Tasty ties to be served up in tomorrow night’s openers

A NEW look Tyrone Ladies All-County League will get underway tomorrow  night.

There will be fewer games and no promotion and relegation with each division split into groups along regional lines.

However all players will be delighted to be back, something that seemed unlikely at times over the past four months since the governing bodies called time on their seasons.

All teams have returned to the training fields over the past few weeks as managers played catch up ahead of the season start.

Tyrone ladies asked for clarity from the clubs and while the majority of sides will participate this season, it’s clear squads will be depleted across the board with players indicating for a variety of reasons that they will not be taking part.

The group splits have been done on a geographical basis. At this juncture the games will be without spectators although like their male counterparts the clubs are eager to see a relaxation by early next week.

In the meantime officials are appealing for support of the guidelines to allow the games to go ahead as planned without issues.

Nine in a row chasing St Macartans will open their league campaign with a trip to Donaghmore, who have Ciaran Loane at the helm and Emma Hegarty skipper. The Macs once again are managed by Ryan McMenamin.

‘Ricey’ is also in charge of the Fermanagh Senior Mens squad. The former Tyrone star is relishing his time again with the perennial champions and doing both demanding roles although he did enjoy his time off.

“I was missing it but at the same time it was nice to get a prolonged break from football to clear the head and gave me a chance to get the odd jobs done around the house.

“But now like everyone else we will look forward to get back out on the field. It will be great to get football, for weeks we didn’t expect anything,” he explained.

Also in Senior Group One are Errigal Ciaran with club legends Paudge Quinn and Peter Canavan overseeing their challenge. They open against neighbours Killeeshil and Ciaran Sharkey’s Aodh Ruadh have the opening weekend off.

Newly promoted Omagh with their mix of youth and experience have had an excellent short pre-season. Kenny Clarke is now in charge.

“We have taken this group of girls on at a time of them gaining promotion to Division One. In doing so we have stated that this was never a one year project, “ stated Clarke.

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