LAST WEEK, FOUR players – Shea McGuigan, Paddy McNeice, Dwayne Quinn and Emmett McKenna — walked away from the Tyrone squad in frustration at a lack of playing time during their county’s relegation from Division One of the Allianz National Football League.
It was the latest sign that all may not be well within the three-time All-Ireland winners’ camp, coming just a few weeks after five players were released following Tyrone’s McKenna Cup campaign.
With 2014 All-Ireland finalists Donegal on the horizon on 17 May, few would back Mickey Harte’s men to add to their 13 Ulster SFC titles.
However, Neil McGee is not sure all is as bad as it seems in Tyrone, suggesting that any dirty laundry being aired at the moment is to temper expectations in the county.
“Mickey Harte is cute enough. All the words coming out and players leaving, I’d say that’s all orchestrated too. He’s kind of playing it nicely.”
McGee was also dismissive of any notion that Donegal held any kind of psychological advantage over Tyrone, adding that Ulster Championship games are always tough, no matter who the opposition is.
“In Ulster, the way we take it, you just take it game by game. Same with Monaghan. Ourselves and Monaghan have been tit-for-tat these past few years and it’s just every game is different. It’s the same with Tyrone.”
The Ghaoth Dobhair defender does admit he’s somewhat jealous of other provinces that may not be as competitive.
“Definitely. The likes of Cork/Kerry can plan to peak in August and we’re going to have to nearly peak for the first round against Tyrone because we know what’s coming around the corner and we know what Tyrone are going to bring to the table.
“They’ll bring massive intensity and we’re going to have to be ready for it.”
