Gaelic Games

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Jim McGuinness says the attrition brought on players by the new football rules should lead to the amount of substitutes being increased from five to six.

McGuinness pointed to the three Dublin players forced off by hamstring injuries in Saturday's Allianz League Division One contest at Ballybofey as his Donegal side clinched a 0-20 to 0-16 victory in what was their opening game following the postponement of last weekend's scheduled game in Kerry.

"I feel for Dublin. They lost three players with hamstrings. I think that's definitely something that has to be looked at," said McGuinness of the new rules.

"Peadar Mogan would be one of our fitter lads and he was really struggling at the end and we had the five subs on and we couldn't get him off.

"In the first document the FRC [Football Review Committee] put out, there were six subs and I saw that and thought that would be good and would take a bit of pressure off."

Otherwise, McGuinness was reasonably content with how the new rules worked although he did admit his disappointment at his team being caught out on one occasion as they didn't keep three players in the opposition half.

Murphy would have played under old rules

McGuinness resisted the temptation to give Michael Murphy his inter-county return, saying that the view was that the Glenswilly man wasn't yet quite ready for the rigours of a high-octane contest under the new rules.

"Probably if we were playing under the old rules, Michael would have been on tonight but we have to be very careful to make sure we're hitting all the targets before we decide to put him into action."

Despite his side's victory, McGuinness wasn't entirely happy with the display, where Daire O Baoill top-scored by notching six first-half points.

"We've a lot to work on. We gave a lot of silly passes away. We lost the ball in transitional moments and we kicked ourselves out of it in the first half.

"We should have had a lot more scores on the board but the big positive would be the resolve that they showed in the second half. They kept the ball better and found a way to keep tagging on scores."

Donegal's postponed game with Kerry has been rescheduled for next weekend which mean McGuinness' side are going to be in action over five straight weekends.

Odhran Crumley
BBC Sport NI Journalist

Image source, Inpho

Take two, year two of Jim McGuinness at Donegal got underway with a 0-20 to 0-16 win over Dublin at Ballybofey.

Daire O Baoill starred for the Tir Chonaill kicking 0-6 including two, two-pointers, while Oisin Gallen continued his fine form from 2024 with 0-4 of his own.

A crowd of 12,560 piled into the Donegal venue with a real mix of anticipation and expectation amongst those in green and gold.

2012 All-Ireland winning captain Michael Murphy was not named in the matchday panel and did not feature despite returning to the fold.

Jim McGuinness's side played with the aid of a strong breeze across the first half and led 0-11 to 0-6 at half-time, despite kicking seven first half wides.

O Baoill landed all of his six points in the opening half as Dublin went 19 minutes without a score as they struggled with the elements.

McBrearty's introduction helps Donegal see out win

Dublin started the second half brightest, kicking three scores in a row to narrow the gap to one with substitute Luke Breathnach impressing alongside familiar names in Ciaran Kilkenny and Niall Scully.

The Tir Chonaill looked to their bench for inspiration and found it in their captain Patrick McBrearty, as he landed three late scores to ease the pressure and guide his side home with the game firmly in the melting pot.

Dublin failed to really take advantage of the elements as the wind appeared to grow stronger as the game progressed.

The victory means that Jim McGuinness remains unbeaten in the league and championship in Ballybofey as a manager.

Donegal now face a tough run of five games in as many weeks after their opener away at Kerry last weekend was postponed due to Storm Eowyn.

They'll head to the Kingdom next Saturday for the rearrange fixture with an important two points in the bank.

Dublin head to the same venue after a week's break in a fortnight's time.

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Tyrone boss Malachy O'Rourke said that his side "will learn an awful lot" from their 1-23 to 0-19 defeat against All-Ireland champions Armagh at the Athletic Grounds.

Having beaten Derry in their opening Division One game, Tyrone struggled against the rampant Orchard County, particularly in the first half as they trailed 1-14 to 0-3 at half-time.

The Red Hands improved in the second half and reduced the deficit to seven, but O'Rourke admits their first half display was their undoing.

"They were sharper than us, they were quicker at moving the ball and we made a few mistakes," O'Rourke reflected.

"You have to take the positives, and we will learn an awful lot from that game tonight."

Given that it is still the early stages of the league campaign, O'Rourke did not feel the need to be overly critical of his team, especially given the calibre of opposition.

"Armagh at home, their first game back at home since they won the All-Ireland, they're always going to be up for it," he added.

"Armagh were beaten last week and people thought it was a disappointing performance. It's funny, a team that loses one weekend has a real focus to get back and win the next weekend.

"That is what we will be trying to do, it's just a matter of improving game to game and trying to get the performance levels better and get safe in the division. "

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Antrim's Allianz Hurling League Division 1B home contest with Westmeath on Sunday, which will be live on the BBC iPlayer, could prove crucial to both sides' hopes of avoiding the drop to Division Two at the end of the campaign.

Last weekend's defeat by Dublin was not a surprise in what was Davy Fitzgerald's first competitive game in charge of the Saffrons.

However, the manner of the loss was a concern as Antrim suffered what selector Pat Bennett described as a 1-25 to 0-14 "hiding" at Croke Park.

Antrim's performance indicated that the squad are having some difficulty in putting into practice Fitzgerald's preferred direct playing method which is marked different to the short-passing style favoured by previous boss Darren Gleeson.

Bennett had to undertake the media duties last weekend given that Fitzgerald was serving a one-match game for his contretemps during his final match change in charge of Waterford last summer.

However, Fitzgerald will be back on the sideline at Corrigan Park as the Saffrons continue their long-standing rivalry with the Lake County.

Under previous boss, Antrim's most recent meetings saw the Saffrons maintain their Liam McCarthy Cup status in May 2023 as they earned a 4-24 to 1-19 Leinster Championship victory in Mullingar in what was Neil McManus final appearance for the county.

However, Westmeath beat Antrim 2-18 to 1-15 in last year's League as the Saffrons lost all five of their Division 1 games.

The latest rejig to the league format meant the Saffrons maintained Division 1 status despite their losing run but there is genuine jeopardy in this year's Division 1B with the bottom two at season's end dropping to Division Two.

And that makes Antrim's contests over the next two weekend particularly important as they then face Offaly away on 8 February before the two-week break prior to the home game Waterford, who will be huge favourites despite Fitzgerald's inside knowledge on the Deise men.

Antrim's hopes of maintaining Division 1 hurling will surely go down to the final two fixtures as they play in Carlow on 2 March and host Laois a week later before sitting out the final round in the seven-team division as the other six sides are in action.

Westmeath are under new management with Seoirse Bulfin having taken over from Joe Fortune this season but gauging their form is not easy after their scheduled home opener against Laois was postponed.

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All-Ireland champions Armagh will aim to regroup from last weekend's opening defeat in Galway by accounting for their traditionally biggest Ulster rivals Tyrone in Saturday's Allianz Football League Division One game at the Athletic Grounds (18:00 GMT).

Armagh started promisingly at Salthill but struggled badly for scores in the closing 50 minutes as they ultimately finished with 14 players after Niall Grimley's red card.

Grimley is replaced by Jarlath Og Burns with All-Ireland final starter Paddy Burns and Cian McConville taking over from Shane McPartlan and Jason Duffy as Kieran McGeeney names nine of his Sam Maguire Final winning side but is again without Rian O'Neill.

Tyrone go into the game boosted by their opening home win over Derry when Niall Morgan's 'fly goalie' role proved particularly effective.

Five players - Tyrone men Padraig Hampsey, Kieran McGeary, Peter Harte and Michael McKernan plus Armagh's Greg McCabe - were sent off in the last Athletic Grounds League meeting between the sides in 2022 following a brawl as the home side recorded a 2-14 to 0-14 victory.

A year later, Tyrone's round-seven 0-18 to 0-16 victory at Healy Park guaranteed the Red Hands' Division One status and relegated Armagh in the process.

After their scheduled opener in Kerry was postponed, Donegal open their Division One campaign on Saturday night in Ballybofey (19:30) against a Dublin side that edged out Mayo at Croke Park a week ago.

The big talking point going into the game will be whether Jim McGuinness opts to pitch in Michael Murphy after the Glenswilly man's two seasons away from inter-county football.

The Paddy Tally factor will provide the intrigue as Derry aim to open their league account against his former team Kerry in Sunday's Division One contest at Celtic Park (12:30).

Neither squad has yet been announced but David Clifford is not expected to make the trip north.

In Division Two, Down will hope to regroup from their high-scoring defeat by Roscommon when they face Cork at Pairc Esler (13:00) with the Monaghan v Westmeath (14:00) and Meath v Cavan (14:00) clashes also taking place on Sunday.

The Division Three games include Sunday's Ulster derby between Fermanagh and Antrim at Ederney (14:30) with the Ernemen having been well beaten by Kildare last week as the Saffrons held on to beat Clare at Corrigan Park.

Armagh (v Tyrone): B Hughes; T McCormack, B McCambridge, P Burns; Connaire Mackin, A Forker, G McCabe; B Crealey, J Og Burns; O Conaty, R Grugan, Darragh McMullen; C McConville, A Murnin, S Campbell.

Subs: E Rafferty, G Murphy, C O'Neill, F O'Brien, S Conlon, C Turbitt, R McQuillan, J Duffy, C O'Hanlon, J Hall, S McPartlan, C McArdle, S Gaffney, Darren McMullan, S Renaghan, P Gaffney, J Donnelly, J Burke, F Woods, K Laverty, T McKavanagh, A Cullinane.

Cavan (v Meath): G O'Rourke; N Carolan, B O'Connell, J McLoughlin; P Faulkner, D McVeety, O Kiernan; K Clarke, E Crowe; Ciaran Brady, G Smith, L Molloy; R O'Neill, J Smith, S McEvoy.

Subs: N O'Donnell, C Reilly, L Fortune, P Smith, C McKeogh, R Donohue, R Curran, T Madden, Conor Madde, TE Donohue, D Lovett.

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Former Donegal star Karl Lacey's time as Kilcoo manager has ended.

The 2012 All-Ireland winner took over as Magpies boss in 2023 and led them to back-to-back Down SFC titles.

However, the four-time All Star was unable to guide the club to an Ulster crown, losing to Scotstown in the 2023 quarter-finals and Errigal Ciaran in last month's decider.

Prior to his Kilcoo reign, Lacey was the head of Donegal GAA's academy but quit in February 2023.

The Four Masters club-man was also linked with the Derry job before Paddy Tally was appointed in November.

Kilcoo have won six Down championships in a row. They also lifted Ulster titles in 2019 and 2021 and won the All-Ireland title in 2022 under Mickey Moran.

Image source, Oliver McVeigh

On this week's GAA Social podcast, Thomas and Oisin talk to famed GAA sports photographer Oliver McVeigh.

Despite a lifetime covering GAA, one of his most recognisable photos came during an infamous moment in European rugby history.

In December 2009, Stade Francias were in Belfast facing Ulster when, after the game, Ireland international Stephen Ferris alleged he had been gouged in the eye by France international David Atoub.

"I was the only photographer who picked it up," McVeigh said on the GAA Social podcast.

"There was a scuffle, not something you see often in rugby, in fairness and being a GAA man, you just rattle off and see what comes next.

"I've a picture of Ferris getting up and you can clearly see Ferris going 'I've been gouged in the eye, I've been gouged in the eye.' You can tell from the distance."

McVeigh said he didn't realised he had captured the image until after the game when he became aware the incident would be escalated.

"We went in after the match and were going through the pictures, and somebody says Stephen Ferris is going to the citing officer about being gouged in the eye.

"I quickly go through my photos and the UR [Ulster Rugby] photographer was next to me.

"This (photo) pops up and he goes, 'Wow, look at that, that's unbelievable.'

"David Humphreys was the team manager and asked if he could use it and I said go ahead use it wherever you want."

Atoub unsuccessfully tried to contest the ban, which was the second-longest in rugby history for an eye gouge at 70 weeks, and McVeigh's image had to be checked that it was authentic.

"He tried to say he didn't do it, tried everything. My pictures had to be sent off to see that they were authentic.

"He got a 40-page document done to say it was the wrong angle and this, that, and the other.

"I have a Google alert on my phone for Atoub. Every time he's on the internet, I can see what he's saying.

"He said it cost him 100,000 euro in wages and sponsorships and things."

Listen to the GAA Social here, where McVeigh talks about some of his most famous images and about his brother, Columba, who is one of the Disappeared from the Troubles.

Image source, Getty Images

Oisin McConville believes the return of Trillick's Rory Brennan to the Tyrone squad since Malachy O'Rourke arrival as manager can boost the Red Hands.

Brennan was a constant in the Tyrone panel between 2016 and 2022 and won an All-Ireland medal in 2021 although he didn't feature in the final against Mayo.

He opted out of the Tyrone squad after the 2022 season but has now returned and he came on a second-half substitute in Saturday's opening Allianz Division One League win over Derry.

"Rory Brennan was very much a forgotten player and how good he was when he was going well. It was good to see him back," McConville told The GAA Social on BBC Sounds.

The resident GAA Social contributor was also impressed by corner-back Michael McKernan's display against Derry which included notching 1-2.

McKernan has always been keen to help the Tyrone attack and McConville believes the new 3v3 rule will give the corner-back even more licence to roam forward.

"Michael McKernan will have the freedom to go forward a bit now because you know you're definitely covered at the back."

McConville added that Derry "didn't seem flustered" after losing the game.

"They are obviously still getting used to Paddy Tally. It was probably more important for Malachy O'Rourke to get that win at home.

"I was impressed with Tyrone and I wouldn't have expected anything else even though they were missing their Errigal Ciaran players.

"They looked as if they have a good bit done. It was an impressive win because they struggled in Division One last year."

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Oisin McConville says the new football rules are speeding the game up and leading to more battles for possession in midfield but he has concerns over the level of officiating required and the new advantage rule.

After attending and watching games on TV over the first weekend of the new rules, McConville, whose own Wicklow team were not in action following the postponement of their Allianz Football League fixtures against Waterford, felt the overall take was a mixed picture.

"I'm very reluctant to be negative. It definitely has sped the game up a bit but the level of officiating now required and the amount of stoppages are concerns for me," McConville told The GAA Social on BBC Sounds.

"I went to see a game on Saturday and there were a lot of stoppages. What's contributing to the stoppage is that the advantage seems to be going on for that big longer and then seems to be pulled back.

"That slows the game up a bit so the advantage rule may be one that needs to be tweaked."

The weekend also did nothing to decrease McConville's doubts about the merits of the new rule where players who commit fouls and have the ball, must hand it to an opponent.

"But we weren't going to get through the first weekend without there being contentious stuff," added the 2002 All-Ireland winner.

"Aesthetically, when you look out on to the pitch, there's a lot more balance to it, where you don't see everybody back in their own half."

The new rules prevent short kickouts following the introduction of the 40-metre arc and McConville says the weekend evidence suggests a return to more old-style battles for possession in midfield.

And while Tyrone beat Derry in their Division One opener, McConville said this could be an issue for the Red Hands in the coming weeks and months.

"Tyrone should struggle considering their size around that middle eight but they probably came out 50-50 [against Derry].

"That's going to be an area of concern unless they can get a few more bigger bodies into that area although I know Conn Kilpatrick wasn't 100% fit and he's going to help that situation."

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Oisin McConville is optimistic his nephew Rian O'Neill's absence from the Armagh squad will not prove lengthy after he missed the All-Ireland champions' opening Allianz Football League Division One defeat by Galway.

Following the Salthill game, Kieran McGeeney told reporters that the Crossmaglen man was "taking a few months to himself", adding: "I don't know whether it's weeks or months".

However, Oisin McConville told The GAA Social on BBC Sounds that he expects to see O'Neill playing for Armagh again before too long.

"I imagine he'll be back in sooner rather than later," said McConville.

Wicklow manager McConville added that O'Neill taking a break now could benefit Armagh in the long run.

"The more he's able to stay away for whatever length of time it takes and to go back in and be fully committed [the better] because if you're not fully committed in an inter-county set-up then you're going to get found out."

McConville praises McGeeney

McConville framed O'Neill's decision in the wider context of stars such as David Clifford, Jack McCaffrey and Paul Mannion opting to take breaks from the inter-county game.

McCaffrey and Mannion both stepped away from the Dublin squad for lengthy periods before recommitting and have declared themselves unavailable again while Kerry's Clifford has sat out the early rounds of the Football League in recent seasons and wasn't set to play in Sunday's scheduled opener against Donegal which was postponed.

"There are quite a few lads who are stepping away, taking a break, retiring too early," added McConville.

"If you look at Clifford, him and Rian are very, very similar in profile, ability and the fact that they probably do have a lot of focus and attention on them and it's up to you how you deal with that."

McConville also backed Kieran McGeeney's support for O'Neill in allowing him to take some time out.

"The game that we play, we're under no illusions about how much commitment it takes to play this game. Plus the fact that it's amateur.

"There are other strands to life. Whether you want to take a break, whether you want to walk away, that is entirely your choice. And the fact that Geezer [McGeeney] has given him the freedom to do that is a positive from his point of view."

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Antrim hurling selector Pat Bennett admitted the Saffrons were facing a steep "learning curve" after taking what he described as a "hiding" in Saturday's Allianz Hurling League Division 1B opener against Dublin at Croke Park.

New manager Davy Fitzgerald could not patrol the sideline or be in the dressing-room as he was serving a suspension which also meant that Bennett had to fulfil the media duties after the 1-25 to 0-14 defeat.

"You have to be disappointed but you've got to put it into perspective. We've been here five, six weeks," said the Saffrons selector.

"Dublin have been motoring for five or six years. [They were] In the Leinster Final last year. They will be trying to win the Leinster Final this year and go further. You're not going to do it in five, six weeks."

Fitzgerald is attempting to change the short-passing style of play favoured by previous manager Darren Gleeson, and Bennett said it will take the players time to adjust to the new method.

"You can't just change a guy who has been playing the same way for two, five, six years when we turn around and change the system and expect him to be doing different things.

"We've agreed on the system we're going to go with and we've just got to get better at it."

This will largely involve a more direct game plus the use of a sweeper, with Niall O'Connor attempting to undertake that role on Saturday even though he was wearing the number 15 jersey.

"You are throwing so much at them. They are used to playing one way and then you are changing it. You are telling them what to do and they are thinking. And once they are thinking, they are in trouble.

"We gave away seven for over-carrying. That's because they were thinking, 'what do I do next?'."

Bennett admitted that it could take "a year" for Fitzgerald's system to become second nature to the Saffrons squad.

But he said the Antrim players now must regroup for next weekend's home game against a Westmeath side who the Saffrons have had many battles with down through the years.

"Westmeath beat us in the league last year and they are going to be coming expecting to beat us again. We have to go and lift our heads and go at it again."

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Antrim forward Patrick McBride says hard work was the key to beating Clare 1-9 to 1-6 in the Allianz Football League Division Three opener at a wet and windy Corrigan Park on Sunday.

Fionn Nagle's goal helped Antrim to a 1-7 to 1-1 lead at half-time, and despite three early scores from the visitors at the start of the second half, Antrim did enough for the victory.

"It's a great win - we've had a few tough pre-season matches but when you get a win like that it's all worth it," said McBride.

"Whoever worked the hardest was going to win that match, it was nothing to do with talent.

"Whatever team did the things that didn't require talent was going to win and we did it."

McBride benefited from the new rules when he scored a free after Clare were punished for only having two players in the opposing half when at least three are required.

"It's harsh but you have to adjust - [it's about} whoever adjusts quicker. If they make a mistake you have to punish it but you have to be constantly aware of it.

"Even bringing the keeper up - if your not tuned in it's an easy score for the other team.

"I'm enjoying it - I love the quick transition, I love the tap-and-go rule. Everything feels quicker."

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Conor Loftus scored an injury-time penalty to clinch Crossmolina a dramatic and emotional 1-12 to 0-13 win over Derry side Ballinderry in the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Football final at Croke Park.

The game was scheduled to take place two weeks ago but was postponed following the tragic death of Róisín Cryan, the fiancee of Loftus.

It was fitting that the Mayo player would have the final say as he tucked home a penalty with the final kick of the match under remarkable pressure, and he was swarmed by his team-mates at the full-time whistle.

The game went ahead following consultations with the Cryan and Loftus families.

Crossmolina held a 0-3 to 0-1 lead in the early stages as Fionan Duffy's opener was cancelled out by Ryan Bell, but Loftus and Kevin Mulhern landed scores to nudge the Mayo side in front.

Charlie Crozier responded before James Maheady restored Crossmolina's lead, but Ballinderry hit back once more through Bell, who pointed after a goal chance.

The Derry outfit went ahead for the first time through Crozier's superb score and a Conor O'Neill point, but Crossmolina levelled before the half-time break through Duffy.

Ballinderry struck first after the restart through a free from Crozier but Crossmolina immediately responded through Niall Goggins, who went for the point from eight yards out, before Tiarnan Rocks and Lorcan Loftus exchanged scores.

Crossmolina nudged back ahead through Duffy's free and moved two clear for the first time since the 10th minute when Goggins fisted over.

Maheady's well-taken score moved the Mayo champions three clear with nine minutes to play, but Ballinderry immediately hit back with scores through Ruairi Forbes and Daniel McKinless.

Bell's superb score brought Shamrocks level, and the game was seemingly turned on its head when Conor O'Neill put Ballinderry back in front with three minutes remaining.

Daniel McKinless kicked another well-taken score to put the Ulster champions two ahead as the clock ticked into injury time.

Crossmolina had a glorious chance to find the back of the Ballinderry net when Goggins blazed over the bar from close range.

However, there was still time for the dramatic late twist as Crossmolina were awarded a penalty deep into injury time and Ballinderry goalkeeper McKinless was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for hauling down Sean Duffy as he appeared certain to net.

After a tragic couple of weeks for the entire Crossmolina community, Loftus tucked home the decisive kick for an emotional win and after receiving the embraces of his team-mates, he ran into the dressing-rooms at Croke Park as his colleagues were about to go up the steps of the Hogan Stand to be presented with the trophy.

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Tyrone boss Malachy O'Rourke was content with his side's display as they opened their Division One campaign with a 2-13 to 1-9 victory against Derry at Healy Park.

The Red Hands impressed in the first half and held a 1-7 to 0-6 lead at the break after Michael McKernan's goal.

Derry fought back to lead in the second half with Conor Glass netting a fine goal before Peter Teague scored with a scrappy effort as Tyrone finished strongly in the final quarter.

And O'Rourke was pleased with the fight they showed to take home the two points.

"The first half we had a lot of possession, controlled the ball well, maybe at times we felt we could've had more penetration up front, but in general we're happy," he told BBC Sport NI.

"We were in a good position at half-time. The start of the second half, the goal was a big turning point in that it gave Derry a new lease of life, but again the boys didn't panic, we stuck together, worked a couple of good scores and then the goal gave us that bit of breathing space to run out winners."

Errigal players won't be rushed back'

O'Rourke also praised his side's adaptation to the new rule 'enhancements' as Tyrone did not receive any cards or 50-metre dissent fouls.

"That was pleasing. We've had a couple of challenge matches and we've concentrated on that in our own in-house games to get on top of that because it is a big punishment," he added.

"The boys were disciplined at the back, some great tackling and they didn't give away needless frees and no yellow cards, so I was pleased with that."

Tyrone's victory was made all the more impressive by the fact they were missing their Errigal Ciaran contingent including brother Darragh and Ruairi Canavan, after their run to the All-Ireland final.

O'Rourke confirmed that those players will not be rushed back and are likely to feature in the latter stages of the league campaign.

"We definitely want to give them a bit of a break. That couple of points tonight helps in that you aren't rushing them back in," he said.

"You could get short-term gain out of it, but long-term pain. We'll be chatting with them and seeing how they feel and, hopefully, get them integrated back over the next couple of weeks.

"We have a panel there that we want to get a look at as well. We'll be delighted when the boys do come back in, it is a matter of getting them up to speed with the new rules."

Image source, Inpho

Monaghan marched to a 2-22 to 0-20 victory over neighbours Cavan at Breffni Park on their return to Division Two.

An early goal from Conor McCarthy got new Farney boss Gabriel Bannigan off to a flyer and the away team led 1-10 to 0-12 at the break.

David Garland, who scored 1-5 on the night, struck a quick-fire goal and point at the start of the second half to give Monaghan a firm grip on proceedings.

Gary O'Rourke and Conor Madden were on target for the Breffni County, but the result always seemed out of reach.

McCarthy engineered a score from beyond the arc, but it was Rory Beggan who may prove a cheat code with the new two-point rule.

The goalkeeper boomed over three times from a distance that resulted in orange flags.

Michael Bannigan added to his tally in the closing stages to seal the deal as Monaghan's bid for an immediate return to the top tier took flight.

Orla Bannon
BBC Sport NI Journalist at Healy Park

Image source, Inpho

Malachy O'Rourke's reign as Tyrone manager got off to a winning start as his new side defeated Derry by 2-13 to 1-9 in Division One in Omagh.

A goal in each half from Michael McKernan and Peter Teague helped the home side earn an opening round Allianz League win with the eagerly awaited new rule 'enhancements' in operation for the first time.

Tyrone led 1-7 to 0-6 at the break with a superb Conor Glass goal helping Derry, who had Paddy Tally in charge for the first time, back into the lead midway through the second half.

Tyrone recovered and finished strongly in the final quarter with Darren McCurry's two-pointer one of the memorable scores.

New rules strictly enforced

Image source, Inpho

The sight of two arc lines on the Healy Park pitch was a tad confusing, as the original blue line was not the correct size or shape and had to be replaced by a second white line being drawn.

Otherwise, the rule 'enhancements' themselves were not that confusing and contributed to a lively, entertaining game.

The 'three up' change definitely seemed to lead to more space for forwards to attack and the teams were not catching on to the fact David Coldrick was going to be strict in other areas.

If a team failed to immediately hand the ball over to their opponents after they lost possession, he was quick to bring the play forward 50 metres and Tyrone profited from that one with a Ronan Cassidy point in the first half.

Derry raced into a three-point lead, which included Brendan Rogers' two-pointer after seven minutes.

Tyrone didn't score until the 11th minute and then scored five on the trot to lead 0-5 to 0-3 after 24 minutes.

Defender McKernan scored 1-2 in the first half with a superb goal after 30 minutes when he turned down an easy point option to blast the ball high into the net.

Goal against the run of play seals Red Hands win

Derry needed a good start to the second half and got it with a fine Glass goal after Shea O'Hare gave away possession.

Tohill sent Glass away and he unleashed a fierce shot from distance to beat Niall Morgan.

It sparked a strong second half from Derry and with Morgan's kickouts not finding their intended targets, the Oak Leafers profited, and a pair of Shane McGuigan frees midway through the second half put them in front for the first time since the opening 10 minutes.

It was all Derry in the second half when Tyrone scored a goal against the run of play.

Morgan's superb pass to pick out Ciaran Daly sparked it off, and after Niall Devlin was held up on the line, Teague bundled the ball over the line.

It left Tyrone 2-8 to 1-9 ahead with 10 minutes to go and they finished strongly to earn an opening round win.