Mickey Harte was in buoyant mood after yesterday's four point victory over Mayo in Castlebar. Tyrone shipped very heavy criticism after the dispiriting defeat in the opener against Monaghan.
That defeat and the aftermath was prominent in Harte's thoughts even after yesterday's win. The loss prompted Harte's side to adopt a much more defensive posture this weekend, something which the Mayo players and backroom team were quick to point out.
'We had to be more defensive because we leaked too much against Monaghan. After 25 minute minutes, it was something like 1-9 to 0-2 they beat us. We couldn't concede that score again and expect to win a game. We had to try and do something about defending better, defending collectively and trying to keep them to as low a score as possible.'
While accepting that the team deserved criticism after the opening defeat, Harte reacted to those who used last week's result to dismiss the current crop of Tyrone players.
'I think it's premature to be saying what people said last week. And I think it would be premature for me to say all is well. Time alone will tell. I'll hold judgement on that. I think people making judgement after one game is fickle in the extreme, but I expect that from certain quarters.'
Listen to the full interview below (24 minutes in):
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