Tyrone ready for ultimate test against All-Ireland champions Kerry

Lidl Ladies’ NFL Division One, round four

Tyrone v Kerry (Sunday, O’Neills Healy Park, 11.30am)

TYRONE return to Division One action this weekend with a massive challenge as they take on reigning All-Ireland champions Kerry in Healy Park on Sunday.

The game serves as the curtain-raiser for the men’s National League Division One clash between the same two counties giving Red Hand and Kingdom supporters the chance to arrive early and get behind their ladies’ teams.

After a tough start to the league, Tyrone finally got their first points on the board two weeks ago with a dramatic last-gasp victory over Mayo.

That win lifted them off the bottom of the table and into a four-way tie on three points, alongside Kildare, Dublin, and Waterford. However, with two teams set for relegation, every result from here on is crucial.

Tyrone manager Darren McCann says that victory over Mayo was a huge confidence boost for his squad.

“Last week’s win was great as it built upon some of the performances in the first two rounds,” he said.

“We outscored Mayo 1-10 to 1-2 in the second half and left a few scores behind, so that gives us something to work upon. But it’s been great to get points on the board as the girls have been working very hard, and confidence is growing week on week.”

Kerry, who currently sit third in the table with two wins from three games, come into this match as firm favourites, however, McCann sees this as an exciting opportunity for his players.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for our girls to go up against the current All-Ireland champions,” he said.

“Kerry are a great side with serious talent throughout their squad, many of whom played in the senior final last year. The girls are really looking forward to the challenge.”

With four games remaining and the league table incredibly tight outside the top two, every point could be the difference between survival and relegation and McCann remains optimistic that his side can do what’s needed.

“Absolutely, I do. The girls are working hard, and playing the calibre of teams we are in Division One is a real development process for us. Ultimately, it’s great preparation for the championship. These last four games will be tough, as all teams are on the same points apart from Kerry, who are on six, so they will have a championship intensity to them.”