GAA: Roscommon v TyroneTYRONE PEOPLE could argue the potential absence of Senan Kilbride from the Roscommon attack is offset by Stephen O'Neill's latest hamstring problem.
Roscommon’s full forward went down heavily on his shoulder against Mayo in the Connacht final on July 17th, but at least defender Donal Ward has been passed fit.
But Tyrone people have probably never heard of Kilbride. For all their club success and impact in the Connacht championship these past two years, Roscommon are yet to win a game on the main stage.
Until such time, they cannot expect to garner much respect from the feared Red Hand brigade.
Roscommon’s minor success of 2006 was transferred into provincial honours last year, only for Cork to pull away without too much fuss at the same juncture.
Tyrone are expected to do something similar here. Mickey Harte appears to have settled on a formula, much like the mixing and matching of previous qualifier runs that delivered Sam Maguire.
Either Brian Dooher or Owen Mulligan, or both, are due into the attack should the scores dry up entering the last quarter. Enda McGinley will also come into more serious consideration.
Defence? Justin McMahon or Davy Harte, or both, can be launched at a moment’s notice.
Trying to even contemplate a Roscommon surprise here is difficult. They are not yet playing with the freedom of last season but that is partly down to the miserable conditions in the Connacht decider when Mayo perhaps needed the victory more.
There is just so much fire-power to repel. The McGuigan brothers, Tommy and Brian, are catching fire, so too is Seán Cavanagh. And he could start roaming from midfield with an eye on dismantling Dublin in next weekend’s quarter-final.
Watch for Ryan McMenamin and Philly Jordan raids from the back. Even Conor Gormley and Joe McMahon have been galloping forward of late.
We haven’t even mentioned the next wave. One from Peter Harte, Mark Donnelly and Kyle Coney are due a show-off performance. It has been a few years now since Coney was expected to reproduce a sensational underage career in the senior ranks.
Today could be the day. Or maybe he will wait another seven days. Either way, Tyrone arrive in Croke Park with a renewed hunger and the drum beat rumbling.
TYRONE: P McConnell; M Swift, Joe McMahon, R McMenamin; Seán O'Neill, C Gormley, P Jordan; K Hughes, S Cavanagh; C Cavanagh, B McGuigan, P Harte; T McGuigan, M Donnelly, K Coney.
ROSCOMMON: TBC.
Referee: M Deegan (Laois).
In the Last Episode:Not a bad first date.
You Bet:Tyrone are 2/5, Roscommon 5/1 or with the handicap Tyrone are 11/10 (-5) with Roscommon 5/6 (+5).
On Your Marks:Roscommon come in hope. Maybe Donie Shine will elevate his fame to national level or maybe Joe McMahon will devour him.
Gaining Ground: The unusual throw-in would be an hour later if it wasn't for the long drive home for both sets of supporters.
Just the Ticket:a ticket for the covered stand is €30 but the Hill is closed this weekend. Students and OAP, for Cusack and Davin Stand only, can get €10 back by showing ID at the gate.
Crystal Gazing:Tyrone's new forwards to get a timely taste of the wide open spaces before they return to the coliseum next Saturday night when the natives will be baying for their blood.
