By Mike Fitzpatrick
Down 3-15, Tyrone: 1-9
Despite possessing in their lineup a certain inter-county star by the name of Ciaran McBride, Tyrone suffered a heavy defeat to their Ulster rivals in this pulsating Junior Football Division A clash.
Four goals and a man sent off were among what the Gaelic Park faithful witnessed on Sunday in this game between the northern rivals which often seemed to be on the brink of boiling over into something nasty.
In temperatures which hit the mid nineties, it was obvious that those unused to playing in the searing heat that encapsulates Gaelic Park in the summer months would not be able for it. And so it was, the hugely talented McBride was forced off the field suffering from heat exhaustion toward the end of the game.
It was never going to be easy fighting the withering heat along with one of your bitter rivals, but the show had to go on.
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Down opened as the stronger side, with the impressive Marty Middleton hitting a fine score for his side, followed shortly afterwards by efforts from Singer O’Hare and Chris McManus.
Tyrone took some time to adjust but were soon on the scoreboard, thanks to some scores from Justin Murray, Peter Devlin and Brian McGarrity.
It was to be Down’s day however and, in particular, center half forward Marty Middleton. Dominating the half forward line, Middleton hit two great goals to give the Mourne men the edge, and also let fly with two pointed efforts to edge his side even further in front.
Down, however, suffered a worrying incident in the first quarter of the tie, when goalkeeper Adrian Markey received his marching orders following Brian McGarrity’s goal for Tyrone.
Referee Emmet McCormack had his hands full from then on, as Down seemed supercharged and fully intent on fighting forward, and into a healthy lead despite being a man short.
Tyrone found themselves suffering from one of those all time queries in football, what to do with the extra man once an opponent had been sent off.
Down surged forward, with Paul Gannon grabbing four second half points to give his side a decent lead and, in the sweltering heat, Tyrone appeared to crumble.
Despite some fine efforts from Justin Murray and Enda Donnelly, Tyrone had too much to catch up. Tyrone’s junior side have not had the most memorable of seasons, and while their senior side is conquering all before them in the senior division, this side must start winning soon or there will be no playoff contention.
Tyrone: Shane Gallagher, Brian Lavey, Steve Nixon, Darren Duffin, Enda Donnelly (0-2), Martin Kearney, Shane Devlin, Ciaran McBride, Adrian Fox, Brian McGarrity (1-1), Darren O’Flynn, Brian McLoughlin, Barry McNamee (0-1), Justin Murray (0-4), Peter Devlin (0-1). Sub Sean McDermott
Down: Adrian Markey, Alan Palmer, John Markey, Liam Murray, Marty McGivern, Collie Fearon, Gary Rooney, Chris McManus (0-3), Paul Gannon (0-4), Noel Sexton (0-1), Marty Middleton (2-2), Gavin Barry (0-1), Damian Ward (0-1), Martin Rooney (0-1), Singer O’Hare (0-2) . Subs Jake Rooney (1-0), Paul O’Shea. Man of the match: Marty Middleton (Down).