Revitalised Coulter hails the Tally effect

DOWN’S Benny Coulter has attributed his spectacular return to form to a man who played a pivotal role when Saturday’s opponents Tyrone made the breakthrough to win a first All-Ireland title.

Paddy Tally trained the Red Hand county during that historic 2003campaign before being relieved of his duties by Mickey Harte a year later. Now he is central to the Down cause.

And Coulter’s tour de force against Donegal in Ballybofey at the end of May, when he scored 1-4, was crucial to his Mourne men’s progression to this weekend’s Ulster semi-final against Tyrone. It was a welcome sight after a couple of years dogged by injuries and proof that the 28-year old still has much to offer after a decade playing senior inter-county football.