Tyrone's Minor ladies begin their Ulster Championship campaign this Saturday (3pm) with a home tie against Antrim.

On Tuesday night, a new sponsorship agreement was launched in association with Straddle Service Station, an exciting venture for all parties involved. Speaking of the agreement, Tyrone Ladies Chairperson Ann-Marie Meehan stated, “We are delighted to have secured this agreement. Success on the pitch is what we all want to achieve, and of course that doesn't come cheaply, so we're extremely grateful that Straddle Service Station have shown this level of faith in us. Hopefully, with their help, it will be a long and successful campaign.”

The squad managed by Ciaran Woods and Michaela O'Neill have been preparing since Christmas for the campaign, and the thirty-strong panel are keen to let battle commence this weekend. It is arguably the strongest squad that Tyrone has produced for some time, and Woods is positive about their chances.

“We've developed into a very closely knit bunch, and to be honest the girls at this stage just want to throw themselves into the championship campaign. We've been showing well in challenge games we've played, but Saturday's match is our first big test. This is championship football. Come Saturday evening we're either in or out, there's no safety net as far as we're concerned. We're confident that Saturday can be the first step for us in a successful season.”

Cookstown's Laura Mc Gillion captains the side from defence, her expert leadership qualitiesd earning her the prestigious role. Up front, Sarah Connolly, who has been gaining quite a reputation for herself at senior level, will hold the vice-captain's duties.

Elsewhere, the management have an incredible depth of quality to choose from, making a headache for Woods and O'Neill. A welcome headache though, according to the manager. “It's fantastic from a management point of view to have so many options available. Regardless what team starts, we know there's fifteen other options there to strengthen the side and to vary our play. It's been tough making decisions, there's been such healthy competition in the squad, but I wouldn't want it any other way.”

The weather of the last few weeks has not been kind to the squad who have struggled to find themselves a permanent base, but despite these setbacks the side are confident ahead of the tie.

“Our preparations have been hampered somewhat by the weather and unavailability of pitches, so we've had to change our approach somewhat in the build-up. We're ready, we're confident, and it's very clear in all our minds what we want to achieve not only from this but from our whole season.”

Ann-Maire Meehan, Chairperson of Tyrone Ladies County Board receives a new strip for the Tyrone Minor team from Conor McCusker, Straddle Service Station, Belleek. Also in the picture are Ciaran Woods, Manager; Laura McGillion, captain; Sarah Connolly, vice-captain; Helen McCusker and Michaela O'Neill, coach