By Niall Gartland

A FORMER Tyrone player is concerned that the team’s match fitness won’t be anywhere near up to scratch unless the rescheduled All-Ireland semi-final against Kerry is pushed back even further.

Clonoe stalwart PJ Lavery was diagnosed with Covid-19 prior to Christmas alongside his wife and young child, and he says the GAA’s decision to grant Covid-stricken Tyrone a six-day postponement is nowhere near adequate in the circumstances.

Tyrone joint-manager Brian Dooher admits that they may have no choice but to withdraw from the championship – he says they’ll “make a call on it probably in the middle of next week” – and it’s understood they’re hoping GAA chiefs will reconsider and grant their initial request of a two-week deferral.

Lavery said: “It’s going to be very hard for Tyrone particularly in terms of regaining fitness. When I had the virus, I wasn’t in bed the whole time, I just had cold and flu symptoms, but my missus wasn’t out of bed for two days.

“I was only out running at the time, but it still hampered me, and if you’re not participating in competitive training, it only takes a week or two before your fitness takes a knock.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s club or county, if you’ve built up to peak fitness over a matter of months, it’s very easy losing that sharpness.

“I don’t know when all the lads will be coming back from self-isolation, but in reality they’ll only have a week to prepare for one of the biggest games of their lives.

“Tyrone looked for a two-week postponement and I don’t see what harm that would’ve done – if Kerry win and some of their players test positive ahead of the All-Ireland final, they’ll have to get the same treatment from the GAA which is only going to push it back another week or 10 days anyway.”

Earlier this week, Tyrone chairman Michael Kerr publicly expressed his disappointment that a two-week request wasn’t granted, but Lavery wonders why club teams within the county have been forced to concede when unable to field due to Covid.

“I get why Michael said what he said, but you have to practice what you preach. Loughmacrory, Donaghmore and Glenelly have all had to concede matches, and I don’t think that could be the case. Loughmacrory could’ve played their game against the Moy this weekend, and it’s led to a situation where struggling teams will think they can’t afford to concede matches.

“We’re sitting at home at the minute without any football, even though we still have eight senior league games still to play. Realistically you’re looking at early or mid-October before the championship starts, and it’s going to be another late finish to the league.”

The Tyrone footballers also have the backing of the GPA, who said that the amateur status of the players needs to be respected.

“The GPA have been in, and continue to be, in ongoing contact with the Tyrone Senior Football squad. Their health and well-being is our primary concern. We are also in contact with the Tyrone Senior Football management and share their player welfare concerns.

“We will consult closely with the GAA to ensure adequate time is allowed to assess the welfare of players before a decision can be made by Tyrone. Above all we ask for respect to be shown to the amateur status of the players.”