The Dubs bring the memories back The feeling of exhilaration I experienced when I ran out onto Croke Park for my first senior All-Ireland final in 1995 will stay with me forever. The noise was deafening and the atmosphere electric. Ten years on and with Croke Park looking even more splendid it was great to feel the same buzz again when running out to meet the Dubs in the All-Ireland quarter final. Granted there may not have been as many Tyrone supporters present as there was in '95 but there were certainly more Dubs and definitely more noise. Often teams from the capital receive a lot of unwanted media attention but there is no doubt that the Dubs bring a great splash of colour and a real sense of anticipation whenever they play in the championship. Despite the initial disappointment of not winning the drawn game- Tyrone knew they could look forward to the replay in a positive frame of mind knowing that they played their part in one of the most exciting and skilful games of this years championship. One of the many highlights of the drawn game included a fantastic goal from Owen Mulligan. In my opinion it was one of the best goals ever scored in Croke Park. I hope we get the chance to see many more 'mugsy dummies' before the year is out. The excitement and drama of the drawn game was in contrast to the game played out by the two counties in the '95 final. The days preceding the drawn game presented the scribes and indeed a few players the opportunity to reminisce about the last meeting of the two teams in '95. For many Tyrone gaels this is a painstaking walk down memory lane. Certainly the final had plenty of talking points but the standard of football displayed that day fell well short of what the two teams were capable of. I always maintained that a draw would have been a fair result - I didn't think that I would have to wait ten years for it! Although a decade had passed and both panels had few remaining from the '95 era, I couldn't help but notice the remarkable similarities in the pattern of the two games. In the both encounters Tyrone started very well and rushed into early leads. But towards the end of the first half Dublin finished strongly scoring goals in the process. In '95 Charlie Redmond toe-poked home from close range and likewise this year it was Tomas Quinn from six yards out and also into the net at the Canal end. The second half of both games progressed with Tyrone dominant and outscoring the Dubs. The two games were close and fiercely contested right to the finish and both ended in controversial referring decisions. In '95 Sean McLoughlin had a point disallowed at the death, for an 'infringement' in the build up. Yours truly was adjudged to have touched the ball on the ground despite the fact that the ball was fisted up to Sean's hands. The point that never was separated the two sides and left Dublin the victors. The drawn game this year also ended with a debatable decision. Referee Aidan Mangan from Kerry, who let the game flow brilliantly on the day, penalised Tyrone's Conor Gormley when he appeared to clearly strike the ball out of his opponents hand. This presented the Dubs with a chance and with the last kick of the game Tomas Quinn made no mistake. If the spectators at the drawn Tyrone v Dublin game were treated to a classic then the same can be said for the lucky thousands that turned up to witness the All-Ireland hurling semi-final the following day in Croke Park. Cork and Clare took part in a terrific battle, fought at a ferocious pace. At the end one could only feel sympathy for the disappointed Clare men as at one stage it looked as though they would dethrone the All-Ireland champions. The Banner County, like Tyrone, contested an All-Ireland final in '95 and their passion and hunger for success struck a chord with the Tyrone players at that time. They inspired many of us as individuals to go out and become winners against the odds and with the right attitude and determination they proved anything was possible. We had no difficulty in understanding their desire to rid themselves of the 'whipping boys' tag as for years Tyrone teams struggled to perform in Croke Park leaving well beaten and down hearted. Like ourselves Anthony Daly and his squad have been at the receiving end of much unfair criticism. Despite their loss to a supremely gifted Cork side the Clare men still continue to inspire many and have exited the championship with their heads held high. Not many full backs in hurling or football will give a performance like the one Brian Lohan gave against Cork - a great lift to all those older folk still playing that are considered over the hill. (Forgive me for getting carried away I used to play a bit of hurling!) The 2nd Sunday in September will see football taking a back seat - and if it produces anything like the quality and excitement of the semi finals then Cork v Galway will be an All Ireland Final to remember. Back to the bigger ball and I was shocked to hear that John Maughan had resigned as manager of the Mayo County football team. I perceived that John was in the middle of a 'rebuilding plan' and that he would be expecting big things in '06 or '07. He appeared to have a good backroom team and since he regained his managerial position Mayo have emerged as one of the top five teams in the country. Part of their problem may have been the rapid progress made last year, their level of improvement in one season was astounding. No-one expected them to win Connacht never mind reach an All-Ireland. However, the thumping they took in the All-Ireland final definitely left both the panel and their supporters demoralised. This past year John in particular, has taken his fair share of uncalled-for criticism from sections of Mayo followers and media. At times fans can be fickle - while most people credit John for bringing so many Mayo squads to All-Ireland finals others blame him for losing numerous deciders. He now leaves behind a side containing an abundance of quality players. There is a splashing of youth and experience there and on their day they are capable of beating any team. The appointment of the new Mayo manager will be a big call. John O' Mahoney seems reluctant to take the reins and I would be surprised if the Mayo County board go searching outside of the county boundary. Tweet

Most Read Stories