Tyrone collect Anglo Celt

July 20th, 2009

Ulster Senior Football Championship Final:
Tyrone 1-18 Antrim 0-15

Antrim’s fairytale run in the Ulster Championship came to an abrupt end in Sunday’s provincial decider at Clones, which the Red Hand won by 1-18 to 0-15.

In truth, the game was over inside 12 minutes, by which time the All-Ireland champions had already established a 1-8 to 0-1 lead.

Man of the match Séan Cavanagh, who started at midfield in the absence of Enda McGinley, scored a goal in the 11th minute which had Liam Bradley’s young side facing an uphill battle.

Cavanagh finished with 1-4, while Paddy Cunningham cobbled together a remarkable personal tally of 0-11for the underdogs.

While Antrim were outplayed, they did have their chances, and Cunningham could have sneaked a vital goal just before the break to reduce the deficit to something more manageable, but he opted to fist over after Tony Scullion had made the opening.

Tyrone led by 1-8 to 0-5 at the break – Joe McMahon and Tommy McGuian scoring a brace of points each in th opening 35 minutes – and they made the better start to the second half. Antrim, who were brilliantly led by Cunningham, did come with a late charge, but Tyrone were always able to keep them them arm’s length.

The All-Ireland champions claimed their 11th Ulster title, while Antrim’s wait for a provincial title will go on for another year at least.

– Video: Ulster GAA President Tom Daly pays tribute to Antrim before handing the Anglo Celt to Brian Dooher
– Video: Tyrone captain Brian Dooher addresses the crowd after receiving the cup
– Video: History, colour and nostalgia at the 2009 Ulster Finals in Clones
– Video: Tyrone’s Sean Cavanagh scored five times from play in the Ulster Final
– Video: Tyrone’s vice-captain Ryan McMenamin had an eventful day in Clones
– Video: Antrim captain Paddy Cunningham gave the fans plenty to shout about by scoring 11 points
– Video: Megan Burns, All Ireland Scor winner from Silverbridge, sang the national anthem at Clones
– Video: GAA President Christy Cooney enjoyed the Ulster Finals at Clones
– Video: Relive the pre-match atmosphere as the players make their way around St Tiernach’s Park
– Video: Ulster Council Secretary Danny Murphy is delighted with the 2009 Championship
– Photo Gallery: Ulster SFC Final – Antrim v Tyrone