Michael’s hunting a response
Tyrone v Mayo Division 1, Omagh 2.30pm
THIS time last month Michael Mckernan and the Tyrone footballers were in Thailand and took a visit to see some elephants.
They’re familiar with big game hunting then and need to take down a genuine predator in the shape of Mayo today.
Last weekend’s loss to Kerry – when Tyrone scored 0-2 from play – has left the All-ireland runners-up needing to claim a big scalp to kickstart their campaign.
Young Player of the Year nominee Mckernan said it is all about individual improvement and being committed to getting better each week.
A Sigerson Cup quarter-finalist with Ulster University next Wednesday, the Tyrone defender said: “I definitely could be better at decision making, at keeping my fitness up and getting fitter. It’s basically getting better at everything, watching your games back to see what you did wrong and correcting it next day.”
Tyrone will feel they did plenty wrong in Kerry when they slipped to a surprise 0-11 to 0-7 defeat.
But that will be forgotten if they beat Mayo at Healy Park.
Mckernan is also keen to uncover new talent in spring and referenced the kick Dublin consistently get from their bench.
Darragh Canavan made his league debut against Kerry while Kyle Coney came back after a spell away and there was game time too for Liam Rafferty and Brian Donnelly.
Mckernan said: “Hopefully the new boys that have come in will strengthen us.”