McGuigan: underdog Tyrone is a dangerous animal
August 22, 2013
Tyrone's Brian McGuigan
Writing in his weekly Gaelic Life column, McGuigan reveals that optimism is growing regarding their team's chances this weekend.
"A lot has been said about Tyrone supporters having little hope ahead of this game because there's no buzz, no hype and no colour around the county.
"I take that as a sign more of what Tyrone supporters have grown used to over the past decade. They've slipped into that Kerry way of thinking, where All-Ireland semi-finals aren't necessarily a massive deal to them any more.
"Talk to Tyrone people over the past two weeks though and as the game draws nearer, you'll find their optimism growing. Everyone is giving Tyrone a chance, which doesn't make any sense when you consider their respective results in the quarter-finals.
"The players have been quietly going about their preparations, the mood is extremely positive in the camp, and you can sense that they're a team determined to go out and deliver the goods on Sunday afternoon.
"Tyrone when they get this far are a dangerous animal. They're in a great place, written off by everyone outside, and that's exactly where Mickey Harte wants to be. He'll be drilling into them that it's the world against them, and that's only going to help.
"They've got Conor Gormley back on board, and that's massive for Tyrone. To win, they need an on-song Conor Gormley because he has been the key man at the back for the Red Hands this year.
"What Tyrone will be trying to do is to stick with Mayo until the last ten minutes and then hit them with the knockout punch. If Tyrone are winning going into the closing stages, then it's game over and lights out for Mayo because Tyrone simply won't surrender that lead."
The All-Ireland winning centre-forward concluded with an ominous message for Mayo.
"Tyrone have teams sitting in both minor and senior semi-finals. The buzz is building. Talk of rebuilding and transition years is now but a distant memory. Tyrone take on a life of their own when they get to this stage of the All-Ireland series.
"Write them off at your peril!" Tweet
