I DON’T think anyone would have thought when we had an amended Championship last year that the adjustments and restrictions caused by Covid-19 would still be so paramount a year later. My intention this week was to discuss the lack of excitement and buzz for Tyrone to be in an All-Ireland semi-final, about how I remember times when you couldn’t travel more than two miles anywhere within the county without spotting a flag or some bunting, a car, sheep or donkey painted in county colours and, proudly on display, homemade banners adorning houses and bars, towns and villages buzzing with excitement and the scramble for tickets never-ending, but in light of this weekend’s news coming from the Tyrone camp it makes that discussion very difficult.
For the guys in the Tyrone camp, the prospect of reaching an All-Ireland final and a chance to avenge the League defeat to Kerry will have been all consuming for the last two weeks.
This Sunday was the target for the preparations which undoubtedly will be meticulous. Now the match, and sport in general, have had to take a back seat and the main concern within the camp is the health and safety of the panel and the backroom team.
I had Covid last year, albeit a mild version, and I consider myself lucky that I have no underlying health concerns (not being able to taste my food for a few weeks was punishment enough for me) but the differences in how it affects people is astounding.
I don’t know which players have had Covid or have it, but the long term affects are not to be taken lightly. I remember going for a run a few weeks after my symptoms subsided and as much as I hate to admit it I was left behind. Men that I was beating comfortably in previous running sessions were passing me and there was absolutely nothing left in me to give, I just didn’t have the energy or the strength to catch them. That’s what worries me for this Tyrone team.
I’ve been confident in the squad and their abilities all year. They have had a slow burning start under the new management but I know from the strength in depth they have, that when the team ignites it will be something spectacular and I really thought that the semi-final was going to be the start of it.
There were a few starting players who missed the Ulster final because of isolations and the team were able to pull together and win. My concern is for the long-term impact of any illness the lads have had. If there were more players positive this week then does an extra week give them enough time to get well enough and get their energy reserves built up enough to go full strength at Kerry? As we know this year’s Championship is all-or-nothing, it is on the day and if Tyrone have any weaknesses, I have no doubt Kerry will relish the opportunity to expose them.
Preparations have been completely skewed now. I can only imagine how difficult it is for the management and coaches to try and keep the whole squad in a positive mindset, especially for anyone who has symptoms and the thought of a match is the last thing they want to be considering at the moment.
Keeping everyone’s spirits up and feeling confident is going to be key for management and I think that’s made even harder when it is over video-calls and Zoom meetings. Video analysis work will have to be done remotely but I’m sure the Whatsapp group is constantly updated with advice and strategy. Having to work remotely for the next 10 days and then come together Saturday week with everyone singing from the one hymn sheet is not a task to be taken lightly.
The squad’s health, their nutrition and their rest is of paramount importance and getting everyone as well as possible with as little impact as possible will be the main focus for management.
I’m not sure if it is my head, my heart, or both but despite the upset and setbacks of this week, I remain excited for this Tyrone team and what they have the potential to achieve over the next few weeks. Knowing the majority of the lads personally I know that they are a well-equipped squad. They have a great management team who have been there on both the best days and the toughest days as players themselves, and know how it feels win or lose.
There is strength in depth, which will have to be drawn on against Kerry, using substitutes wisely and keeping the intensity levels as high as possible until the final whistle. These lads will relish the big stage and take their opportunity rather than becoming overwhelmed. The majority of these guys know what it is like to lose, they will want to avenge the heavy defeat in the League and there won’t be much more motivation required beyond that.
All we need now is to get behind them, show our support, display our colours with pride and celebrate the occasion for what it is. Limited supporters in Croke Park doesn’t mean don’t bother, we need to let the team know that we believe they can do it – I have often said how I didn’t appreciate the big days because we always assumed there would be more of them; we waited 10 years to experience an All-Ireland final again, don’t let it be another 10. Anyone got a ticket?
