Football

Devlin always had belief in Tyrone players in U20 semi-final victory over Donegal

Donegal's Ryan McShane with Conor Cush of Tyrone during the Ulster U20 Football Championship semi final at Celtic Park, on Friday night Picture: Margaret McLaughlin
Donegal's Ryan McShane with Conor Cush of Tyrone during the Ulster U20 Football Championship semi final at Celtic Park, on Friday night Picture: Margaret McLaughlin Donegal's Ryan McShane with Conor Cush of Tyrone during the Ulster U20 Football Championship semi final at Celtic Park, on Friday night Picture: Margaret McLaughlin

TYRONE U20 manager Paul Devlin’s unwavering trust in his players was rewarded as they emerged victorious from an epic Ulster Championship semi-final at Celtic Park.

An extra-time thriller finished in a 3-16 to 2-16 win for the Red Hands, who will face Cavan in the decider on Friday week.

The sides were deadlocked at 1-13 to 2-10 at the end of normal time, but goals from Niall Devlin and Conor Cush were decisive in a breath-taking climax to a memorable encounter.

“I just knew it was in them, they believed in themselves,” said Devlin.

“We can guide them along the way, but they have to go out and do it themselves.”

Tyrone, who had lost heavily to Donegal in the Leo Murphy Cup final a few weeks earlier, dominated the early stages, going 0-7 to 0-3 ahead with scores from Ruairi Canavan, Lorcan McGarrity and Conor Bogue, but failed to capitalise on their opponents’ reduction to 14 men as defender Kieran Tobin was black-carded.

Keelan Dunleavey and Eric Carr were on target for Tir Conaill, who trailed by 0-8 to 0-4 at the interval.

And they drew level in the 52nd minute after Bobby McGettigan smashed home two goals.

Midfielder Michael McGleenan rose to the challenge, sending substitute Gavin Potter in for a Tyrone goal, but it was Donegal who finished strongly, with points from Dunleavey, Johnnny McGroddy and Kieran Tobin, before Carlos O’Reilly levelled in stoppage time, sending the tie to extra-time.

But it was the Red Hands who rose to the challenge, adding further goals through skipper Niall Devlin and Conor Cush to book their place in the decider

“The shift they put in was massive. It’s about who wants that ball the most, that’s what I have always been coaching, and by God they showed some desire,” said Devlin.

“Credit to Donegal too, they kept putting it up to us. There were a few decisions went their way, and the lads didn’t drop the head.

“There were young lads who came in there, young Potter, Cormac Devlin and Conor Cush, all did well.”

“But it’s just another game won, it’s another step, and it’s pushing on to the next one.”

And he paid tribute to midfielder McGleenan, whose outstanding display was one of the key factors.

“I said to big Mick, just you go out there and play as if you’re I the back garden of your house, at home in Eglish, go out and enjoy it.”

Devlin, now in his fifth season in the role, and preparing for a third provincial final in three years, is relishing the journey.

“It’s a privilege and an honour to get working with Tyrone. A lot of people talk about it being a sacrifice, I talk about a privilege and an opportunity.”

Tyrone: S McMenamin; M Rafferty, B Conway, E Corry; J Donaghy (0-1), S Donaghy, N Devlin (1-0); R McHugh (0-1), M McGleenan; C Cush (1-1), C Bogue (0-2), C Daly; S O’Donnell, L McGarrity (0-2 marks), R Canavan (0-7, 0-4 frees, 0-1 m).

Subs: G Potter (1-2) for McGarrity, C Devlin for Cush, Cush for Bogue

Donegal: D Roberts; K Tobin (0-1), J Grant, R McShane; C McColgan, J Gallagher, K Dunleavey (0-4); E Dowling (0-3, 0-2 frees), D McBride; P O’Hare, J McGroddy (0-3, 0-1 free), E Carr (0-1); B McGettigan (2-2), R O’Rourke, L McGlynn.

Subs: C Moore for Gallagher, C O’Reilly (0-2) for Carr, D McKinney for McBride, D Boyle for O’Hare, O Caulfield for McGlynn, O’Hare for Dunleavey,

Referee: A Marron (Monaghan).