Red Hands set to ‘Cross’ swords with the Orchard County ladies

Tyrone Senior Ladies coach Barry Grimes said that the whole squad is looking forward to their Ulster Championship semi-final meeting with Armagh today after ‘a difficult year for everyone’.

It has been a long seven months without inter county football. Since Tyrone last played (vs Wexford at Augher) there’s been lockdown and a full club season but coach Grimes along with the rest of the management and playing panel can at last reset and go again.

“For a long time it looked like there would be no football played at all,” confirmed the Beragh man. “ Seven months without county football is a long time so we are really looking forward to this weekend despite all the difficulties.”

Because of Covid and players opting out for personal reasons, several new faces have been introduced to the fold.

“We had a number of the squad opting out of the Championship, which in these strange times must be respected. We needed to have a rethink and introduce some new faces,” stated Grimes.

County managers including Tyrone boss Gerry Moane held a virtual meeting with LGFA Chief Helen O’Rourke last week. It is clear that many squads have taken on a more fluid look with the potential for players to miss out at the 11th hour.

Grimes admitted there has already been disruption in Tyrone.

“A number of players have had to self-isolate and while this has disrupted preparation, it is something we had expected and we have had to adapt to, allow players to be involved and possibly be ready.”

FULL STORY IN THURSDAY’S ULSTER HERALD AND DUNGANNON HERALD