Tyrone faced Dublin 'expecting to put on a big performance and expecting to win the game'

Tyrone manager Malachy O'Rourke hopes that in-form Michael McKernan might be fit to contribute in the All-Ireland semi-final on July 12 or 13.

Tyrone manager Malachy O'Rourke said there was "no doubt" his side's ability to kick two-pointers had a "big impact" against Dublin. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

Malachy O’Rourke was thrilled that his Tyrone team were able to produce the display they had expected of themselves to beat Dublin and seal an All-Ireland semi-final spot.

“To be honest, we came down here today expecting to put on a big performance and expecting to win the game. You can talk all you want about that, it doesn't always come to fruition.” 

O’Rourke is glad to be putting some polish on a season that didn’t start as intended. “We got relegated in the league. We were disappointed with that. The championship was going better and we felt that we were improving. The boys were putting in a lot of effort and we just wanted to come down here today and put in a big performance.

“And I suppose we've smelt that improvement in a way. And obviously we felt if we got that we had a great chance of getting through and that's how it turned out.” 

Tyrone finished with a flourish to step away from Dublin in a game that won’t be remembered for the quality of football. “I thought the first half was a cagey enough game,” said O’Rourke. “We weren't at our best. We got into half-time still leading by a point and we felt we could be better in the second half.

“Our urgency all around the field was better than the second half. In the first half there were a number of unforced errors. They were able to turn us over. We weren't as effective when they were attacking.

“So it was a case of trying to put more pressure on other players out the field. Work had to be done up a wee bit and then when we got the chance it was clinical. I suppose that's the way it worked out in the end.” 

Tyrone kicked five two-pointers in total, four in the first half and Niall Morgan capping the win with a orange flag free. “I suppose it wasn't a case that we came and said, ‘Look it, we're going to go for two-pointers,’” insisted O’Rourke. “But we have a number of lads who are good at shooting from distance and it just opened up and the boys backed themselves to score.

“But there's no doubt it had a big impact in the first half. It meant that we went in leading by a point but we had four two-pointers, which is massive.” 

O’Rourke hopes that in-form Michael McKernan might be fit to contribute in the All-Ireland semi-final on July 12 or 13. “If it was up to Michael, he'd be walking out there today. Mad keen to get back out. We'll have to go with the medical people. But there's no doubt it has improved, even in the last week or so. So we'll give him every chance.”