Derry host Tyrone at Owenbeg on Sunday

By Alan Rodgers

OWENBEG is expected to be packed to near capacity this Sunday for the eagerly-anticipated clash of Derry against Tyrone in the Dr McKenna Cup.

The venue – located at the Oak Leaf Centre of Excellence – has a capacity of around 7200. It is anticipated that somewhere in the region of over 4000 will attend this second round clash – making it perhaps the largest ever at the ground.

A meeting of Tyrone and Armagh exactly 10 years ago holds the modern record for the competition. That game drew 20,000 to Casement Park.

Derry county chairman, Brian Smith, said there was no doubt that the round two meeting will come close to breaking the record for an inter-county matches at the venue.

“We have staged a lot of important games at Owenbeg over the past few years and the fact that Tyrone are playing Derry means that this one is going to come very close to breaking our record attendance at the venue,” he said.

“At the moment, it’s expected that there will be around 4000 at the game. That’s due to the fact that Tyrone traditionally bring a large following and there’s the obvious added attraction of this particular pairing.

“It’s going to be Tyrone’s first appearance at Owenbeg at senior level, and then there’s the added attraction of both counties have won their opening games in the McKenna Cup.

“Our last Derry senior match here was the All-Ireland Qualifier last year against Sligo. We’ve also hosted Wexford here in the Qualifiers and the Ulster Hurling Final, so the venue is well capable of facilitating major matches.”

A team of around 30 stewards will be at Owenbeg from early on Sunday to ensure that everything goes according to plan.

The opening of the venue and subsequent construction of an all-seater stand have helped enhance Owenbeg’s reputation as an ideal venue. The unique atmosphere of a Derry v Tyrone derby clash will ensure plenty of excitement when the action gets underway at aroundf 2pm on Sunday.

“We’re encouraging all those travelling to the game to park in the carparks provided in and around Owenbeg. This will help ensure that people can enter and leave the ground safely and quickly,” added Brian Smith.

“We treat every game and event at Owenbeg with the same status and the health and safety of those attending is the most important thing. Owenbeg is ready and we’re looking forward to an enjoyable day.

“Depending on the weather, there may even be more than the estimated 4000 in attendance, but the main thing is that there’s a good game in prospect.”