Ulster Secretary feels rivals should take inspiration from Tyrone’s success

TYRONE’S attention to detail and an inner self-belief were critical factors in this All-Ireland triumph last season, Ulster Council secretary Brian McIvor believes.

In his annual report to the Ulster Convention to be held this Friday, McIvor lauds the Red Hand squad and their management team of Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher for bringing Sam Maguire up north again, the first time in nine years that it has returned to the province.

The Down native stated that their success should act as an inspiration for their northern neighbours heading into a new season.

” The O’Neill County success is a great fillip for Gaelic Football in Ulster and given the tight margins in most of the games in the 2021 provincial championship, many of our counties will undoubtedly have reasonable aspirations for the season ahead.

” The Tyrone success crowned a magnificent first year in charge for joint managers Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher, with Brian gaining

membership of an exclusive club of just five people to have both captained and managed All-Ireland Senior Football winning sides.

” Mayo, who defeated seven-in-a-row chasing Dublin (after extra-time) in the semi-final, were gallant final opponents but there was no doubt that Tyrone were fully deserving of their victory and they now find themselves within sight of the five All-Ireland titles held by Cavan and Down, the highest for any Ulster County.”

The Ulster Secretary outlined what he thought were some of the key strengths of the Tyrone team in their journey to the All-Ireland title.

” Tyrone’s attention to detail and an inner self-belief were critical factors in this All-Ireland triumph. Their high-octane game, coupled with an innate belief in their own ability, were key factors in this great triumph.

” All-Irelands aren’t won easy and you have to make every opportunity count. Tyrone created the opportunity and weren’t found

wanting when it arose. The journey they made from Killarney in June to Croke Park in September was remarkable – but this is a remarkable team! Well done to all involved. ”

McIvor also underlined his support for Tyrone’ stance in the aftermath of the Ulster Final when the Covid virus struck the camp, causing them to ask the GAA for a delay ahead of their All-Ireland semi-final meeting with Kerry.

” Much discussion – and not a little degree of controversy – surrounded Tyrone’s All- Ireland semi-final meeting with Kerry. When Tyrone played Monaghan in the Ulster Final on 31st July, four of their panel members and joint-manager Feargal Logan were unavailable due to the fact they had either contracted Covid-19 or had been identified as close contacts,

” In the days following the Ulster Final things deteriorated within the Tyrone camp and every member of the panel and background team were tested.

“The results showed that a significant number of panel members had tested positive, with some displaying very severe symptoms.

” The Central Competitions Control Committee postponed their All-Ireland semi-final by six days until 21st August. However as more and more players returned to training (though some were unable to do so immediately following their isolation period) it became clear that the effects of Covid-19 had taken their toll and on 14th August the Tyrone County Committee issued a statement stating that in the interests of player welfare and safety, they had reluctantly taken the decision that they would be unable to fulfil their All-Ireland semi-final fixture on 21st August.

” It was a brave and courageous decision, based on expert medical evidence. The Tyrone players, management and County Committee knew that their players were in no physical condition to engage at the high intensity level that an All-Ireland semi-final merits.

” The CCCC had a hard call to make, as the preparations of Tyrone’s All-Ireland semi-final opponents Kerry and indeed All-Ireland finalists Mayo (who defeated Dublin on 14th August) would also be impacted by any further postponements. Those counties must be applauded for their co-operation and collegiality which paved the way for a solution which was acceptable to all sides.”