SUZUKI NATIONAL LEAGUE

LAOIS 0-7 TYRONE 0-8

PADDY HUNTER AT STRADBALLY

The spirit that saw Tyrone through to last years all Ireland semi-final was evident again last Sunday as Tyrone’s Suzuki national league campaign opened with a one point win away to Laois and again it was all star full forward Gemma Begley who was the ace in the pack for the O’Neill county

Sundays tie was close throughout, no more than two points separated the sides at any time and goalscoring chances were limited as both sets of defenders looked to have shaken off the Winter cobwebs.

Claire Conlon tested the Tyrone defence in the opening minutes as she sent over the first point of the afternoon at Stradbally, Joline Donnelly replied but Conlon and the experienced Tracey Lawlor scored points to leave the score 0-3to 0-1 by the end of the first quarter.

Tyrone’s plans were upset after twenty minutes too when experienced centre half forward Eilish Gormley was forced to retire with injury, Sarah Donnelly introduced with Mc Kernan moving up front and the Trillick player dropping into partner veteran Arlene McCloskey in the centre.

Up step Gemma Begley, two frees scored and Tyrone were back on track, they generated some chances while Mary Kirwan went close at the other end. Begley fisted over a point but the sides were level by half time 0-4 a piece, Aillen O’Loughlin slotting over the bar.

Laois got of to a second half flyer, points from O Connor and Fitzpatrick restored the lead for them and they certainly started sharper, Begleys long range free cut the deficit to a point again and Cappaghs Clodagh Poyntz introduced moments earlier for Niamh Mc Kernan levelled things with a good score. Tyrone upped the tempo and while their defence impressed, managers   MichaelaO’Neill and Joe Gilligan opted for change up front, Sarah Louise McLaughlin replaced McGahan and Anne Dooher came off, replaced at right half forward   by O’Neill.

The momentum was really with Tyrone now, they hit three wides and forced a 45 as Laios were forced to baton down the hatches.

Begley eased Tyrone ahead by two as the clock ticked on and a Claire Conlon point was all the home side could muster as the defence stood firm. In the end a one point victory, it should have been more to be fair but the Tyrone management will take plenty out of this tie as well as vital opening day league points. A good solid display especially from the defence, Hagan and Woods had a particularly good outing, Woods back from serious injury and showing no ill effects.

Laois had made a few changes from last years encounter, but the experienced heads were certainly on show so this victory was very much on merit for Tyrone.

TYRONE: Sinead McVeigh Sinead McLaughlin, Carol McGlinchey, Maura Kelly, Ashling Hagan, Lynda Donnelly, Niamh Woods, Arlene McCloskey, Niamh McKernan, Anne Dooher, Eilish Gormley, Cathy Donnelly, Catriona McGahan, Gemma Begley 0-6 Joline Donnelly 0-1.

Subs Sarah Donnelly For Gormley, Clodagh Poyntz 0-1, Sarah Louise McLaughlin For McGahan, Orla O’Neill For Dooher