GETTING Tyrone back to the top table in ladies football will be the focus of new senior captain Niamh O’Neill as she leads out the team for the first time this Sunday against Armagh for the start of their Lidl National League Division Two campaign.

The 25-year-old Sperrin Og player is relishing the challenge that lies ahead.

“I am really honoured. It was great to be asked. We have a great group of girls all going well and we want Tyrone doing well. I won’t be doing anything different. I’m not a big talker but I will have a say if it’s needed.”

O’Neill has led the Tyrone attack now for almost a decade now and while she has three Ulster and one All-Ireland intermediate title under her belt, getting Tyrone back to compete in the senior competition is her main aim. She feels that’s where Tyrone must be, despite losing a handful of experienced players.

“Time waits for no-one and yes players have moved on but those girls don’t owe Tyrone anything. It’s time for us to move things on and it is about the future. We have set our own targets and we know it won’t happen overnight, so all we can do is trust in what we are doing and get Tyrone back.”

Alongside O’Neill will be new vice-captain, Donaghmore’s Emma Hegarty. She had been considering her future but this appointment has come at the right time for the seasoned operator.

“I am delighted to be asked and it really is an honour for me, the club and my family. All we need to do now is get Tyrone challenging again,” said Hegarty.

Returning to those glory days has proven difficult so far for manager Kevin McCrystal and his players and it will get no easier in the coming weeks through the reduced National League that opens at Derrymacash against the Ulster champions Armagh, and then its Monaghan and Cavan up next.

Under Ronan Murphy Armagh are focused on reaching the top tier.

They will be at full strength while in contrast Tyrone will be without the retired Neamh Woods, Christiane Hunter, Tori McLaughlin and Niamh McGirr while Joanne Barrett and Emma Mulgrew are carrying injuries, and Slaine McCarroll and Chloe McCaffrey are also ruled out. The Orchard side have had the Indian sign over Tyrone too but the new captain O’Neill while acknowledging that the league campaign will be tough hopes that they can benefit from the experience.

“Yes we have three tough senior teams and neighbours but while it will be difficult we can use the experience. The younger girls will see what is required and this will be a good stepping stone for the championship but we want to stay in Division Two.”

That sentiment was echoed by manager Kevin McCrystal who also sees consolidation as the main objective.

“We want to be challenging but first of all we want to stay in Division Two and then focus on the Intermediate Championship. I know we have lost players and those players owe Tyrone nothing, we need to take the next step now and it will be difficult with three senior sides up first.”