Eirgrid Ulster Minor Football Championship
DEFENDING champions Tyrone go into the first defence of their Ulster MFC crown off the back of an unbeaten run through the League, but manager Gerard Donnelly insists that places in his side are still up for grabs for tomorrow’s clash with Cavan.
Victory over Derry in the League final 10 days ago looked like the perfect warm-up for another Championship assault, but the boss has warned that a shake-up could be on the cards, and that no-one is assured of selection.
“No, definitely not, because there was boys that came in who did really well, there were lads who didn’t play, who were carrying niggles and knocks.
“So we definitely still wouldn’t be in a position to say that we have our starting fifteen sorted,” he said.
“We couldn’t say that the team that started last week is our strongest fifteen, because throughout the League, in every game, there were lads who had good games, there were lads who were maybe disappointed a wee bit with how they played.
“So it’s really coming down to training and see who puts their hand up for those fifteen places.
“Obviously in the League performances, a lot of lads have really stood up in it, but we definitely still couldn’t say we have our finished fifteen yet.”
The Red Hands came out on top in a high intensity MFL decider at Maghera, winning a battle of wills by a single point.
“It was better than five challenge matches, with the intensity that was brought to that game, and the way both teams went out to win it.
“It’s fantastic, it was lovely to win it, but main thing we took out of that was the preparation for Cavan.
“That League was all about Cavan, it’s over now, so it’s all about Championship.”
Last year Tyrone went all the way to the All-Ireland final, losing out to a last-gasp Meath winner.
Nine members of the 2021 squad are involved again this year, but only current team captain Eoin McElholm was a regular.
Donnelly has wiped the slate clean, instructing his players to ignore the past.
“It was a lovely run last year, but that’s in the past.
“Last year was a great memory, until the final of course, but now the Ulster cup has been left back and there’s eight counties trying to get their hands on it again.”
Last year’s coaching team has returned en masse also, featuring four men who have played in All-Ireland finals, including treble Sam Maguire Cup winners Conor Gormley and Ciaran Gourley.
“We have great men involved, and it’s great to have the experience of Gary (Hetherington) and Tommy (Canavan), Ciaran and Conor, and Oisin (O’Kane) is back as goalkeeping coach.
“We got on so well last year, and they didn’t need too much persuading to come back, and we have been looking forward to this for a couple of months.
“Ciaran and Conor have won everything going, but we have five experienced coaches there. Tommy has won his All-Ireland Minor, Gary has won a Hogan Cup and played in an All-Ireland Minor final, so all those lads have plenty of experience.
“And when those boys talk, you can nothing but listen.
“The boys love having them about, I love having them about, it’s a great help, and the work they did is just Trojan.”
