Donegal win over Tyrone to lift McKenna Cup

Donegal's Hugh McFadden lifts the McKenna Cup. Credit: INPHO

  • Donegal 1-16 - 1-12 Tyrone

By Sinéad McGlynn

Donegal overcame a misfiring Tyrone side to lift the McKenna Cup at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh on Saturday.

The Tír Chonaill men claimed the early season silverware for the first time since 2010 with a four-point victory over their Red Hand rivals.

Declan Bonner's side made the better start and forged an early 0-4 to 0-2 lead, but on seven minutes, they trailed after Harry Loughran hit the net for Tyrone.

Just two minutes later, Donegal were back in front as Martin McElhinney responded with a three-pointer.

A brace of scores from Daire O'Baoill and a Marty Reilly free extended Donegal's lead before Tyrone scores from Cathal McCarron and a Ronan O'Neill free - either side of a Frank McGlynn effort - left three between the sides at the interval.

After the break, Mickey Harte’s men made a good start and the game was level at 1-10 a-piece on 46 minutes.

Donegal were quick to respond as Niall O’Donnell grabbed a quick brace before substitute Michael Murphy restored their three-point lead.

Once again Tyrone hit back, with points from O’Neill and Loughran, but scores from Brennan and a couple from Murphy saw Donegal finish strongly.

Tyrone went down to 14-men just before the final score of the game as second half substitute Mattie Donnelly was shown a second yellow card by referee Barry Cassidy.