Tyrone County Football and Hurling

[Scoring Zone]

Half decent year, there is more control and system of play and I think Errigals run did upset the start of the year there is a few key issues that the heat of a AI SF against Kerry

1) Size, particularly forwards, we are severely lacking in size/ power - Kerry works so much less for scores because of Clifford - Canavan and McCurry can't be faulted for effort but not physically strong enough to hold there own

2) Kicking Game, abit contradictory here as you can't have a kicking game ( which Tyrone don't have because of the above), if you want to win big games in Croker, you need to kick in quick and get scores - Tyrone atm are carrying and switching from side to side waiting on a mistake to score, huge amount of effort, and leave themselves wide open if turned over.

In general Kennedy, Kilpatrick, Devlin, McGeary and Donnelly had quality seasons but the young guns need to accelerate development as there could be abit of turnover

McCurry season fell off a cliff once it hit croke park. Was yards out in front of foley but was easy caught.

D canavan is quality and mcelholm as well. Seanie od was good yesterday but already that's 3 small players in the forwards. Daly will improve again next year who has a bit of height but there is room for something different in the forward line.

Orourke picked a system to best suit the players at hand.
Throughout the year there has been so many unforced individual errors and that have proven costly.
Kerry fairly simple game plan in first half. Pull everyone out and leave Clifford in 50 yards of space 1v1. Don't think Tyrone all year got Canavan in a one v one situation with loads of space it just wasn't the way they wanted to play.

With Canavan (x2), McCurry, Bradley and McElholm playing inside, we really need to get the ball in much quicker. Would like to see Harte and Devlin utilised for their passing.

Won't matter how quick the ball is in, Canavan is v quick (quicker than most) but and not to quote Philly McMahon, can't get separation and if he does doesn't have the power to then take on the man - the top 2/3 teams has this Tyrone until they find this type of player will struggle in Croke Park with the new rules.

Ideally need to win Ulster in the next 1-2 years to keep the momentum and get a senior medal in the pocket of the lads coming through

[trileacman]

I really hate how slow the management is to accept they need to make changes. Happened all the time this year. Was clear at 1/2 time yesterday that Hampsey needed to be moved off Clifford and McCurry needed to be subbed. They however did the same as they did against Armagh. Waited for 10-15mins into the half after which Tyrone were facing a substantial deficit.

It would have been so easy to move Teague who held O'Shea to next to nothing onto Clifford. It was what, Hampseys 3rd start of the year? They took the risk of starting him on Clifford that's fair enough, but at half time they surely had to realise their choice was wrong. They even had Aidan Clarke on the bench to come on mark Ose if Teague was moved on to him.

Likewise McElholms best impact has been off the bench, all year they've tried to play 3 small forwards and all year it's been a disaster. Whether McCurry, Dara and Ruari v Armagh or McCurry, Dara and sparky against Mayo it hasn't worked and hamstrung our attack. What ends up happening is because of the 3v3 rule and because Matty Donnelly usually stays up then one of the 3 has to play as a CHF. McElholm and McCurry chasing shadows around their own defence and offering nothing on breaks or kick outs really holds Tyrone back. Or Dara who's the only one of them who is a tenacious tackler but wasting all his energy chasing defenders.

McElholms best performances have been off the bench as the game opens up and his pace can cause problems. There was a better kickout strategy at least yesterday but so much of the rest of the setup didn't make sense.

[In hiding]

I really hate how slow the management is to accept they need to make changes. Happened all the time this year. Was clear at 1/2 time yesterday that Hampsey needed to be moved off Clifford and McCurry needed to be subbed. They however did the same as they did against Armagh. Waited for 10-15mins into the half after which Tyrone were facing a substantial deficit.

It would have been so easy to move Teague who held O'Shea to next to nothing onto Clifford. It was what, Hampseys 3rd start of the year? They took the risk of starting him on Clifford that's fair enough, but at half time they surely had to realise their choice was wrong. They even had Aidan Clarke on the bench to come on mark Ose if Teague was moved on to him.

Likewise McElholms best impact has been off the bench, all year they've tried to play 3 small forwards and all year it's been a disaster. Whether McCurry, Dara and Ruari v Armagh or McCurry, Dara and sparky against Mayo it hasn't worked and hamstrung our attack. What ends up happening is because of the 3v3 rule and because Matty Donnelly usually stays up then one of the 3 has to play as a CHF. McElholm and McCurry chasing shadows around their own defence and offering nothing on breaks or kick outs really holds Tyrone back. Or Dara who's the only one of them who is a tenacious tackler but wasting all his energy chasing defenders.

McElholms best performances have been off the bench as the game opens up and his pace can cause problems. There was a better kickout strategy at least yesterday but so much of the rest of the setup didn't make sense.

It was Mourinho who said football management is the only occupation where the customers know more than the consultants.
You say how could the management not know to move Teague onto Clifford?
Maybe they remember the league game in Pomeroy when Clifford scored 3 goals on him.
You see it's very easy to pick holes afterwards because no one can argue with something that didn't happen. Malachy has been successful as a manager for a fairly long time, success is relative obviously. Maybe you have too.
The fact that Malachy's decisions don't make sense to you tell me more about you than him

[Truthsayer]

I really hate how slow the management is to accept they need to make changes. Happened all the time this year. Was clear at 1/2 time yesterday that Hampsey needed to be moved off Clifford and McCurry needed to be subbed. They however did the same as they did against Armagh. Waited for 10-15mins into the half after which Tyrone were facing a substantial deficit.

It would have been so easy to move Teague who held O'Shea to next to nothing onto Clifford. It was what, Hampseys 3rd start of the year? They took the risk of starting him on Clifford that's fair enough, but at half time they surely had to realise their choice was wrong. They even had Aidan Clarke on the bench to come on mark Ose if Teague was moved on to him.

Likewise McElholms best impact has been off the bench, all year they've tried to play 3 small forwards and all year it's been a disaster. Whether McCurry, Dara and Ruari v Armagh or McCurry, Dara and sparky against Mayo it hasn't worked and hamstrung our attack. What ends up happening is because of the 3v3 rule and because Matty Donnelly usually stays up then one of the 3 has to play as a CHF. McElholm and McCurry chasing shadows around their own defence and offering nothing on breaks or kick outs really holds Tyrone back. Or Dara who's the only one of them who is a tenacious tackler but wasting all his energy chasing defenders.

McElholms best performances have been off the bench as the game opens up and his pace can cause problems. There was a better kickout strategy at least yesterday but so much of the rest of the setup didn't make sense.

Was wondering were you were... waiting for Tyrone to lose to give management a slating. 

[NotedObserver]

Half decent year, there is more control and system of play and I think Errigals run did upset the start of the year there is a few key issues that the heat of a AI SF against Kerry

1) Size, particularly forwards, we are severely lacking in size/ power - Kerry works so much less for scores because of Clifford - Canavan and McCurry can't be faulted for effort but not physically strong enough to hold there own

2) Kicking Game, abit contradictory here as you can't have a kicking game ( which Tyrone don't have because of the above), if you want to win big games in Croker, you need to kick in quick and get scores - Tyrone atm are carrying and switching from side to side waiting on a mistake to score, huge amount of effort, and leave themselves wide open if turned over.

In general Kennedy, Kilpatrick, Devlin, McGeary and Donnelly had quality seasons but the young guns need to accelerate development as there could be abit of turnover

McCurry season fell off a cliff once it hit croke park. Was yards out in front of foley but was easy caught.

D canavan is quality and mcelholm as well. Seanie od was good yesterday but already that's 3 small players in the forwards. Daly will improve again next year who has a bit of height but there is room for something different in the forward line.

Orourke picked a system to best suit the players at hand.
Throughout the year there has been so many unforced individual errors and that have proven costly.
Kerry fairly simple game plan in first half. Pull everyone out and leave Clifford in 50 yards of space 1v1. Don't think Tyrone all year got Canavan in a one v one situation with loads of space it just wasn't the way they wanted to play.

With Canavan (x2), McCurry, Bradley and McElholm playing inside, we really need to get the ball in much quicker. Would like to see Harte and Devlin utilised for their passing.

Won't matter how quick the ball is in, Canavan is v quick (quicker than most) but and not to quote Philly McMahon, can't get separation and if he does doesn't have the power to then take on the man - the top 2/3 teams has this Tyrone until they find this type of player will struggle in Croke Park with the new rules.

Ideally need to win Ulster in the next 1-2 years to keep the momentum and get a senior medal in the pocket of the lads coming through

Darragh Canavan can't get separation and can't take a man on? Quicker ball would be a start

[trileacman]

I really hate how slow the management is to accept they need to make changes. Happened all the time this year. Was clear at 1/2 time yesterday that Hampsey needed to be moved off Clifford and McCurry needed to be subbed. They however did the same as they did against Armagh. Waited for 10-15mins into the half after which Tyrone were facing a substantial deficit.

It would have been so easy to move Teague who held O'Shea to next to nothing onto Clifford. It was what, Hampseys 3rd start of the year? They took the risk of starting him on Clifford that's fair enough, but at half time they surely had to realise their choice was wrong. They even had Aidan Clarke on the bench to come on mark Ose if Teague was moved on to him.

Likewise McElholms best impact has been off the bench, all year they've tried to play 3 small forwards and all year it's been a disaster. Whether McCurry, Dara and Ruari v Armagh or McCurry, Dara and sparky against Mayo it hasn't worked and hamstrung our attack. What ends up happening is because of the 3v3 rule and because Matty Donnelly usually stays up then one of the 3 has to play as a CHF. McElholm and McCurry chasing shadows around their own defence and offering nothing on breaks or kick outs really holds Tyrone back. Or Dara who's the only one of them who is a tenacious tackler but wasting all his energy chasing defenders.

McElholms best performances have been off the bench as the game opens up and his pace can cause problems. There was a better kickout strategy at least yesterday but so much of the rest of the setup didn't make sense.

Was wondering were you were... waiting for Tyrone to lose to give management a slating. 

I'm living rent free in your head.

[Truthsayer]

I really hate how slow the management is to accept they need to make changes. Happened all the time this year. Was clear at 1/2 time yesterday that Hampsey needed to be moved off Clifford and McCurry needed to be subbed. They however did the same as they did against Armagh. Waited for 10-15mins into the half after which Tyrone were facing a substantial deficit.

It would have been so easy to move Teague who held O'Shea to next to nothing onto Clifford. It was what, Hampseys 3rd start of the year? They took the risk of starting him on Clifford that's fair enough, but at half time they surely had to realise their choice was wrong. They even had Aidan Clarke on the bench to come on mark Ose if Teague was moved on to him.

Likewise McElholms best impact has been off the bench, all year they've tried to play 3 small forwards and all year it's been a disaster. Whether McCurry, Dara and Ruari v Armagh or McCurry, Dara and sparky against Mayo it hasn't worked and hamstrung our attack. What ends up happening is because of the 3v3 rule and because Matty Donnelly usually stays up then one of the 3 has to play as a CHF. McElholm and McCurry chasing shadows around their own defence and offering nothing on breaks or kick outs really holds Tyrone back. Or Dara who's the only one of them who is a tenacious tackler but wasting all his energy chasing defenders.

McElholms best performances have been off the bench as the game opens up and his pace can cause problems. There was a better kickout strategy at least yesterday but so much of the rest of the setup didn't make sense.

Was wondering were you were... waiting for Tyrone to lose to give management a slating. 

I'm living rent free in your head.

Just when Tyrone play knowing you're waiting at the buttons in hope of defeat and an opportunity to slate MO'R... and true to form 

[Easttyrone23]

I find it bizarre reading some of the comments about tyrone. You'd think we were odds on favourites to win Sam and won't get as close again according to some.

Not one person would have fancied us winning sam at the start of the year. Despite the mixed performances and the 1st year for this new management team we reached the semi final.

With the exception of Kerry and Dublin I can't imagine a county where the expectation levels from both those from the county and those from outside are so high.

In the last 4 years Tyrone have won a Sam maguire 3 u20s a minor championship as well as 2 school all
Irelands and In the 1st year of new management they reached a semi final. There's Tyrone ones going on like it's a disaster and there's ones from neighbouring counties who could only dream of their county doing that but laughing at Tyrone for not winning more. 

[Grace Murphy]

More power to Tyrone

Had a decent year. Division 2 is a right off for all other teams in 2026


U no what I mean mucker

[Truthsayer]

I find it bizarre reading some of the comments about tyrone. You'd think we were odds on favourites to win Sam and won't get as close again according to some.

Not one person would have fancied us winning sam at the start of the year. Despite the mixed performances and the 1st year for this new management team we reached the semi final.

With the exception of Kerry and Dublin I can't imagine a county where the expectation levels from both those from the county and those from outside are so high.

In the last 4 years Tyrone have won a Sam maguire 3 u20s a minor championship as well as 2 school all
Irelands and In the 1st year of new management they reached a semi final. There's Tyrone ones going on like it's a disaster and there's ones from neighbouring counties who could only dream of their county doing that but laughing at Tyrone for not winning more. 

There are a few like that. I think most people are realistic and see the improvement.

[NotedObserver]

I find it bizarre reading some of the comments about tyrone. You'd think we were odds on favourites to win Sam and won't get as close again according to some.

Not one person would have fancied us winning sam at the start of the year. Despite the mixed performances and the 1st year for this new management team we reached the semi final.

With the exception of Kerry and Dublin I can't imagine a county where the expectation levels from both those from the county and those from outside are so high.

In the last 4 years Tyrone have won a Sam maguire 3 u20s a minor championship as well as 2 school all
Irelands and In the 1st year of new management they reached a semi final. There's Tyrone ones going on like it's a disaster and there's ones from neighbouring counties who could only dream of their county doing that but laughing at Tyrone for not winning more. 

There are a few like that. I think most people are realistic and see the improvement.

Roll on the club championship and div 2 next year. Tyrone were competitive this year for the most part which is a start

[cjx]

Worst call of the year not having Harte on at half time. Bizarre McKernan would be in before him.

Ball in was atrocious at times, and in general Tyrone refused to use the open spaces.

Several points here:
I think....Harte should have started ( his 2 pointers in first QTR v Dublin were crucial there (3x2 after 20m)
McElholm being 20 best on at 40min after big fellas had shipped a bit of punishment and to attack a set pattern).
If McKiernan fit why not risk him early to help double Clifford with older slowing Hampsey with little match fitness this year. (If McDonnell had kept his head, way McKiernan does, good chance Clifford goal would have been prevented and why was Kerry back bringing ball up (Begly?) allowed run 30m by a backing off 'defender' before challenge)
McGeary being so honest was wrecked by 50min classic time for Meyler fresh good intelligent running ball carrier to come in and help tee up long shots and remember McShane v Mayo.
McCurry very clearly off the pace as against Dublin should have been subbed at HT.
Given lack of big forwards why was McHugh brought into panel then left off subs list?

And for the future where are Tyrone going to get get:
1. a big strong  Centre Half Forward akin to O'Shea and
2. a big strong tall full forward.

The enternal 2 big men Tyrone problem.

Solve that 3 AIs in a row are possible all the other bits of the jigsaw are there already l believe.

[DaleCooper]

Is Kennedy too valuable out the field to be kept in full forward? 

Tyrone felt like they needed an X Factor surprise tactic that never materialised.

Tyrone are not winning 3 all irelands in a row calm down.

[NotedObserver]

Plenty of positions up for grabs with the below maybe the closest to holding onto a place imo

1. Morgan
2. Devlin
3. Peter Teague
4. X
5. Mckernan
6. X
7. X
8. Kennedy
9. Conn
10. Daly
11. X
12. X
13. E Mcelholm
14.
15. D. Canavan

Think the under 21 side of Hampsey and mcgeary are coming towards an end. Seanie O'Donnell has came on well last few games with size/power needs to come on.
Several interesting players about the county in the middle sector but will be interesting do any perform in the club championship.

Roarty has made a great impact for Donegal. Could Joey Clarke or others come on to provide anything? Tho he is surrounded Mccole and mogan in the fb line

[cjx]

Plenty of positions up for grabs with the below maybe the closest to holding onto a place imo

1. Morgan
2. Devlin
3. Peter Teague
4. X
5. Mckernan
6. X
7. X
8. Kennedy
9. Conn
10. Daly
11. X
12. X
13. E Mcelholm
14.
15. D. Canavan

Think the under 21 side of Hampsey and mcgeary are coming towards an end. Seanie O'Donnell has came on well last few games with size/power needs to come on.
Several interesting players about the county in the middle sector but will be interesting do any perform in the club championship.

Roarty has made a great impact for Donegal. Could Joey Clarke or others come on to provide anything? Tho he is surrounded Mccole and mogan in the fb line

We getting Donegalised here?
Other point, Tyrone missed 5~6 point efforts 5 wide 1 short ( mebbe 2 short?) At least 5 awful wides one butchered goal attempt 2nd half. That is weak and appaling. However one 2pt effort, Teague left side 4th qtr. Man running on into empty space 5~10m ahead centre (just  to his right) quick 10m pass 1 pt certain mebbe goal3. 2 other similar ill considered/panic shots for 2 got nothing cool brain/confidence-belief and 3~5points in the bag v nothing on the day. RC last 2pt appt. pure anger (sent the brother back) howitzer 3 yards wide. Didn't really matter by then but (after good 2pt earlier).
But..l think...Harte has a point😅 well illustrated by above (as he did on BBC) two pointers are a distraction from goals and often lead to loose hopeless shooting, but still l like them. So solution is surely 4pt goal and with abolishing any ball moving around at frees for 2pt or whatever, let that be an end to rule changes for 2 seasons then reassess and have a std. Rules adjustment cmte. to propose changes every 3 years cos coaching is changng things very fast and often get around  the good intentions of rule changes too easily, without being held to account. As in US sports this l believe must be combatted in GAA to keep game interesting, fair and true to the spirit of GAA (and lastly on that all reviewers must go to 10 Junior Championships matches in bad weather and give their considered opinion of rules impact on those games, where it matters most with the people down an dirty, not in some media invented heaven of a virtual Croke park).