late goal that broke Donegal hearts right at the death.
“It’s those wins, the ones that come down to the wire, that are the sweetest,” said man of the match Michael McGleenan.
He hailed the courage of fiercely committed defenders who put their bodies on the line in the intense closing stages to deny Donegal’s fightback and emerge with a 3-16 to 2-16 verdict.
“It was unbelievable, boys throwing themselves in front of balls. In think it was the second last play they got, Steve Donaghy throwing himself on to the man’s foot, just win at all costs. He said it himself just before extra-time started – win at all costs, and he showed how it’s done.”
“That’s championship football. That’s’ what you want, and to be honest, we knew that was coming, with the Donegal side that’s in it, they’re a superb team, and we’re happy to get over the line.”
Skipper Niall Devlin popped up with a crucial goal at a time when Donegal appeared to be getting on top during extra-time, and others contributed vital scores when they were most needed.
“Some boys stepped up and hit massive scores, Niall Devlin, the captain especially, leading as usual, and getting that goal just at the start of extra-time.
“But in fairness to Donegal, any lead we got, they kept chipping away and coming back at us, they didn’t let up. So credit where it’s due, they’re a superb team.
“It just proved to us that we have got it in the legs, we have got 80 minutes in the legs, and as a stepping stone that is massive for us.”
When the sides met in the Leo Murphy Cup final a few weeks ago, it was Donegal who emerged with a comfortable seven points victory, leaving Tyrone with some ground to make up as they approached Championship combat.
“Seven points didn’t even do that game justice, they should have win by ten or more,” said McGleenan.
“We knew that day, coming off that field, that that wasn’t us. We didn’t perform in any shape or form that day.
“So we came out with a point to prove, and in fairness to every man that had a starting jersey, every man that came on, they left everything out on that field, and it showed in the end.”
Cavan’s victory over Derry sets up a provincial decider clash with the Red Hands on April 22.
“Ulster final is where you want to be. Cavan have come in here as dark horses, but they haven’t got to an Ulster final by fluke.
“They look to be a superb team, but we’re just going to focus on ourselves, get the heads down and train hard and go at it again.”
