GAA - Round-up:Tyrone retained their Ulster SFC crown in the easiest of fashions as they ran-out 10-point winners (1-14 to 0-07) against an under par Monaghan side at Clones this afternoon.
As impressive as Tyrone were the disappointment was witnessing how Monaghan failed to challenge, particularly in the second period.
In the first period the Red Hands’ keeper Pascal McConnell was called into action and was forced to make saves from Monaghan’s Freeman brothers, Tomás and Damien.
Tyrone eventually went into the break with a 0-07 to 0-04 lead.
The second period was a completely different contest with most of the Tyrone side lining up to get their name on the score sheet.
Sean and Colm Cavanagh were part of the 10 different Tyrone scorers in the second period, while the latter scored the only goal of the game with five minutes left on the clock.
The win gave Mickey Harte’s side back-to-back provincial titles for the first time since 1996.
Monaghan never looked like winning the title they last won in 1988. In fact they went a full 41 minutes without scoring.
Séamus McEnaney’s side were given an outside chance of winning today but they failed to turn up for the second half.
Roscommon were crowned Connacht SFC champions after their narrow 0-14 to 0-13 win over Sligo at McHale Park in Castlebar.
It was an unexpected victory for the underdogs, who enjoyed plenty of dominance in the middle of the park.
Roscommon opened up a 0-10 to 0-06 lead at the break but things changed in the second period. Sligo came back with points from the likes of top scorer Alan Costello but man-of-the-match Donal Shine landed the winner with a free in the 69th minute.
Wexford can have little complaint as they were soundly beaten 0-05 to 0-12 against Cork in their SFC round three qualifier at Wexford Park.
The win was so comprehensive the Rebels eased off in the closing stages and still ran out confortable winners. In face they only recorded one score in the final half hour.
The visitors led 0-07 to 0-03 at the break before extending their lead after the restart.
Tipperary were also comprehensive 0-21 to 1-12 winners in their SHC qualifier against Offaly in Portlaoise to book their place in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.
Liam Sheedy's side were quick out of the blocks and by the break held a 0-14 to 0-05 lead.
Eoin Kelly was in fine form and recorded no less than 11 of tipp's points, while Shane Dooley's goal in injury time simply added to the misery.
Earlier in the day Tyrone minors were also convincing 1-14 to 0-05 winners against Armagh at the same venue to complete a fine double for the county.
In the Connacht MFC final Mayo totally overpowered Galway 3-09 to 1-10 at McHale Park.
Sunday's GAA Fixtures/Results
Ulster SFC final
Tyrone 1-14 Monaghan 0-07 (Clones)
Connacht SFC final
Roscommon 0-14 Sligo 0-13 (McHale Park)
All-Ireland SFC Qualifier - Round Three (extra-time if necessary)
Wexford 0-05 Cork 0-12 (Wexford Park)
All-Ireland SHC Qualifier - Phase Three (extra-time if necessary)
Tipperary 0-21 Offaly 1-12 (Portlaoise)
Ulster MFC final
Tyrone 1-14 Armagh 0-5 (Clones)
Connacht MFC final
Galway 1-10 Mayo 3-09 (McHale Park)