Orchard Hand out another defeat

TYRONE INTEREST ENDED BY ARMAGH

BY ORLA BANNON ARMAGH inflicted a second Dr Mckenna Cup defeat on All-ireland champs Tyrone in five days to go through to the semi-finals.

A goal in each half by Jason Duffy and Rory Grugan earned the Orchard top spot in Section B and a semi-final against Monaghan on Tuesday night, with Donegal and Derry meeting in the other last four clash.

The Red Hands, who lost by 15 points to Cavan in their first game, trailed by seven near the end of the first half before Conn Kilpatrick’s goal brought them back into it.

But the holders were much more competitive in the second half and got to within a point of Armagh with points from Conor

Meyler, James Garrity, Liam Nugent and four from sub Paul Donaghy in the third quarter.

However, costly turnovers hurt Tyrone and when Meyler gave the ball away, Grugan brushed past Sean Loughran, cutting inside to score the decisive goal before the second waterbreak.

Armagh boss Kieran Mcgeeney was pleased to beat the Sam Maguire Cup holders but was the first to acknowledge t h e i r opponents are still getting their

house in order for 2022. “I wouldn’t be getting too carried away now, they’re only off the plane,” smiled Mcgeeney.

“We stepped up during the week, the boys wanted to set down a marker and we are happy enough.

“We missed a lot but we were moving well and it’s good to get through and have another game.” Tyrone scorers: P Donaghy (0-4, 1f, 1m), M Donnelly (0-3, 1f, 1m), C Kilpatrick (1-0), C Meyler (0-2), L Rafferty (0-1), N Donnelly (0-1), L Brennan (0-1, 45), L Nugent (0-1), J Garrity (0-1), D Mccurry (0-1f). Armagh: J Duffy (1-2), R Grugan (1-1, 1f), A Nugent (0-3), R O’neill (0-3, 1f), A Forker (0-1), C O’neill (0-1), J Og Burns (0-1),

C Mackin (0-1), R Mcquillan (0-1), S Campbell (0-1).