Young gun Gilmore aims to fire Red Hand to Lory glory

Underage stars progressing to senior level has been a major theme in Tyrone for the past number of seasons.

With such a gifted group in situ it is only this year that football manager, Mickey Harte has given some of the Red Hand County’s plethora of talented young guns their heads.

The local derby against Armagh gets their Ulster championship campaign under way tomorrow, and that will attract the vast majority of Tyrone’s GAA followers.

The hurlers will have their loyal few followers however, as they contest the Lory Meagher Cup final at noon today. Champions in 2009, they were victims of a revenge mission by Donegal last year but are back, re-energised by their own infusion of fresh blood.

Gerard Gilmore was a minor last year and has made the step up to the senior ranks with considerable ease. And though he has not played in the two aforementioned finals, the Strabane teenager does know what it’s like to hurl at HQ.

“A couple of years ago I played in Croke Park with the development squads,” said Gilmore. “This is going to be a lot different and probably a bit nerve-wracking.

“It’s a big achievement to be playing in Croke Park and the task is to concentrate on Fermanagh. I haven’t seen them playing but they’re definitely going to be determined.”

Gilmore made a match-winning contribution of 1-4 from left corner-forward in Tyrone’s two-point semi-final victory over 14-man Warwickshire in Birmingham a fortnight ago.

“It was good to get a good run against Warwickshire. The step-up to senior is a lot different from the minors of last year but I’m getting used to the higher pace and intensity.”

He is not the cocky type though and is well aware of the fact that he is stepping into the unknown. That is why he has sought the counsel of more experienced men and there’s no shortage of that in the squad.

Gilmore’s clubmate, Peter O’Connor was the obvious port of call and his message was simple.

“He’s told me just to take my chances when they come,” Gilmore revealed. “Hopefully things will work out well for us against Fermanagh. We play in the same position so it’s good to have someone experienced like him to provide that bit of help and just to tell you if things are going alright. He’s also been telling me to make good use of the ball and just enjoy the occasion.”

Damien Maguire’s return from injury is a major boost for Tyrone, who will line out as strong favourites to overcome Fermanagh on a line of form through Leitrim.

Tyrone trounced the Connacht side by 25 points in the first round, while Fermanagh had just seven to spare in the semi-final. Throw in the fact that Tyrone are playing in a higher division in the league, and that Fermanagh have never played in a final, and the likelihood is that it will be the Red Hands’ day.