Kearns hopes hurlers can see off Exiles

A SEASON which began last weekend with an important away point for the Tyrone hurlers continues this Sunday with a home tie that carries with it the pressure of securing an important victory in their Division 3A campaign.

It was looking ominous for the Red Hands as they trailed by nine points against Roscommon at half-time. But they rallied and ended the game just a little disappointed at not holding onto a narrow advantage during the closing stages.

Now, though, Michael McShane and the players will know what is being expected of them in round two on Sunday at 1pm in Omagh. Warwickshire provide the opposition in this one, and it’s a game which Tyrone will know that they can win.

Chris Kearns acknowledges the positive aspects of their draw against Roscommon. Like all the management and players, though, he is well aware of the challenges as they prepare to face a Warwickshire side which lost out to Monaghan at Pairc Na hEireann in Birmingham a week ago.

“We were well beaten the last time we had gone to Roscommon. But we were hopeful and confident of getting a result and, I know we were well down at half-time, the character the team showed in coming back and going ahead was great,” said the Naomh Colmcille player.

“It’s not a bad way to feel disappointed at only getting a draw against a team that came down from Division Two last year. The result shows how far Tyrone have come, and on any other way we might have recorded the win.

“Our aim is to keep the momentum of last year going. It was good to get a result because in other years we’ve started with a loss and that puts a bit of pressure on the whole team.

“Now the shackles are really off for this Sunday, we’re confident that we can get a result against Warwickshire. This is a young team and we’ve gained a few players who are definitely settling in well.”

Among those back with the intention of making their mark are Carrickmore duo of Aidan Kelly and Dermot Begley. Add in the current form of others including Chris Kearns, Anthony Crossan, Damien Casey and CJ McGourty, and the signs look positive for the Red Hands.

The top team in Division 3A will progress to the league final, with the next two going into a semi-final. So, the target is there for Tyrone to progress and perhaps win a long sought-after promotion to Division Two.

“We have a really good chance this Sunday and I’m confident that we can get a result,” added Chris Kearns.

“Aidan Kelly and Dermot Begley are back, they’re two players that any county would like.

“It’s kind of hard to read what Warwickshire will be like, so we can only make the most of our own position. You can’t read too much into their game last week. But we’ll not worry and just try and get the result for ourselves.

“You can look at the benefits or home advantage two ways.Last week we went to Roscommon, everything was set out and everybody just got to focus on the game. This Sunday we’re at home and you after to look after yourself.

“We definitely have enough quality players to get the win. It’s massive for us, winning is a habit and if we can keep winning in this group matches then that’s going to stand to us.

“Our main aim is to get promoted out of Division 3A. We know we’ve the quality to do it, and we’re definitely capable. There are good teams in this league who will put it up to you. But we can only take one match at a time and it’s Warwickshire this Sunday who are our priority now.”

After the boost of getting the draw in Roscommon, Tyrone will be hoping to make the most of home advantage to secure their first win in this 2022 campaign.