Tyrone prevail in Extra-Time Thriller

Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup Final:
Tyrone 1-22 Derry 1-17 (AET)

It may still be January, but Tyrone and Derry produced a thrilling contest at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh, where Mickey Harte’s side finished strongest in extra-time to secure a fifth successive Bank of Ireland Dr McKenna Cup title.

Derry appeared to have the game won, but the Red Hands, despite having Ronan McNamee and Cathal McCarron sent off, fought back with three successive scores from Conor Meyler (two) and a late equaliser from Darren McCurry to force extra-time.

Having scored the only goal of the game in the first half through Ryan Bell, Derry had been in control for much of the game until Tyrone hit a rich seam of scoring form at the death, making it 1-12 to 0-15 at the end of normal time.

Derry fought back to hit the first two scores of the first period of extra-time through Conor Kearns and Neil Forrester, but Tyrone then hit the after-burners and scored six points without reply to assume control.

Derry threatened a comeback in the second period of extra-time, but on a night of high drama, the final act fell to Darren McCurry, who swept home a late penalty to seal victory for the Red Hands.