Sigersons under 14’s won the first ever Eddie Curran tournament on Tuesday past (27^th June) after defeating Badoney 9-16 to 4-9.

A massive thanks to Dean Molloy and the Sigersons Under 14 management team of Sean Barkley, Dermot McGrath and Mickey Quigg for organising the tournament.

Thanks to the competing teams in the tournament  Badoney, Aghyaran and Castlefin for their commitment and respect shown throughout.

Thanks to the referees Sean McIntyre and Eugene Kelly, also a special mention to the grounds committee for having the facilities in excellent condition. A special word of thanks to Tom Brown who was always on hand to help out and have the changing rooms and pitches ready.

Thanks to the under 14’s boys’ parents who provided refreshments for the competing clubs.

Thanks to the Curran family for sponsoring the beautiful shield in memory of their late father and grandfather who was a former Vice-President and club stalwart who dedicated his life to the club.

Finally, congratulations to the Strabane Sigersons Under 14 team who are the first winners of the tournament and it was even more special that two of the Strabane players Alex Bishop and Joe Bishop are grandsons of Eddie.

UNDER 16’S WIN AIDEN O’KANE MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT IN CLANNA NGAEL

On Saturday morning Sigersons Under 16 footballers travelled to Aughabrack for the annual ’Craic in the Brack’ sevens tournament and came away victorious after defeating Craigbane in a brilliant final. Connor O’Hagan was the captain on the day and was delighted to collect the shield for the third time in the competition’s history while Gavin O’Kane was also named player of the tournament after some excellent performances and showing real leadership throughout.

Strabane Squad in Total Scored (13-40);

Liam McElhinney (0-1), Anton McGowan (0-1), Dylan Edwards (0-12), Gavin O’Kane (0-6), Eunan McNulty (5-6), Jack Quinn (3-1), Connor O’Hagan (1-3), Jordan Gallagher (2-10), Shane Rouse (2-0).

In the group stages Strabane had four games with four out of five teams qualifying so it was essential that the Sigersons started well. Firstly they defeated Craigbane 2-8 to 1-6, then beat neighbours Clan na nGael 4-5 to 0-5 before being pushed all the way by Steelstown but managed to win that one 0-10 to 2-1. Their only defeat came against Claudy in their fourth game but the Sigersons lads extracted revenge beating the Derry lads 4-5 to 4-4 in the semi final.

Strabane 4-5 4-4 Claudy – Semi Final

Strabane again faced Claudy in their Semi Final and gave an outstanding performance to win by the minimum. Sigersons trailed at half time 1-3 to 1-1 with a Shane Rouse goal on the stroke of half time vital. Strabane pulled the game level before two Claudy goals pushed the Derry side six ahead before an incredible ninety seconds from Strabane produced three goals. The first came via Jack Quinn before two excellent finishes from Eunan McNulty put Strabane three ahead. However, Claudy levelled the game again with another goal but a stoppage time free kick from Eunan McNulty won the game for Strabane and secured a place in the final.

Liam McElhinney, Anton McGowan, Dylan Edwards (0-1), Gavin O’Kane, Eunan McNulty (2-2), Jack Quinn (1-0), Connor O’Hagan, Jordan Gallagher (0-2), Shane Rouse (1-0).

Strabane 3-10 2-10 Craigbane – Final

The final saw Strabane up against Derry opposition again only this time it was Craigbane. Strabane began the final the quicker and led 1-5 to 0-1 with the Strabane major coming via Eunan McNulty and a superb performance from Gavin O’Kane saw him grab three points. Liam McElhinney also came out of goal to tap over as well as a Jordan Gallagher point however Craigbane rallied back to level 1-5 apiece at half time.

The second half was equally dramatic and Strabane edged in front by a point before Jordan Gallagher extended that lead to four with a goal after two brilliant saves from the opposition goalkeeper. The Derry lads came back with a goal of their own but points from Eunan McNulty, Connor O’Hagan, Jordan Gallagher and two scores from Dylan Edwards left the scores 2-10 apiece with the game looking set for extra time. However up popped Jack Quinn who received a pass from Jordan Gallagher and squeezed the ball into the net to win it for Strabane.

Liam McElhinney (0-1), Anton McGowan, Dylan Edwards (0-2), Gavin O’Kane (0-3), Eunan McNulty (1-1), Jack Quinn (1-0), Connor O’Hagan (0-1), Jordan Gallagher (1-2), Shane Rouse.

Strabane Sigersons would like to thank the Clan na nGael club for the invitation to this brilliant tournament once again held annually in memory of Aiden O’Kane.

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Minor Championship Final Grade 4

Derrytresk Fir An Chnoic 4-10

Aghaloo O’Neills 0-06

Derrytresk Fir An Chnoic minor footballers closed out their season in style by claiming a league and championship double over the past week.  A championship semi-final victory over Fintona Pearses – forwards Conor Corr and Shea McConnville grabbing the important goals – had their team qualified for the championship final against Aghaloo  and having remained unbeaten throughout their 10 game league campaign, the boys from ‘the Hill’ collected their first piece of silverware after a long season when they were presented with the Minor league shield by Adrian Scullion in Clonoe.

With the league title secured the championship final was then played on Monday night as they faced off against Aghaloo in the Moy with the chance of achieving a rare underage double for the club. Aghaloo had been the surprise package in the grade, their efforts had gathered momentum and results and they advanced from their semi-final with a very well deserved victory over pre-competition favourites, Killyman, St Mary’s. Aghaloo used a very well organised defensive system and were very difficult to break down but were also very adept at breaking quickly from their defensive shape when in possession. Pre-final favourites Derrytresk eventually opened the scoring with a long range point after almost 9 minutes of play but Aghaloo responded to fire three unanswered points to establish control of the game. Derrytresk were obviously concerned as they rang the changes with captain, Ultan McKee, just returning from injury, entering the fray at full forward. With McKee winning good possession he and his twin brother Diarmuid fired two points to level the game before a three minute spell turned the game in Derrytresk’s favour. Odhran Hughes and the hard working Conor Corr charged through the defence and the Aghaloo defensive shield was pierced with two quick fire goals to leave a half-time score of 2-3 to 0-5 in Derrytresk’s favour.

With the slight breeze and momentum of those goals in their favour Derrytresk proceeded to dominate the third quarter with Adam Lambert, now at centre back, a constant rock on which Aghaloo attacks perished. McKee at full forward was also instrumental in this period as he kicked three of five Derrytresk points without reply to establish a nine point lead for his team. With Aghaloo now struggling for scores and committing more players forward the Derrytresk defensive effort came in to its own as they forced turnovers or heavily pressured shots and restricted Aghaloo to just the one point in this period. As time ran out and the Aghaloo boys continued to press, gaps began to open up at the back and, as the game ticked to a close, those gaps were exploited with consecutive points from Aidan McCaffrey and goals in the closing moments from Conor Corr, one of the games standout performers, and the hard running of Diarmuid McKee.

So it was that Adrian Scullion, for the second time in three days, presented the trophy to Ultan McKee as he and his Derrytresk team secured a well-deserved double of league and championship success for the Fir An Chnoic.

Derrytresk:

Blaine Campbell, Adam Lambert, Paul McCabe, Eamon Canavan, James Canavan, Eoin McNally, Diarmuid McKee, (1-1), Ciaran Hagan, Conor Corr, (2-0),  Aidan McCaffrey, (0-2),  Odhran Hughes, (1-1), Fintan Campbell, (0-1), Shea McConnville (0-1)

Subs: Ultan McKee (0-3), Oisin O’Neill, JP McCann

Conall Hagan, Conor Fitzgerald, Cailean O’Donnell, Ronan Scanlon, Ruairi McGeehan

Aghaloo: Conor Moore, John Sherry, Brendan Kelly, Sean Muldoon, Melvin Gibson, Daniel McCrudden, Stewart Douglas,(0-3), Brendan Quinn, (0-1), Connor Ward, Eoin Gildernew, (0-2), Eoghan Gildernew, Liam Muldoon, Jake Sherry, Emmett Taggart

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Killeeshil are through to the O’Neills grade one minor championship final after beating Eglish in a high scoring and entertaining clash on Wednesday evening. Cormac Donaghy top scored for the winners with seven points with Tomas Hoy hitting 0-6, Louis Conlon and Daniel Millar 0-3 each and Jason Doyle, Ryan Doyle and Niall Loughran a brace each. Impressive centre half back Liam Hughes got their other point. Ethan Jordan top scored for Eglish with half a dozen points to his name with Seamus Muldoon grabbing 0-4 and Michael McGleenan a brace. Killeeshil will play Cappagh or Errigal Ciaran in the final, that second semi down for decision on Friday night in Eskra with a 7.30 throw in.

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Beragh claimed the u14 league title on Thursday evening following a very exciting 5-11 to 5-6 win over Clan na nGael in what was a pulsating game between two very evenly matched sides.

First half goals from Jonathan Owens and Michael Grimes helped Beragh reach the break 2-6 to 1-4 with the CNG goal coming courtesy of Ronan Mc Aleer.

The second half saw Beragh extend their lead with Patrick Mc Cann and Owens both finding the net for the Red Knights. However points from Robbie Conway and Seamus Devine kept Clan in the game before goals from Ronan Mc Aleer (2) and Kieran Kerlin really set the cat amongst the pigeons. Beragh were temporarily stunned but a late 1-1 from midfielder Owens ensured the Clan na nGael comeback would come up just short.   

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TTM are delighted to confirm that we have joined the Club Tyrone Dragon’s Scheme. The team are pictured shortly after signing the standing order on Thursday evening. The news comes just a few days ahead of the Ulster Senior Football Championship final and Club Tyrone’s first meeting in New York. That meeting will take place in Rattle’N’Hum West on Tuesday 11th July at 5pm ET.

The Club Tyrone Dragon’s scheme ring fences funds for the Acadamh Thir Eoghain programme. Speaking after tonight’s signing TTM’s Noel McGinn said “TTM are a delighted to support the Acadamh Thir Eoghain project. We’ve seen the success of the programme already with the U17s collecting two league titles in two years and winning the inaugural U17 Ulster championship title. Club Tyrone is a fantastic organisation and I’ve no doubt that their plans to reach out beyond the county will be hugely successful”.

Pictured in the photo is John Mulgrew, Noel McGinn, Shea McGinn, Mark Conway, Damian Harvey, Kevin Kelly and Adrian Colton.

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Kildress lifted the grade two U14 league title after winning an enthralling encounter with Cookstown on a 3-11 to 4-7 scoreline. The Tones dominated the first half and they reached the break seven points in front with Shea Quinn hitting 2-4 and Aidan McAleer, Shea McAleer and Ben Donnelly on target as well. Ben Leek got the Cookstown goal with Terry Devlin (2) and Michael McElhatton their point scorers.

An early second half goal from Shea McAleer left it 3-7 to 1-4 but then the Father Rocks fought back. Substitute Conor Falls found the net twice with Cormac McVeigh also firing in a goal as they got back on level terms. Quinn exchanged points with Devlin and Matthew Donaghy and after Kildress edged in front Aidan McAleer popped up with the insurance point with a wonderful effort from out on the wing.

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The O’Neills grade one minor championship final will be a local derby between Errigal Ciaran and Killeeshil after the Dunmoyle based lads overcame Cappagh at Eskra on Friday evening.

Scores proved difficult to come by in the first half with the winners leading 1-2 to 1-1 at the break with Pauric McNeilis and John Rafferty getting the goals for their respective sides. The second half proved to be totally different  with play swinging from end to end and quality scores the order of the day.

Peter Og McCartan weighed in with five points for the winners with Darragh Canavan grabbing 1-5. Ethan Neill also weighed in with 1-2 in a fine all round team display. PT Cunningham top scored for Cappagh with five points with midfielder Matthew Murnaghan getting a couple as it finished 3-14 to 1-10.

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Greencastle’s talented U-15s produced some excellent football as they claimed Grade 2 Óg Sport competition in Garvaghy on Friday night.

The St. Patrick’s were drawn to face Brackaville in a tough semi-final that required extra-time to decide the winner.

The final then saw them pitched against a fast moving and high quality Aghyaran outfit in a match that turned out to be another enthralling encounter with Greencastle digging deep to finish stronger, winning by a four point margin on a final score of 2-10 to 3-03.

Team captain Sean Conneely  received the trophy from Arian Scullion on behalf of the team.

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LADIES FOOTBALL

Tyrone ladies have been dealt a bad blow ahead of next months all Ireland quarter final outing against either Leitrim or Longford as forward Siobhan Sheerin suffered a nasty injury in a club league game.

The Glenelly forward picked up a broken metatarsal in her foot as her team lost to Killeeshil in division one. The incident was non contact related. Sheerin suffered a similar injury several seasons ago and she now faces a race against time to be fit for the All Ireland quarter final. It’s believed the talented forward will be in a cast for at least five weeks making her return to action this season dependant on a Tyrone quarter final win.

Meanwhile the County Minor management are hoping their players all came through a busy couple of days of club league football unscathed as they prepare to face Cork next Saturday in the all Ireland semi-final at Mullingar.

In division one Errigal Ciaran and St Macartans share top spot after the latest round of fixtures. The Macs eased to a big win over Carrickmore while Errigal didn’t kick a ball as remarkably Sperrin Og failed to field. Clann Na nGael also didn’t field against Aodh Ruadh who sit third in the table as Killeeshil moved fourth with their win over Glenelly and the St Mary’s now find themselves level on points with Carrickmore. Strabane and Sperrin Og look doomed to the drop.

In division two, league leaders Fr Rocks hung on for a draw against St Enda’s who battled back from five down to level matters at Cookstown on Friday night. In the closing stages a battling albeit weakened Omagh fluffed their lines as they hit four wides with the hosts hanging on after the St Enda’s had earlier missed a penalty. Loughmacrory handed points to Drumragh as they failed to field with the Sarsfield’s now sitting in third.

Galbally and Coalisland prop up the table.

In the third division Castlederg remain unbeaten and top the table on 18 points after a big win at Moy. Edendork who beat Fintona are second with Clonoe third despite a draw with Beragh. Trillick are also in the play-off mix with games in hand over the top three, Badoney also pushing their way up the table with a narrow win over Rock.

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  Carrickmore were worthy winners of the grade one Og sport title at Garvaghey on Friday evening. The young St.Colmcilles overcame Trillick in the semi final before accounting for Ardboe in the decider. Ironically the scoreline in both games was the same, 6-9 to 1-5. Carrickmore now represent Tyrone in the Ulster finals which will Continue Reading...

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It was with deep regret and considerable sadness that Tyrone GAA learned of the death of former County Chairman Pat Darcy on Tuesday evening.

Pat was a lifelong gael who made an indelible mark on the Association. He gave decades of service to the Tattyreagh St Patrick’s Club as well as making major contributions to his County and at provincial level.

Playing a key role in the reforming of Tattyreagh, Pat went on to hold all of the main committee posts within his club, as well as acting as club referee for many years before taking up the reins as the Senior Team manager. He held that position for almost a decade and oversaw the club’s promotion to Intermediate football in the late 90s. He took great pride in the development of the youth of the club and was particularly pleased to see the club’s youth making a significant contribution on recent county minor and under 21 squads.

At County level, Pat served initially as Disciplinary Secretary on the Games Administration Committee before becoming chairman of the GAC/CCC followed by Vice-Chair of the County Board. He was elected as Tyrone GAA Chairman in 2004, a role which he held until 2009, during which time he also served as Chairman of Club Tyrone. Pat presided over the most successful period in the county’s history collecting 2 All Ireland Senior Football titles, an All Ireland Minor Football title and a Lory Meagher Cup during his tenure. After stepping down as Chair in 2009, he went on to serve as Tyrone’s representative on the Ulster Council and later took over as Chairperson of Tyrone Camogie, a role which he continued to hold until his passing.

Pat was also a strong community activist and played a leading role advocating the building of the A5 Dual Carriageway in recent years.

GAA people from across the county and beyond extend deepest sympathy to his children Claire, Sean, Sarah and Louise, his grandchildren, his brothers and sisters and his large family circle.

Ar lamh dheis Dé go raibh sé.

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TTM Radio will be broadcasting LIVE from Clones on Sunday as Cavan take on Derry for the last ever Electric Ireland Ulster Minor Football Championship. Join us LIVE from 11:45am to find out who will come out on top.

Lead Generation

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_{Cork come into Saturday’s all Ireland minor semi-final clash with Tyrone intent on making it back to the decider for a crack at a hat trick of all Ireland titles. However they know they face a tough challenge from the young Red Hands.}

_{The Rebellettes carry the bulk of last season’s squad into this semi-final. They are physically strong and vastly experienced and start as clear favourites for this game. Despite being underdogs this current crop of Tyrone players is not just turning up to make up the numbers and bring to the table perhaps the best Ulster challenge for several seasons.}

_{In their Ulster final victory over Armagh Clodagh Donaghy, Aimee Daly and Meabh Corrigan were exceptional at the back while the talented attack of Meave Maxwell, Dearbháile Gallagher, Maria Canavan and Chloe McCaffrey led the scoring at Lisnaskea. Manager Hugh Donnelly was delighted that Tyrone advanced through Ulster.}

_{“This side have defined themselves as a contentious force within the realms of Ladies minor football after some very convincing wins during their quest for well-deserved Ulster glory. We shook off stern challenges from Cavan and Down to earn an Ulster final showdown with Armagh. We then showcased some of their superb talent with a game plan that was methodical, well delivered and ultimately proved too much for their Orchard County rivals.”}

_{Tyrone teams though have not had things easy in the minor series in the recent past when 2000 was their one and only title with just one further final date in 2012. Back then a very talented side eventually lost to Dublin. On the other hand the Cork reputation is cast in stone and the Rebels are determined to make it through to a 14th final appearance and perhaps a tenth title. they certainly feel that they have the players capable of progressing.}

_{Ciara Ryan, Ciara McCarthy and Emma Spillane need no introduction. They have been key members of the Rebel County’s set up and are very much players for the future as Cork’s senior football squad rebuild. There are similarities between the teams with young players part of or on the cusp of senior teams. Tyrone have plenty of quality too and several of this minor squad have featured in the senior set up already. It will be a tough outing for Tyrone but Donnelly who took the reins at the start of this year knows his players,}

_{“Tyrone have not reached the all Ireland stage for a few years. However  I believe that with the strength, talent, ability and drive prevalent among this squad we realise this as a very achievable goal albeit one that will require absolutely every player to dig deeper than they have to date this year and put in their finest 60 minutes.”}

_{Donnelly and his players have had a protracted build up to this game which has been difficult confirmed the manager.}

_{“The extensive break between the Ulster Final and All-Ireland semi-final has at times created difficulties in maintaining momentum and this coupled with girls involvement in club fixtures and academic pressures has caused us problems. However by maintaining a common sense approach and working with the girls we feel we have optimised all opportunities to develop and move forward as a team.”}

_{The game is part of a double bill with the Galway Dublin clash throwing in at 1-30pm and the Tyrone Cork game at 3-15pm as long as there is no extra time in the first game. Donnelly reports no major injury issues ahead of the tie}

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As part of an arrangement with the GPA local dentist Emmett Murray has been supplying custom made mouth-guards for the Tyrone senior football team.  

As they prepared for their biggest match of the season so far several of the players were on hand to receive a consignment of mouth-guards on behalf of the team.

Dental health and dental injuries have become increasingly important and as the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure.

Dental injuries are the commonest type of facial injury sustained during participation in sports. Anyone engaged in contact sports should use a well-made mouth-guard to reduce the risk of injury to teeth, bone and lips, and also to reduce the risk of concussion. There is evidence that in most sports the cost of treatment following dental injuries is greater than for any other injury. This is because most sports injuries heal completely without residual disability, while injuries to the mouth can often entail further treatment throughout life.

When a mouth-guard is made, the dentist takes an impression of the upper teeth. A dental laboratory then makes the mouth-guard. An identification label can be permanently sealed into the mouth-guard when it is made, to help in case of loss.

A custom-made mouth-guard designed by a dentist will provide a better fit, and be more comfortable to wear, than the fit-it-yourself mouth-guards sold in sports shops; and it will be more likely to stay in place on impact. A better fit will also ensure that breathing is not inhibited. ‘Boil and bite’ mouth-guards may show a CE European quality mark, but this mark refers only to the production consistency of the mouth-guard material and says nothing about the effectiveness of the mouth-guard’s protection against impact.

A custom-made mouth-guard may cost up to £60. Also, think about having a spare made at the same time, which would be cheaper – this will probably add £25–£30 to the cost.  It is important that a mouth-guard is properly looked after. 

 Dentists recommend that:

• soap and water are used to wash the mouth-guard immediately after use;

• it is then dried thoroughly and stored in a perforated container;

• it should be rinsed with a mouth-rinse or a mild antiseptic (e.g. 0.2% chlorhexidine)  immediately before being used again;

• it should be inspected regularly to check its fit, particularly for children who are still  growing;

• it should not be chewed, as this damages the mouth-guard and shortens its life.

Another tip: loss of a mouth-guard can be very bad for confidence, so keep mouth-guards in your hand-luggage when you travel. A mouth-guard is essential equipment and should be worn for training too, not just for the big event.

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Edendork lifted the O’Neills grade three minor league title when they produced an assured display to account for Beragh at Killeeshil on Friday evening. The winners led 2-5 to 0-4 at the break with Odhran Donnelly getting their second goal after Beragh full back James McSorley had been unlucky to see a rebound bounce off him and into the net for the first major. Conor Martin and Finn Grimes had first half points for the Red Knights while the same two players got a point each in the second period. Donnelly, Tomas Mallon and Ryan McCurry weighed in with points for the St.Malachys with Niall Corr getting their third goal late on as it finished 3-11 to 0-7.

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There are many qualities that make up a winner on the GAA pitch but while skill, talent and commitment are essential elements of a player’s DNA, the importance of self belief and confidence should not be under-estimated.

This week in the lead up to the Ulster Final social media has been full of notices of Down fans, clubs and businesses publicising their support for the red and black and their commitment to the cause. The buzz around the Mourne County is almost palpable as the team prepares for its first Ulster final for nearly seven years.

At the start of the season very few Down fans honestly expected to be where they are this weekend but following well merited and hard fought wins over near neighbours Armagh and championship favourites Monaghan all that has changed. Suddenly the swagger is back in Down football and the lack of confidence and self belief that belied their form over the past two years has been replaced by a sense of optimism that borders on blind faith, the sort of blind faith that turns failing footballers into Ulster champions.

Adding to the buzz and the sense of expectation two pre Ulster Final chat-shows were organised with former greats from both counties getting the chance to share stories and recall games from the past. Opportunities to meet the players have been staged. Schools, clubs and villages have been bedecked in the Down colours as the Mourne County comes to terms with the possibility of being provincial champions once again.

Momentum is a massive factor in any walk of life and none more so than in sport. It can engender confidence, inspire belief and lift players to levels of performance they thought they were previously not capable of.

Judging by what we have read and seen over the past week there appears to be a growing self belief among the Down footballing public that this is going to be their year. The disappointments of the last couple of seasons have been forgotten and the whole county has woken up to the realisation that the Kingdom of Mourne is once more back at the top of Ulster football.

Clones on Sunday will be awash with colour as four different counties contest the two finals. The red and black flags of Down will fly proudly and in huge numbers as success starved supporters come in search of glory. They will be loud, they will be numerous and vocal and will get behind their team in the hope that the momentum built up since that fantastic display against Monaghan will lead them to another unlikely win. This time however there is a huge prize for the victors.

While the Mourne County appears to be building up a considerable head of steam in search of another Ulster title what of Tyrone in all this you might ask.

In a week where the O’Neill County was very much preoccupied with the loss one of its finest administrators and a real ambassador for the Red Hand cause, the late Pat Darcy, Tyrone GAA continued to operate as it always does.

Travel through the towns and villages of the county and although there is a distinct lack of colour, flags or bunting that should not be mistaken for a lack of interest in this match or a lack of hunger for another provincial title. The gates of Garvaghey remained open for business as summer camps and the day to day running of a GAA mad county were overseen. Training and preparations for the county’s senior and under 17 teams went on apace while the ladies minor and senior county squads turned their attentions to upcoming challenges.

On social media most Tyrone supporters are treading warily as far as trying to call Sunday’s game. Granted there are one or two whose posts are so far off the mark they cannot be based on logic or rational thought.

Meanwhile Club Tyrone officers, fresh from their success in establishing the London chapter of the organisation took their message and their methodology west to New York in the hope of developing a further arm of their formidable organisation. Judging by the photos, videos and testimonials from the trip it seems that the visit was hugely successful. No doubt the hard work put in by Mark Conway and his fellow officers will bear considerable fruit in the not too distant future as the Tyrone expats get the chance to share in the Red Hand success.

Will that success see back to back Ulster titles for the O’Neill County or will the Down juggernaut prevail? Can Tyrone’s experience and efficiency overcome the heady mix of momentum and self confidence that is currently pumping through the veins of the Down GAA fraternity? Those questions will be answered on Sunday but one thing is for sure, Down teams in the championship have always proved difficult opposition for Tyrone as shown in 03 and 08.

A Down team playing with confidence is a formidable opponent for any team and Eamon Burns and his players will not fear Tyrone in any way. They will relish the occasion and rise to the challenge knowing that as against Monaghan very few outside their circle expect them to win. What greater incentive can you have as a player than to prove the doubters wrong once again especially in the biggest game of the season.

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Click here for more photos from the Official Opening of Rockland GAA

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