Tyrone are the big losers

Yesterday's final round of the National Football League was always going to be about winners and losers, but, with the foot-and-mouth disease having yet another say on the GAA fixtures, there were no greater losers that Tyrone.

Late last week it was announced that they would be guaranteed a semi-final place after being awarded two points for the game they couldn't play against Louth.

But that all changed on Saturday morning with confirmation of the county's foot-and-mouth outbreak at a farm in Ardboe.

Tyrone were yesterday due to travel to Tullamore to face Offaly in their final game, even if the result had no bearing on the semi-final berth.

Instead, they were informed that they wouldn't be playing any further part in the league. Also postponed was Saturday's double-bill at Casement Park featuring the Ulster under21 final between Tyrone and Fermanagh and the MacRory Cup football final.

While it is hoped the colleges final can be refixed, Tyrone will play no further role in the under-21 championship.

The next big fear is for Tyrone's championship. They are due to play Armagh on May 20th in Clones, just a few days after the present 30-day quarantine period will have passed.

GAC chairman Pauric Duffy met with representatives of the Ulster Council and Tyrone, Derry and Antrim on Saturday and one of the options is to put back the Tyrone-Armagh game a week, as well as the Derry-Antrim game scheduled for May 13th. Any further outbreaks in the area, however, is likely to cast doubt over the entire provincial championship.