Relaxed McGrath takes it in his stride

Pete McGrath offers reason to a game without rhyme. All the stories about disunity and rebellion, about the end of an era, floated away on a warm breeze yesterday.

"We knew we were mentally and physically ready," he said. "It took us a while to settle, and I think that the incident when Finbar Caulfield took possession from Peter Canavan deep in our half was immense. It lifted the whole team.

"Peter is a hugely important player to Tyrone and can be extremely difficult to mark. I think that Finbar did as well on him as anyone has in recent years," he said.

All afternoon, McGrath had patrolled the sideline, his aspect unchanging, even when his team were getting hockeyed in the first 20 minutes. Later, he was joined by James McCartan, hobbling on crutches. The two spent chunks of time in consultation.

"There was no real tactical moves or switches made in the second half. I do think that the sight of James there, against medical advice, probably gave extra stimulation of the players," added McGrath.

There is slight turmoil along the narrow corridor outside the dressing-rooms. Shane Mulholland makes an appearance, tired and beaming.

"I dunno what happened us in the first 20 minutes. We seemed to be tense. I missed a few frees, I dunno why, I wasn't nervous. Maybe the run-up was wrong. But once we relaxed, we began to play to our game plan, move the ball fast and the chances came. "We were all lifted by the goal, it came at the perfect time. We are just so thrilled, the attitude is `bring on Armagh' right now, but we know we have a lot improving to do."

Danny Ball passes through the Down dressing-room and offers a few kind words. Yet again, Tyrone's hopes have met an abrupt end. Where now?

"I'm going home to have my tea and to bed. That's all I have in mind for now,"' he said softly. Confirming that his three-year term with the county was up, he said he had "no comment" to make the possibility of another year.

Pete McGrath, meantime, was up in the stands contemplating a happier prospect.

"You might be back in Croke Park," suggested his interviewer.

"It's a lovely thought," said McGrath with an impish grin. "But there's a big day to come yet."