Rossies meeting revives old memories for Paul Devlin

PICTURE the scene as a Tyrone team brimming with youthful enthusiasm made its way out onto the Croke Park pitch more than 30 years ago for a key National League semi-final clash.

What followed was a big win over Dublin, and a place in the League Final for the first time ever. It was progress which kick-started the county’s rise to prominence. Although defeat was their lot in the subsequent decider against Derry, that 1991-1992 season helped catapult the Red Hands into the big time.

But, while the importance of that win over the Dubs cannot be under-estimated, it was Tyrone’s win over Roscommon in the quarter final which was arguably even more signficant. The Rossies at the time were serious All-Ireland contenders, having won the Connacht title in 1990 and 1991, and Tyrone’s win over them was an important achievement for the team.

The 1-15 to 1-10 victory was hard-earned. The performances of Finbar McConnell in goals, Brian Gormley, Noel Donnelly, Adrian Cush and Damian O’Hagan were noteworthy.

Among the players that day was current County U-20 manager, Paul Devlin. He was among a plethora of young stars making their way at inter-county senior level. Joining him were Peter Canavan, Adrian Cush, Paul Donnelly, Brian Gormley, Eamon McCaffrey and Fay Devlin.

“We were going out onto Croke Park for the league semi-final that year when Damian O’Hagan pulled me aside. He said ‘young Devlin take a good look around you because you mightn’t get back to Croke Park again in my career,” revealed Paul Devlin.

“I’ve a lot of clear memories of that day against Roscommon in the quarter final. I was on Tony McManus who was a real legend for them. That was a good Roscommon team who could and probably should have got to the All-Ireland Final.

“The Tyrone team was fairly young, but there was also a good sprinkling of experienced players. We were all U-21 and it was a big step for us moving up to senior. You didn’t get to Croke Park as easy then to play as is nowadays.

“Damian O’Hagan, Kevin McCabe and Harry McClure were all playing. Plunkett Donaghy was still about as well and their experience was brilliant for us. We were looking up to them, after watching them in the 1986 All-Ireland Final.”

The year 1992 was a big one for Moortown and Tyrone. In addition to winning the All-Ireland U-21 title, Paul Devlin and his clubmates Stephen and Chris Lawn, went on to O’Neill Cup glory with the St Malachy’s. But success with Tyrone seniors was slightly slower in arriving.

Nevertheless, the memories and significance of that match against Roscommon remain as the counties prepare to renew acquaintances again this Sunday at Healy Park in Omagh.

It’s a game which Paul Devlin believes is a crucial one for Tyrone.

“Roscommon were a good all-round team in 1992, but it was great for us to beat them,” he added.

“They’re coming here after getting a great start to the league last year. It’s a pretty settled team that they have, but this is also a big one for Tyrone.

“We’re blooding a lot of young lads now and there’s a few unavailable through injuries and retirements. Two points would be great in the first game out. Last year we took the eye of the ball a bit in the first round and lost, so nobody is going to be under any illusions now.

“It’s the start of the county football again after six months and hopefully we can get the first win to start the league well.”