Tyrone face Donegal with sights on final appearance

A FRESH impetus is most definitely evident among the Tyrone hurlers as they prepare for what looks certain to be a season-defining clash against their old rivals from Donegal in the Nickey Rackard Cup semi-final on Saturday. (Throw-in 1.30pm)

Recent games between the counties have often proven difficult for the Red Hands. They are again expecting to find the going tough, especially considering Donegal’s current position above them in the National League.

But Mattie Lennon and the players will revel in that role. There’s also no bigger incentive for them to make a mark than the prospect of a Croke Park final appearance for the winners on the following weekend.

Tyrone were boosted by the return of several players for last weekend’s morale-boosting win over Monaghan. The efforts of players such as Damien Casey, Bryan McGurk, Dean Rafferty, Kiefer Morgan and Josh Ferguson indicates that they are ready and capable of springing a surprise against their north-west rivals.

Also among those who made their mark in the big victory over Monaghan was Dungannon’s Brannan Molloy. He is in no doubt about their abilities to do well against Donegal and how the incentive of that Croke Park final appearance will no doubt inspire both counties.

“Donegal are going to be very hard to beat,” he said.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK’S ULSTER HERALD AND DUNGANNON HERALD