GAELIC GAMES/Tyrone v Mayo:THESE SIDES played out a sensational All-Ireland minor final replay two seasons ago with Tyrone just edging past the only other county that can rival them for consistently producing quality teams at this age grade.
Mayo, of course, have consistently failed to transfer this talent onto the senior stage, while Tyrone’s system of progress appears impenetrable these days.
It is on record Mickey Harte’s methodologies at senior level are replicated right down to under-14 level. The type of skills set these players are armed with remains the same and allows them to bring a versatility that is as close Gaelic games has come to the Dutch/Ajax model of total football.
Tyrone destroyed Armagh in the Ulster final and beat Kerry to reach today’s penultimate round.
Harry Óg Conlon and Michael Donaghy goals had Kerry beaten by half-time. It ended on an emphatic 2-12 to 0-9 scoreline.
We may not see many of these Tyrone teenagers in the senior game for a few years but with Harte due to begin minor surgery on the senior ranks the best players will be funnelled through.
Raymond Munroe is the man guiding them and from the evidence of the provincial final they look a team capable of maintaining a tradition of silverware that is over 10 years old. There are several players of note but it is impossible not to keep an eye out for Peter Canavan’s nephew, Thomas.
Mayo manager Tony Duffy named an unchanged line-up from the quarter-final win over Offaly. That means Brendan Harrison (shoulder) and Conor Walsh (dead leg) are deemed fit to start. Cillian O’Connor captains the side from corner forward, where he will be tasked with supplying the scores. O’Connor landed 0-9, five frees, in the two-point win over Offaly.
It would be some achievement if Mayo progress. This Tyrone side, however, look like the real deal.
TYRONE: M McReynolds, S McGarrity, C Clarke, HP McGeary, N Sludden, M Donaghy, E Deeney, C Grugan, H Óg Conlon, R Donnelly, T Canavan, R Devlin, S Tierney, J McCullagh, R O’Neill.
MAYO: P Mannion; B Harrison, N Freeman, C Twomey; R Quirke, C Walsh, C Horan; D Kirby, S McGarry; F Durkan, M Forde, S Kelly; J McDonnell, D Coen, C O’Connor.
Referee: R Hickey (Clare).
