Tyrone looking forward to ‘massive’ game after difficult time

NO-ONE can deny that Tyrone have had a difficult few weeks since their last competitive match, a loss to Cavan in the National League.

Since then Sean O’Kane has replaced Kevin McCrystal as team manager and his first assignment is this weekend’s crunch Division 2 Relegation Play-off against Clare.

The Red Hands secured just one point in their league campaign, a draw against Monaghan, while they suffered defeats against both Armagh and Cavan.

Despite that indifferent run, experienced campaigner Emma Hegarty said the players have remained focused and determined to gain the right outcome against Clare in Sunday’s shootout.

Clare found the going tough against Laois, Kerry and Tipperary although Ewan Talty’s side have shown signs of recovery ahead of this clash and the quality of the Munster side is not lost on team vice-captain Hegarty.

“Clare are a very tough physical team and we don’t underestimate the challenge that lies ahead however if we can use our pace and quality within the squad we shouldn’t be too far away.

“It’s a massive game, they are a quality side and it’s an even bigger challenge considering the risk of being relegated. We are ready though to face this head on.”

Should Tyrone slip up against Clare perhaps it would be easy to focus on the problems the squad have endured with the departure of one manager and the appointment of another.

However that has not come into the equation confirmed Hegarty this week as the side stepped up its preparations at Garvaghey.

“It hasn’t been an ideal few weeks,” she admitted although adding that there remains a real bond within the squad, galvanised by the appointment of O’Kane. “The girls have remained focused and know the task in hand they are determined to give it our all to keep Tyrone in Division Two football.”

Tyrone has several injury worries ahead of the game at Pearse Park with upwards on five players unavailable, but they do have a strong squad and Hegarty remains upbeat

“We want to ensure Division two football. It’s vital for us, we need to be playing good quality teams. Looking at the Clare game the girls have been working hard and we are in here trying to make it all work.”

The key date in the calendar for Tyrone is the May 15th Ulster Intermediate Final meeting with a Down side.
who topped their section in Division Three. While at the minute Emma Hegarty is focused solely on this weekend she still has one eye on the championship summer

“The championship is just round the corner, however we can only look at the game in front of us. Our priority is putting in a performance on Sunday and then we can start to build and prepare for Down in six weeks time. We haven’t much time but we will be prepared.”

Clare manager Ewan Talty has been happy the way his players have performed despite their losses in the League. The manager has several key personnel back in the side. Captained by Orla Devitt, Amy Sexton, Sinead Considine and Grainne Nolan should all play a key part.