McCurry: Red Hands will be on guard against Armagh

By Barry O’Donnell

SEASONED Tyrone attacker Darren McCurry insists that they will have to be at ‘their very best’ to come away from the home of the All-Ireland champions Armagh with the spoils this Saturday night.

Despite being buoyed by the nature of their seven-point triumph over Derry in their National League opener last weekend, the classy Edendork marksman remains guarded about writing up their prospects heading to the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds.

McCurry, who was marking his 160th competitive appearance in the Red Hand jersey in Omagh, warns that Armagh will be desperate for a victory on home soil, especially after their loss last weekend out west to Galway in Salthill.

“Every game in Division One is a massive challenge and you have to be playing well to get a result. We will prepare well in training this week for what is a big game against Armagh.

“They will be eager to bounce back after losing to Galway first day out and the place will no doubt be buzzing as it’s their first home game since winning the All Ireland and no doubt there will be a big crowd.

“They are an unbelievable side as they showed last season and it’s never easy to get a result at the Athletic Grounds in either league or championship.

“It is always a massive battle between two neighbouring counties and this weekend will be no different. We are well aware of the challenge that lies ahead and we will have to be at our best to get a result.”

McCurry made a bit of history against Derry when he became the first Tyrone player to score a two-pointer having curled over a sweet strike from outside the new 40-metre arch in the closing stages.

It was a strike which helped to put Tyrone out of sight though he insisted that a collective effort was required from everyone across the field if a team is to thrive under the new rule enhancements now brought on board in football.

“I thought the whole side on the night was immense. Michael McKernan was outstanding driving forward from the half-back line and grabbing a goal as well as a couple of points while big Brian Kennedy was immense in midfield.

“Different players stood up at different times to get scores and that is what is needed with these new rules, you need scores from all over the field. The new rules are meant to suit the inside forwards but you still have to work very hard to get into the right positions.”

Check out this week’s edition of the Gaelic Lives podcast with Colm Cavanagh looking into the rivalry between the counties, the new rules and Malachy O’Rourke come on board as the Red Hands’ manager.