Confusion Over Premier League Bound Star's Inclusion In Minor Final

There was a shock inclusion in the Tyrone team for Sunday's Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football final, with Joel Kerr looking as though he was set to make a dramatic return to the team despite his recent Premier League move.

There had been some confusion over the Rock St Patrick's availability for this fixture. Kerr recently signed a three-year contract with West Ham, having signed from Glentoran.

With that deal commencing at the start of July, it remained to be seen whether the 16-year old would be allowed to play against Kerry.

It was reported earlier this week that West Ham had denied the youngster permission to play in the game. However, he was named as part of the Tyrone side for the game in Newbridge.

📣 Here's our Starting XV for today's All-Ireland Minor Football Championship Final.

🆚 Tír Eoghain v Ciarraí

📍Cedral St Conleth's Park, Newbridge

📅 Sunday 6th July | 1.30pm

🎟️ Tickets are available to purchase now, visit https://t.co/8MPfmnzYzY#RedHandRising pic.twitter.com/LL42G3T6YN — Tyrone GAA (@TyroneGAALive) July 6, 2025

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Tyrone named to play in minor final despite Premier League move

However, it soon emerged that despite being named in the starting team, Joel Kerr would not be available for the All-Ireland minor final.

He was instead replaced by Diarmuid Martin, who would go on to grab the winning score in the game.

Speaking after the match, Tyrone boss Gerard Donnelly said that the county always knew that Kerr would not be available if they reached an All-Ireland final.

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We knew from the very start that this was going to be problematic, we knew July 1st was going to be his cutoff date. We have absolutely no problems with West Ham, they have financial investment in the kid. What a lad, but it isn't just unbelievable that Diarmuid Martin who came in for him, got the winning point to win Joel his All-Ireland medal. I'm just delighted for him.

Kerr scored one of Tyrone's two goals in the semi-final win over Roscommon in June, having also scored 1-2 in the Ulster final triumph against Cavan. His presence in the squad certainly will be a massive boost ahead of this fixture, with it expected to be a very exciting affair.

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The Electric Ireland All-Ireland Minor Football Championship final took place in Newbridge, with Tyrone running out as winners on a scoreline of 1-16 to 1-15.

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