Tyrone see off much-changed Donegal in Letterkenny to boost survival hopes
March 16, 2025
Donegal's Odhran McFadden Ferry and Darragh Canavan of Tyrone ©INPHO/Bryan Keane
Tyrone boosted their survival hopes in Division 1 of the Allianz Football League thanks to a 0-25 to 0-19 win against a much-changed Donegal side at O’Donnell Park this afternoon.
With just one win from their first five outings coming into this derby clash in Letterkenny, Malachy O’Rourke’s men were in sore need of a result and, after an even opening quarter, the points of Darragh Canavan, Ciaran Daly, Mark Bradley and Kieran McGeary would see them holding a 0-12 to 0-7 lead at the break.
The early stages of the second-half saw Peter Harte and Michael McKernan landing points to extend the Red Hands’ lead before a booming free from ‘keeper Niall Morgan made it 0-16 to 0-8 in the 40th minute.
WATCH: FULL-TIME HIGHLIGHTS 📺
— The GAA (@officialgaa) March 16, 2025
Tyrone take the victory ➕ the points in Letterkenny@officialdonegal 0-19@TyroneGAALive 0-25#GAANOW has the best of the game 👇👇 pic.twitter.com/7GtlEBxXrs
Michael Murphy was one of 14 changes to the Ulster champions’ starting line-up from their victory over Derry a fortnight ago - a result which confirmed their safety in Division 1 for next season - and the big Glenswilly man landed his team’s first score after half-time, but the Tir Chonaill men wouldn’t get within a goal of their neighbours after that.
Odhran Doherty’s two-pointer did bring Jim McGuinness’s side back within four points in the 48th minute, but the visitors were able to see out a vital win with another Morgan two-pointer and the scores of Mattie Donnelly, Seanie O’Donnell and Darren McCurry down the home stretch putting a seal on their six-point victory.
Tyrone welcome Dublin to Omagh in seven days' time looking for another result to try and retain their top tier status, while Donegal are set to travel to take on Mayo in the sides' remaining league game before championship duty commences.
Tweet#AllianzLeagues Football Division 1 Table after Round 6
— GAA League Tables (@GAALeagueTables) March 16, 2025
Kerry 2-21 v 0-17 Armagh
Dublin 2-19 v 2-13 Galway
Derry 1-17 v 2-19 Mayo
Donegal 0-19 v 0-25 Tyrone
⬇️Derry, the reigning National Football League Champions, have been relegated to Division 2 for 2026.#GAA #Football… pic.twitter.com/4Ng1L9iooh
