Gooch: Long way back for loser

Colm Cooper believes the loser of Sunday’s Ulster SFC tie between Donegal and Tyrone will find it very difficult to get back on track for All-Ireland honours.

Cooper, who heads into his 12th championship when the Kingdom take on Tipperary in Killarney, said the clash of the All-Ireland champions and Mickey Harte’s men is the standout draw of the title race.

“Since the draw was made six or eight months ago, this has been highlighted as the tie of the round, by a long way,” says Gooch. “Whoever loses has a long way to go, in terms of qualifiers, to get to the Bank Holiday weekend in August... it is a long road. Both teams will be going hell for leather and it will make for some encounter in Ballybofey on Sunday.”