Aidy Gaffey: Goals cost Donegal hurlers in U-20 defeat to Tyrone

Disappointed Donegal U-20 hurling boss Aidy Gaffey rued the concession of five first-half goals as his side fell to defeat at home to a very composed and cohesive Tyrone side at the Donegal GAA Centre.

It had been a game Gaffey would have been targeting for a home win but an early hat-trick of goals from Red Hands ace Shea Monroe was a shock the hosts just could not absorb.

The confident visitors went on to score two more maximums and build up a pretty unassailable lead of 5-3 to 1-5 at the break before winning, in the end, by 7-8 to 2-8.

“We knew already that Tyrone had some really quality players and they certainly showed it out there today.

“I was very impressed with their players up the middle and Shea Monroe is a deadly finisher up front.”

Gaffey admitted that those rapid fire early goals were the real killers for his side.

 “This was a real learning curve for us, they attacked us down the middle and got some great goals and they had savage pace.

“Those early quick goals hit us hard and they had a great full forward line.

“They moved the ball brilliantly, were running well off the shoulder and they were very good finishers.

“We played much better in the second half but the opening half hour just wasn’t good enough. We play Armagh next week and will be hoping for a reaction for that game.”

Another cause for concern for Gaffey was the sight of wing-back Aidan McKinney limping off after going over on his ankle.

“Hopefully it is not too serious as he is a vital player. I am disappointed with the first half, but we will just have to move on and focus on next week.”