McCloughan Makes Tyrone a Force

Tyrone ladies manager Jimmy McCloughan came into the job last November after the departure of Monaghan native John McAleer. From the start McCloughan made his mark, he organised several trials and warned many of the old guard that there would be a new broom and it would sweep clean. The approach was welcomed by Tyrone as the need for success was becoming more than just a burning desire within the county, the success of near neighbours Armagh was also a spur to Tyrone that things needed to change. McCloughans track record spoke for itself, four Ulster vocational titles four all Ireland vocational schools finals and two all Ireland titles as well as a host of club and school honours with his club Fintona Pearses and St Johns High school Dromore. The inclusion of several youngsters from the previous years minor squad as well as a couple of new faces raised hopes and despite a bedding in spell in the Suzuki national league which included losses to Armagh, Mayo, Laois and Kerry, Tyrone emerged into the TG4 Ulster senior championship playing a more direct game and boasting a settled side. The Fintona clubman had watched all his squad in action through the league and made it clear he had picked the finest bunch of players in the county, everyone there on there own merit and all capable of doing a job if called upon.

Wins  over Donegal and Down in the Ulster championship after the counties minors had secured the Ulster minor crown saw Tyrone in the Ulster senior final against Armagh and despite a loss on that occasion at Clones it was that that saw Tyrone evolve as a unit.

A narrow loss to Laois was followed in the group stages with wins over Donegal and Sligo before a memorable all Ireland quarter final victory over Armagh. Gemma Begley announcing herself on the all Ireland stage with 3-6 of her sides 4-7.

McCloughan has kept his feet on the ground, there has been several players move on from the panel and injuries too but overall its been the run of a lifetime and Tyrone are slowly again emerging from behind the bushes.