Omagh coaching duo relishing challenge with Tyrone U-20s

A SECOND consecutive All-Ireland Final clash now beckons for the Tyrone U-20s as they aim to finish off what has been a memorable season when they face surprise finalists from Louth this Wednesday in the first ever meeting between the counties at this level.

It’s a massive match for the Red Hands whose performances this year have seen them regularly defy the odds. But they will have to be on top form to overcome the Wee county, appearing in their first ever final at this level.

Wins over Armagh, Derry and then Donegal highlighted Tyrone’s provincial prowess. Victory then followed against Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final, leaving team manager, Paul Devlin, the players and backroom team in bouyant mood ahead of the decider.

That backroom team includes two former county medallists with Omagh. Connor O’Donnell and Cathal McCarron are relishing their sideline roles. For them personally, their involvement is helping the transition between playing and coaching, and the involvement with a talented group of U-20s is one that they are certainly enjoying.

Both made their mark on the club scene with a series of top displays over the years. Now the task of imparting their knowledge and preparing this latest team from the Red Hand county for that All-Ireland Final against Louth is demanding the full attention.

“It has been very important for this group of players to achieve reaching the All-Ireland Final. Some of them came down here as Minors three years ago and lost. That was on their minds and thankfully they’ve now put that disappointment to bed,” said Connor O’Donnell.

“The experience of last year will have a big impact because we’ve been here before and a lot of the current panel were also involved. We won’t be getting carried away, because everyone knows that the next day is when the biggest prize is being handed out and they’ll be fully focused on that.

“For me, it’s great to be working with these players. It’s challenging at times, but these are young men and they’ll do anything that you ask them to on the training pitch. They do all of that and more.

“Louth are doing well at all the grades, and it’s going to be a great occasion for them.”

Cathal McCarron feels it’s a privilege for him to be involved at coaching at county level.

“When you’re getting to coach the talent that is in this group, then it’s really special. We as coaches are really aware of that.
But, taking that away, it’s about working to ensure that the young lads get out of this what they deserve. We’re benefitting from being involved, but it’s aboit ensuring that the journey being experienced by these young lads is really special.

“We feel that the players are as good as what’s about. They have to go out and promote that, and get the results that they merit.”

Tyrone’s current U-20 team is comprised of players who have made their mark at schools, club and inter-county level in recent years. A clear example of this is the success enjoyed by Omagh CBS in winning the Hogan Cup two years in succession, and of course the other schools and clubs who have made their mark in impressive fashion.

But now history beckons them against opponents riding on the crest of a wave. While their Minors missed out on completing the Leinster treble earlier this week, there’s no doubting Louth’s potential to cause what would undoubtedly be an upset.

Nevertheless, the dividend being yielded for Tyrone is clear, according to Cathal McCarron.

“Experience is what comes with success in big games over the past few years,” he added.

“For these players, it’s about treating an All-Ireland Final as another game. The players are playing in six or seven big matches each year, they’re used to it and know how to deal with the pressures and nerves.

“That’s in contrast to what might have been the case years ago when nerves were a big issue going into an All-Ireland semi-final.

“These players know what they’re about and those who were involved last year are helping the others out. That’s special to see and , on the whole, it’s about them going out to enjoy the occasion for what it is.

“But we are not just here to fulfil fixtures. We’re here as well to do a job.

“There’s work involved in achieving that and we’re here to help them reach that potential.”

The Athletic Grounds in Armagh has been confirmed as the venue for the Final which throws in next Wednesday at 7.30pm.

Suffice to say that, whatever happens, this Tyrone team under the management of Paul Devlin will make every effort to win the title for that second year in a row on what will be the county’s tenth final at this level.