GLIST: Minor matters

Tyrone are bidding to keep the Tom Markham Cup in the county this weekend when they face Cork. Michael McMullan looks back at Ulster’s last 10 All-Ireland minor wins.

2025 – Tyrone

DIARMUID Martin’s fairytale winner clinched another All-Ireland title for Tyrone following a belter of a final against Kerry in Newbridge. Martin hit 0-3 with Eoin Long adding five points but it was Peter Colton who led the charge. He held his nerve to nail a vital penalty in a 1-2 haul. From the winning team, Ciaran McCrystal has returned as captain but will miss this weekend’s date with Cork due to injury.

2024 – Derry

JAMES Sargent picked up a second medal, this time as captain, as Derry retained their Ulster and All-Ireland titles. Like the previous year, the All-Ireland final was an all-Ulster occasion – and also a repeat of the Ulster final – with Derry seeing off Armagh for a third time across the season. Sargent and Cody Rocks hit goals with Eamon Young also to the fore.

2023 – Derry

DAMIAN McErlain returned as manager and he oversaw an amazing two seasons that saw Derry dominate minor football. The 2023 campaign will always be remembered for an Ulster final where they needed a penalty shootout to see off Monaghan. The same two sides met in the All-Ireland final with captain Fionn McEldowney leading them to victory. Ger Dillon and Conall Higgins shared 0-9 with James Sargent hitting the net.

2020 – Derry

THIS campaign began in 2020 with the All-Ireland final played on a baking hot day in Tullamore the following summer due to Covid-19. Derry fended off Kerry in a belter of a final with skipper Matthew Downey nailing a vital penalty when the pressure was on. Lachlan Murray, Eoin McEvoy and Dan Higgins are among those who have made it through to the current senior panel.

2010 – Tyrone

IT was an eighth All-Ireland at the minor grade with Tyrone having one point to spare over Cork, whose senior counterparts lifted Sam later in the afternoon. A second Ronan O’Neill point proved the insurance score with the Rebels unable to salvage a draw having come from behind. Harry Óg Conlon scored Tyrone’s goal on the day with John McCullagh kicking 0-4 from full-forward. Richie Donnelly, Hugh Pat McGeary and Niall Sludden were also part of the winning team.

2009 – Armagh

RORY Grugan and Andrew Murnin were among the key players as Armagh backed up their Ulster title on a memorable day in Croke Park. It was Armagh’s first minor title in 60 years. Robbie Tasker and Eugene McVerry shared 0-6 of Armagh’s 10-point tally. Armagh also needed the heroics of goalkeeper Stephen O’Reilly to thwart Mayo’s challenge on the day.

2008 – Tyrone

IT took a replay in Longford for Tyrone to see off Mayo and get their hands on the Tom Markham Cup. It was a day when goalkeeper Rob Hennelly was in inspired form for long periods. Mattie Donnelly and Peter Harte were key men. Kyle Coney hit 0-5 with Conor O’Neill scoring 1-3. A fortunate goal after a Hennelly error that opened the door for Tyrone against a Mayo team that included Aidan O’Shea.

2005 – Down

IN the first year of the back door in the minor championship, Down bounced back from an Ulster final defeat to Armagh to finish the season with the biggest prize of all. Martin Clarke was the star man on a team captained by his An Riocht clubmate James Colgan. Paul McCumiskey’s three excellent first-half points from play eased them into a winning position they were never to lose.

2004 – Tyrone

TYRONE were 0-12 to 0-10 winners over Kerry to take home the silver for the first time in three seasons. The Red Hands led 0-6 to 0-5 at half-time. Paul O’Connor hit three points for the Kingdom but Tyrone were relieved when his goal chance pinged off the crossbar.

With Raymond Mulgrew leading them over the finish line, Tyrone continued their impressive record at minor level.

2002 – Derry

DERRY landed the All-Ireland title on a memorable day for Ulster with Armagh lifting Sam for the first time. Rory Convery scored Derry’s goal to sink Meath with captain Gerard O’Kane having a fine game on Joe Sheridan. It was a very balanced Derry side with 14 different clubs represented in the starting 15. O’Kane, Patsy Bradley, Mark Lynch and Barry McGoldrick went on to have stellar senior careers.