Big two facing a real test, predicts Daly

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Eoin Mulligan will need to be on top form if Tyrone are to win the Ulster Championship this year

Friday, May 09, 2008

By John Campbell

Ulster Council chairman Tom Daly is in no doubt about it — the GAA's governing body is about to deliver what could prove to be the most fascinating provincial Championship for over a decade.

"Not since 1997 when Cavan won the football title with Martin McHugh as their manager and Stephen King as captain has the Ulster Championship been so open, I feel," declared Daly.

A series of particularly appetising matches thrown up by a benign draw persuaded Daly to speculate that, for the first time for several years, the perceived big two, Armagh and Tyrone, face a serious challenge to their power.

Even though reigning champions Tyrone have started to find a ration of form while awaiting the return from injury of key forward Owen Mulligan and Armagh are preparing to mount their first title assault under new boss Peter McDonnell, Daly acknowledges that the trophy could still find its way into 'new' hands.

"Monaghan came through strongly last year before falling to Tyrone in the final and Derry have done their chances of more success no harm by winning the National League. You cannot rule out Donegal and I think that the Fermanagh v Monaghan contest could be one of the best ties of the Championship," enthuses Daly.

Last year, Donegal won the National League crown before capitulating in the Championship race. Derry are acutely aware of this and is one of the reasons why Daly feels they will have their guard up from the outset.

And possible dark horses?

"Well, both Down and Fermanagh have done fairly well in the league while teams like Antrim and Cavan will feel they have a big point to make," smiles Daly diplomatically.

This is the last year in which replays will be in vogue in the competition.

Concerns that the rising price of fuel costs in addition to other expenses involved in attending Championship matches could impact on attendances have been expressed in some quarters.

But Daly is convinced that the allure of the Championship will triumph.

"What is important is that our games should be presented in the best possible light and that the image of the Ulster Championship, generally always regarded as the best of the provincial competitions, is enhanced," adds Daly.

The Championship is set to enjoy its highest-ever profile following the signing of lucrative television deals embracing BBC, RTE and TV 3.

"A number of games will be shown live and while we welcome this, we know too that many people like to travel to games and sample the atmosphere for themselves.

"Grounds such as Casement Park, Ballybofey, Enniskillen and Omagh have been greatly refurbished in recent times and we feel that fans are now being afforded more comfort and options," insists Daly.