By Alan Rodgers

THERE are real grounds for optimism among the Tyrone hurling fraternity as the 2025 inter-county season approaches its climax and all involved will be hoping to yield dividends at various grades for the Red Hands in national competitions.

Saturday sees the county’s senior side continue their Christy Ring Cup campaign with an away tie against Meath. The u-17s are continuing to make their mark in the Celtic Challenge competition, while the u-20s are getting set for the All-Ireland final against Down on May 3.

It is a busy period for players on all of those teams and included among them are a number who feature on both the u-20s and seniors. Ronan Molloy, Fionn Corry, Aidan Woods, Corey Bell and Francie Hurson are among those who have all tasted senior action so far this year, and will be targeting progress on two fronts in the coming weeks.

That is definitely a target for Woods. He excelled in the match against Wicklow in the All-Ireland U-20 semi-final and is relishing the prospect of both Christy Ring action and the All-Ireland final over the coming period.

“We have a good range of clubs involved in the u-20 squad and that’s also the case with the seniors. It’s about keeping all those players coming in and improving at u-20 and then moving onto the seniors,” said the Éire Óg player.

“At the u-20s, we played Armagh and Donegal in the Ulster League, then Derry in the final, Mayo in the All-Ireland quarter final and then Wicklow in the semi-final. It has been a short enough season, but it’s great to be setting so many matches.

“There have been challenge games on top of that and the senior panel as well with the National League and now the Christy Ring. The good thing is that Stevie McGarry, Paddy O’Farrell and Collie Morgan are all working together to make sure that we’re doing the right amount of training and preparing well.”

Tyrone’s fortunes at senior level haven’t set the world alight this season.

Entering this weekend’s clash against Meath in Trim, they have lost each of their games in both the National League and last weekend’s away outing against Wicklow in what was their Christy Ring opener.

But, after being relegated from Division Two of the league, there is renewed optimism that the championship will bring better fortunes.

“We’re looking forward to the All-Ireland u-20 final which is our first, and it’s also great to be involved in the Christy Ring Cup with the seniors.

“The u-20s provides a good bridge between the Minors at U-17 and then the seniors.

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to do well in the rest of the Christy Ring. There’s no real break I suppose with matches each weekend, but that’s the way you want it to be at this time of year when the conditions are good.”

Whatever happens over the coming weeks, the future is looking bright for a new generation of Tyrone underage hurlers who are breaking into the senior ranks with the ambition to maintain the momentum of recent seasons.