AFTER the uncertainty over the date and venue, the Tyrone ladies will finally attempt to secure their Senior Championship status at Clones on Saturday with an Ulster derby against Cavan.

It has been a difficult build-up for manager Kevin McCrystal because of injuries and players being forced to self-isolate. However. his side can retain their senior status with a win. A loss and they will have one more bite at the cherry in a relegation decider with Tipperary.

Tyrone will be much changed from the side that lost at O’Neills Healy Park in the National League against Cavan earlier in the season, and their manager knows the scale of the task that awaits them.

“This is a massive game for Tyrone. I’m sure for Cavan too as they are in the same situation as we find ourselves but we are going to go out and give it our all. That’s what’s expected from each and everyone of the players in our squad.”

Despite the troubled preparations McCrystal remains bullish about his side’s prospects.

“We are in no doubt that this is an important match but we are planning to come out on top as any good management team would want.”

The Tyrone squad will be stretched to the max. While a couple of long-term injuries have cleared up, Emma Brennan, Chloe Mc Caffrey, Emma Hegarty and Grainne Rafferty are among players who have not been able to train. When you weigh in Covid issues it has been incredibly difficult, yet McCrystal, DD McCaffrey and Mattie Brady have just powered on.

“We have a lot of injuries but an injury is another player’s opportunity to step up to the plate and give their all,” outlined the Tyrone boss.

“Cavan are a good sid. We are under no illusions but Tyrone are just as good on the day so we are going to go out and embrace the task in front of us and give 100 per cent.”