Dr McKenna Cup final

Tyrone v Monaghan

Saturday, Athletic Grounds, 7.30pm

By Barry O’Donnell

TYRONE’S Ronan McNamee said he’s honoured to captain his county in this weekend’s Dr McKenna Cup final.

They set up their date with the Farney men by virtue of a 2-16 to 1-10 semi-final victory over Down last Sunday when the side was skippered by the All-Star full-back McNamee.

While the McKenna Cup has come in for criticism this year, the Aghyaran man is brimming with pride about being part of their bid to win their 17th title.

“It’s not often you get the chance at this level, but with Mattie (Donnelly) and Petie (Harte) being away, he’s been passing it about to a few different lads. It’s obviously a great honour, but at the end of the day, you shouldn’t be making it any different than any other day.

“It’s always nice to get competitive games at this time of the year, and it’s nice to get back to another McKenna Cup Final.”

Last Sunday was a particularly memorable one for all Aghyaran Gaels, as not only was McNamee captain for the occasion but his club-mate Benny Gallen was between the posts and another St Davog’s player Ronan McHugh came off the bench to smash home the clinching second goal at the death.

Indeed the Aghyaran trio all popped up with crucial late scores which put the result beyond doubt, a contribution which was not lost on the skipper.

“It was nice for the three of us to finish a game together. Ronan is coming back from a serious (knee) injury, and it’s good to see him back and getting game time and just being well enough to play games.

“And obviously Benny and (Niall) Morgan are toughing it out there, game about.

“It’s nice for the club to be representing the county, we’re all proud Tyrone men and any day you’re given the chance to run out, you’re very grateful for it.”

Tyrone had victory at the weekend all but wrapped up by half-time, when, aided by a strong wind at their backs, they built up a 1-12 to 0-4 interval advantage. However their intensity levels dropped off significantly after the break, with the Mourne men reducing the deficit to four points at one stage, as aspect of their play which annoyed McNamee.

“The first 20 minutes of the second half, we were really lack-lustre at times.

“We carried it into traffic, coughed up possession, and Down put a good squeeze on us.

“We were struggling to get the ball to the right men at that end of the field, and a lot of it was our own mistakes.

“At the same time, there was a right wee breeze that was making it that bit more awkward to get the field, but to be fair to them, they were very good for the 20-25 minutes before we started to grind them down a wee bit, and got a couple of scores to get us back to a lead that kept them at arms length.”

Tyrone were down to the bare bones in terms of squad strength last Sunday (just six subs were named in the match programme) yet McNamee has praised the team for making light of their predicament to still turn in a winning performance.

“ There’s a lot of boys away playing Sigerson, that leave squads depleted at this time of year, but what ever was there, the boys dug in and got a good enough result out of it.

“ And when you’re carrying a few niggles, and boys are getting a big of game time but not necessarily ready for 70 minutes, it leaves it tight for numbers, and it puts a load on everybody else.

“ But it’s good to be fit to take a jersey and run out on to the field and be grateful for the position you’re in. Every day you get to tog out for Tyrone is a good day. I’m just glad to be back and healthy and ready for Saturday night.”

Monaghan were afforded a bye through to Saturday’s final by virtue of Donegal’s decision to withdraw from the competition.

Citing a whole plethora of absentees through illness and other playing commitments (Sigerson Cup football), Donegal manager Declan Bonner opted to give the Farney a

bye rather than field a team last Sunday

However McNamee had little sympathy for his near neighbours from the Tir Chonnail county and argued that they took the wrong course of action.

“If we’re able to field and Down is able to field, I’m sure everybody else is able to field. I think it’s just an excuse to be honest. I would rather be playing football than be training.

“ Maybe I’ll stand on a few toes by saying that, but I don’t really care. It’s been going on elsewhere. Corofin are constantly clashing (with fixtures). Your boy Molloy is playing for NUIG and playing for his club on the same weekend.

“ Don’t get me wrong, it’s not ideal, but it wasn’t an issue when the Sigerson weekend was three games on the same weekend, there was no talk about player burn-out or player welfare then, so I don’t know what the big panic is now.”