The new Ulster U20 Football Championship season is set to throw-in, and Tyrone are gearing up for a tough opener against Down in Burren on Wednesday evening. With anticipation building, manager Paul Devlin and captain Joey Clarke have shared their thoughts on the challenge ahead, the squad’s preparation, and the impact of new rule changes.
Paul Devlin is under no illusions about the task facing his team. “It’s a tough opener, we’ve seen that over the last few years. Every game we’ve played with them recently has went right to the wire so we’re expecting nothing different,” he said.
Down and Tyrone have built a competitive rivalry at underage level in recent years, with tight encounters becoming the norm. With a place in the latter stages of the championship at stake, the Red Hands will need to be at their best from the first whistle.
This season sees the introduction of rule changes aimed at limiting defensive systems and promoting attacking football. For Devlin and his team, the adjustments have been a welcome challenge. “The new rules cut out the blanket defence. We’ve enjoyed going on the front foot through the years. You have to defend when the opportunity arises. The rules were needed to shake things up a bit and it’s brought a passion back to our training.”
Tyrone have long been known for their ability to mix defensive discipline with attacking flair, and Devlin believes these changes could suit his squad. “There’s no pressure on us. We start from scratch like every other team in the province. We’ve got several new players stepping into the squad this year and they’ve been good at adopting to the setup and the new rules. A lot of the new boys have pushed themselves on and there’s plenty of competition for places.”
Tyrone captain Joey Clarke echoed his manager’s sentiments, emphasizing the squad’s readiness. “We’re definitely looking forward to the start of the Championship. The lads have been training well so far, we’ve been out for a few months so we’re really looking forward to the upcoming games.”
Clarke was part of the Minor team that won Ulster but fell short at All-Ireland level in 2022. Now, as captain at U20 level, he is determined to take things one step at a time. “We’ll be taking it one game at a time. At Minor level we won Ulster, but we didn’t get as far as we wanted at All-Ireland stage. We’ll be taking it one game at a time.”
With a blend of experienced players from last year’s squad and hungry newcomers pushing for places, Clarke sees real competition in training. “We have quite a few players back from last year. The experience definitely helps. The boys that have come in this year have really pushed us on – they’re really pushing in training and upping the standards.”
Clarke also praised the work behind the scenes that is helping to drive the team forward. “We have a great backroom team – from physios to coaches. I can’t fault them, they’re really giving us everything we need.”
With the preparations done and the team ready to take the field, all eyes now turn to Burren for what promises to be an enthralling contest. Tyrone’s journey in this year’s U20 Championship begins with a major test, but with talent, experience, and the right mindset, they will be confident of making their mark.
Under 20 Football Squad 2025 – Conan Devlin, Conor Devlin (Ard Bó), Sean McCann (Bearach), Michael McElhatton, Lorcan McMurray, Conal Sheehy (An Chorr Chríochach), Shane Scullion (Doire Locháin), Joey Clarke, Noah Grimes, Ben Hughes, Conor O’Neill (Domhnach Mór), Leo Hughes, Matthew Quinn (Dún Geanainn), Brian Gallagher (An Droim Mór), Fiachra Nelis (Éadan na dTorc), Conor Holmes (An Eaglais), Shea McDermott (Aireagal Chiaráin), Caolan Donnelly (Fionntamhnach), Joseph Corrigan, Darragh Donaghy, Conan McGarvey, James Rafferty (Gallbhaile), Conor McAneney, Lorcan McCullagh (Gleann Eallaigh), Liam Óg Mossey (An Goirtín), Sean Broderick, Shane McCaul (Coill an Chlochair), Eoin Donaghy, Ruairi McCullagh, Eoin McElholm (Loch Mhic Ruairí), Liam Lawn, Rian Smith (Baile na Móna), Callum Daly (An Ómaigh)
By Rory Cox Tue 18th Mar
