Harte hoping to avoid a Mayo ambush

By Alan Rodgers

ONE of the best championship performances from a Tyrone team this decade has transformed them from hopeful contenders to a team with bright prospects of making a very strong mark as the race for this year’s Sam Maguire heats up.

There was a quiet sense of satisfaction among the Red Hand players amidst the jubilation of supporters following the big win over Donegal. But, even as Malachy O’Rourke and his players departed, their focus was already switching to the challenge posed by Mayo this coming Saturday in Healy Park.

It’s a clash which looks set to be intriguing. Mayo enter the game with a point to prove after losing disappointingly to Cavan.

Their manager, Kevin McStay has stepped aside following what’s described as a ‘medical episode’ and the Connacht arrive in Omagh needing victory to keep their championship hopes alive.

Tyrone are happily in a more positive situation, but there’s still a lot that can change in the coming weeks. One player who knows all about how important this clash is, and the risks of complacency against a team of Mayo’s quality, is Peter Harte. His crucial two-pointer on Saturday evening set Tyrone back on the road to the win, and he’s understandably relishing this latest challenge.

“The group is now really open with our win and then Cavan beating Mayo. You see results in other games and groups as well.

“People talk about there being no jeopardy, but when you’re out on the field there’s plenty of jeopardy,” said the Errigal Ciaran clubman.

“If we’d lost against Donegal, then you had Mayo coming up the road after losing and in big bother. We just want to put our best foot forward and get ready for Mayo.”

Tyrone’s record in the All-Ireland series has been mixed. This is the third year of the All-Ireland group stages, which last year saw the Red Hands lose out to Roscommon in the Preliminary Quarter Final. In 2023 they came close to going out at the hands of Westmeath in the group stages.

“We’ve lost the opening match during the past two years, so it’s good to be going into this second tie with a win.

“You’re under pressure straight away when the first game is lost and we want to put another good performance in now,” added Harte.

“Ballybofey is probably one of the toughest places to come to get points. Thankfully, it’s also a very enjoyable place to get a win, but the way the game is now you can only really enjoy it for about half an hour before you reset for next week and that’s what it’s about.

“That’s what it’s about because we’re really into the thick of the championship now so you just want to put your best foot forward each week.

“It’s all set up for an ambush. We have started with a win while they were beat but they will come to Healy Park with the bit between their teeth and we have a week to get our feet back down to the ground and get recovered and plan for Mayo as it’s going to be another serious tough test. Everybody knows Mayo, they don’t go away quietly and we know what to expect next Saturday night.”