Tyrone minor boss Donnelly relieved to pass Galway test

RELIEF was the overriding emotion for Tyrone Minor manager Gerard Donnelly after Saturday’s All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Galway at Ashbourne.

They were four points in arrears at half-time but came good after the break to record a fully warranted 3-17 to 0-19 victory which sets up an All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Kildare in a fortnight’s time.

After a demanding run of fixtures, Tyrone now have time to draw breath as they continue their quest to land back-to-back All-Irelands.

“Galway had four weeks to stew over that one-point loss to Roscommon in the Connacht final. We watched them in a challenge match earlier this year and knew they were a very good side. They hit us with everything they had, and I’m just very relieved to come through it,” said Donnelly.

“I’m delighted for these boys. When you think back to the traditional format, when you won your province and went straight through to an All-Ireland semi-final, that’s where these boys are now. I’m just glad we have two weeks this time – a wee gap before the next one.”

The concession of four two-pointers in the first half, including three from midfielder Oisín Ó Neachtain, left Tyrone playing catch up. They responded to the challenge superbly, however, outscoring their opponents by 2-9 to 0-4 after the break.

“They were hitting two-pointers. We’d earmarked their number nine as a two-point shooter from previous games, but he was getting into space. He had no backwards swing– he’d just take it on and shoot. Our lads weren’t getting the blocks in, and you start thinking, is it going to be one of those days?’ The questions were asked again at half-time, and I’m so glad the boys answered them. We live to fight another day.”

The wind was undoubtedly a factor in the overall pattern of the game. Tyrone assumed control in the middle sector after the break and by the closing stages of the contest, Galway’s goose was cooked.

“The wind was significant and it took their goalkeeper out of it in the second half. He’s a great kicker with a great kick. We told the boys at half-time it was just a matter of chipping away. We’ve been in worse positions than four points down before. But we weren’t playing well, they were playing well, and they were punishing us, there’s no doubt about that. Thankfully, we got them in at half-time and got settled. We started to get into the game a bit and chipped away.”