Tyrone minors turn attentions to the national stage

By Alan Rodgers

MORE Ulster success has once again put the Tyrone Minors in pole position to challenge for even more glory at All-Ireland level when they meet Cork in what looks set to be an intriguing tussle in this Saturday’s quarter-final showdown in Portlaoise.

But you won’t find either the management or players under-estimating the challenge posed by opponents who lost to Kerry in the Munster Final. Experience from 2025 and indeed previous years has taught all that the kind of progress being made by the Red Hands only comes through hard work, skill and dedication.

Tyrone’s victory over Cavan a fortnight a fortnight ago earned them the provincial title for the first time since 2022. Now the task facing Gerard Donnelly and the players is to bridge a gap back to 2010 since the Thomas Markham Cup last rested in the county of O’Neill.

As manager in recent years, the Stewartstown clubman knows just how difficult it is to secure the kind of triumphs that Tyrone are now enjoying.

The coaching at club level, the commitment of players, and their efforts when games come down to the closing stages are all important factors.

“We have had a couple of heartbreaking defeats in the past few years. Since I came in as manager Tyrone won the Ulster title for the first two years and you thought it was going to be easy. But there’s nothing easy, and these games are all so tough to win,” he said.

“The win over Cavan was our third Ulster title in five years which is good. It’s all about ensuring that players keep coming through the ranks to the likes of the U-20s and seniors. We’re here to bring them up to Paul Devlin, just as he’s there to bring them up to the seniors.

“The work of the clubs are doing at underage level with these lads means that they reach us with all the skills. We then try to mould them and play in a certain way and thankfully so far this year that has worked out great for this group.”

Tyrone have always enjoyed impressive progress at Minor level. While the fact that the provincial finals are no longer played alongside the Ulster senior decider will be a disappointment for some, the sense of occasion is still immense for the young players.

The Red Hands confidently disposed of Cavan in the Ulster Final. Their quest now begins for All-Ireland glory, and to build on the legacy of past success in 1947, 1948,1973, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2008 and 2010.

The Red Hands will, of course, be focusing completely on the challenge post by Cork, who lost to Kerry comprehensively in their provincial final at Tralee a fortnight ago. But the foundations are there from a Tyrone viewpoint to make the most of this latest opportunity.

“Fair play to everyone in Tyrone’s clubs for the way they have committed to coaching at underage level,” added Gerard Donnelly.

“Things can change very quickly in matches and that’s what we saw against Cavan when the two goals were massive. Elliott Kerr also had a great block and that would have put Cavan in front. There were lots of swings and we were just thankful to have won.

“We celebrated and enjoyed the Ulster win because everyone worked really hard for this success, but are now fully focused on the quarter final.

“We know that Cork are going to be a serious team.

“The two of us met in a challenge match earlier in the season and they beat us. It has been a case of knuckling down and getting to work.”