Tyrone win Ulster thriller

Tyrone in party mood after beating Cavan at Clones

Cavan 1-11 Tyrone 1-13

Tyrone won the Ulster Football Championship for the first time in six years by beating Cavan at Clones.

But it was not the landslide victory many pundits predicted - far from it.

Underdogs Cavan were in front at half-time and made Tyrone battle all the way in a nervy second half.

But in the end Tyrone, earlier victors over Armagh and Derry, were crowned worthy winners.

Skipper Sean Teague, an arm in a sling after a first half injury, had to lift the Anglo-Celt trophy one-handed.

Good teams

Tyrone, who last won the trophy in 1996 when they beat Down, also beat Cavan in the '95 decider.

But now their aim is to go on and win their first-ever All Ireland title.

Tyrone captain Sean Teague lifts the trophy

"We want the Sam Maguire now - the two trophies go together," said Teague.

"We have beaten some good teams, Armagh, Derry and now a very determined Cavan.

"That proves we can battle with the rest of them."

Tyrone certainly had to battle against Cavan, fired up by manager Val Andrews.

Tyrone were leading after just 40 seconds through Peter Canavan and were three points ahead after nine minutes.

Proved wrong

Cavan did not score until the 13th minute but they fought back to level before being hit by a goal by Tyrone's Cormac McAnallen.

Those expecting Cavan to fold were proved wrong.

They hit back with a goal of their own, scored in the 31st minute by Jason O'Reilly. and at half-time they led by three points - 1-8 to 1-6.

But Tyrone showed their power to outpoint Cavan in the second half.