Tyrone ladies Ulster Championship preparations hampered by Covid-19

TYRONE Senior Ladies coach Barry Grimes said that the whole squad is looking forward to their Ulster Championship semi-final meeting with Armagh this weekend (Saturday, Crossmaglen, 2pm) after ‘a difficult year for everyone’.

It has been a long seven months without inter county football. Since Tyrone last played (vs Wexford at Augher) there’s been lockdown and a full club season but coach Grimes along with the rest of the management and playing panel can at last reset and go again.

“For a long time it looked like there would be no football played at all,” confirmed the Beragh man. “ Seven months without county football is a long time so we are really looking forward to this weekend despite all the difficulties.”

Because of Covid and players opting out for personal reasons, while several new faces have been introduced to the fold.

“We had a number of the squad opting out of the Championship, which in these strange times must be respected. We needed to have a rethink and introduce some new faces,” stated Grimes.

County managers including Tyrone boss Gerry Moane held a virtual meeting with LGFA Chief Helen O’Rourke last week. It is clear that many squads have taken on a more fluid look with the potential for players to miss out at the 11th hour.

Grimes admitted there has already been disruption in Tyrone.

“A number of players have had to self-isolate and while this has disrupted preparation, it is something we had expected and we have had to adapt to, allow players to be involved and possibly be ready.”

Tyrone face a trip to Crossmaglen to face Armagh with a place in the Ulster Final up for grabs. The game signals the start of a hectic four weeks that sees Tyrone face the Orchard side again and Mayo in their All-Ireland group. Grimes knows it’s a lot to ask of the players who have only been back together around a month.

“Yes the squad started coming back together about four weeks ago as club football was finishing up and we have had some very good collective sessions together. The girls have certainly worked hard, they are doing their bit,” admitted Barry who is enjoying his second term with Tyrone.

An All Intermediate Ireland triumph in 2018 signalled Tyrone’s march back into the ranks of senior football elite.

Last season ended at the quarter final stage after a heavy loss to Cork, but Tyrone retained their senior status and in reality have a free hit this season with no threat of relegation.

The bulk of last year’s squad remain although Slaine Mc Carroll will miss the rest of the year with injury and Dungannon’s Emma Jane Gervin has ruled herself out.

The Red Hands beat Armagh in the National League earlier in the year although Grimes feels that win will have no bearing this Saturday.

“We beat Armagh back in February for the first time in 24 years and while it gave us a big boost to win on the day, I don’t think what happened then will have any bearing on Saturday’s game. Armagh have had the upper hand on Tyrone over the years and many people will expect that to continue at the weekend also.”

Once more Neamh Woods will lead Tyrone while there’s lots of experience to call upon. Emma Mulgrew, Christiane Hunter, Niamh McGirr, Niamh O’Neill, Grainne Rafferty and Jo Barrett will all play a key role while new players will be keen to get a run out.