Tyrone v Donegal The Championship

Hello and welcome to The Championship live from St

Tiernach's Park, Tyrone against Donegal coming up shortly. The

throwing has been delayed because the under 21 hurling final has gone

into extra time. They are into the extra period. When that finishes,

we will have the senior football match, the semi-final. Could this

be the day went Tyrone and Armagh's stranglehold on the Anglo Celt Cup

is finally broken. Jarlath Burns and Martin is to are here to find

out. -- Martn McHugh. I read a text from someone who said that the

Donegal team looks so focused. If you look at the time rowing team,

you have players who are 30, 31, 35, 31, 30, 31. And if you look at the

other side of the spectrum, Donegal, had players 22, 20, 22, 17. That is

incredibly young to be going out against an experienced Tyrone team.

The question is, are Tyrone to experienced and up Donegal to pin

experienced? That is why this is such an in -- absorbing game.

think when you listen to all this, this is when Tyrone are really

dangerous. This team have been written off and that is when they

prove everybody wrong. They have won so many All Ireland and All-

Stars. Maybe some of them have changed jobs within the team. A

couple them are running parts of coaching are doing things they did

not do at the start. With the heat and the conditions are probably

will help Donegal. One thing we forget with Donegal, the nucleus of

the team, and the best team in the Donegal team, our players that have

failed in the past. Can Jim McGuiness get them to another level

and in that belief in them? There are players that have been there

and have not got over the line so the question is can Jim McGuiness

take them over the line? It is a big test for both teams and we will

know a lot more at the end of this match. Jim McGuiness is a great

manager. Lesson one of the new manager, can be sure team that

everybody hates you read is out to get you, and you'll get an extra

10%. He has done that from the word go. He will be saying to them it is

Ulster against the rest. Mickey Harte got it going as well. People

have been saying it is a disgrace that the game was not at Clones.

The first Test is to come into play as though everybody hates you and

Jim McGuiness has caught on that one. We will explore some of the

love-hate Questions a bit later on. The start is delayed and told

3:40pm because but hurling has gone into extra time. In fact, we are

hearing now that the throw in his 3:55pm. In the meantime, at the

draw for the second round off the All Ireland qualifiers is this

evening. Let us remind you of the results from Saturday in case you

The big a shock of the day was London losing to fair manner. --

took Fermanagh. They could win for There was a clamour tea towards the

end at the match for cloud. -- Clare. With Danny Hughes back and

the rest of the team becoming more settled it will be a different

proposition. Either that or else they should they had just been very

poor, poor against Armagh. Ordinarily the London result would

be a massive shock but there was a feeling this weekend that it might

happen. Yes. I expected Fermanagh to be good enough to go over and

when it. You look at Fermanagh, it is a small county and there are 10

or 11 football players that are not even on the panel. If the -- in

2008 they should have won the too championship. It is hard to believe

that they have gone down to that there. It will be a long road back

for them but they have to work hard and get ready for the National

League and try to get out of Division four. The big thing is how

well they were beaten. They were hammered -- Hammett. I was talking

to Fermanagh people and they said it was terrible. They were ahead at

half time 9-1. This was the first time that the London team have put

in the work. He chose you that it has paid off. A lot of things have

combined their. They were lucky in that they got that Fermanagh team,

and the general feeling was it would have been better if Fermanagh

had beaten Hama. The other think is the economy. An awful lot of

emigration and a lot of great footballers over in London at the

moment. Those circumstances, you would not want to belittle the

fabulous victory for London. I have had tax from people live in London

and they are delighted. Why did people walk away from the Fermanagh

panel? People were saying that they were very well looked after but

with the economy being tied perhaps things were not so good. If they

did it for that reason, that is wrong. We all trained under

different managers and different situations and you have to play

fewer county and have pride in playing for them. Antrim have

steadied the ship again. Not too long ago we used to be boasting

about 17th left at the last 16 stage but Fermanagh went out and

Monaghan went out. And Cavan as well. It just shows that Ulster is

not consistently strong as it thinks. At the bottom end of Ulster

there is a tale beginning to emerge. If they did not get over the line,

perhaps they were not good enough. When the manager came in the whole

thing was breaking up. So perhaps they thought that bounty could not

get them over the line and another manager could. It has not happened

and it is important they make the right decisions. Alex Ferguson was

left long enough to make it with Manchester United. I think for both

managers, at the wrong call was made at Monaghan. The draw for

round two of the qualifiers will be made this evening around teatime.

Armagh and the losers of today's semi-final will be in that draw.

Donegal entire range is the main fare but the throat in it is

delayed until 3:55pm because the Donegal are one point ahead in the

hurling game, I don't know that is an omen. It is a delay for the

players and the manager, how will it affect them? It will have a

slight impact but it is the same for both sides. Both sides are well

prepared. I met the Donegal side than they went out for a practice

and they are well settled. I don't think it will have any great effect.

It will be the same for both. do you see it going, a lot of

optimism in Donegal after the 2 victory so far. We have yet to

express ourselves fully but there is a potentiality there in Donegal

and under not Jim McGuiness it is reaching its climax. In saying that,

I would have to say that with Tyrone one never knows how good

they are until they get on the pitch. By and large, I would say

that the freshness and physical strength of Donegal may just

carried the strength. A you were almost drowned out by Tyrone

scoring in the hurling game. Are Tyrone still the team to beat?

always a team to beat. Mickey Harte has a way with the players. They do

their training in house and we will never know until I hit the pitch

exactly where they are. They played a 14 man Monaghan team in difficult

conditions but Donegal are well up for this game and with the

potentiality of the score in forwards they will be difficult to

beat. That must be a great source of optimism for any Donegal fan,

the likes of McFadden, at Murphy, you know you're going to get scores.

Without dead. But Tyrone are wily characters. In saying that, it will

be very hard because of the physical strength and power in

Donegal. We have a very hard- working half forward line as long

as we do not drift too far down the pitch so that we lose touch with

the inside forwards. That will be important. The midfield battle

should prove very interesting. bit of team news. They looked to be

one change bump each side. Frank McGlynn looks to be coming in

emplaced off Marty Boyle. And Owen Brian sounds pretty optimistic and

fancied for Donegal. He is a very optimistic fellow. But also here,

at the semi-final, there is a 1999 fealty the Donegal set up. In this

championship so far they have not been tested yet. They have not been

behind it and have not had to come back from diversity. They have not

gone down to an early goal. All of those things. To date they will

probably face the trials and tribulations and there are lot of

questions to be answered and we will find out an awful lot about

both teams. It may be the end of an era for Tyrone but I think there's

For the first 20 minutes it was dreadful. If they start as poorly

as that far but but the way the play defensively, they run them. I

would say that both teams will play with a sweeper. It will be

interesting to see what Tyrone do. Micky Harte will say right, let's

Donegal run at us. Allah than to do that. The tactical battle is going

to be important. -- allow them to do that. We look at the records of

the last two years. They coasted through Ulster. They have not gone

away, but this will tell us are -- a lot about them.

Maybe we should get a Tyrone perspective. Describing the game

will be the former Tyrone captain, You have experienced it before.

Will it be upsetting? It is the worst place for players

to be. They will be stuck in the dressing room. The time goes very

slowly in there. It is disappointing, and what it will do

for those in experienced players, and, or have a lot of them, it is

very unnerving for them. -- and Donegall Quay have a lot of them.

It is not a nice day to be in there. A few of them had gone out to watch

the hurling. They will have been timed to be out on the field. It is

just a waiting game for both sides. I remember a final game. We world

jumping about, nervous tension and whatnot. Stevie was reading a novel

of some description. It gives him more time to read the book.

We are hearing of changes in both sides. Penrose is suffering with

influenza. We expect going Mulligan instead. -- Arena Mulligan.

A lot of people were surprised. He is in great shape and has performed

well. Such is the competition within the Tyrone team at the

moment, and regarding Penrose, I would be disappointed for him. He

is an unsung hero. His tenacity off the ball is something else. The

amount of time t turns over defences.

You're telling me that Tyrone is up for this. This is no shock.

They are up for it for a couple of reasons. Donegall Quay turned them

over in the League Cup. --, call it All the hype and build-up is about

Tyrone have always been able to rise to the challenge. They are for

the challenge. It has got the makings of a cracker.

OK, Peter, thank you very much. It is back to you boys in the studio.

We will be back for, too late on. There has been a delay here because

the hurling final has gone into extra time. Tyrone are leading that

game at the end of the first period of extra-time. But they are still

playing. Most of the had few problems in identifying last week's

And no, it is not Mr Sidebottom. If you know the answer, you can post

of guesses to our Facebook and Twitter pages. So far, just one

correct guess this weekend. The correct guess this weekend. The

answer will be revealed this answer will be revealed this

evening on the bottom address. So, good luck with that. We will

give you the answer later. What sort of difficulty will this delay

pose for Jim McGuinness and Micky Harte? We are in the era where they

have precision timing. That has to be moved around.

I just think the big thing is your pre-match lunch as well. You have

it three RS before the game. The two teams will have eaten at 4:30pm.

They have been badly treated. They have been prepared. The Donegal

team even troubled last night to prepare. The county board said they

would do that. So we all have to think about it. We had to allow for

this game to go into extra-time. They should have allowed for this.

The crowd have to get to the game early. The game to start at the

right time. That is at -- an These are two developing her

encounters. They are back level again. It is a close game. --

developing hurling counties. I came to watch this game as much as to

watch the other game. It is great. Whenever this game is over,

incorrect time, there were not many people in the stadium. But I agree

people in the stadium. But I agree with Martin that from the

perspective of the players in the changing room, even if there's a

ten-minute delay, at that stage, you have thought about nothing for

the last six months, and then, another 30 minutes in the changing

another 30 minutes in the changing rooms.

There's are the result. Donegal have won.

A great performance. They did well to come back and it is a great

result. There a lot of -- there are a lot of people doing good work in

Other clubs are now starting to develop. It is good for Donegal.

We will come back to the football later on. Donegal won the Under 21

shield by one point. Let's turn to the second game here today, Donegal

against Tyrone. We can hear from two men who formed a key part in

underage football, enjoying many successes. To backroom team men.

Peter, you have been in the dressing room. A lot of nervous

energy in there. As the game got tighter, we realise

things might be put back. I would not say they are used to it, but

they have adjusted their time. You have a lot of never at -- nervous

energy in there. What are the players doing in

there? Day had a tutorial in what to do. -

- they had. They just have to listen to the experts in the studio

and learn what to do. Peter Canavan is up there. Raymond,

you have been in the situation we have played against a lot of these

-- players at underage level. Are you surprised that quickly they

have moved up to senior level? They have the physique to play at

this level. Michael has been on the radar for many years. He is in

there now for two to three years in the seniors. This year, they have

really showed that they are coming to the level where everybody

expects them to be competing in semi-finals and finals year in,

year out. But being from Tyrone, I expect them to have the experience

on the field. Donegal have just come out. You

spoke about experience. How big a factor is that going to be? I lot

of Donegal players will not be used to this situation. -- a lot.

They will be trying to talk to the fellas, keep them calm. As Peter

said, the delay, it will not faze the Tyrone players. They would come

out here, they have been in a tear so many times. Today, the weather

is going to be warm. I think experience is going to tell. To

count at -- Donegal's plan, I feel tired and have the ability to do it.

Will the game be won or lost? They have a lot of got that many

good players. Hopefully they will Thank you very much. All the sea at

we have been talking about the rain on championship days. -- all this

year. Today it is lovely and sunny. Tyrone are in their familiar red

jerseys. It is familiar today for the defending champions, and Mr

Mulligan starts. We confirm the teams in a moment. But, Mark, let's

teams in a moment. But, Mark, let's look at the Donegal team who are

going to try to unseat the champions. A late change. Frankie

I think he will go to centre half. I was thinking during the week, the

forward line was at one time the most important. Now they are

It is interesting here. You look at the bans on the hands of Donegal.

Orders on them? I think the game plan is on them.

- what is on them? It is just different things. It

shows you the amount of work that has gone into it. That is it there

on the left hand. There are times when you go wrong in the game, you

I thought the initials meant you had to go to see the doctor! John

Morrison was into that psychological thing. He used to go

before gains and Han people a piece of paper with their targets on it.

-- before games and hand people. What it comes down to his leaders.

What he make of the team? Cavanagh is important but he has scored only

nine from frees. McGuigan is another scorer. If you are losing

out a man who has scored one-29, it is a pit captain the team. -- a big

Penrose lies to move out and come back in, his Mulligan going to go

A lot of questions over this Tyrone team. They will be answered today.

But Penrose is a massive loss for his scoring. The average last year

was one-13, the average this year it is 1-14. I think whoever scores

around 20 points at the end will win this game. It is interesting

that they showed Mickey Harte there. He can read a football match, he is

a brilliant tactician. That is what he is good at, he is brilliant at

tactics. He normally gets his game- plan right. A lot of managers did

not. But it Murphy does come out, will he be followed? That is one of

several fascinating duels. Mickey Harte has built a reputation as one

of the most successful bosses in Gaelic football but it does give a

portion of that credit to his The players think for themselves on

the field and you never see them get the message out on to the field.

Is it the player's ability to think on their feet? Our first

involvement together in football was in 1991. Donegal beat us in

that Ulster final in 1991. It was not until the end of the 2004-2005

season that we got together in management terms. Anybody feel

nervous or under pressure? A little bit? Tony Donnelly's passion is

undeniable, whether it is working with the main team or with children.

When I started I said to Mickey why what these players who have

achieved so much, what would they put up with will listen to me? But

he gives everybody that belief. We are very aware of the one vice, it

is part of the team talk, there are a lot of demarcation lines here,

there and everywhere. And I suppose my key is the immovable object.

They do take time to socialise. I will go over to Mickey Harte's and

I enjoyed a wonderful spaghetti bolognese! We have our own family

commitments but we do enjoy each other's company away from football.

One of the game's Mister nice guys. So is this man, but in a different

way. He is an in-your-face manager where as Donnelly and Mickey Harte

are more passive. Both teams playing full-blooded games of

football against each other. And I would say there are thousands of

coaches who love watching to see what they are doing and building it

into their own training regimes back at home. But definitely an

excellent up and coming management team between Jim McGuiness or

Gallagher. It you had to pick one particular area where this game

will hinge, is at the Donegal full- forward line or is it further out

field? The Donegal forward line, it is no good if they don't get the

ball to them. Last week, Armagh lost the battle in that area. They

did not play with the sweeper and could not get up the field. The

tactical battle will be very interesting. I was watching time

bring to the warm-up and they always kick from the day. They get

the ball in care. They do that and take the right option on the field.

It is a hot day, a different kind of day. I think if Donegal stay

with Pie rowing until well into half-time that could make a

difference. Will tie rowing be able to break the Donegal defence down,

especially in the first 20 minutes -- Tyrone has to mark it they are

able to do that, then they can come at them. The one thing that Donegal

would worry about his they have not got a fully settled midfield. It

can be any one of McElhinney, Rafferty and Gallagher. They have

not really settled on it. The substitutes can be brought on to

give you that impetus in the last 20 minutes off the game. I think

they have lost that impetus from the Tyrone change because Penrose

is not there and Mulligan is on from the start. We have a bit of

sunshine, warm, humid weather and the smell of grass and all that

kind of hyperbole! I think Mulligan is a great footballer and could

have a big bearing on this game. There is the parade. In a word,

Donegal wartime Wren? I think Tyrone has one last big campaign

and I think this is it. We talk about Donegal having a hunger but

Tyrone has the bigger hunger. I think they will want to win it for

Mickey Harte. My heart says Donegal but my head says Tyrone. To fork

dive Rhone in the studio -- two for tight rein in the studio. Your

commentary team is Martin McHugh 2007. Mulligan has been sprung from

the bench to replace Martin Penrose. We are told that Penrose has had

flu all week. Printed Alex, are you worried about Mickey Harte dipping

Mulligan? This is a team that so many people have labelled as having

too many players over the hill. That is the challenge. There is no

doubt about the quality and the experience but do they have the

legs and a hunger? McMahon is back after that broken jaw in a club

game and it is good to see him back. The expectation is that he may be

the man took Marshall Michael Murphy. I was with Mickey Harte at

the new centre of excellence on Friday and he is full of focus. The

one criticism that has been made of him, and the difficult -- has been

that he is too loyal to the old fellows. Looking down through the

tight rein team I think there are more married men than there are in

the rest of the combined teams within a Ulster. There are 10 or 11

of them, but that reflects the fact that they have been there and done

that. Yes. I sought Mrs Gormley outside. I think they are going to

be tested. It is very hot and warm here today. We are being told in

training that these players have been flying in training and that

fitness is not a problem. They are definitely going to be tested today.

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draws the rendition to a close. At we look at the shot from behind the

town Col. We both noted that Jim McGuiness took a full physical part

in the warm-up. I have not seen that before, both management

underline. This would have been something that was pre-planned.

Just looking at club match UPS and Gormley has gone straight on to

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McFadden. -- at the player match your old partner knows what the

Post Staff. Barry fluid movement up front. It was Harte that made a D

cup run to crate that bit of space. third delay. If you are joining as

late, there was the Lake because of his less favoured foot.

Donegal are getting in behind the ball very quickly. Then there were

12 behind the ball in their road 45. road to come at them? -- will

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It is kickable, is it? It is. Ryan Bradley had no need to fight the

gone wide. Peter Harte, first wider. We expect another big game today.

He took a bit of stick in the last game. Once again, we are looking

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will be a free kick. I thought he should have offloaded as he was

about to possibly go himself. Possibly the wrong option from Sean

Cavanagh. My reaction was the same as yours.

I thought that Mulligan, he was one on one. The Donegal defender was

cynical, but it was the right thing to do. It was a goalscoring

opportunity. It is a yellow card. I'm not sure who it went too. Sean

Cavanagh sticks it over the top. There was definitely a yellow card

yellow-card. The camera angle does not give us... Should he have gone

little wild. Donegal yet to make an impression, Peter. A Labour build

Donegal, they were quick to get men behind the ball.

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for him to do but to give the ball Cute and clever, incisive and

clinical. It is all Tyrone. Much too easy from a Donegal point

before. Donegal Carte of four to give him that much space.

That will have worked on the training field. -- Donegal can't

Micky Harte will be delighted with that choice. Tyrone will be happy

always going to favour the keeper. Good awareness by Paul Durcan.

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over this year. It was a fair hit. It is the first time from Donegal

that they mean business. Jim McGuinness will want to see more of

that. Let's go pitch-side to Thomas.

Philip Jordan was picking up Michael Murphy. It does not look as

if Maddie is picking up Jordan. -- points in 2007, its Tyrone's fourth

there but they are happy to get the ball thrown out to the 45.

Anthony Thompson, that is, who required treatment. As we look at

the fans, we have some indication of the longevity of the players'

snuffed out. I suppose that was the reason the ball was put in high.

Both McFadden and Murphy, the ball could have gone anywhere, but again

tender years. He is a good one. An excellent strike on the counter

attack. I don't know who intercepted the board. But against

the breeze, that is an excellent strike.

Marc Faber spotted McBrearty. -- Thomas on the pitch, he will give

you an indication. It is a stock -- sticky day when a lot of hydration

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Durcan is a rate. I do think that with three against two, that was

selfish. I'm not so sure. It would have been

a great score. Donegal well on the the pickle. It was a great pass,

player. But that is two consecutive why it plays from Tyrone.

approach work here is excellent. A low-scoring affair, we are at the

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attempting with his right foot. And the referee blows for over carrying.

It is helter-skelter but the end product is sometimes lacking from

both teams. The standard has dropped. You would not put that

down to just to the heat and the conditions. Both teams are becoming

wasteful and the approach play is becoming slightly laboured.

Donnelly did well to retrieve the went wide. Tyrone should be further

ahead. They should. Whether it is the long wait before the game, but

the Donegal players do look lethargic. I would not have

imagined at Jim McGuiness would have said take things easy here,

we're going to save ourselves during the first half. There is

that lack of energy that is surprising me with regard to

Donegal. Tyrone at this stage should really be five or six points

up. Especially around midfield they are winning a lot of ball but they

are not putting it over the bar. Brian Dooher his head into the side

line. It is bad blood substitution for Tyrone. Dooher has a gash

administered, or at least the had no right to get as second time

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Donegal are inviting Tighe rain to come unto them and the difficulty

is they did that with Cavan, but now they are being punished for

sitting back. The ball was played in in front of McBrearty and he was

in pole position to win it but there was great anticipation --

anticipation and speed by Swift to Tyrone and this could be the man.

Donegal will definitely be wanting Michael Hegarty to get his hand on

possession but they have been guilty occasionally a kicking

It seemed a little bit harsh. are three Tyrone men in there, all

going for a third consecutive Ulster final. They lasted it in the

late 1990s, when the man to my left with his left foot. The time round

fans are shaking easy, easy. -- Tyrone. You do not like to hear

that, but it is easy. These so- called older men, it is them who

appear to have the hunger and hour mark and the return for

was just about to pull the trigger. Thompson appears to have taken it

in the face. He got a hand to it and the boot of Cavanagh connected

with the side of his head. Nothing welcomed the respite. If you were

Donegal, what would you be doing? They were criticised last week for

not making moves quick enough and Donegal are struggling big time.

Tyrone are so dominant. They have got to be changes to the midfield

area. From a defensive point of view, there is no point getting

players behind the ball when they are not picking up anyone and there

are too many occasions when Donegal had the players back there but they

are still leaving space for tight rein. Donegal to a degree perhaps

have been duped having turned time rain over in the league and camp

league and another for The Championship. -- peaking. Today,

Tyrone look like the younger, fresher team and Donegal do not

Tyrone were very kickable. They could be out of sight here. In

terms of possession and hunger, there is a golf at the moment. But,

them with as many married men and as many men allegedly over the hill

is scratching his head. He took that catch well but there was not a

lot to distract Cassidy. And then Murphy loses his footing. It is not

his day and it is not Donegal's day. Tyrone in complete control. But

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five points is not insurmountable Tyrone. It is total football, and

the scoring opportunity. At last, at long last, 32nd minute and a

second point for Donegal. But the workload they are having to put in

to land the scores is phenomenal. It puts four between them, though.

Tyrone were experimenting and they gave it away. Far too casual. That

was an easy score from aable point of view.

horses for Ulster. Good to see the referee working with a smile on his

Championship. Seems like a long time ago. As we get to the half-

time whistle, this will put just three between them. Donegal have

played themselves back into contention.

I imagine Mickey would-be furious with them. They were so superior in

the first half. Once again, the score has come from Tyrone giving

the ball away. McGuinness will be thinking, we can't play any worse

in the second half. Donegal definitely can improve in the

tackling error. Tyrone have played all the football. Donegal have held

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for Tyrone. He fluffed his lines last time from here. This will be

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an opportunity may -- to make on both parts. Oh, a great block.

He was denied by sheer aggression and persistence to deprive what

would have been in a goal and which would have roped in to their core.

between them, Peter, and there could have been so much more.

This is the turning point in the game. What a counter attack. This

Thompson has been their best defender. Donegal go in, despite

defender. Donegal go in, despite playing below par, they are going

in only two points down. We have much to discuss and talk

about. It is to Thomas Kane. Thank you. I am joined by the

Donegal management team. You must be happy enough.

A slow start to the game, and along the lines of the last two games. As

the game picked up, the boys started to believe in themselves.

We're back in the game. We are happy enough.

Tyrone dominated possession for long periods. How are you going to

stop that happening in the second period?

It is to be expected, a bit of nervousness. It took a while to get

into the game. Andy Thomson epitomise the character of the team.

-- Andy Thompson epitomised. We will be ready for the second half.

We know we have a battle on our hands.

The block could have get you in the game.

Those are the ones that win and lose matches. We are happy enough.

It was not the greatest art. It took us a while to get going.

Do you think the delayed three in affected you? You are sitting in

the dressing room for 25 minutes. It is very warm in there. You are

prepared mentally from the first thing you wake up in the morning.

To be sitting there for 25 minutes is hard to take. Thankfully, we are

in a good position. We are happy enough at this stage. We came back

into it well. Mark, thank you very much. He

mentioned the heat down here. It is It is never straightforward. It

took about a quarter of an hour for Donegal to realise the match had

started. Tiger may be blistering start. Mr Mulligan PUP took over

the bar and they ran -- Mr Mulligan popped it over the bar and they ran

looked busy. It took a seventeen- year-old to get Donegal off the

mark. Slowly and surely, they came back into it. They have not played

well but they have clawed the gap back, largely thanks to those cords

and some key moments at the back. and some key moments at the back.

Mr Anthony Thompson, take a Bogue. -- take a Bogue.

It did not look good for Donegal. They are going to have to improve

in the second half. Tyrone maybe had too much possession. The big

thing, Sean Cavanagh was controlling the match. He has gone

out of the match in the last 10 minutes. Donegal got one point in

the first 28 minutes. It is interesting the way they play,

Tyrone. They are not kicking in a florid point. I'm disappointed in

Tyrone. They have had enough possession to put the game away.

We worried about Donegal early on. What has struck you in the first

half? It is attritional and messy. Why

wouldn't it be with the type of tactics that both teams are

playing? They are very defensive. When you see a defensive strategy,

there is always a lot of long-range attempts. They have had six or

seven, wide from range. -- six or seven gone wide. We have not seen

much flowing play. One thing to say about Donegal - individually they

about Donegal - individually they are extremely talented. This is an

example. Look at the number of people around him. This is how you

beat it. A nice pass and then suddenly look up and a long range

over the bar. That is how you beat the defence. You are not always

going to have the right man on the ball. Here is another example. One

thing I would say about Donegal, they have two of -- or three of the

best forwards. Unless you have more scoring than Tyrone, they are going

scoring than Tyrone, they are going home into the draw.

We will talk about why Donegal are not firing up front. But you

mentioned Sean Cavanagh a few moments ago. He was causing

problems. He picked up a booking. He had one

thing on his mind. If he... It is a good booking to give away. He is on

the ground, he picks up the ball and he runs free. He did not go out

and he runs free. He did not go out of the game. Just see him here. You

have to man-mark him. He was a bit player for them. It is interesting

to watch the way that Tyrone of to watch the way that Tyrone of

playing, getting up the wings. That is the right tactic. But their

finishing has been disappointing. Sometimes they have taken the wrong

option. They have had 70% of the play.

Should they give Donegal some credit? We have spoken about how

good they are changing their tactics.

This is the chance that they had. He gives the ball away and he

doesn't stop. Kevin Cassidy, suddenly that is the kind of point

that will lift a team. However, let's talk about Michael Murphy. He

started with Philip Jordan, then he moved out, then he moved in with

McFadden. Now he is on his own. The ball goes in, he breaks it, there's

no crime in breaking it, but there's nobody there. Tyrone had

the fitness to run at the team, and that is where Donegal are going

wrong. What is the rationale of starting

Michael Murphy at forward? They felt that maybe Jordan and

Harte were not strong. The one thing I would say, if Donegal has

said to themselves, let allowed to run the ball and their legs will

get to them later. It looked that way out there. If you play one

player back, don't play the other back as well. Michael Hegarty has

made a difference. He is going to be a playmaker, which you need on

the field with the way that Donegal play. The second half is going to

be very interesting. Micky Harte is going to say, we have had the

possession, let's keep it going. That is all he can say. They didn't

We can hear from one of the Tyrone players. Donegal went in at half-

time feeling lucky that they were down two.. How will the Tyrone

players be feeling? I think they will not be very happy. We are

moving ball but is seen to be our mistakes they gave them the chance

to get back in. I'm sure 15 Ellis will not be happy at the minute.

She each areas of room all over the pitch in that first period. The is,

but it seems to be more in defence. If we can move the ball a bit

earlier, the space is there, and the same the other way. When the

ball is moved quick there is space for both teams. So much talk about

Murphy before the game. Joe has come back and done very well, to is

his first competitive game back. He has shown that he still has the

touch. We are just keeping the thing tight at the back.

dominated possession and had so much scoring opportunity. What will

Mickey Harte say to them at half- time? I think he will be to move

the ball quicker because we are laboured. If we can move the ball

quicker and get the boys attacking with pace there a chance is there

to be taken. You were in the dressing room before the match,

what was that like experiencing that delay? I have spoken to one of

the Donegal team, but from the perspective of a player, what was

it like? It was tough. We had started to warm up and then we got

it warned that it had been delayed. So we had to step back a bit and

the heat was serious. It is a hot and humid day. But thankfully, we

have held it all right. We have to keep going in the second half and

see how things go. The good news from the Tyrone perspective is that

he expects to be back for the final if they mated. Tyrone have six

points on the board and their average in the last two or three

years has been one-14 or 1-18. Why have they not sport as much? I

spoke to gym before the match. They have missed three frees. That would

have left them nine points up at half-time. Already, the picture

left by the ability of Martin Penrose to score frees has created

the cap. If you're just joining us here and wondering why this match

is not further along, there was a 25 minute delayed because the

curtain raiser, hurling's Under 21 Shield final went to extra time. It

was an exciting finish and Donegal won it. There was the presentation

to the captain. 4-16, 23-18. A big boost for Donegal hurling today at

under 21 level. At half-time, and we have been watching a very

entertaining game by a group of disability footballers from

counties Tyrone and Monaghan. This is part of the active communities

programme, making sure that everybody gets an up opportunity to

play. I'm not sure if Tyrone or Monaghan won but they entertained

the crowd to run the half-time interval. Let this if you were

quick reminder of the mystery guest. Can you identify this well-known

If you think you know who that is, you can post your guests to power

Facebook and Twitter pages. The answer will be revealed on the

website later this evening. The birth went to Tyrone before the

start of the cane, but given what we saw, either of you going to swap

fences? No, I still think Tyrone of the better side. It has been a poor

first half football wise. We know from games in the past that Tyrone

were beaten, the year after they won the All Ireland, they were

beaten by Derry he got a lot of players behind the ball. And Laois

did the same, getting a lot of players behind the ball. That is

the tactics. Maybe they are saying this is the way to play Tyrone. He

let them have the ball and the new crowd them out. He did not look as

though it was working for Donegal but they are still in the game. It

depends on Tyrone, of the legs still there? There was a two point

turnaround where the ball was not put over the bar and they scored at

the other end. The finishing of Tyrone has been poor. The one

consequence of the blanket defence is that they have to go from long

range. It looks fabulous and sometimes it looks terrible. It is

hard to control against the wind. There is a good breeze. The other

thing is that the two men in the middle have not been getting on the

ball. In many respects, the Donegal defence tactic has been working the

they have to go down and scored their vote to win this game and a

pink with the wind they might go and absorb as though much and row

with fresh legs in the second half and put the game took time round.

Twice I've watched Tyrone building and there was no Donegal man on

them but the minute the ball crossed the halfway line, there

were many meant there. The game that Donegal are playing is a hard

game to play. You need a fit this level because you are having to

beat players and carried the ball and then you have to get back up

the field and be in support. Long range points, not all the players

are capable of it. Tyrone need to get those players on the ball and

play to their strengths. A Gaelic footballer that you see in space,

when you have the ball, to make the right option. Early on, Donegal

were not doing that but later on dated. I still think it is Tyrone's

came. I do not think they will miss as many chances. But a time when

nobody on the Donegal team was really matching up, there was

superb play at centre forward, coming back. You have been far too

cosy today for my liking! Let us go back to the second half. Derry are

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watching with interest. That has between them. It is first blood

Donegal in the first half and Tyrone have gone 11 minutes without

a score. This is going to be a real The test for Tyrone. And that is

late. He will be spoken to and it treatment. Soap McHugh joins

Kavanagh on a yellow. This is the incident. It is careless. He had no

need there are two of three Donegal defenders around him. I am sure Jim

McGuiness has been coaching them about running and shepherding. It

has left Tyrone a good scoring opportunity. This is one man that

Tyrone will be certainly turning to 26th minute. That came from the

boot of O'Neill. Eight heart will take this one off the ground. We

have seen them -- seen him land these time and again. That is a

test of his character because there is a bit of pressure. He missed one

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on Cavanagh there. And the referee has blown. The tempo has lifted.

would like to know what sort of studs Murphy is wearing because

every time he gets it he has slipped. Perhaps the wrong choice

running of Tyrone at Donegal his creating frees. It is the been

disciplined of Donegal that is costing them. -- the lack of

discipline. It is noticeable that the build-up play of Tyrone has got

much lower as the game has gone on. In the first five or 10 minutes

they were moving the ball much quicker. They are still creating

chances and you would expect Harte four. Peter, early doors, but the

wide count is worrying. Very worrying. Tyrone have had twice the

possession that Donegal have had. So did the then is going to be key.

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Tyrone. It goes the way of Rina missing around too much.

We have got a great overview here in the commentary box, and the lack

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of movement from Donegal is gone wide, I think. Two between

them. The right option? Initially when he had the ball he

had some yards on them. But again, greater. They are trailing. It

might well be their game plan to allow Tyrone to run themselves out.

You would expect Donegal to show their own game, they should be

fitter. The interesting thing isable have not been able to do

that. -- the interesting thing is Donegal have not been able to do

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awkwardly. The referee has gone in. I am not sure what he is going to

do. He broke his jaw in a tussle off the ball in a club game. What

did you see there? I think he thought that was fifty-

fifty, but his reactions were so is his only defence. You have seen

red for that at times. -- ire on have been sent off for that.

Jim McMahon is just recovering from He is about to be introduced. No

word he is going to replace. Big Joe has taken the gumshield out.

He is not a man who is too easily bothered, but it is right that he

gets the treatment. You wouldn't want anything happening to that

tour again. He was wired up for a long time, only able to consume

soup or food which was put through the food processor. Sir, Martin

Penrose is about to be introduced. He was able to participate in the

warm-up. He is a good man to bring in for the last 25 minutes. I hope

he is OK to play. He is one player who is full of energy, and his

tackling and work-rate off the ball is something else.

That is Karl Lacey and Brian That is not good to see. -- taken

aside. You don't want to see players red-carded. He has been

dealt with by the referee. It is done and dusted.

That is a serious blow to Tyrone. Leo McLoone can definitely count

himself lucky. It was 50-50, and I know he is not that type of player,

but he is lucky to be on the pitch. One by the replaces another. -- one

is a formidable full-back. He is up against one of the best players in

proximity of the game adds to the What price a replay? There will be

no extra time. That is why the game and the beauty was, there was no

rhythmic inside. They have had so many bodies back

there that it has been hard to get the ball to him. That is typical of

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thought about pulling the trigger. -- not bad and there is still on

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been a penalty shout. That is a in the ascendant! It was well

worked. But pretty cut inside, and it was always going to be an

opportunity. -- McBrearty cut did not have to break his stride.

It was a good finish. I think it came off the back side of

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McMenamin! We have a drama. It O'Neill come out or will it be

taken short? Would you be telling them to kick for the post or to

work in short? I think Peter Harte kicked one over from just outside

the 45 so I would give him another go. It is a scoring opportunity.

This could be a key moment in the was a lot of distance there and it

was going to compromise him because of the effort he would have to put

him but will Tyrone rued the missed chances? That is why did No. 8. --

the referee is reaching for the book. Hughes is not one of the

players already under yellow. It is a second yellow for Tyrone and a

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O'Neill is dispossessed. The and Donegal players were annoyed with

of the blind man. -- of the sprung, I would imagine. Did any to

be looking to the bench at this second yellow! And he has gone.

Kevin Hughes has gone. Technically, he raised an arm. My initial

feeling is, that is a little bit harsh. You get back to the fact

that McMenamin had to leave the field of play for what was an

infinitely worse tackle which only received a yellow. This should be a

turning point to say, let us roll what over time has to be added on.

McGuigan is about to be sprung from the bench. And Donegal as well,

McLoone, who is on a yellow, so maybe that is no bad thing to take

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Donegal defences and the system They are the meanest defence in the

for player of the match. That just did not curled for him. You cannot

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the end came, is it the end for card. No real need for it. He is

slowing the played down. But once Peter Harte has been taking the

frees and is entitled to take it. If O'Neill had been on the pitch he

would be the player to take it. This is a very important kick.

There has been something said. Jim short! Could this be Donegal's day?

And due to his frustration he is about to pick up the yellow card.

There have been two defining moments for me. One came late in

the second half when O'Neill sought I eat goal denied. That is the

other one. On such moments, the think both sets of players are

pretty much out on their feet. It has been an absorbing contest.

Donegal have stuck to their took, and for all that there is no

return. Good play by McMenamin. Showing the leadership that is

needed at this stage. Once again it was McHugh, who has handled a

fierce amount of ball for Donegal. He was the last man bag and

prevented it from being an easy is time. There is plenty of time.

Tyrone market chances if they compose themselves. -- will get two

blown for over carrying. controversial decision. Very

controversial. Jim McGuiness has a look of disbelief. We are into

hunger. Strong running from Cavanagh. It was his surging run

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net! It is over! It must be! Donegal with the three-point

cushion. There was a hint of a foul. Tyrone, a point is no good for them

knows exactly what he was doing. They are going to have to go for

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goal. dusted. Donegal had delivered. Give

me 10 seconds to summarise it, Peter.

Probably not the best game you're either going to say. But the

younger lads had the courage and For the first time since 1998,

neither Armagh or Tyrone will win the Anglo Cup. We are out of time.