Latest news with #McCullagh
RTÉ News
11-05-2025
- Sport
- RTÉ News
Tyrone get better of Kerry in Under-20 semi-final
Tyrone remain on course for a third All-Ireland Under-20 Football title in four years, after getting the better of Kerry in a repat of last year's decider. They'll face either Mayo or Louth in the 2025 final, thanks to a performance built on defensive resilience at Laois Hire O'Moore Park that earned them a six points success. And up front, their twin strike force, Loughmacrory duo Eoin McElholm and Ruairi McCullagh, delivered again. In last year's final, the pair shared a 0-12 haul, and this time they accounted for 1-13 of the winners' total. Tyrone's attack threat was evident from the opening minute, when McElholm broke through to have a crack at goal. denied by Michael Tansley's brilliant save, with McCullagh converting the resultant '45. And the holders were 0-5 to 0-1 up by the end of the opening quarter, McCullagh adding another couple and McElholm curling over a free. Kerry's sole score in that period came from midfielder Daniel Kirby, their shot selection letting them down on several occasions. But they did create a goal chance when Kirby sent Evan Boyle through, but full back Ben Hughes got a hand in to block the shot. Direct long ball to full forward Tomas Kennedy began to pay dividends, and he won three frees which Paddy Lane converted. They were now winning the scrap for possession around the middle through Kirby, Eddie Healy and Darragh O'Sullivan, with Killian Dennehy sending over a couple of scores as they picked off five in a row to close the gap to a point. But the Ulster champions reasserted themselves, McCullagh converting a two-point free, before Conan Devlin sent Noah Grimes in to smash home their second goal on the half-hour. They led by 2-8 to 0-9 at the interval, and it was in the second half that the Tyrone defence stood tall in the face of waves of attack, with Ben Hughes, Joey Clarke, Callum Daly and substitute Sean Broderick stepping in with vital challenges. Nevertheless, the Munster champions, who had cruised through their provincial series, kept coming, with Kennedy always a threat up front and Kirby and Healy driving it from midfield. Substitute Ronan Carroll scored with his first touch, and a couple of Lane frees narrowed the gap. Ben Murphy broke through to fire in a shot that Red Hand 'keeper Conan McGarvey kept out, and when Kennedy scored from the rebound, just three points separated the sides going into the final seven minutes. But the champions were able to shut out the Kerry attack in those vital closing stages to turn defence to attack with impressive transition, hitting the last three points through McElholm and McCullagh (2). Tyrone: C McGarvey; F Nelis, B Hughes, Conor Devlin; C Daly, J Clarke, C Donnelly, Conan Devlin, C O'Neill; C Sheehy, E McElholm (1-04, 0-01f), M Quinn; N Grimes (1-00), R McCullagh (0-09, 4f, 1tpf, 1'45), L Og Mossey. Subs: S Broderick for Conor Devlin (23), S McDermott (0-01) for Grimes (48), E McDonagh for Sheehy (51), D Donaghy for Mossey (58) Kerry: M Tansley; A O Beaglaoich, G Evans, M Lynch; L Evans, D O'Connor, B Murphy; E Healy (0-02), D Kirby (0-01); C Collins, E Boyle, K Dennehy (0-03); P Lane (0-06, 5f), T Kennedy (0-01), D O'Sullivan.
Irish Examiner
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
McCullagh, McElholm and Co. out to haunt Kingdom once more
Ruairi McCullagh tormented the Kerry defence in last year's All-Ireland U20 final, kicking five points in Tyrone's demolition of the Kingdom. And he's back, along with strike partner Eoin McElholm, who fired over six scores in the 2024 decider, to take on the Munster champions again in Sunday's semi-final. McCullagh believes the steadying hand and wise counsel of Tyrone's experienced manager Paul Devlin has forged mental strength within his players as they prepare for this weekend's rematch. Now in his eighth season in the role, Devlin has led the Red Hands to five Ulster titles and two All-Irelands, guiding many players along a career path that has seen them become household names. 'He's an incredible man, the best you'll ever come across in terms of a person, and his record speaks for itself,' said McCullagh. 'I'm really delighted to have Paul and the rest of the boys. We have full faith in the whole management as a whole. 'The management has that installed in us. We all have that inner belief, I think it's a Tyrone thing.' The manager is assisted by a group of accomplished coaches, including Diarmaid McNulty, who has played a major role in McCullagh's development as a top-class attacker, helping him win back-to-back MacRory and Hogan Cup medals with Omagh CBS. 'He's a great man to have as well, and success seems to follow him, so we're happy to have that.' Eleven of the players who helped Tyrone to victory over the Kingdom in last year's final will be in action again this weekend, with another couple of the 2024 squad also involved, a measure of the strength of the Red Hand challenge for a third All-Ireland title in four years. And McCullagh has renewed his strike partnership with Loughmacrory clubmate Eoin McElholm. The pair shared a 12-point haul in the spectacular victory over Kerry last season, and are racking up the scores again. 'It's great to have Eoin in there, with the seniors needing him as well, he's a key man for us.' Another Loughmacrory man, Eoin Donaghy, is struggling with injury and remains doubtful for this weekend's showdown. 'He's been so unlucky with injuries this year. He was down to start the semi-final against Derry. We've really done it for him to get him back for the All-Ireland semi-final, hopefully. 'We're going to need him. We're going to need everyone for the big push against Kerry.' Kerry also have a number of survivors from last year's team, all of them relishing the opportunity to atone for last year's defeat, and they've shown their mettle in cruising to another Munster title, routing Cork in the Pairc Ui Chaoimh decider. 'We know they're a very good outfit, so we just have to prepare well, regroup and get ready for them.' McCullagh's sparkling display in the Ulster final, which included a 0-9 tally, helped the holders get past Donegal in an extra-time thriller at Owenbeg. 'We don't really care about who scores, it's all about the team winning the game. So that's the only thing I care about,' he said. The Red Hands went into the provincial decider on the rebound from an eight-point hammering at the hands of Donegal in the group stage, and this time they were ready. 'They thrashed us the first day, we couldn't get near them, but in the final we were far better prepared than them. 'And I felt like we deserved to win the game in the end.' Tyrone had to be prepared to compromise on their attacking philosophy in order to survive in a dogged Ulster decider that frustrated the champions for the best part of an hour, before bursting into life in extra-time. 'It depends on your opposition. You can't just expect to go out and play your own style and win every week, because people are going to have tactics against you, so you have to adapt. 'We had a really good start to the injury time. We just pushed on from there and retained that lead.'
BBC News
30-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Tyrone retain Ulster U20 title with extra-time win over Donegal
Tyrone retained the Ulster under-20 title with a 1-19 to 2-14 win over Donegal after extra-time at McCullagh kicked 0-9 as the Red Hands claimed a third title in four years. The real winning of the game came with three two-pointers in the first four minutes of extra-time as the holders exerted their dominance. Paul Devlin's side will now meet Munster champions Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final on the weekend of 10 May in a repeat of last year's decider won by Tyrone. McCullagh and Kevin Muldoon led the charge for their sides in a first half which really failed to catch light. Tyrone kicked eight wides to Donegal's two but led by the minimum at the break as 0-5 played 0-4. The Tir Chonaill emerged sharpest for the second stanza kicking two, two-pointers in as many minutes with Shane Callaghan and Conor McCahill firing over. Tyrone responded from the very next play as Liam Og Mossey's attempt at a point cannoned off the post and into the hands of Joey Clarke, who fired to the roof of the Donegal net. The sides traded scores before the pace of Muldoon burned a hole through the heart of the Tyrone defence, he slipped Cathal O Gallchoir through, he hit the net and Donegal led by two with 10 minutes to play. Throughout Donegal refused to engage beyond their 40-metre arc as McCullagh levelled with two scores. The holders would keep the ball for almost four minutes at the end before Conor O'Neill's effort tailed wide, sending the game to extra time at 1-9 apiece. The game would burst into life in extra-time as three two-pointers from Eoin McElholm, Shea McDermott and McCullagh put Tyrone into a seven-point lead. Seanan Carr replied with a fine individual goal for Donegal as three separated the sides heading into the final period of extra-time. Drama would follow as Donegal chased the game at the death and with two between the sides, the Tir Chonaill men were punished for failing to keep three defenders in their own half allowing McCullagh to slot over and put three between them. Tyrone netminder Conan McGarvey would prove the hero as he saved Conor McCahill's goal bound effort with the final action of the match.
Irish Times
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Irish Times
Tyrone edge Donegal to retain Ulster under-20 title
Ulster under-20 football final: Tyrone 1-19 Donegal 2-14 (after extra time) Red sky in Owenbeg as the Red Hands saw off Donegal in extra time to retain the Ulster under-20 title. The reigning All-Ireland under-20 champions scraped past in a game of inches. Eoin McElholm, Ruairi McCullagh and Shea McDermott all hit two-pointers for Tyrone in four minutes early in the extra period. Senan Carr slalomed in to fire to the net for Donegal and Tyrone needed a last-gasp save from Conan McGarvey to deny Conor McCahill a goal that would've snatched the prize for Donegal. READ MORE Ten minutes from the end of normal time, Cathal Rua Ó Gallchoir slammed in for a Donegal goal, but Tyrone stormed back and a brace from the boot of McCullagh evened the abacus to force extra time. Tyrone were 0-5 to 0-4 ahead at half-time and five minutes into the second half, after Liam Óg Mossey's effort hit an upright, Joey Clarke, the captain, rifled home. The first half was an often-wasteful affair, Tyrone leading despite eight wides. As the sun hid behind the Sperrins again, Donegal – who beat Tyrone by eight in the group stage – needed a Sean Martin point and Ó Gallchoir's goal looked as if it might tip the tie in their favour. Ultimately, nine points from McCullagh saw the holders prevail. From the frying pan now to the fire: Kerry awaits. Tyrone: C McGarvey, F Nelis, B Hughes, C Devlin, C Daly, J Clarke (1-0-0), C Donnelly (0-0-1), C Devlin, C O'Neill; C Sheehy (0-0-2), E McElholm (0-1-1), M Quinn (0-0-1), N Grimes (0-0-1), R McCullagh (0-1-7, 1 '45, 4f), L Mossey. Subs: S McDermott (0-1-0) for Grimes (54), D Donaghey for Sheehy (70), S McCann for Mossey (75). Donegal: P Mac Giolla Bhríde; A Neely, N Prendville, C Ó Gallchóir (1-0-0); M Campbell, C McCrea, C McGinty (0-0-2); S Martin (0-0-1), K Muldoon (0-0-2); C McMenamin, F Roarty, M McDevitt; C McCahill (0-1-1), D Gildea, S Carr (1-0-1). Subs: D Monaghan for McMenamin (10), S Callaghan (0-1-3, 2f) for Gildea (h-t), D Mulholland for McDevitt (49), D Gallagher for Neely (56), T Carr for Monaghan (56), M McDevitt for Campbell (65), M Campbell for Muldoon (75), Muldoon for McDevitt (79), Monaghan for McGinty (79). Referee: K Faloon (Armagh)
Belfast Telegraph
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Belfast Telegraph
Conan McGarvey the late hero as Tyrone retain Ulster Under-20 title with extra-time win over Donegal
They needed a late, late save from goalkeeper Conan McGarvey to deny Conor McCahill a winning goal at the death as the Red Hands made it back-to-back provincial crowns. Tyrone had a slight breeze and, after a scoreless five minutes, opened the scoring with a Ruairi McCullagh 45. A fisted Noah Grimes point doubled the Tyrone advantage before Conor McGinty skipped inside to finish a neat Donegal move with a point in the 11th minute. Tyrone played pass the parcel, stretching Donegal, before Matthew Quinn kicked a score for a 0-3 to 0-1 lead. Conor McCahill made a score for McGinty before another Four Masters' man, Kevin Muldoon, hit a third Donegal score. Muldoon added another point before Tyrone, like in their Semi-Final win over Derry, grabbed two stoppage time points. Caolan Donnelly cut in to score with McCullagh adding his second after Tyrone won just the second Donegal kick-out of the half, the Red Hands 0-5 to 0-4 ahead at the break. Shane Callaghan came in at half-time for Donegal and landed a two pointer in the first play to put them ahead. McCahill, who missed three first half chances, added a second two pointer for a 0-8 to 0-5 Donegal lead. Tyrone were soon level when Joey Clarke finished to the net after Liam Óg Mossey's shot came down off the post. McCullagh then kicked them back ahead in an exciting start to the second half. A Sean Martin point had Donegal back to within point midway through the second half after a lively Tyrone third quarter. Donegal hit the net with a goal started and finished in Gaoth Dobhair. Goalkeeper Pádraig Mac Giolla Bhríde saved a point with a moved finished by Cathal 'Rua' Ó Gallchóir, 1-9 to 1-7 after 50 minutes. Two McCullagh frees levelled the game again with six minutes to play. Tyrone had the last chance to win the game in normal time but Conor O'Neill kicked their tenth wide after a spell of keep ball outside the scoring zone. Points from Eoin McElholm and McCullagh had Tyrone in the driving seat early in extra-time, but a Seanan Carr goal shot Donegal back in the game just before half-time. Donegal pushed hard to save the game, with Callaghan pointing, but McGarvey's late save won both the game and championship for Tyrone. Scorers – Donegal: S Callaghan 0-5 (2f, 1 tp), S Carr 1-1, C McCahill 0-3 (1tp), C Ó Gallchóir 1-0, C McGinty, K Muldoon 0-2 each, and S Martin 0-1; Tyrone: R McCullagh 0-9 (4f, 1 tp, 1 45), E McElholm 0-3 (1 tp), J Clarke 1-0, C Sheehy, S McDermott (tp) 0-2 each, N Grimes, C Donnelly and Matthew Quinn 0-1 each Donegal: P Mac Giolla Bhríde; A Neely, N Prendiville, C Ó Gallchóir; M Campbell, C McCrea, F Roarty; S Martin, K Muldoon; C McMenamin, C McGinty, M McDevitt; C McCahill, D Gildea, S Carr Subs: D Monaghan for McMenamin (INJ 10), S Callaghan for Gildea (HT), D Mulholland for McDevitt (49), T Carr for Monaghan (56), D Gallagher for Neely (56), M McDevitt for Cambell (Started ET), Campbell for Muldoon (75), Muldoon for McDevitt (78), D Monaghan for McGinty (79) Tyrone: C McGarvey; F Nelis, B Hughes, Conor Devlin; C Daly, J Clarke, C Donnelly; Cónán Devlin, C O'Neill; C Sheehy, E McElholm, M Quinn; N Grimes, R McCullagh, L Mossey
