THE Tyrone coach who helped the county win their first ever All-Ireland title in 2003 has explained the biggest challenge facing the Red Hands after their All-Ireland victory last weekend.

Paddy Tally was Tyrone coach assisting Mickey Harte 18 yerars ago, and he gave his thoughts on Tyrone’s All-Ireland win on the most recent episode of Take Your Points, the Gaelic Live GAA Chat show.

The Red Hands won their first All-Ireland title back then, but they found it difficult to lift themselves for the title defence. He says that current management team of Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher will be aware of this challenge.

Tally said: “I did notice that when we won it in 2003, now there was the tragic loss of Cormac in 2004, but even with all of that it was difficult to get the same level of hunger back. Plus everybody else was gunning for you. Brian knows that. Brian Dooher was part of that machine back then, Collie Holmes was there. Joe came in 2004. Those boys know that they are going to have to be smart about this. Maybe not straight away, but they will be plotting the course of how to get it right again next year.”

However, Tally said that the current Tyrone team is a fine squad and one that has great potential.

“The team has matured very quickly. Lots of the boys have won u-21 All-Irelands. Boys have won Sigerson cups. There are a lot of really good footballers. They have five really experienced lads and then ten boys who have come in behind them. It is a perfect blend. They have the older lads who are in their late twenties but who have not been able to get over the line. But then you have this group of younger players who know nothing but winning. It is the perfect blend.”

Tally said that he was surprised by how straight forward the final was for Tyrone. He expected Mayo to give them more of a test.

“The same failing is there with Mayo. There is a lack of belief. I did predict the game that if Tyrone could get three points up they would win the game comfortable because all the doubts are there about Mayo. They just can’t get over that.”

Tally goes on to explain what he think Mayo need to do to change their unfortunate run of form at All-Ireland level. He also further explains what he see as Tyrone’s greatest strengths. He also outlines his own feelings about county management.

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