More deliousional Tyrone lads, no surprise there.
???
Wtf?
Irish News Tyrone Club All Stars
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JOE MAGUIRE (TRILLICK)
One of many players in the St Macartan’s squad who has worked hard to improve his game this year, Maguire has matured into one of the top 'keepers in the county. His talents as a shot-stopper were showcased when he pulled off four blinding saves in the closing stages of the semi-final win over Coalisland. Safe under the high ball, accurate with his clearances and kick-outs, he was an integral part of an O’Neill Cup-winning campaign, keeping a clean sheet in the final. -
SEÁN O’NEILL (DROMORE)
The former Tyrone defender rediscovered his best form this season and, as captain of St Dympna’s, inspired his side to a quarter-final win over defending champions and beaten Ulster finalists Omagh. With Dromore reduced to 13 men in the semi-final, he was the man who led their heroic fightback, with a driving display from centre-back, and it was no fault of his that they fell just short against Killyclogher at Healy Park. -
RUAIRÍ KELLY (TRILLICK)
The 21-year-old showed maturity beyond his years, with a string of brilliant displays during a triumphant run to the O’Neill Cup title. A trusted man-marker, he nullified the effectiveness of several highly-rated opponents and picked his moments to push forward with incisive runs into opposition territory, proving an effective link between defence and attack. Another accomplished performance in the county final made a big contribution to Trillick’s first title in 29 years. -
DANNY GORMAN (KILLYCLOGHER)
The former Tyrone minor captain has been a rock at the heart of a solid Killyclogher defence this season, turning in a string of impressive displays at full-back. Defensive solidity has been one of the team’s main strengths and the reliable Gorman inspired confidence among his colleagues in every game. He held Trillick’s ace attacker Lee Brennan to a single score from play in the championship final, when his side lost out by a single point. -
NIALL DONNELLY (TRILLICK)
The sort of player any successful team must have, Donnelly was a dynamic defender and a prolific ball-winner in his side’s remarkable run to the county title. A man with boundless energy and an insatiable appetite for responsibility and hard work, his effectiveness at mopping up broken ball cannot be understated. A tigerish tackler, he was responsible for countless turnovers during a memorable campaign, which also saw him make regular bursts forward at pace in support of the attack. -
RORY BRENNAN (TRILLICK)
A county championship title capped a memorable year, which saw him win an All-Ireland U21 title and earn a call-up to the Tyrone senior side. Brennan is now recognised as one of the top defenders in Tyrone. An assured presence at the heart of the Trillick defence, his athleticism adds an invaluable extra to the game-plan through his piercing runs into opposition territory. It was one of these surges that created the goal that effectively secured a seventh SFC title for the club. -
DERMOT CARLIN (KILLYCLOGHER)
A born leader who has been a key member of Killyclogher teams for a decade and-a-half, his commitment has never waned and his infectious enthusiasm rubbed off on his team-mates throughout this year’s campaign. Combining defensive astuteness with ball-playing ability, he marshalled the St Mary’s rearguard with authority. The club benefitted from his decision earlier this year to retire from inter-county football and devote all his energies to their challenge for an SFC title. -
RICHARD DONNELLY (TRILLICK)
A lynchpin for Trillick in the middle-third this season, Donnelly carried consistency from the early days of the league campaign right through a glorious championship run. Winning a deserved call-up to the Tyrone senior squad along the way, his ball-winning, strong running and distribution have been features of his side’s compelling displays. An appetite for hard work is another key element in his game, much of it unrecognised, as he tracks back to provide cover in times of defensive need. -
CONALL McCANN (KILLYCLOGHER)
High-scoring midfielder McCann finished second in the championship top-scorer chart this season, hitting 1-11 in four games. But his accuracy from frees and play tells just part of the story of a valuable team player. Combining high fielding with a mobile, strong-running game, he was a key figure in Killyclogher’s march to a first championship final since 2003. Adept at tracking back and breaking at pace, his energy helped St Mary’s tick in 2015. -
TIERNÁN McCANN (KILLYCLOGHER)
McCann’s role with Tyrone has been mirrored by his brief with Killyclogher this season. A deep-lying half-forward with a responsibility as a sweeper, combined with a licence to attack, his effervescent style has been entertaining and effective. The pace with which he surges forward has caught many defences on the hop and created the openings for several crucial scores. A telepathic understanding with younger brother Conall has provided many eye-catching offensive moments. -
MATTIE DONNELLY (TRILLICK)
The first Trillick captain to lift the O’Neill Cup since his father Liam in 1986, Mattie has led by example, and with authority. His influence round the middle third has been immense, particularly at times when momentum needed to be lifted. Always at the centre of the action, his game intelligence, strong running and creativity have been behind a high proportion of the scores which carried the Reds to the title, not to mention heroic defensive interventions in every game. -
PLUNKETT KANE (COALISLAND)
One of the most consistent and dedicated club footballers in the county, Kane was once again a driving force for the Fianna in 2015. A leadership figure with immense levels of energy, his workrate has been an important element of his side’s game plan for many seasons now. In keeping with the modern-day demands on the complete footballer, Kane combines defensive duties with his naturally offensive talents and delivered a string of high-quality performances, up to and including the SFC semi-final. -
PADDY McNEICE (COALISLAND)
He was once again one of the most outstanding attackers in the championship, hitting 12 points in three games. It was a virtuoso display from the former Tyrone player that shocked Clonoe in the opening round, when he scored six superb points from play. McNeice has become an even greater asset to his club since his retirement from inter-county competition, bringing a greater level of consistency to his game. -
LEE BRENNAN (TRILLICK)
One of the most exciting attacking talents to burst upon the scene for some time, Brennan has had a season to savour. Still a teenager, he finished top scorer in the championship, 19 points ahead of his nearest rival, and scored the only goal of the O’Neill Cup final. An All-Ireland U21 winner and a member of the Tyrone senior squad, this prodigious talent has a huge future ahead of him. -
MARK BRADLEY (KILLYCLOGHER)
Despite being hampered by injury this season, Bradley has led the Killyclogher attack with authority, his electrifying pace and accuracy off either boot representing potent weapons. After winning an All-Ireland U21 medal, he quickly established himself as a regular on the county senior team and his exceptional talents have been equally valuable at club level. He finished and created some vital scores as St Mary’s reached their first championship final in 12 years, proving himself a team player as well as an exciting individual talent.
7 new faces for the McKenna Cup panel.
All Ireland U21 winning Captain Kieran McGeary is one of seven newcomers who have been called into the Tyrone senior panel by manager Mickey Harte.
The Pomeroy clubman will be joined by his brother Hugh Pat, who won an All-Ireland minor medal in 2010, as well as Coalisland’s Padraig Hampsey who also played a key role in defence as the Red Hands ended a fourteen year wait for National U21 honours.
The list includes two other members of the 2010 minor side in Harry Og Conlon and Niall Sludden. Conlon captained his club Edendork to Intermediate championship honours this year while Dromore’s Sludden has been one of the most consistent players in Tyrone club football for a few years.
Former minor and U21 star Jonathan Munroe has also got the nod following a series of eye catching performances for Carrickmore as they reached the recent division one league final. The seventh player is the youngest of them all, Ardboe’s David Mulgrew.
He played in the All-Ireland minor final in 2013 and only this season completed a third year in a row at that level. The new additions mean that there will be eight players from this year’s U21 side in the senior squad.
“The seven lads have been invited onto the panel from now until the end of the McKenna Cup,” said Mickey Harte. “After the end of that competition we will sit down and review the panel before naming our squad for the National league.”
The introduction of these seven players will no doubt bring added pace and energy to a squad of players who just came up short of reaching an All-Ireland final this season when falling narrowly to Kerry in the last four.
Where’s that taken from?
Last year we had a very settled team and I wouldn’t expect much changeover in that.
Hampsey is an outstanding prospect, I foresee him developing into one of the best defenders in the country and I expect him to quickly establish a place in the Tyrone team. I think we’re very likely to see him take McCrory’s place at corner back this coming season.
McNabb just underwent ACL surgery last month so he is almost certain to miss the entire league campaign and it’s very unlikely that he will be able to reach his 2015 levels in 2016 after coming back from such an injury. This will mean there’s a wing back spot for grabs, Brennan seems to have been in great form for Trillick and was excellent for t U21s last year at centre half back, he had a few outings with the senior team as well and did very well, I see him as the likely occupier of that position now but he’ll have competition from McGeary, Sludden and Tierney for his place.
There could be an opening in midfield, Donnelly and Colm Cavanagh were outstanding in this sector last year but we could probably do wit a more orthodox midfielder in there than Donnelly who is more of a natural half forward. Paudie McNulty is the likeliest candidate to step up here but we also have the likes of Richie Donnelly, Conall McCann, McShane and Conlon.`
Meyler did really well coming into the squad at such a late stage last year but is likely to find his place under threat if Donnelly is shifted into the half forward line and guys like McGeary, Sludden, McShane and Richie Donnelly likely to kick on now with all being in their first or second season at county level.
I think the full forward is fine as it is but we have great options in the likes of Lee Brennan and Ronan O’Neill waiting in the wings. It’s probably make or break for Ronan O’Neill at county level this year - really needs to work on his fitness and get much leaner.
My XV for the opener against Derry:
- Morgan
- Hampsey
- McNamee
- McCarron
- Rory Brennan
- Justy
- Harte
- Colm Cavanagh
- Paudie McNulty
- Tiernan McCann
- Bradley
- Mattie Donnelly
- McCurry
- Sean Cavanagh
- McAliskey
6 sets of brothers on the panel now:
Cavanaghs
McCanns
McMahons
Donnellys
McGearys
Brennans
Fucking knew it 
is the young full back staying on board for the year?
Seems Danny McBride and Peter Hughes have opted out of the panel for the year ahead, both have been on the fringes of the panel for the last 3 or 4 years without making the breakthrough so no real surprise there.
McNamee, McNabb, Niall McKenna, Joe McMahon and Colm Cavanagh will all miss the McKenna Cup so should be a good chance for some of the fringe players and new panelists to establish themselves.
Bumped for purposes of idiotic debate.
Signing in. This is our year.
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First of four confirmed meetings with Derry this season coming up on Sunday as we play them in the O’Fiach Cup, we also meet them in the McKenna Cup, League and Championship which should mean a nice bit of needle in store for the Championship match.
Good opportunity for some of the fringe players, plenty of lads will be looking to stake a claim for a midfield spot.
We have McShane, Conall McCann, Richie Donnelly, Conlon, McNulty and Clarke all capable of partnering Colm Cavanagh there which would allow us to move Mattie Donnelly up the field.
Tyrone team v Derry: M O’Neill, A McCrory, P Hampsey, HP McGeary, T McCann, C Clarke, J Monroe, C McCann, R Donnelly, C Meyler, R O’Neill, N Sludden, P Quinn, H Conlon, C McShane
Tyrone 1-04 Derry 0-04
About 30 mins gone
Christ could you imagine how grim that is
Tyrone team v Derry: M O’Neill, A McCrory, P Hampsey, HP McGeary, T McCann, C Clarke, J Monroe, C McCann, R Donnelly(0-01), C Meyler, R O’Neill(0-03 2f), N Sludden, P Quinn(1-01), H Conlon, C McShane(0-02)
Tyrone 1-07 Derry 0-06 HT
Morgan for M. O’Neill and Harte for Conlon.
2nd half just starting.
Tyrone team v Derry: M O’Neill, A McCrory, P Hampsey, HP McGeary, T McCann, C Clarke, J Monroe, C McCann (0-01), R Donnelly(0-01), C Meyler, R O’Neill(0-07 5f), N Sludden, P Quinn(1-02), H Conlon, C McShane(0-02)
Subs: N Morgan (0-03 1’45 2f), P Harte(0-01), D Mulgrew, L Brennan (0-01)
O Fiaich Cup semi-final: Derry 0-10 Tyrone 1-18
DESPITE travelling to Crossmaglen with just four subs, it was Tyrone who finished stronger to take a nice early season boost from a first of four planned meetings with Derry this campaign.
They will meet in the Dr McKenna Cup and National League before they lock horns in the Championship on May 22. And while this game will be long forgotten by that time, Derry may draw some concern from having been the more experienced side yesterday.
Six of their starting 15 would be fancied to start in May, with another half-a-dozen plus coming off the bench, but it was a more youthful and sprightly Tyrone who were the more impressive.
“We’re happy to have got the scores we needed at the times we needed them to put ourselves on the front foot,” said Tyrone manager Mickey Harte.
“Maybe Derry were doing a bit more experimentation than we were, firing men on. We hadn’t that many to fire on.”
His side led 1-7 to 0-6 at the interval, with the goal coming from Patrick Quinn after five minutes. Ronan O’Neill, the best player on the park in the first half, slipped Quinn in and he finished at the second attempt after Thomas Mallon had made a great save from the first effort.
It cancelled out the first score, which went for Derry and was scored by a Tyrone man. Ex-Donaghmore forward Shane Mulgrew marked his inter-county debut for the Oak Leafers with an early free, to which he added another in the first half.
Ryan Bell coming out around midfield aided the Derry response and he kicked two superb long-range scores, and added a brilliant 45 before the break.
By that stage, the closest Derry had got was within two points. Tyrone were more able to use the early kick to their inside forwards. It stuck better inside for them, and they worked runners off it. There were further goals for the taking for McShane and Conlan, but the former took a point and the latter was denied by a superb Dermot McBride block.
If there was any indication of how shapelessly pre-season it was at times, it came in a first half Richie Donnelly score.
The Tyrone midfielder dispossessed Brian Og McGilligan on his own 45, turned and headed on the counter. No-one came close to catching him He ran 90 metres before slotting over untouched.
In general, Derry didn’t prevent the ball getting to the Tyrone inside forwards quite as well, but were thankful for an excellent performance from Kilrea rookie Joe Morgan at corner-back.
Damian Barton pointed to the heavy pre-season taking its toll on their legs in the second half. It certainly looked that way. Tyrone, by contrast, began to find the fluency in a running game that grew serious, well, legs in 2015.
Ronan O’Neill finished with 0-7 to his name, while debutant Patrick Quinn notched 1-2. Lee Brennan came off the bench for his debut as well, landing a late score.
The postponed O Fiaich Cup semi-final between Armagh and Louth has been rescheduled for tomorrow night at 8pm.
Derry: T Mallon; J Morgan, D McBride, R Ferris; G McKinless, B McGoldrick, SL McGoldrick; C Murphy, B Og McGilligan; M Lynch (0-2, 0-1 frees), S Heavron (0-1), N Forester; S Mulgrew (0-4, 0-3 frees), R Bell (0-3, 0-1 45), G McWilliams.
Subs: E McGuckin for McWilliams (34), D Heavron for SL McGoldrick (34), C McFaul for B McGoldrick (34), L McGoldrick for McGilligan (34), Ciaron O’Boyle for Mallon (h-t), B Heron for Lynch (44), C Mullan for Forester (44), J Kielt for Ferris (60).
Black card: R Bell (replaced by C McAtamney, 48), D McBride (replaced by P Quinn, 52).
Tyrone: M O’Neill; A McCrory, P Hampsey, HP McGeary; T McCann, C Clarke, J Munroe; C McCann (0-1), R Donnelly (0-1); C Meyler, R O’Neill (0-7, 0-5 frees), N Sludden; P Quinn (1-2), H Og Conlan, C McShane (0-2).
Subs: P Harte (0-1) for Conlan (h-t), N Morgan (0-3, 0-2 frees, 0-1 45) for O’Neill (h-t), L Brennan (0-1) for McShane (54), D Mulgrew for Quinn (53), C Meyler for Munroe (60).
Blood sub: P Harte for R Donnelly (22-h-t)
Referee: P Hughes (Armagh)
Disappointing to see this sort of dissent in/out of the camp. I hope it doesn’t affect morale of those in the squad
https://twitter.com/shaymus08/status/676386242355929088/photo/1?ref_src=twsrc^tfw
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