Dooher primed for Derry on Sunday

A MASSIVE early-season showdown for Tyrone against Derry is set to draw a huge attendance as the youthful Red Hands bid to maintain their momentum in Division One of the National League.

It’s the game which thousands of fans from both counties will be awaiting with eager anticipation. All the usual ingredients are there, with now the added element of former Red Hand All-Ireland winning manager, Mickey Harte, guiding the fortunes of the Oak Leafers.

That intriguing side-issue won’t make the least bit of difference when the action gets underway. It’s the players on the field whose performances will matter most and the tie looks set to be the top game of round two.

Tyrone managers, Brian Dooher and Feargal Logan, were understandably pleased with Sunday’s win over Roscommon. Derry defeated Kerry in their opening game on Saturday night, leaving the stage set for a Celtic Park cracker.

“It’s good to get a win any day and we go out every day with that in mind. Nobody wants to lose and we’re no different,” said Brian Dooher afterwards.
“I don’t look into records or anything like that, or what the past is because you can do nothing about it. It’s two points, it’s over now, done and dusted. We move on. This win is consigned to the past now, we have got to look forward and see where it goes because as good as that game was and the two points we got, we know what’s ahead of us next week.

“It (playing Derry) is a different level again. I don’t think anyone will argue with that.”

Brian Dooher, as was Mickey Harte following Derry’s win over Kerry, was keen to under-state the managerial connections. Suffice to say that the who is on the sideline will make little difference to what matters most on the pitch.

Past experience and the evidence presented yesterday in the three point win over Roscommon suggest that Tyrone are more than capable of competing against and defeating a Derry side currently riding the crest of a wave.

Their run to the All-Ireland semi-final last year, combined with Glen’s All-Ireland Club success, emphasises the feelgood factor in a county revelling in the positivity surrounding its current footballing prospects.

“Derry are a great team and they are the in-form team in the country. I don’t think anyone would disagree with that,” he added.

“You saw where they were last year and they would have been in an All-Ireland final as easily. We know what they have and what they’ve brought in a few more boys into the panel who have added value. We’re under no illusions about the task and it will be another step up.”

Brian Dooher stressed that it’s about the players on the field, when asked about Mickey Harte’s presence on the Derry sideline.

“You have to go back to what it is – 15 against 15 on the field. That’s the situation,” he added.

For the moment, though, the satisfaction at defeating Roscommon was clear.

“It was a good second half, we did well to get the noses in front at half-time after conceding the goal. But in the second half we were dealt a real bad blow with Conn (Kilpstrick) getting the line.

“But they did really well. They dug deep and worked really hard.  I think in the end up they probably got their just rewards for their work and application. It’s good and that’s what you want to see.”

Now for the big one, and that key clash against Derry next Sunday as a curtain-raiser to a potential championship meeting later in 2024.