Canavan Hails Tyrone Unsung Hero Who Twice Nullified Michael Murphy Greatest Skill

Tyrone claimed a memorable three-point victory on Saturday evening in Ballybofey over Ulster champions Donegal. Jim McGuinness's men looked to have all the momentum in the second half, but a Tyrone side inspired by Darren McCurry and Peter Harte rose to the occasion in the final few minutes and claimed a huge scalp.

Tyrone have been on the wrong side of many big games in recent years, and Malachy O'Rourke will be delighted that his team owned the game's final ten minutes.

The Red Hand's decorated forwards certainly made themselves known when the game was in the melting pot, but there were other key contributions from the backs. Dromore's Peter Teague was involved in two massive moments in the game.

Teague outfought Michael Murphy to claim two vital kickouts from Gavin Mulreany that were aimed directly at the Donegal talisman.

Teague had been named at fullback to start but Padraig Hampsey took his place in the starting fifteen. Teague was introduced in the 34th minute as a blood sub and he made a huge contribution in Tyrone's victory in the middle of the pitch.

The first came in the 64th minute where Teague outjumped Murphy to claim the Donegal kcikout. Teague tracked the ball after laying it off and likely would have scored a goal if Eoin McElholm had passed to him off his shoulder. Instead McElholm butchered the opportunity with a poor attempt at a fisted point.

The second take launched a Tyrone attack that ended two minutes later in Peter Harte's two-pointer, which sealed the win.

Speaking on the Saturday Game, Peter Canavan singled out Teague for praise, both for winning the kickouts and turning them into an attacking platform.

For me, two massive kickouts that were won by Peter Teague, the go-to kickout when Donegal are under pressure is to Michael Murphy.

He didn't mark him from behind. He marked him in front. He's seen what happened in Armagh. There he is again, perfect position for the kick out. And not only does he win the ball clean, but he's willing to drive forward.

His body language is sending out a message to the rest of the team that we can win this.

Peter Canavan reacts to Tyrone's win over Donegal and pinpoints the launchpad for victory

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