Sherlock insists win would be a ‘massive boost’

TYRONE camogie coach Declan Sherlock claims that it would be a “massive boost” to both team and county should they come out on top in tomorrow’s Nancy Murray Cup final against Cavan.

Not only would it be a piece of silverware in the bag, but it would set the team up nicely for their forthcoming All-Ireland Junior Championship semi-final against either Armagh or Roscommon.

It’s set to be a highly significant few weeks for the team but Sherlock, Tony Cassidy and Leona Gallagher are enjoying leading this young and talented Tyrone team.

They’ve had to deal with considerable uncertainty in the last while between Covid-19 and unavailable players, but they have a full deck at the moment, and Sherlock is optimistic about their prospects in this weekend’s final.

“To win the Nancy Murray Cup would be a massive boost indeed for both the team and the county, it would also be the drive for us to do well in the All-Ireland Premier Junior Championship as both winners and runners up progress into the championship.”

Many of the current senior team have achieved success at underage level, but while Sherlock makes no bones about the fact that there’s more to come from Tyrone, the focus is the here and now.

“Look we’re concentrating our focus on the what’s happening in the next five weeks rather than looking forward to next year. We can look at next year after a rest and reflect on the current campaign.”

Three weeks ago the Breffni side came to Pairc Eire Og and brushed aside the Red Hands before following it up with victory over Louth.

Tyrone bounced back with a victory of their own against Louth and that set up this final meeting.

Cavan have been free scoring in this competition. They hit 3-11 against Tyrone and 5-16 against Louth with Sinead McKenna, Orla Smith and Aideen Coyle among the scorers. They have looked sharp but in reality have not been tested and Sherlock is delighted to have another craic at a good Cavan side after the heavy loss at Carrickmore,

“Yes we lost our opening game to Cavan who came out of the traps flying that day. It was our first competitive game since March, and we had only got the girls together three weeks prior to the game due to the club championship finals still being contended” said Sherlock, who also admitted they didn’t want to upset the club season for the players.

“We didn’t want the girls to be distracted so we delayed bringing them back ’til after their finals. When we looked at the game we had a lot of possession against Cavan but couldn’t convert in front of goal. I think we were more rustier than anything else and the lack of games took its toll.”

FULL STORY IN YESTERSAY’S STRABANE CHRONICLE