COUNTY | Tyrone Progressing Nicely

Sunday 09.08.2015

Club

There was an air of confidence among Tyrone supporters travelling to Dublin on Saturday that the Red Hands would be able to get the better of Monaghan in their all Ireland quarter final. No-one was underestimating the threat posed by the Farney County but the general feeling was this developing Tyrone side was well capable of defeating the 2015 Ulster champions.

Prior to the game we spent some time canvassing the views and opinions of supporters from both counties in and around Jury’s hotel. The general consensus was that the result could well be decided by the displays of the key forwards on either side. Would it be Sean Cavanagh for Tyrone or Conor Mc Manus for Monaghan who would have a day to remember?

Well as it turned out it was Tyrone captain Cavanagh who left the field celebrating following a very well organised team display that saw his side emerge worthy four point winners. While in no way making up for the absence of another Ulster title, it may have helped to ease the memory of the defeat at the hands of Donegal in Ballybofey back in May.

Tyrone produced a superb team effort right from the off but had to deal with the loss of key man big Joe Mc Mahon who injured his groin with less than ten minutes of the game gone. Mind you it was no bad thing having a replacement of the calibre of Joe’s brother Justin who settled to his task right from the off. His experience and calmness under pressure helped the team to deal with several tricky situations on an afternoon when Mickey Harte’s panel strength was tested to the full.

While this was a real team victory there were many individuals who gave more than their all to bring about the win. Wing half forward Tiernan Mc Cann covered every inch of Croke Park defending when required and setting up attack after attack in what was probably his best game for the county. Matty Donnelly looked back to his best as he drove at the Monaghan rearguard time after time while his run at the start of the second half that resulted in Tyrone’s eighth point of the day was a real statement of intent.

Defensively Ronan Mc Namee, Cathal Mc Carron, Aidan Mc Crory, Peter Harte, Ronan Mc Nabb and, at times, supplementary full back Colm Cavanagh were outstanding and repelled all that Monaghan threw at them. The willingness of Mc Nabb and Peter Harte to carry the ball from defence and use it intelligently contributed handsomely to the win. The points they scored were also worthy of mention coming as they did at vital stages in the game. Goalkeeper Niall Morgan’s booking could have proved costly but his reactions late in the game to deny Monaghan a much needed goal more than made up for that. The placing of his kick outs set up many Tyrone attacks while no longer having the burden of hitting free kicks has allowed him to focus on what he does best.

Ultimately however it takes scores, especially when under pressure, to win games. On Saturday Darren Mc Curry, Connor Mc Aliskey and Sean Cavanagh landed a dozen points between them. However that stat fails to do justice to the work rate, energy, industry and commitment this trio showed as they fought for victory with their team mates.

Manager Mickey Harte will know that his team must move it up another notch when they take on Kerry in the all Ireland semi final in two weeks time. There are certainly areas for improvement but Tyrone are undoubtedly on the right track. This is a developing team with strength in depth as shown by the displays of subs Paidi Mc Nulty, Justin Mc Mahon and Ronan O’Neill and there is sure to be real competition for places.

All in all Saturday was good day’s work but there is still more to do. Kerry looked unbeatable last weekend and perhaps they could well defeat Tyrone in the semi final. One thing is sure however they will know they are in for a real battle and whichever side makes it through to the final will have earned it.