Preview: Ulster SFC: Monaghan v Tyrone
June 14, 2014
Monaghan's Dessie Mone and Martin Penrose of Tyrone.
©INPHO/Cathal Noonan.
The Farney County captain is desperate to play which is evident by the extraordinary lengths he has gone to in a bid to cure the knee and ankle ligaments damage he suffered in a club game back in March but a lack of match practice could let him down even if he togs out.
The Clontibret ace is Monaghan's most potent attacking threat and you would have to fear for their chances of overturning last year's 0-12 to 0-14 loss in the last eight if he fails to make it.
That clash is best remembered for Sean Cavanagh's infamous 'rugby' tackle on McManus as he bore down on goal and midfielder Dick Clerkin said this week: "It's been a driving motivation this year that having lost to Tyrone the way we did, there's unfinished business there.
"We feel we can progress and that's a good way to be going into the year."
Monaghan are keen to build on their first Ulster SFC success in 21 years and the Division 2 title was a step in the right direction.
The manner in which they disposed of Donegal in the decider will have given them confidence but Tyrone have two tough games against Down under their belt.
Malachy O'Rourke will have studied those two games closely but there is no substitute for competitive games when it comes to fine-tuning the game-plan and the Red Hands have a massive advantage in that regard.
Verdict - Tyrone.
Monaghan team: Rory Beggan; Colin Walshe, Drew Wylie, Fintan Kelly; Dessie Mone, Vinny Corey, Kieran Duffy; Dick Clerkin, Darren Hughes; Paul Finlay, Padraig Donaghy, Paudie McKenna; Dermot Malone, Kieran Hughes, Jack McCarron.
Tyrone team: Niall Morgan; Aidan McCrory, Justin McMahon, Ronan McNamee; Ronan McNabb, Mattie Donnelly, Peter Harte; Colm Cavanagh, Conan Grugan; Martin Penrose, Sean Cavanagh, Ciaran McGinley; D McCurry, Stephen O' Neill, Ronan O'Neill.
Match details: Sunday, Clones, 2pm.
Referee: Eddie Kinsella (Laois).
Odds: Monaghan 11/8, Draw 15/2, Tyrone 8/11. Tweet
