Fans get kitted out for showdown at Croker All Hands

THE odds may be stacked against them but don’t go telling the people in Tyrone they’ve no chance in Sunday’s All-ireland final.

Standing in the Red Hands’ way are Dublin, bidding for a fourth successive title and undoubtedly one of the best sides the game has ever seen.

Some might say the atmosphere in the county ahead of the Croker showdown is more understated and subdued than before their previous successes in 2003, 2005 and 2008.

But that doesn’t mean Tyrone fans have lost interest or given up hope.

Conor Mcaleer, who owns a bar in Dungannon, believes there is no reason why the Red Hands can’t be celebrating come Sunday evening. He said: “This side are massive underdogs and rarely do the bookies get it wrong, Dublin are a 1-7 favourite.

“What does that tell you? Well for every eight times this event occurs Dublin will win seven and Tyrone will win one, but guess what this Sunday could be the one Tyrone win.

“We certainly believe they can do it.

“These young lads have been giving their all for months on end with training and the many sacrifices they’ve made in their own lives and we hope on Sunday they’ll enjoy the fruits of their labour as they lift Sam and bring it back home for another big party in the streets.”

Driving through the village of Moy, or The Moy as it’s known to locals, there’s no denying there’s a big match on the horizon.

Popular bars Tomney’s and PB’S are bedecked with flags and banners, while owner of the Ryandale Inn Vincent Daly has put his specially painted Tyrone “Taxi for Maguire” back on the road for the journey to Croker.

A few miles down the road in Dungannon there’s almost an air of quiet confidence among supporters. Begley’s Sports shop is

DUNGANNON YESTERDAY

buzzing with red and white jerseys, flags, bunting and headbands as far as the eye can see.

Although the buzz of previous years might not be the same, Darragh Begley doesn’t think there’s a lack of excitement among fans.

He added: “The novelty factor of winning an All-ireland has worn off but I think there’s still a great excitement and anticipation ahead of Sunday.

“There’s a new generation of Tyrone fans coming through, many of whom were just eight or 10 in 2008, but now they’re older and they’re excited to experience it in a new way with party buses heading to Dublin from all over the place.

“There’s still the same scramble for tickets to the game so in that sense