Derry , United Kingdom - 13 April 2021; Derry City coach Mark McChrystal before the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match between Derry City and Shamrock Rovers at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. (Photo By Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile via Getty Images)
Tyrone emerged victorious over Derry in the Ulster U20 final after a penalty shootout.
Conor McAneney, the goalkeeper for Tyrone, emerged as the standout performer during the penalty shootout by thwarting three of Derry’s penalty attempts. Noah Grimes secured victory for Tyrone with his successful penalty kick, securing their second title in three years with a 3-1 triumph on penalties.
Following their victory, Tyrone is set to face the winners of the Connacht U20 final between Roscommon and Galway in the upcoming All-Ireland semi-finals.
The match at the Athletic Grounds showcased intense competition, with Johnny McGuckian netting an early goal for Derry, answered swiftly by Shea O’Hare for Tyrone. Despite Ruairi McCullagh extending Tyrone’s lead with a second goal, Derry managed to equalize at 1-6 to 2-3 before halftime.
In a fiercely contested second half, Rory McGill nudged Derry into a one-point lead, only for Oisin Doherty’s free kick to level the scores at 1-11 to 2-8, leading to extra time. Despite Derry’s brief lead of 2-13 to 2-9 following Ryan McNicholl’s goal in extra time, Tyrone persevered. Ruairi McHugh’s goal equalized the score, and Conor Owens’ subsequent goal sent the match into a shootout.
Maintaining composure during the shootout, Tyrone exhibited resilience and clinched victory to reclaim the Corn Dhonaill Ui Mhurchu trophy.
