Tougher route to semis may have Tyrone sharp enough

Since making the breakthrough in 1956, Tyrone footballers have won the Ulster title ten times, with just two attempts at the All-Ireland thwarted, by Kerry in 1986, and Dublin eight years ago.

This year, it’s reckoned they have the best chance of all to make history, except that they face a mighty hurdle in the first of the Bank of Ireland championship semi-final in Croke Park tomorrow.

Kerry provide the opposition and, mainly because of the way they lost to Armagh 12 months ago, Páidi Ó Sé’s team has an added incentive to get back to the final. An intriguing pairing, it promise to be a terrific contest.

Kerry have got there the ‘easy’ way this year, by regaining the Munster title and playing just three games en route. In contrast, Tyrone had to play five games before they could be sure of their place in the All-Ireland quarter-final. In this game they inflicted another heavy defeat on Fermanagh, who had also lost to them by three goals in the League semi-final.

Two weeks after beating Laois to retain the League title in style, Tyrone were held to a draw by Derry in their opening game in the championship at Clones. But, they bounced back to win the replay by nine points, defeat Antrim by eight points and then stage an amazing recovery in the final against Down. They were down nine points before drawing level and after conceding a goal, fought back again to force a draw. Next time out they gave a powerful exhibition to win by a 15 points margin.

Kerry didn’t figure in the League play-offs and did what was expected of them in Munster without ever being put under serious pressure. Limerick had to be taken seriously after the way they dismissed Cork, but their challenge faded after they failed to take advantage of early goal-scoring opportunities. Darragh Ó Sé missed the game because of his ankle injury and the forwards badly missed him. However, Eoin Brosnan excelled in general midfield play after recovering from a clash of heads.

Back in action for the All-Ireland quarter-final, Darragh Ó Sé had a major influence on Kerry’s first-half dominance. With a much better service and managing an improvement themselves, the forwards picked off scores at ease. On the other hand, Roscommon struggled until later in the game when they produced three goals in an 11-minute period but never looked capable of springing a surprise.

The general perception afterwards was that Seamus Moynihan was badly shown up at full-back. However, while he did look vulnerable, it was a shared responsibility in the sense that a lot of ball came through the half-back line and Darragh Ó Sé had understandably tired after his long lay-off.

Tyrone’s hopes of making a breakthrough last year were shattered by inconsistency against a more efficient Sligo in the fourth round of the qualifier competition. By general agreement, they have played much better this year and the character displayed in the first game with Down earned them a new respect. Combining their undoubted footballing skills with the mental toughness that is a prerequisite for success at this level, confirmed them as genuine contenders for the All-Ireland title.

Of course, Kerry fit nicely into that category, except that they have yet to perform at the same high level. The indications are that midfield will have a vital bearing and that Darragh Ó Sé could have a huge influence. There is also the possibility that Seamus Moynihan could have more of an attacking role if, as seems inevitable, Tyrone operate with Peter Canavan and Eoin Mulligan inside (policed by Tom O’Sullivan and Michael McCarthy). This would allow Moynihan to operate nearer the half-back line, which would be more to his liking and probably to the greater benefit of the team. Overall, they need to tighten up considerably in defence and get an even better return from the attack than they did in the quarter-final. In such circumstances they would be expected to advance.

Tyrone may be under more pressure to deliver because of their higher profile, but they have continued to play good, attacking football while at the same time proving they have the necessary survival skills. And, while Eoin Mulligan has been a huge addition to the attack, Peter Canavan continues to give inspiring leadership as captain.

My own feeling is that Tyrone will advance.