Quinn's quest for Ulster glory

By Aileen Moynagh
BBC Northern Ireland

Playing in an Ulster Senior Championship final will be a new experience for the Antrim team but it is also a first appearance in the decider for one of Tyrone's emerging talents.

PJ Quinn has established himself in the Red Hands line-up

PJ Quinn was drafted into the Red Hands panel in 2007 but the corner-back was an unused substitute when Tyrone beat Monaghan in the provincial final.

The 23-year-old made his Championship debut in last year's defeat by Down in a first-round replay.

And even though Tyrone went on to lift Sam Maguire, injury meant the Moortown man had to forfeit his place and dreams of representing his county.

But this year it is a different story.

With games against Armagh and Derry under his belt, he hopes to retain the number two jersey for Sunday's clash at Clones.

As a new boy, it can be a daunting experience marking some of Ireland's most notable forwards, but the Tyrone defender is up to the challenge.

"When I was playing for the club before I made the county panel I was always marking the best forward," said Quinn.

"To get called into the county set-up was a confidence booster and if you want to be playing at the top level you have to be fit to mark these boys so that's what drives me on.

"Every time I go out to train I think of the likes of Colm Cooper and Paddy Bradley and I think of our own players like Stephen O'Neill and Sean Cavanagh.

"These are the best players in Ireland and if you want to be playing football at the top level you have to be fit to mark them.

"I never ever dreamed I'd be in a Tyrone senior jersey although different people told me that if I stuck at it I'd get there.

"Hopefully I can get an Ulster final debut under my belt. It would just be unreal, it would be amazing!"

The Tyrone team is littered with top quality players like Brian Dooher, Enda McGinley and Conor Gormley, so it is a mammoth task for any new player trying to break into the starting 15.

But once there it is the new members of the panel who drive the team on.

"You only have to look at Sean O'Neill and others who have come in this year," he added.

The last Ulster medal I got I played no part in it and I'd be hoping to play a part in this Ulster final. PJ Quinn

"They are pushing the likes of myself and Ricey (Ryan McMenamin) for our jerseys and we know if we slip up they will replace us.

"It's the same as last year - I got hurt, Ciaran Gourley came in and played exceptionally well. He's one of the experienced players and I never got a look in again.

"The young boys are eager and hungry for titles and I think that's what keeps the older hands at it."

However, Quinn is quick to acknowledge the entire Tyrone squad and not just the privileged 15 who get to take to the pitch.

He knows well what it is like to sit on the sideline, especially through finals, but everyone plays their part.

"It takes the boys on the bench to drive the boys in the 15 on, but everybody wants to be out there playing football.

"And if we go on until September I'll be pushing to get a place in an All-Ireland final, but we'll take Ulster first."

Winning three All-Ireland titles in six years is no mean feat and the ambition in 2009 is to claim back-to-back triumphs.

However, Tyrone want to remain one of the top teams in Ireland regardless of what silverware is up for grabs.

"The ambition is always going to be there. Every player wants to be the best.

"The players are still going to have the same dedication every time they pull on a Tyrone jersey because it means something special and if there's a title there to be won, Tyrone wants to be in the top two or three to try and win it.

"A lot of the Tyrone boys have Ulster medals but at the minute there's still a handful who don't.

"The last Ulster medal I got I played no part in it and I'd be hoping to play a part in this Ulster final. "

Titles do not come easy and this year's Ulster crown won't be easily won.

Having exited the Ulster Championship early last year Tyrone want to do things through the front door this time and Quinn acknowledges that there are three things that have made the Red Hands into one of the best counties in Ireland.

"One of the reasons would have to be Mickey Harte. The respect the players have for Mickey is second to none.

Tyrone captain Brian Dooher lifts the Anglo Celt Cup in 2007

"Secondly, the self-belief that the players have is unreal and then the third thing to drive it would have to be the supporters. The supporters are behind us the whole way. They would drive you on the whole time.

"Tyrone is recognised because of football success. When you've people in the county talking about it constantly, as a player it drives you on more."

But will self belief be enough to carry Tyrone to their 12th Ulster success?

If you listen to the media, the bookies and indeed your average Joe down the pub, they all believe that Tyrone just need to turn up to beat an Antrim side making their first appearance in the Ulster final since 1970.

However, Quinn and the rest of the Tyrone panel are not taking anything for granted.

"It's up to the players and Mickey not to get complacent.

"We're hearing it's just going to be a Tyrone day out and giving Antrim no respect at all, but they are playing now the way Tyrone came through in 2003.

"Tyrone came out of nowhere in 2003. Young, fit players, great at tackling back.

"Antrim's game is something similar and people are going to have to realise that they are here on merit and we're going to have to be the best we can to lift an Ulster title.

"Some people would think it an embarrassment if Antrim beat Tyrone because they haven't been there in such a long time, but they deserve respect for putting the hard work in.

"At this stage of the year, we're no better than Antrim because we're only at the same place and it would be no embarrassment at all whatsoever if things weren't to go our way that day, but hopefully they will."