Tyrone GAA
3 hrs ·
Following a pitch inspection this afternoon at Healy Park in Omagh the pitch has been deemed unplayable for tomorrow nights BOI McKenna Cup game between Tyrone and Antrim.
The game has now been moved to the Athletic Grounds in Armagh with an 8.00pm throw in.
Team news: Tyrone opt for experience as season opener is moved to Armagh January 02, 2018
Tyrone manager Mickey Harte has named an experienced side for tomorrow night’s Dr McKenna Cup opener against Antrim.
Six of the team which started last year’s All-Ireland SFC semi-final defeat to Dublin are set to feature against the Saffrons in the opening round of the O’Neill County’s title defence which has been switched to Armagh’s Athletic Ground after Omagh’s Healy Park was deemed unplayable yet again.
Niall Morgan starts in goal with Padraig Hampsey and Hugh Pat McGeary named at full-back and centre-back respectively for the Red Hands whom have won this competition in their last six outings.
Dungannon’s Padraig McNulty and Cathal McShane start at centre-field with two-time All Star Matthew Donnelly captaining the side from right half-forward.
Ace attackers Connor McAliskey and Ronan O’Neill have been named on the bench.
Throw-in is at 8pm.
Tyrone (McKenna Cup v Antrim): Niall Morgan; Brendan Burns, Padraig Hampsey, Michael McKernan; Tiernan McCann, Hugh Pat McGeary, Kieran McGeary; Cathal McShane, Padraig McNulty; Matthew Donnelly, Niall Sludden, Frank Burns; Darren McCurry, Harry Loughran, Lee Brennan
Tyrone confirmed their place in the semis after a crushing win over Cavan in Group A.
In Group B, a late Niall Toner goal gave Derry a one point win over Down at Celtic Park in a superb match that brought back memories of the 1994 classic between the counties. The group will now be decided by the rearranged game between Armagh and Derry.
Fermanagh had a fine win over Donegal and that confirms them as Group C winners.
Results
McKenna Cup round 3
Cavan 0-07 Tyrone 2-22, Kingspan Breffni, 8pm FT
Antrim 0-15 St Mary’s 4-08, Woodlands, 8pm FT
Armagh 0-12 UUJ 1-09, Athletic Grounds, 8pm FT
Monaghan 2-13 Queen’s 0-07, Castleblayney, 8pm FT
Donegal 1-10 Fermanagh 1-13, Ballybofey, 8pm FT
Derry 1-14 Down 2-10, Celtic Park, 8.15pm FT
Is Nathan Mullins a guy who can make an impact at the top level, he seems to be impressing with Donegal so far and he gives them a bit of presence in what is a bit of problem position for them?Was he ever in with a shout of getting a look in with Dublin?
Flogging Murphy has been detrimental to Donegal in the last few years, he’s been given a proper rest this time around along with a few others and with MacNiallais and McLoone back in the fold and the youngsters another year older, it is possible they could propel themselves back into the top tier again this year.
I would certainly think Donegal will be by a large way the biggest threat to Tyrone this season in Ulster. Monaghan have peaked for me and will slide, Cavan are going nowhere and Armagh and Derry have too many of their best players not committing to make a dent this year. Down are in a rebuilding phase and did well last year but a decent middle tier side is the height of the prospects now.
He’s a very solid club player. Was raw when he first came into Vincent’s at half back but has graduated really well in last 2 years. Gets up and down the pitch but not overly skilful - very like the da. Don’t think he would have had the pace in the middle to suit Dublins game. However his importance to Vincent’s was such he was put back on when clearly concussed in county final. I think he’ll be a good addition for Donegal. The travel must be crippling though.
