Christy Ring Cup – Round 1
Wicklow 1-24 Tyrone 2-16
Wicklow edged out Tyrone in a lively Christy Ring Cup opener at Aughrim this afternoon, holding off a spirited second-half fightback from the Red Hands to claim a five-point victory.
A first-half goal from Padraig Doran laid the platform for the home side, while Tyrone’s two green flags after the break weren’t enough to overturn the deficit.
It was Wicklow who came flying out of the traps, opening the scoring through Padraig Doran after just two minutes. Jack Doyle quickly added a brace before Padraig Doyle slotted over the first of his many frees. Tyrone got off the mark in the 7th minute through Tiernan Morgan, but the Garden County kept the pressure on, with points from Doyle and Doran stretching their lead.
Tyrone began to find their rhythm midway through the half, led by the accuracy of Aidy Kelly from placed balls, who hit four points on the spin. Sean Duffin also chipped in with frees, but Wicklow remained clinical, and a goal from Doran in the 32nd minute gave them breathing space on the scoreboard. Padraig Doyle added his fifth of the half just before the break, and Wicklow headed to the dressing rooms 1-12 to 0-9 ahead.
Tyrone came out sharper in the second half, with quick-fire points from Duffin and Mickey Little narrowing the gap. However, Wicklow responded through Padraig Doyle and Ronan McMahon. The teams continued to trade scores, with Seanie Germaine and Jack Doyle keeping the scoreboard ticking for the hosts, while Aidy Kelly remained unerring from frees for the visitors.
A goal from Kiefer Morgan in the 50th minute sparked hope for Tyrone, alongside points from Aidan Woods and Fionn Devlin. But Wicklow’s composure shone through, with points from Doran, Germaine, and McMahon following shortly after. Aidy Kelly rattled the net with a brilliant finish late on, bringing Tyrone within striking distance, but Wicklow answered immediately with a trio of scores to put the result beyond doubt.
Wicklow’s strong first half proved decisive, and although Tyrone showed flashes of their potential in the second, they’ll rue their inability to close the gap when the momentum was with them.
By Rory Cox Sat 12th Apr
