TG4 ULSTER CHAMPIONSHIP

TYRONE 2-13 DONEGAL 0-10

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Two goals, one in each half,  proved the catalyst in Tyrone’s opening encounter in the TG4 Ulster senior championship against Donegal at Aghyaran, but this game will be remembered for other reasons.

The upheaval that surrounded this fixture in terms of a venue proved not to disrupt the Tyrone game plan, the players as always getting on with the job. But surely having the Tyrone senior ladies in action at the exact time that the counties men were facing Fermanagh was a PR disaster for the promotion of the ladies game. Originally fixed for Saturday the Ulster council refixed it for Sunday at Pairc Esler in Newry, the game set to be a curtain raiser for the Down Cavan championship replay. At the eleventh hour a dispute between the two provincial bodies resulted in the tie being switched but remaining on Sunday.

No one from the provincial; councils would be drawn on the matter that arose, but a source close to the mens governing body admitted on Saturday that it was down to the financial arrangements that caused the problems. Both Tyrone and Donegal had been promised expenses and a meal for travelling to Newry but its believed the diving up of gate receipts was an issue. It doesn’t bode well though in the week that a new contract between all the bodies of the association in Ulster was signed in relation to integration at a ceremony in Monaghan!

It was certainly not the way Tyrone boss Jimmy McCloughan would have wanted to announce his arrival on the championship stage but in the end, the result, a nine point victory for his charges made up for the problems.

Described as a clinical display by McCloughan Tyrone at times stuttered but came good with a good overall team display only sullied by an injury to Catriona Murphy.

Tyrone also had the luxury of a penalty saved in an opening half that they just about edged. Gemma Begleys  tenth minute goal the difference as the home side led 1-5 to 0-6.  A tame opening by both sides produced low scoring fayre for the crowd that did turn up for this quarter final tie, the Carrickmore forwards goal a high point in the proceedings. Sarah Connolly added to her national league points tally and the returning from injury Cathy Donnelly was also on target.

Coming into injury time Begley was upended but she failed to convert the spot kick Karen Gutrie bringing off a stunning save.

Tyrone were far from put off though with the miss and took the second half by the scruff of the neck , Connolly who has been impressive with the Ulster championship winning minors grabbed a goal and ended the tie on 1-8 while veteran Selina Oguz pitched in with a point. In the end a comfortable 2-13 to 0-10 victory  and a place now in the semi-final against Down. Manager McCloughan has taken plenty from the game,

“ I was happy at the win but I know we can play better and we will improve, we have a couple of weeks and we will work on a few things”

Tyrone scorers Sarah Connolly 1-8, Gemma Begley 1-0, Cathy Donnelly 0-3 Selina Oguz, Jolene Donnelly 0-1 each.