By Alan Rodgers

A PLACE in the Ulster semi-final beckons for the Tyrone minors as they bid to build on an impressive first round display to once again reach the latter stages of the provincial championship when they play Monaghan at Inniskeen on Saturday.

This repeat of the recent Ulster League final represents a big opportunity for both counties. The Red Hands comprehensively defeated Armagh last time out, while Monaghan enter the tie aiming to maintain the momentum of their season so far.

Neither side will be too concerned about the opportunity for a backdoor challenge if they lose on Saturday. Instead, the focus is on winning and for Tyrone manager Gerard Donnelly and the players, that means a top display is required and demanded.

As reigning Ulster and All-Ireland champions, there is a degree of attention attached to Tyrone’s 2026 challenge. However, just nine members of that winning panel from 2025 remain on board, as a whole host of new players bid to make their mark.

“We missed frees and other chances against Armagh and that’s something which we’ve been working on. It’s good to be in the quarter-final,” he said.

“There are some lads still on the panel who were also here last year and it’s good to have that level of leadership. We have young lads too who are coming in here, talking and trying to give that leadership as well. There are 15 leaders needed out on the pitch and it’s great we have those players.

“Our aim is to reach the Ulster semi-final. We’re not even thinking about defending the All-Ireland title at this moment. We are in an Ulster competition, that’s our focus and it’s all we’re thinking about now. This is round two coming up and if we win then it’s the Ulster semi-final and a defeat still puts us into the backdoor.”

The victory over Armagh at Healy Park a fortnight ago has provided Tyrone with an ideal boost. Their target is now on building on that win against a Monaghan team that enjoyed the upper hand over them in a close league final earlier in April.

“We entered the Armagh game seeking the win and to get the victory means that we’ve had two weeks to prepare for Monaghan. It has given us that cushion of the chance of a backdoor, but that won’t be where our focus is going to be,” he said.

“The lads won well at the finish getting a few late scores. But there’s still plenty to work on especially after losing the league final. Our performance wasn’t good enough against Monaghan, they are a good side and the two weeks between that final against them and the first round of the championship was about seeing whether we could get better.

“I think we achieved that against Armagh, and it was a first championship game for a lot of the lads. There were nerves there as well, so it’s good to get the victory.”