Tyrone defend National League title

Forwards Owen Mulligan, captain Peter Canavan and Stephen O'Neill inspired Tyrone to a successful defence of their National Football…

Forwards Owen Mulligan, captain Peter Canavan and Stephen O'Neill inspired Tyrone to a successful defence of their National Football League title following victory over Laois at Croke Park today.

The win will surely boost Mickey Harte's players as they prepare to tackle rivals Derry in the Ulster championship in two weeks time.

Tyrone settled quickly and raced into a commanding lead after just 20 minutes with Peter Canavan, Stephen O'Neill and Mulligan combining well to set the tone for the afternoon.

Laois by that stage had failed to score but upped their performance once Ian Fitzgerald fisted a Damien Delaney 45 to the back of the net after 19 minutes.

READ MORE

Tyrone's half-backs failed, at times, to contain Laois' pacy forwards and Colm Parkinson - man-of-the-match in the semi-final win over Armagh - and Delaney kept the scoreboard ticking over.

The Ulster side, who led 0-10 to 1-4 at half-time, maintained their advantage throughout the second period and had goalkeeper John Devine to thank for pulling off two super saves to keep Laois at arms length.

Earlier, a Martin Flanagan goal in the dying stages capped a memorable victory in the Division Two final for Westmeath as they came from behind to deny Limerick in a thrilling game.

Division One
Laois 1-8 Tyrone 0-21

Division Two
Limerick 1-14 West Meath 2-12

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship
Meath 2-10 Carlow 0-17