THERE'S an air of great self belief in the Tyrone ladies camp as they prepare to face Dublin this Saturday for a place in the All-Ireland semi-final. After a fine result against Armagh Michaeal O'Neill squad go into the tie capable of securing that last four spot.
A number of the Tyrone panel were members of the minor side which suffered a heart-breaking All-Ireland final loss to the Dubs just a few short weeks ago, that wound still a sore one for the Red Hand girls. Likewise, most of the current senior side were present the last time Tyrone and Dublin met in the championship, that ill-fated Croke Park encounter which was played as the curtain-raiser to the mens game in 2005. Tyrone were thumped that day, in front of a large crowd, and it's a memory they're keen to erase.
This week's game will once again be broadcast live on TG4, so all eyes will be on Tyrone and they know that they must deliver on the big stage. They turned in a vastly improved performance against Armagh in the previous round, but they know that they will have to raise their game higher still against the Leinster outfit. Dublin are backboned by a number of experienced campaigners, who have been regularly contesting the latter stages of the All-Ireland competitions at all levels over the last decade. They were within touching distance of an All-Ireland title under the management of Dubs legend John O'Leary, but slipped back badly following his departure from the post. After a few years in the championship wilderness, they now seem ready to once again challenge for honours, and the Red Hands will have a task on their hands to overcome their challenge.
Tyrone though have been making progress as the season has gone on, with the highlight being their win over Armagh to take their place in the last eight. They will be the first to admit though that they are far from being the finished article, and that a number of areas remain a cause for concern.
Against Armagh, they looked solid at the back, the midfield looked secure, and up front they looked capable of penetrating the Armagh rearguard, as was shown by the fact that Tyrone helped themselves to three goals over the hour.
The return of Lynda Donnelly to the starting line-up gave the side a stability that was sorely lacking in their Ulster final defeat to Monaghan. Her inclusion allowed Neamh Woods to move to wing-back, which gave her the freedom to attack with more licence than she enjoyed when playing number six. Her attacking forrays proved a thorn in the side of Armagh, and she will once again be a key cog in the Tyrone system. With Sinead McVey in nets, Maura Kelly at full-back and Donnelly at centre-back, the Red Hands have a very physically strong core, and they do not seem vulnerable to Dublin runs through the middle.
Sarah Donnelly has been one of Tyrone's most consistent performers this season, building on what was a superbly successful O'Connor Cup and inter-provincials series. She brings serious power to the middle of the park, her non-stop running sure to cause Dublin problems this weekend. Arlene McCloskey foraged well alongside her against Armagh, but the Bredagh player has been struggling with injury in recent weeks and is a doubt for this weekend, as is her likely replacement Shannon Quinn, which could cause the Tyrone management a few headaches ahead of the game.
Up front, Gemma Begley remains the key scoring outlet for Tyrone, and the Carrickmore player has been in a fine run of form of late. However, she is sure to be the focus of plenty of Dublin attention on Saturday, and she will not get the sort of space she enjoyed in recent games. That's when it may be up to others in the forward unit to shoulder some of the scoring burden.
Tyrone have had their problems this term and a failure to secure the Ulster title left a bitter taste. The manager and players took stock of what went wrong and it was certainly clear that changes were needed. Against Armagh in the Qualifiers O'Neill made the changes and the players delivered with a quality display, Gemma Begley hitting 2-3.
The win at Longford a fortnight ago took ladies football by storm, Tyrone were back and players such as Begley, Hughes and Donnelly were firing on all cylinders. Monaghan, Cork and Dublin take note. Manager O'Neill was happy at the showing,
" We played well, things clicked on the day and we really got back on track, yes I made changes and the players performed. I was impressed by Lynda Donnelly and Gemma and Nina Murphy got the goals."
Next up for Tyrone, Donnelly, O'Neill and co is Dublin, a very talented youthful side that will prove difficult, a fact not lost on the genial Tyrone boss,
"We have played Dublin a couple of times now and we know that they have a very good team, we will be tested and I am sure they feel that they will have the beating of us at Roscommon.
" They have several of the All-Ireland winning minors on board and that recent win over our girls will give us added incentive, that is if we needed motivation," enthused Michaela.
Tyrone suffered a heavy quarter final loss at the hands of the Jackeens several years ago and memories of that still linger with some of those who played that day at Croke Park, it will not, says O'Neill cause Tyrone problems this Saturday,
"I know Dublin beat us at Croke Park but the good work done last year and our continued development has given us a real feeling of confidence, I know and the players know that we can beat them and we can progress."
" I set out my target with the players at the start of the year, I want to win an All Ireland, the players have bought into that but I am well aware it will be difficult to achieve, We have no injury worries and its all systems go now."
