Dermot Carlin Column – Tyrone find their spark in statement win

LAST Saturday  was a very important victory which sets Tyrone up perfectly for the remaining All-Ireland Group stages. The energy, compossure and determination displayed throughout the field was a vital factor in a win over a Donegal team which was being widely tipped.

Obviously, the two goals from Seanie O’Donnell in the first half provided the team with the confidence to really go for this game.

It was helped by the Donegal goalkeeper who appeared hesitant in the opening of those goals. His kick-outs weren’t up to the what could be expected from Shaun Patton and the fact that he wasn’t playing definitely helped. The go-to player kickout for Donegal was Michael Murphy towards the tail-end of the second half, but then Peter Teague won two crucial exchanges and that really gave Tyrone a massive boost.

Tyrone’s first half display was crucial. Niall Morgan’s save and then the Seanie O’Donnell goals spurred the team into life. Patton not being there allowed us to press well, win the breaks and get the kick-outs. Mark Bradley was impressive, Darragh Canavan’s movement was excellent, especially when you think that he’s generally double-marked.

Darren McCurry didn’t start brilliantly, but he grew into the game and had a massive two-pointer.

To lose Brian Kennedy was a blow, but then Ben McDonnell was introduced and was excellent. He scored a great point. Ciaran Daly was also a lot better, and there was more energy in the performance when compared to the Armagh match. Seanie O’Donnell’s workrate put Donegal and Ryan McHugh on the back foot.

You then had the wise head and experience of Peter Harte coming on for the closing stages. He replaced Mattie Donnelly who had controlled things with poise and confidence up until then. You know what you are going to get with Petey, and he registered a super score. We saw what it meant to him with his reaction at the final whistle.

We were also strong in the middle third. Michael McKernan didn’t go forward as much as usual, but that maybe left more space for others. Both him and Kieran McGeary are excellent at the tackles and turnovers. They relish the tight exchanges and really proved their worth again.

The big task now is to make the most of this win. I was worried a little going into this match. Obviously Malachy has instilled confidence in the players. There was a belief within the players and panel that they could win this match. They didn’t fear Donegal, and their approach to this game can be compared to what was experienced when Mickey Harte was manager.

Everyone was energised, the game meant a lot and there was a determination to up the workrate and then get the result.

This was reflected in the way in which Tyrone got the early scores and restricted the opportunities for Donegal who struggled to find their usual form.

Padraig Hampsey’s return was a significant boost and instilled belief. Cormac Quinn was super and is back to he form that he displayed for Errigal, Niall Devlin was excellent as well and Peter Teague came on and made a big impact. The task now is to maintain that momentum against Mayo next weekend.