This morning.

Ahead of the All-Ireland football Final at Croke Park between Tyrone and Mayo kicking off at 5pm.

Tyrone-born, Broadsheet reader Shayna writes:

Traditionally the third Sunday in September meant one thing in Ireland – All-Ireland Football Final Day. Tradition had given way to ‘The New Normal’ over the past years.The new normal I refer to is Dublin’s Stephen Cluxton holding aloft The Sam Maguire Cup at 5pm on said Sundays. This year, two very deserving teams battle it out in Croke Park.

Mayo have been near misses and also-rans. That changed this year defeating The Champions in their Semi-Final. The superstitious Mayo types will be thinking of “The Curse”. Tyrone have had their own demons to contend with, but this year it’s all change.

Mickey Harte is gone. Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher seem to be steering the ship in the right direction. The Tyrone panel are writhing over the humiliation in Kerry during the National League, retrospectively a timely kick up the back-side for The Championship.

Everywhere in Tyrone, there are red and white flags flying in anticipation of “Sam” coming home to Tyrone. The completely unorthodox Tyrone goal-keeper, Niall Morgan is a primary school teacher in Edendork, his kids composed a song for a Tyrone win. Neil Sludden, another Tyrone player, also a primary school teacher, in Fermanagh – it seems the whole of the school kids turned up in Tyrone jerseys yesterday. Feargal Logan visited St. Joseph’s Convent School in Donaghmore, he was received like a Hollywood celebrity.

I watched an interview with Peter “The Great” Canavan on BBC last night – The Tyrone team is unchanged from the semi. Peter’s son, Dara is on the bench, he’s 18/19, he’s there on merit, a great player. Peter’s opinion was that Cathal McShane should start – to be fair, when he came on, he scored 1-3 in the semi.

In 2004, I travelled with my Dad and uncle, both former Tyrone players to Crossmalina, Mayo for a National Football League game, the whole route was lined with red and white flags and bunting in honour of Cormac McAnallen – it was touching, Mayo beat Tyrone that day.

If Mayo were playing any other county, I’d be shouting for Mayo. Unfortunately – I’m from Tyrone. Come on Tyrone!

Previously: Tyrone Power

Laszlo Geczo/Inpho

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50 thoughts on “Hon Tyrone”

    2. Cú Chulainn

      I hope Mayo do it.. god knows they’ve been at the top table for long enough.. but.. if they don’t race ahead then Tyrone have the smarts to close out a win.. either way, hoping for two teams to go at it with passion, gusto and just a little touch or two of skill…

  2. bisted

    …there’s a story doing the rounds about a famous sports commentator up north…a few months ago during the Euro soccer he was asked if there were any circumstances in which he could bring himself to cheer for England…his reply…maybe, if they were playing Tyrone…

  4. ManT

    Hon mayo from an exasperated Dub who’s wife is from Mayo. As much as I am up for mayo I really just want them to win so we/they can draw a line under this “curse” and get on with their lives.

  6. V aka Frilly Keane

    And just remember it’s Tirr Own
    Not Tie Rone
    Whatever ye have to say about them

    Meanwhile Hon’ Mayhoo
    By a goal ‘n six

    Yeah – I’m putting it out there
    That’s proper head on block stuff

      1. V aka Frilly Keane

        Ah shur’ I know

        I’ve been knocking around with Mayo lads since the 80s
        They’ve me heart broke
        That’s it now

        They could be playing Meath
        And I still won’t shout for them

        Gas really. Best AIF we’ve seen in years
        Fabulous football – Ref was brilliant

        I’d say I said to the teenager there to turn it off
        At least 10 times in the 2nd half – xxxxing eejits I can’t watch another minute of this kinda stuff
        Tyrone were magic in fairness

        There’s two former Mayo Minors / u21 calling over here in a minute now
        And this won’t be the first post AIF dinner I’ve lost my head with them on the doorstep

        Hon’ Tyrone
        Everyone who wins an All Ireland Final deserves it
        And it was a classic, a brilliant game of football

        1. V aka Frilly Keane

          And he’d a great game himself – mainly

          Pure Class
          All well reared, proper sportsmen

          No storming off the field in a snot
          Or crying
          Refusing to watch the presentation or to listening to the other Captain’s Speech
          In like a few Hurling Counties I could mention
          That they’re neighbours as well is no surprise

  8. Gabby

    This final is being built up as the greatest epic confrontation since David fought Goliath. Search every player electronically for a concealed slingshot.

    1. Anne Unicorn

      I think it’s safe to say that the North will rise again.

      They’ve got nothing better to do, innit?

    1. scottser

      Well done Tyrone, Mayo were well beaten. Them beating the dubs flattered to deceive I reckon, goes to show how far we’ve fallen.

        1. just millie

          What have vaccinations to do with Tyrone winning? Other than you wanting to make yet another vaccine-related remark on a post that has sfa to do with it.

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