Nicky Rackard Cup semi-final: Tyrone v Roscommon
(Saturday, Carrickmore, 3pm)
TYRONE’S best chances of getting to defend their Nicky Rackard Cup title at Croke Park in a fortnight’s time could rest on one of two things: the strength of their panel or the willingness of key men to grit their teeth and play through the pain barrier.
Experienced full-forward Seán Óg Grogan (ribs) and his opposite number Mike O’Gorman (shoulder) were the latest men to pick up knocks in last weekend’s 1-21 to 0-20 win over Fingal while the versatile Mark Winter’s wasn’t deemed fit enough to get the nod. It remains to be seen whether an extra week of rest has brought the Eoghan Ruadh man any closer to match-fitness ahead of Roscommon’s trip to Carrickmore this afternoon.
Midfielder Justin Kelly, meanwhile, only featured as a second half sub last weekend at Swords and Red Hands manager Mattie Lennon says wear and tear has to be expected after 11 matched in 12 weeks from February 15.
“We have injuries and we have had to manage them over the last couple of weeks,” he said.
“But that just comes down to the number of games we have played. It went to extra-time last week and it was a tough game against the week before Donegal.
“This is a massive game for us and our season. This is a semi-final and we will be going out and giving it our best shot. The men that take to the pitch will be ready for it.”
The sides met at the same stage of the competition last year and Tyrone managed to emerge victorious en route to their first ever Nicky Rackard crown.
Tyrone’s 1-14 to 1-13 win over the Rossies in this year’s League will give them confidence but Lennon knows Championship hurling will more ferocious and intense.
“If you win, you go to Croke Park and if you lose, you are out,” he said.
“Since that League game, they have been going really well and they would have been one of the favourites for this competition at the beginning of the year along with the other semi-finalists Armagh and Donegal. But it’s a home match and we are going to go out and give it our best shot.”
With convincing wins over Fingal and Monaghan in recent weeks, Roscommon are a much improved team from their League performances. They look fresh and hungry. Tyrone, on the other hand, appear weary and depleted. That could be the difference.
