Championship football, with its unpredictability and capacity to surprise, is upon us.
And as Ronan McNamee treads nervously towards Sunday’s Ulster SFC opener, he knows Tyrone can take nothing for granted.
The Red Hand full-back insists last year’s beaten All-Ireland finalists must be on their game, otherwise NFL Division Four champions Derry could cause quite a stir at Healy Park.
“I’ve always been blessed to be part of a strong side. i think if we have our own house in order, no matter who the opposition is, we would be confident of beating them, regardless if it was Derry or whoever you were playing,” said McNamee.
“Derry are going to be coming prepared. They’ll be confident no doubt that they have the tools to upset us but i know we have the tools to upset anybody.
“If we have our house in order i think we will get through to the next round.”
Is the 2019 GAA Ulster Senior Football Championship on TV? Live stream and other information
Tyrone go in as overwhelming favourites to clear this preliminary round hurdle, but that was the case also on the last occasion the counties met in the Championship at Omagh.
Derry crossed the Sperrins to tackle the reigning All-Ireland champions in 2006 and emerged with a stunning victory that nobody saw coming.
McNamee added: “We got to the All-Ireland Final last year so we probably have a target on our backs.
“It was the same back then. Tyrone came sauntering in after winning the All-Ireland and got beaten, so we have to make sure the same doesn’t happen to us.
"If we are at it I would be confident that we will be good enough to beat them.
“I’m not saying it’s going to be a walk in the park, it’s far from it, as the Ulster Championship is hard- hitting and a good, competitive province.”
