All-Ireland U20 Football Championship semi-final
Tyrone 2-14, Kerry 0-14
Defending champions Tyrone produced a composed and clinical display to book their place in a third All-Ireland U20 final in four years, seeing off Kerry by six points in an entertaining semi-final at O’Moore Park.
With Ruairi McCullagh and Eoin McElholm once again leading the charge up front, the Red Hands struck decisive blows in the first half to keep their title defence alive and set up a final meeting with either Mayo or Louth.
Tyrone burst out of the blocks, with McCullagh clipping over two early points before McElholm added a pair of his own. The Ulster champions had established a commanding 1-5 to 0-1 lead by the 17th minute, McElholm finishing low to the net after a direct break from a long kickout.
Kerry rallied impressively. They hit several points, with Paddy Lane’s accuracy from frees and scores from Daniel Kirby and Killian Dennehy narrowing the gap.
But just as momentum appeared to be swinging, Tyrone hit back. McCullagh landed a two-point free before setting up another score, and in the closing moments of the half, a well-timed pass from Conan Devlin found Noah Grimes, who lashed to the net to give Tyrone a 2-8 to 0-9 advantage at the break.
McElholm opened the second-half scoring to restore the six-point cushion. Kerry remained in contention and created several chances, but poor decision-making and wasteful finishing – including a goal opportunity spurned by Ben Murphy – ultimately cost them.
McCullagh and McElholm continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Tyrone, while Shea McDermott chipped in with an important point midway through the half. Kerry did manage to reduce the deficit to three with ten minutes to play, but a resolute Tyrone defence – marshalled by Ben Hughes and Joey Clarke – stood firm under pressure.
In the final minutes, Tyrone’s composure and fitness shone through. McCullagh slotted two late scores before McElholm added a point to seal the win and cap off a tireless individual display.
This six-point win marks another step forward in Tyrone’s quest for back-to-back All-Ireland titles as they await the outcome of the other semi-final clash.
By Rory Cox Sun 11th May
