McKenna Cup/Tyrone 1-10 Derry 2-05: A goal by corner back Ryan McMenamin sparked a rousing Tyrone comeback in a hugely-competitive Dr McKenna Cup tie in Omagh yesterday.

The All-Ireland champions, in their first outing since last September's historic triumph, showed exceptionally high levels of energy and commitment.

Fielding five of their All-Ireland winning side for this local derby, Tyrone recovered impressively after a slow start.

Geoffrey McGonigle sent Pádraig O'Neill through for a fourth-minute goal as Derry made all the early running.

The home side looked decidedly rusty in the opening quarter but, once they settled, shot some superb scores through Michael Coleman, Frank McGuigan, Stephen O'Neill, Owen Mulligan and substitute Colm McCullagh, all from play.

McGonigle thumped a couple of long-range frees accurately into the wind and between the posts, and it was Mickey Moran's side who held a narrow 1-3 to 0-5 lead at the break.

They then stretched their lead with a Paddy Bradley goal after just 28 seconds of the second half.

Tyrone regrouped, however, and dominated the remainder of the contest.

McMenamin was on hand to finish to the net in the 57th minute, and the Sam Maguire Cup holders finished with a flourish. Late points from Gerard Cavlan, Mulligan and the impressive McCullagh made it a winning start to 2004 for Tyrone.

TYRONE: P McConnell; R McMenamin (1-0), C Holmes, B Robinson; C Gormley, G Devlin, C Gourley; K Hughes, G Cavlan (0-1); M Coleman (0-1), B McGuigan, S Mulgrew; F McGuigan (0-1), S O'Neill (0-1), O Mulligan (0-4).Subs: C McCullagh (0-2) for F McGuigan, P Horish for Robinson, S Sweeney for Gourley, F McGuigan for Mulgrew.

DERRY: M Conlan; C McWilliams, K McCloy, D Scullion; P Wilson, K McGuckin, F McEldowney; Patsy Bradley, J Bradley; F Doherty, C Gilligan (0-1), G McGonigle (0-2); P O'Neill (1-1), Paddy Bradley (1-1), R Lynch. Subs: P Kelly for Scullion, N McCusker for McCloy, C Moran for Gilligan, J Donaghy for J Bradley.

Referee: J McQuillan (Cavan).