Tyrone - Where to now?

Not only did no-one respond to the above post, but I got a negative rating for it. It must really be the end of the road for us...

Thomas Clarke wrote:Not only did no-one respond to the above post, but I got a negative rating for it. It must really be the end of the road for us...

That was a shame as there was quite a bit of research went into that post TC. Enda was another great servant from the golden generation of Tyrone footballers, I was a wee bit surprised that he announced his retirement as I'd heard that he was recently taking part in Iron man competitions with Stevy O'Neill. He always kept himself in great shape despite his injuries and will be a great asset to his club Errigal Ciaran for the nest few years!

Strangely enough it seems that Brian McGuigans decision to retire wasnt entirely his own. According to Brian he was keen to play next year but he wasn't available until March time as his wife is expecting another child.

Mickey was having none of this and said that the rest of the squad would be miles ahead of him in terms of fitness etc as they are in a for a hard winter of training. So Brian was left with no choice but to pull the pin.

That said i wouldnt be surprised to see him in a Tyrone jersey again.

The disappointment for McGuigan aside, I find that story encouraging. For the last few years, Tyrone have plodded along at training until April, and then tried to time a run to peak in Aug/Sept. As a result, I think we have looked sluggish in recent times, never fully fit, aside maybe from a couple of games in the summer. Now, that tactic is risky, although perhaps necessary with an older side, and it is also easier to pull off with an older, vastly experienced side, who can win games even when only 80% fit.

For a new, young side, though, I think we have to be very sharp early in the year, and try to maintain it as best we can. I think this will also mean a change in tactics, from the slow, controlled game of the last 3 years, to a more attacking, higher intensity game. After our defeat to Donegal in the summer, Mickey abandonned the sweeper for the first time in 3 years, and I think we might see a more attacking Tyrone side start to develop now.

As for Brian, he had a good year in 2011, his best since 2005, but was still well off the pace against Dublin. The only place you could play him in the championship is in the full-forward line, and perhaps Mickey feels he has other ideas for there. Brian probably feels that effectively being told he wasn't needed was harsh, but he may look back and think it was kinder than slogging his guts out for a place on the bench.

Now, any chance of Davy Harte becoming a father next spring? One can but hope.....

Thomas Clarke wrote:Now, any chance of Davy Harte becoming a father next spring? One can but hope.....

saucer of milk for TC!!!!!!

bocerty wrote:

Thomas Clarke wrote:Now, any chance of Davy Harte becoming a father next spring? One can but hope.....

saucer of milk for TC!!!!!!

Ah come on now Boc, would you like to think he'll be wearing No.5 for us next summer?!

Thomas Clarke wrote:

bocerty wrote:

Thomas Clarke wrote:Now, any chance of Davy Harte becoming a father next spring? One can but hope.....

saucer of milk for TC!!!!!!

Ah come on now Boc, would you like to think he'll be wearing No.5 for us next summer?!

i was only messing TC - its just funny to see how the mindset of Tyrone fans has changed quite significantly over the last few years. Gone are the times when we used to go to games just to follow the team and have the craic. Now we almost demand success and we arent content to settle for second best.

I know what your saying about Davy and in all fairness he is always one of the first names mentioned when it comes to alleged weak links in the Tyrone team. But the flip side is he has given quite a bit to the cause and perhaps deserves to be treated a bit better than being slated by us all.

Thats not a dig at you either TC just a general comment. We sometimes overlook the fact that these guys are not professionals (not far of it mind you) and they do make an awful lot of sacrifices for our benefit.

No, it's a fair point Boc and, like most on here, I do try and not be too critical of players.

Davy was excellent from 2006 to early 2009, but his form dipped once we got out of Ulster in '09, and I don't actually think he has had a good performance since

I'd agree that he has done enough in the past to warrant a place on the panel, and an opportunity to recapture his form of old and batte for his place, but I'd worry that Mickey would pick him out of a desire for experience, when the need for pace is much greater. Pace, never something he had in abundance, is now what Davy lacks most.

For all the talk of the dawn of a new era in Tyrone football the starting fifteen for this weekends McKenna Cup game against Queens shows only one 'new' face. Full forward Laffery is the only player never to have represented Tyrone before.

1 John Devine – Aireagal Chiaráin
2 PJ Quinn – Baile na Móna
3 Justin McMahon – An Omaigh
4 Damian McCaul – Domhnach Mór
5 Sean O’Neill – An Droim Mór
6 Peter Harte – Aireagal Chiaráin
7 Stephen McNally – Oileán a’Ghuail
8 Aidan Cassidy – Eochar
9 Colm Cavanagh – An Mhaigh
10 Matthew Donnelly – Trí Leac
11 Martin Penrose – Achadh Uí Aráin
12 Michael Murphy – Gallbhaile
13 Patrick McNiece – Oilean a’Ghuail
14 Jonathan Lafferty – Urnaí
15 Tommy McGuigan – Árd Bó

Wow! If Mickey isn't gonna throw them in against Queens then when is he?? Jaysus lads where did all the Tyrone minors and U21s go?? I know every team needs experience but do they need all of Devine, Justy, Harte, Cassidy, Colm Kav, Penrose and McGuigan???

I am slightly grinning here as I imagine Pat telling us that of course they are naming their strongest XV - they are playing Queens!

Parouisa wrote:Wow! If Mickey isn't gonna throw them in against Queens then when is he?? Jaysus lads where did all the Tyrone minors and U21s go?? I know every team needs experience but do they need all of Devine, Justy, Harte, Cassidy, Colm Kav, Penrose and McGuigan???

I am slightly grinning here as I imagine Pat telling us that of course they are naming their strongest XV - they are playing Queens!

here is the list of subs, many of those you enquire about are here, others are playing for their colleges. I'd still be inclined to give a few more guys a run

17 Dermot Carlin – Coill an Chlochair
18 Conor Clarke – An Omaigh
19 Kyle Coney – Árd Bó
20 Ciaran Gervin – Doire Locháin
21 Peter Hughes – Eiscreach
22 Aidan McCrory – Aireagal Chiaráin
23 Niall McKenna – Domhnach Mór
24 Ronan McNamee – Achadh Uí Aráin
25 Stephen McNulty – Cluain Eo
26 Ronan O’Neill – An Omaigh

I would too Boc - sure there is nothing to lose! Mind you it will be a tough week for the man too - thoughts are with him and family.

Parouisa wrote:I would too Boc - sure there is nothing to lose! Mind you it will be a tough week for the man too - thoughts are with him and family.

indeed a tough few weeks just past with her wedding anniversary and birthday on consecutive days and now possibly the worst of it all to come .............

A poor enough performance from Tyrone, although there were a couple of positives, specifically Ronan O'Neill and Johnny Lafferty. Throw in Kyle Coney & Mattie Donnelly, and you have 4 lads now who should all be capable of pushing on this year. We'd need at least 3 of those to become first team regulars, given our lack of scoring power in the last couple of years. Of that bunch, O'Neill is the most promising, and I'd rate him the most natural corner forward we have produced in a long time. A natural, cocky inside forward, not unlike Jamie Clarke in many ways.

In defence, McCaul and PJ Quinn must be approaching the last chance saloon. They have both been round for several years now, but neither have shown any real progress. Injuries haven't helped, but I don't think either will ultimately be good enough. Sean O'Neill also has to learn discipline when it comes to positioning and making decisions, as that is what has held him back in the last couple of years. Stephen McNally does not look good enough.

Tyrone have at least 2 more McKenna cup games, so still plenty of time to see the other young lads. Just hoping that some of them can show some real progression this year as, looking at our panel right now, I see 4-5 excellent players that would make any side better, followed by c.30 lads that are much of a muchness.

Thomas Clarke wrote:A poor enough performance from Tyrone, although there were a couple of positives, specifically Ronan O'Neill and Johnny Lafferty. Throw in Kyle Coney & Mattie Donnelly, and you have 4 lads now who should all be capable of pushing on this year. We'd need at least 3 of those to become first team regulars, given our lack of scoring power in the last couple of years. Of that bunch, O'Neill is the most promising, and I'd rate him the most natural corner forward we have produced in a long time. A natural, cocky inside forward, not unlike Jamie Clarke in many ways.

In defence, McCaul and PJ Quinn must be approaching the last chance saloon. They have both been round for several years now, but neither have shown any real progress. Injuries haven't helped, but I don't think either will ultimately be good enough. Sean O'Neill also has to learn discipline when it comes to positioning and making decisions, as that is what has held him back in the last couple of years. Stephen McNally does not look good enough.

Tyrone have at least 2 more McKenna cup games, so still plenty of time to see the other young lads. Just hoping that some of them can show some real progression this year as, looking at our panel right now, I see 4-5 excellent players that would make any side better, followed by c.30 lads that are much of a muchness.

were you at the game TC? I didn't get myself but having spoken to a few who were your first few words just about sum things up - but for some wayward shooting from the students i believe we could easily have been looking at an embarrassing defeat.

I heard reports from a reliable source this evening that Hub Hughes has called time on his county career. It also looks likely that we will NFL as he is undergoing surgery on his ankle. He should be back in contention for a place prior to this years Championship.

mugsys_barber wrote:I heard reports from a reliable source this evening that Hub Hughes has called time on his county career. It also looks likely that we will NFL as he is undergoing surgery on his ankle. He should be back in contention for a place prior to this years Championship.

Jaysus Mugsy that makes about as much sense as listening to a Tyrone supporter speaking after a few pints ....

Parouisa wrote:

mugsys_barber wrote:I heard reports from a reliable source this evening that Hub Hughes has called time on his county career. It also looks likely that we will NFL as he is undergoing surgery on his ankle. He should be back in contention for a place prior to this years Championship.

Jaysus Mugsy that makes about as much sense as listening to a Tyrone supporter speaking after a few pints ....

Haven't time to bless meself these days lad.... the missing name there was Conor Gormley who is going for surgery on the ankle and hub has definitely retired

The Hub is definitely gone - seems a strange enough time to pull the pin on your career but he leaves behind some great memories - he had not feet on him for shooting but what he lacked in that department he more than made up for elsewhere - a real workhorse and was the perfect compliment to Sean Cavanagh at midfield doing all the donkey work for him.

Enjoy the retirement Hub.

Gormley is for the operating table this Friday to get his ankle cleaned out (whatever that means) not know what the recovery period is for such an operation but again the timing is a bit on the funny side unless it has just recently gave him bother.

Might be a good thing as it will force MHs hand at least for League and he will see what other lads are made of.

Parouisa wrote:Might be a good thing as it will force MHs hand at least for League and he will see what other lads are made of.

is it ever a good thing to see guys retiring P - theres a certain element of sadness for me personally to see someone like Hub and there are plenty others all over Ireland retire, when you think of what they gave us all the years of their career and all the memories we have of them its almost like a death in the family when they retire.

I'm very disappointed to see Hub call it a day, not only because I think he had something to offer late in games, but also, as Boc says, there is a real sadness at not seeing him in a Tyrone jersey for the first time in 15 years. I saw highlights from 2003 recently, and he and the others looked so young... Ah, this nostalgia thing, it would put years on you!

Hub was a fabulous footballer, and very much a man for the big occasion. A brilliant, attacking foil for Cormac in their midfield partnership at minor and U21, he became the McGilligan to Sean Cavanagh's Tohill at senior level.

In 2003, Hub was man-of-the-match in the quarter final and final, while in the semi he battered Dara O'Se for 70 minutes. Hub's ability to negate O'Se was a huge contributing factor to 2 of Tyrone's victories over the Kingdom. In 2008, he pushed O'Se out of the way at the throw in for the second half, before barrelling on down the field to crate the goal. I've heard Dara refer to him as the toughest and hardest player he ever faced.

Kevin Hughes was certainly tough as nails, both mentally and physically. He lost a brother and sister in separate car crashes, and played the 2001 Ulster Championship with the facial scars of a serious crash that he himself survived.

As Mickey Harte has said this morning, Hub had a fabulous engine. He ran and tackled and hit all day. He was short for a midfielder, and was sometimes bested by taller opponents, but more often than not his power and strength won out in the end.

Boc made the point about his shooting being poor, and it could indeed be awful at times (ironaically, he was a good full-forward at U21 level!), but what people didn't always appreciate is the brilliant football brain and drive that he had to constantly get into dangerous positions.

Football history will not see him recalled as often as the O'Neills, Cavanaghs and Doohers of the side, but Kevin Hughes was massively important to Tyrone, and I fear that it will be a long time before we see his likes again, or even find an adequate replacement.

bocerty wrote:is it ever a good thing to see guys retiring P - theres a certain element of sadness for me personally to see someone like Hub and there are plenty others all over Ireland retire, when you think of what they gave us all the years of their career and all the memories we have of them its almost like a death in the family when they retire.

This is true Boc but then you can have fellas hanging on too long too (with the best will in the world) - out of loyalty to the manager and vice versa and this can hurt teams/counties too. I was reading something recently (can't think where) and it was a where are they now piece and it was about Davy Dalton (I'm pretty sure) and he was saying how hard it was on lads when they retire. They are part of a group of 30 or so lads who spend a huge part of their lives together and then its all gone very suddenly. He felt something could be done for players - he may be right.

Found it - was a piece in the Sunday Indo - here's the relevant bits ...

DAVY DALTON

(Former Kildare footballer)

There are very few inter-county footballers who play into their mid-thirties and with every passing year it becomes more obvious that it's a young man's game. But All Star footballer Davy Dalton played with Kildare until he was 35 and would have continued on if his body allowed him. Retiring wasn't easy for Dalton and he admits that he struggled to fill the void that football left.

"It's very hard to give up inter-county football because you go from being totally consumed by it to having nothing to do with it," explains Dalton. "Looking back, I think players could do with a bit of counselling after they finish up to help cope with the transition."

Dalton had a successful career with Kildare, winning an All Star in 1997 and a Leinster title in 1998 under the stewardship of Mick O'Dwyer. When the full-back finished playing, he moved into management, spending time at the helm of several club teams before taking charge of the Meath minors for two years in 2010.

"Coaching was good to get involved in. It's a completely different side to the game. You have to start from scratch and learn the ropes again. There is a lot more to coaching than turning up shouting at lads."

the rumour mill has it that there will be an announcement tonight regarding another retirement from the Tyrone camp. The smart money is on Ricey but from one or two sources i have been speaking to dont be surprised if its Conor Gormley.

More to follow..............................