TYRONE have stumbled, slipped and tripped along the way along the way, but Brian Dooher believes they’re beginning to get it.
The transition from a defence-based strategy to an attacking mind-set has been a challenge for the Red Hands.
They were ruthlessly exposed in the League semi-final by a Kerry team that ripped through their flimsy cover to bag six goals.
But a few tweaks and some good, honest hard work on the training ground have addressed the glaring problems, and a greater level of security has been established.
“The players have worked hard, they’re becoming more comfortable and things have worked out for us,” said joint manager Dooher.
“We’re taking it one step at a time, but for us and Tyrone that was important. We needed to get stability and thankfully we’ve done that.
“We’re not sitting here now thinking that we’re world-beaters, because we’re not.”
Victory over Donegal last weekend means Tyrone are preparing for a first Ulster final since 2017, a Croke Park clash with Monaghan.
“There are things to learn for the final because in the first half particularly I’d have concerns because we seemed to go into our shells a little and invite Donegal onto us. It’s learning for the players and for us as managers because we have to adapt as well.
“We’re really pleased to have got to the final. Donegal had the upper hand on us over the last number of years and they’re the best teams in Ulster and one of the best in Ireland.
“Last year they were being talked about as the only team to stop Dublin, so this is a really important result for us.”
Sweet as a win over their fierce north-west rivals may have been, the fine detail will be poured over by critical eyes with a view to eradicating errors and getting things right for the final.
Of particular concern to Dooher is the manner in which 14-man Donegal opened the Tyrone defence for a second half goal that brought them back into Sunday’s Brewster Park tie.
Monaghan, in their own semi-final, fired four goals past Armagh, and carry a threat that the Red Hands must be ready for.
“They’ve been scoring goals for fun and it’s definitely not going to be easy.
“It’s now about looking towards Monaghan who have won more Ulster titles than us in recent years and been in more finals.”
Dooher believes Tyrone have the squad depth to make a strong challenge for big prizes this season.
An explosion of electrical power off the bench killed off Donegal’s challenge as they charged through to the provincial decider.
Cathal McShane, Tiernan McCann and Conor McKenna made a huge impact, hitting five points between them to secure a six points success at Brewster Park.
“This semi-final was one which showed the value of having a strong panel. The players were prepared, they had their homework done and really produced the goods,” he said.
“Our subs made a big impact because it was a matter of seeing how things were progressing. We asked everyone to give their all in the game and that’s what happened.
“Some players put in a big shift and fresh legs were needed. This was one day when all the subs who came on work, they added value to the team.
“Other times that doesn’t happen, but thankfully they helped us and got us over the line.
“It’s great to have game-changers like Cathal McShane and Conor McKenna coming on. They all had a big influence. Tiernan McCann chipped in with a few scores, but there were others who could have come on and given us something.
“We’re in a good position from that viewpoint and it’s good to see those lads showing what they can do.”
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