National Hurling League Division 3A final
Tyrone v Armagh
Saturday, Owenbeg, 2.30pm

By Alan Rodgers

THE solid progress which has been made by the Tyrone hurlers during the past two years reaches a critical milestone when their bid to win promotion form Division 3A reaches its climax on Saturday.

Victory over Armagh in the final will mean that the Red Hands will be playing Division Two hurling next year. If successful, it would be the first time in a generation that the hurlers have made that big step up.

Standing between them and the title are their familiar opponents from the Orchard County. Tyrone have held the upper hand in the derby clash having defeated them in last year’s Nickey Rackard and in the league earlier this year at Carrickmore.

Now, though, a different challenge faces Michael McShane and his players. They are well aware of the threat posed by Armagh, but according to the manager also know the rewards and motivations driving this bid for a long-awaited league triumph.

“A win on Saturday would put Tyrone at a higher level and this group of players are very keen to do that. This has been my number one priority since I took on the job,” said the Antrim native and Sleacht Néill manager.

“Playing in the final of the Nickey Rackard was more prestigious. But for me for Tyrone to develop further they need to get to a higher level and test themselves there. We’ve done the hard work in getting to the final, but we now face a very difficult game against very difficult opponents.

“It’s about ensuring that we perform to the highest level that we can and I’m confident that the players will do that. It would be great for Tyrone hurling if the players could get us up there into Division Two.”

An unbeaten run in the league since February has boosted their confidence, beginning with a notable draw away to Roscommon and a hard-earned win over Sunday’s final opponents.

The side has enjoyed a good run in both the championship and league in recent seasons, but this Sunday is one that they have targeted.

McShane believes that the team has improved ‘immeasurably’ this year and will be hoping that the dividend from their efforts will be a welcome and important one come Saturday.

“We didn’t get together until April 20 last year because of Covid. You need time to bed in your ideas, and we had no opportunity last year to work on strength and conditioning, find the players and get to know them,” he added.

“The panel has certainly improved, this year has given us the chance to work on how we play and we have become fitter, stronger and probably gelled as a result of the progress to the Nickey Rackard final. They have driven that on since we got together since December.

“But the proof of the pudding will come on Saturday. What has happened before against Armagh is in the past and is history. Those games will have no bearing on what happens.

“Armagh will be anxious to avenge those defeats, they had a competitive game against Roscommon and we have had a chance to work with the players for the past few weeks. This final will take on a life of its own, the two teams know each other very well, there is a familiarity and there could be that edge.

“We feel that we’re in a good position having come out of the league unbeaten. We’re trying to peak at around this time of year, our training was razor-sharp this week and the fitness levels are at a higher level than before. It’s all coming together nicely, but it’s up to the players to go out on Saturday and perform to the highest level that they can and if they do that then I think they will win.”