Tyrone’s season was in the balance as John Heslin stood over a last-gasp free as Westmeath came close to eliminating the Red Hands at Kingspan Breffni on Sunday evening.
With the sides locked at 18 points apiece, Heslin’s kick drifted narrowly wide of the right-hand post and Tyrone breathed a collective sigh of relief as they lived to fight another day.
Monday morning’s draw pitted them against neighbours Donegal and, after finishing third in Group Two, Tyrone will travel to Ballybofey with the game scheduled for Saturday at 7pm.
Read more: GAAGO to stream Donegal-Tyrone clash as GAA confirmed weekend fixture details
While it is one of the tougher draws for the 2021 All-Ireland champions, they’re expected to have leading scorer Darren McCurry back for this weekend’s knockout clash.
The Edendork clubman didn’t feature against Westmeath, but joint-manager Feargal Logan stressed that his absence was a precaution.
“We could have had something out of Darren today maybe, but we exercised caution,” stated Logan.
“I knew if Westmeath beat us, we’d probably go out. I didn’t know about the Armagh and Galway situation (when Heslin missed the late free), but I took it that, if we were beaten by Westmeath, we’d be out.
“It doesn’t matter who is first, second or third - you are dealing with the last 12 now. You are going to tighten that up to eight next weekend - it is game on for everybody.”
In McCurry’s absence, Darragh Canavan led the line in stunning fashion for Tyrone, scoring 0-10, including four from play.
On a day when younger brother Ruairi made his first Championship start for the Red Hands, Darragh stole the show with five points in each half.
“He’s out of a good stable, as is Ruairi, as is wee Seanie O’Donnell (a cousin of the Canavan siblings),” remarked Logan.
“Full credit to everybody who dug in, but Darragh’s a special talent, we’re just blessed to have him. The auld boy (Peter) led us to the top of the mountain, we hope that Darragh leads us to the top of the mountain too.”
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