Tyrone Ladies set for Croke Park outing
After two frantic weeks of negotiations and bartering, it was confirmed early this week that Tyrone Ladies will indeed grace the Croke Park pitch against Dublin in the curtain-raiser for Saturday’s mens replay between the same sides.

Despite the obvious elation surrounding the venue, it is important not to lose sight of the fact that there is still a very important fixture to be fulfilled. A place in the semi-finals awaits the winners of the tie, as well as the opportunity for Tyrone to make amends for their disappointing Ulster Final defeat to Monaghan.

Dublin however will be the toughest opposition that the Tyrone girls have faced so far this season. Under the direction of Dublin legend John O’Leary, the metropolitans have established themselves amongst the country’s top sides. The Jackeens have experienced heartbreaking defeats in the last two All-Ireland deciders, and will be hoping that in 2005 it will be a case of third time lucky.

Dublin completed a clean sweep of Leinster titles this season, at Under 12, 14, 16, Minor and Senior level. Ladies Football is certainly booming in the capital, and their senior side will be hoping that they can add to the euphoria by taking another step towards the coveted Brendan Martin Cup.

Tyrone however will be hoping to rattle the favourites this weekend, and have proven thus far that they are more than capable of turning in a performance worthy of the occasion. Their display in their first outing against Donegal has been the pick of their performances to date, and if they can emulate that sort of form then they will certainly take some eating.

As with any knockout game, Tyrone will pay little heed to their underdogs tag against a Dublin side who have enjoyed so much of the media spotlight in recent years. The Red Hand girls will be determined that they will turn in a performance worthy of the big stage they find themselves on.

This of course will not be Tyrone’s first outing on the hollowed turf at Headquarters. Their last outing ended in disappointment with an All-Ireland semi-final defeat to eventual winners Mayo, but the arena was also scene of the their greatest triumph to date, the All-Ireland Junior win in 1999 when they powered past New York.

The scene is set for a cracking encounter, and a tussle which is sure to whet the appetite of the travelling Tyrone support. A large crowd is expected, as the Red Hand followers are urged to make their way to the ground early and show their support for the Ladies side on this monumental event, with a throw-in time of 12.45.