SUZUKI NATIONAL LEAGUE

PADDY HUNTER

Next up for Tyrone at Eskra this Sunday (12noon) will be Kerry, a double chance of revenge perhaps on the agenda for Tyrone followers, following last weeks loss at Tralee but more importantly for the ladies after last years loss in controversial circumstances in the national league clash.

The experimental Tyrone were forced to play against Kerry last year on a hurling training pitch in Bannagher County Offaly and the game was punctuated by poor refereeing, Kerry’s physical approach and a gale that really left it impossible to play good football.

Tyrone had three players sin- binned in that clash and after Kerry hammered Mayo last Sunday Tyrone know what to expect at Emmett Park.

Michaela O’Neill and Joe Gilligan have a couple of niggling injury worries but there will certainly be a doubt over Eilish Gormley who was forced to leave the action last Sunday as Tyrone secured an opening day victory away from home. The Carrickmore veteran is currently receiving treatment but at this stage has a 50/50 chance of playing against the visitors.

Gemma Begley hit six points last Sunday against Laois, Joline Donnelly and Clodagh Poyntz hit the other points but overall there needs to be a bit more creativity up front,in defence Tyrone were certainly good Hagan and Woods o the half back line complemented Lynda Donnelly in the centre while McGlinchey, Kelly and McLaughlin who has returned to Drumragh in recent weeks also were steady.

Its unlikely the Tyrone management will make much in the way of changes in defence while up front in the absence of Gormley could prompt some movement in that zone.

Mayo had several absentees last weekend but the Kerry forwards were certainly on fire, six goals scored with the all Ireland finalists only mustering 1-5, it might though be a great way to test Tyrone’s metal, it’s a way to see said joint manager O’Neill, how far Tyrone have progressed.

So far so good though for Tyrone in the league campaign with plenty of positives.