Tyrone 'never said die' in All-Ireland win - Donnellypublished at 15:46 BST 6 July 2025
Image source, InphoGerard Donnelly guided Tyrone to All-Ireland minor success for the first time since 2010
Tyrone manager Gerard Donnelly says he can't put the Red Hands' All-Ireland Minor Football Championship title into words.
Diarmuid Martin struck the winning point in the last minute on additional time as Tyrone ran out 1-16 to 1-15 winners at Newbridge.
Ben Kelliher's first-half goal had helped Kerry into a four-point lead in the final quarter, but Peter Colton netted a penalty with nine minutes to play to set up a dramatic conclusion.
Donnelly said it was "fine margins" in a match that "went back and forth".
"I can't put it into words, to be honest with you," Donnelly told TG4.
"That Kerry team are unbelievable, what about our boys though?
"Four down with 12 minutes to play in the wind, they never say die."
Donnelly was manager when Tyrone lost the 2021 final to Meath, and he admitted "if it will ever come back again".
"That final whistle going will be a memory I will remember for the rest of my life.
"It hasn't sunk in yet to be honest with you."
The build-up to the final was dominated by the unavailability of Joel Kerr, who had played a key role in Tyrone's progress to the final but had joined Premier League club West Ham on 1 July.
Donnelly said the 16-year-old was "some lad" and Tyrone had "no issues" with West Ham over the decision.
"We knew from the start that it could be problematic and we've no problems with West Ham, they've put investment in the kid.
"It's unbelievable that it was Diarmuid Martin, who came in for him, got the winning point to win Joel his All-Ireland medal."
























