TYRONE’S attacking ace Mark Bradley has described the intensity within the squad and the competition for starting places as “crazy” as the Ulster champions count down the days to their All-Ireland semi-final with Dublin.
The Killyclogher clubman, once again, caught the eye in last weekend’s 18-point win over Armagh, bagging three points and bringing his Championship tally to 0-8, all from play.
Bradley’s explosive movement caused the Armagh defence all sorts of problems – but the 2015 All-Ireland U21 winner was keen to share the praise around the team.
“The likes of Petey Harte, Matthew Donnelly and Niall Sludden hitting the ball into you, makes it an awful lot of difference, a lot easier.
“I make the run and they just pick me out, and that extra bit of confidence comes with Mickey just picking me.”
Despite Bradley’s fine form this summer, the 22-year-old is not taking his starting place for granted when Tyrone take on the Dubs on Sunday August 27.
“It really is crazy and the intensity is going up and up,” he said.
“Every training session, every in-house match is crazy. It was tough on ‘DD’ Mulgrew getting dropped coming into Croke Park, but he kicked on and scored 2-1, and had a shout for man-of-the-match.
“It shows the bench we have. Darren (McCurry) coming on and getting a nice score as well, Richie (Donnelly) and Rony [O’Neill] did brilliant.”
Bradley was controversially red-carded by Joe McQuillan in Tyrone’s drawn National League match with Dublin back in February after tangling with Jonny Cooper.
“It was nothing back then,” said Bradley.
“It’s not something I am going to get wrapped up in.”
On the prospect of facing the defending All-Ireland champions in 19 days’ time, Bradley said: “They have two All-Irelands in a row and it is going to be a massive, massive step up.
“It's the All-Ireland champions so that is what you are setting yourself against come the start of the year.”
Bradley’s role in the Tyrone has changed immeasurably over the last three seasons.
After making the breakthrough from the U21s in 2015, Bradley roved all over the pitch, whereas now Mickey Harte has stationed him on the edge of the square.
Following his superb displays at full-forward in helping Killyclogher to a county championship last year, Harte has entrusted the diminutive attacker with the same position for Tyrone.
“That's where I earned my bread and butter growing up,” he said. “I was always inside.”
With a wry smile, he added: “I think I am getting a bit older and don't have the legs for around the middle so that is where I have been moved to.
“That's where I like playing, inside and I suppose you have a bit more energy to create a few chances when you have the ball.”
With David Mulgrew grabbing two goals, Darren McCurry and Ronan O’Neill showing well from the bench – not to mention the incredible scoring form of Lee Brennan on the club scene – Bradley will be kept on his toes between now and Tyrone’s date with Dublin.
