GAA: Westmeath redemption on hand for Tyrone following Kerry mauling

With the scores level at the interval Mickey Harte will have been satisfied with his side’s performance, but after Ciaran McGinley scored early in the second half, Tyrone failed to score again.

The subsequent Red Hands collapse saw Eamon Fitzmaurice’s side register 3-7 without a reply to inflict one of Tyrone’s heaviest defeats under the Ballymacilroy man.

It was the first defeat for Tyrone in 2014 and one that exposed several short-comings in the side with the full back line torn asunder by Kerry and promising attacker James O’Donoghue, in particular, who bagged himself a hat-trick of goals.

Mickey Harte will need to breathe new life into his charges this weekend as they welcome bottom of the table Westmeath to Healy Park in Omagh on Sunday afternoon.

Tyrone were much too strong for the Midlanders on their last visit to Omagh two years ago and, having failed to register a point in the league to date, Paul Bealin and Brian Hanley’s charges will be hopeful of capitalising on Tyrone’s vulnerability.

In midfielder John Heslin they have one of the finest young footballers in the country and one who Tyrone can’t afford to give any room.

Mickey Harte will know that a victory here is vital with a trip to Cork and a visit of the All Ireland champions Dublin to come over the following two rounds of league action.