Monaghan and Tyrone advance to Ulster U20FC semis

April 16, 2026

Tyrone's Peter Colton celebrates ©INPHO/Tom Maher

Monaghan produced a strong finish against Cavan last night (Wednesday) to book their place in the semi-finals of the Ulster U20 football championship.

The derby clash at Kingspan Breffni finished 1-17 to 0-16 in favour of the visitors, with Cavan seemingly cruising before they conceded a Max Maguire goal in the 21st minute which brought the Farney lads right back into it.

Matthew Finn’s point made it 0-10 to 1-5 ahead of Darragh Noonan sending over at the other end for the hosts to close the half.

Finn, Tom Doherty (2) and Luke McKenna shot over scores that brought Monaghan level within 10 minutes of the resumption, and they’d push on from there with scores via Max McGinnity, Maguire (two-pointer) and Doherty (2) being backed up by a Matthew Carolan effort from distance to get them over the line towards a last four date with Armagh next Wednesday night.

In Celtic Park, a late goal from Conor O’Neill proved crucial as Tyrone edged out hosts Derry by 1-11 to 0-12 to book their semi-final berth against Donegal.

Six points from Ger Dillon helped the home side to lead by 0-8 to 0-5 at the halfway stage, but Tyrone would get it level by the 52nd minute thanks to the scores of Shea McDermott (free), Turlough Muldoon and O’Neill being backed up by points from Aodan Quinn and Peter Colton.

Conal Higgins nudged Derry back in front and Johnny McGuckian doubled their lead before O’Neill hit the net in injury-time (watch it below) and McDermott sent over the last score to help secure the dramatic two-point win.


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