By Alan Rodgers

THE chance to represent their county on a winning Ulster Final day in Clones is certain to provide memories to last for the successful Tyrone Minors.

Sunday’s victory over Derry was the county’s 25th in total. But this was a first for the vast majority of the players involved and as a result the most special triumph as they embark on their burgeoning inter-county careers.

Among the players relishing that chance was Trillick’s Nathan Farry. The stylish half-back produced a consistent performance at St Tiernach’s Park and was understandably delighted to have shared in a memorable success for the Red Hand teenagers.

“It’s unreal to have become Ulster champions. Winning this is hard to describe because the amount of hard work that these players put in to reach this stage has been just amazing,” he said.

“We really couldn’t be any happier with having won this and the way that we did it. Derry kept coming back at us, but all of us knew going into the game that we needed to get a good lead because they were so strong.

“There was going to be a big battle after that second half. We’re just happy to be Ulster champions because it builds on what we did in the Ulster League and then in the early rounds of the championship.”

Playing games on the big days is what these players will relish and remember for years to come.

The routine of training at Garvaghey and then the league and championship matches has been regular throughout the past few months.

Now, they are preparing for an All-Ireland outing against either Cork or Kerry (who last night – Wednesday – played in the Munster Final) in the quarter final.

“This has been the best few months of football that I’d say I’ve ever been involved in,” he added.

“To get the chance to play on a sunny day in Clones and win the Ulster title is hard to beat.

“We’re going to celebrate the Ulster title and then start looking ahead to the All-Ireland. We have to start preparing for that.

“Winning the Ulster title was the goal at the start of the year. To do it now is just brilliant.

“Gerry Donnelly is unreal. He was going mad at half-time but he has worked with us all year. He’s a good manager and the whole backroom team is brilliant and the amount of help that they’ve given to us players has been amazing.”