GAA NFL DIVISION 1 Win was a big releaf
SCULLION: KERRY RESULT HUGE
Celtic Park, Sunday 3.45pm
BY
DERRY great Tony Scullion reckons the Oak Leafers Division 1 victory over Kerry in Tralee at the weekend will have been “a massive relief” for Mickey Harte.
Every week there appears to be a fresh Harte narrative.
Harte’s first press conference as Derry manager. Harte’s first game as Derry manager. Harte v Mcguinness. Harte v Kerry.
Harte v Jack O’connor.
This weekend it’s the biggest of all, Harte v
Tyrone.
The Errigal Ciaran man is unbeaten as Derry boss to date with five wins out of five, and Mckenna Cup already bagged.
But that victory in Tralee was the most important to date.
With Kerry resting the Cliffords and edging Derry in last year’s All-ireland semi-final, it was important for a virtually full strength visiting side to get the win.
“I’d say it’s a massive relief for Mickey himself to get a result,” said Scullion.
“There’s been a lot of interest in his appointment.
“Kerry were missing a right few,
a some very familiar names were missing. It was a great start to get two points on the board because we haven’t been in Division 1 for a number of years now.
“It’s all about getting six points because hopefully that’s the safety mark.
“But for Derry people, we’re just delighted to have him.”
Harte comes to Derry when they’ve won back to back Ulster titles for only the second time in their history. They also have the measure of Tyrone recently after a decade and a half under the cosh, with Harte in charge for all of it.
Tyrone will be anxious to turn the tables back again. “I think it has the makings of a cracker a Celtic Park,” said Scullion (inset), who won four All Stars – a Derry record he holds with Anthony Tohill.
“I am expecting a fierce contest. Two Ulster teams going at it.
“Honest to goodness football and of course hoping my county wins.
“Tyrone will not be happy that Derry has got the best of them this last game or two. They’ll be determined to get one back on Derry.”
›› Tony Scullion, Laochra Gael airs tomorrow night (9.30pm) on TG4