The Donegal minor hurlers romped to a second consecutive Ulster Minor Hurling Shield title against Tyrone in the brilliant sunshine on Saturday 6th May in Owenbeg, Co. Derry. Playing with the wind the Donegal men stormed to an early lead with 8 unanswered points on the scoreboard within 11 minutes of the start. On the 16th minute Kieran Brady cut through the Tyrone defence at ease before smashing for the opening goal and effectively ended the game as a contest at this early point.
Donegal sent their message of intent early on with a well taken Dylan Duffy point settling any nerves in the second minute. Donegal looked sharper and fitter as Paul Tourish and Brian Diver controlled midfield while Fiachra McLaughlin, supported by Ryan HIlferty and Donal Doherty dealt with any Tyrone attacks. Donegal were simply relentless in their approach and lead at half time 2-14 to 0-3.
The second half was a sombre affair as Tyrone tried for the proverbial but goalkeeper Daire McBride along with the help of full back Chris Gallagher were determined to keep a clean sheet and succeeded. A third goal in the 5th minute was the final blow to Tyrone but they still played bravely until the final minute.
The Donegal substitutes Conor Carlin, David Hanlon, Thomas Hartnett, Travis Lafferty and PJ McCarron all slotted in at ease and helped Donegal keep the scoreboard ticking over in the second half. It ended Donegal 3-19 Tyrone 5.
Captain Stephen Anderson lifted the shield and now looks forward to playing Armagh at home in the Ulster Minor Hurling Championship on June 3rd. “There’ll be no celebrating as we feel we can seriously push on now against Armagh, that’s our real test that we’ll be looking forward to, we’ll have achieved nothing if we don’t beat Armagh” the Aodh Ruadh man concluded.
Team: Daire McBride, Cormac Finn, Chris Gallagher, Cathair Doherty, Donal Doherty, Fiachra McLaughlin, Ryan Hilferty, Paul Tourish, Brian Diver, Stephen Anderson (Capt), Dylan Duffy, Aaron Craig, Kieran Brady, Jordan Barr, P.J. McBrearty. Subs: David Hanlon for C. Finn, Conor Carlin for D. Doherty, Travis Lafferty for A. Craig, Thomas Hartnett for P.J. McBrearty, P.J. McCarron for F. McLaughlin.
By Sinéad Breen Donegal PRO Tue 16th May