'Why wait a year or two?' Tyrone's rookie managers were determined to make most of their 'one chance'

The sense was that both sides had thumbed their noses up at the odds simply by making the big day. This was supposed to be the latest chapter in the long-running Dublin-Kerry saga

Tyrone joint-manager Brian Dooher and Darren McCurry celebrate following the win. Picture: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Bonus territory. The very mention of it has the potential to hijack ambition. It can act as a safety blanket for players and coaches who have awoken to the realisation that greatness is within their grasp and found themselves spooked by the very notion.

For others it can be a subconscious failsafe that undermines long before it takes to the field. Thoughts can serve as the enemy within, fifth columns infiltrating best practise.