Death of prominent Tyrone GAA official

BRENDAN Harkin, who was one of Tyrone GAA’s most prominent officials throughout the past half century, has died.

From Killyclogher, Mr Harkin was chairman of Tyrone GAA during the turbulent political years of the Hunger Strikes between 1981 and 1983. He served a second term as county chairman between 1990 and 1992 and was County Secretary between 1984 and 1986.

He also made a massive impact in his role as Secretary of Killyclogher GAA for most of the 50 years following its re-formation in 1965. He was a member of their breakthrough football team which won the West Tyrone Junior League and Championship and McElduff Cup in 1968, played on their hurling team which won the Tyrone title in 1977.

As a manager, he guided the Tyrone hurlers to the All-Ireland Junior title in 1996, was manager for three Ulster titles and earned them promotion to Division Two in 1998.

In 2003 and 2016 he was part of the management team as Killyclogher won the O’Neill Cup for the Tyrone senior championship. He also managed their hurlers to Tyrone titles in 1991, 1994 and 1997.

A teacher by profession, Mr Harkin was a member of staff at Omagh CBS for many years. He had a keen interest in local history and the Irish language, and took lessons in Irish as part of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s promotional efforts.

Killyclogher GAA announced his death on Thursday night and paid a poignant tribute to his decades-long involvement with the club.

“It is with heartfelt sorrow and devastation that Coill an Chlochair Naomh Mhuire announce the passing of Brendan Harkin.”

Tribute has also been paid by Omagh Town Sinn Fein councillor, Barry McElduff, who was taught by Mr Harkin and knew him well.

“Brendan Harkin was immensely respected within the Tyrone GAA community. A proud Killyclogher man, he had an intrinsic understanding of the real meaning and every aspect of the Association,” he said.

“Brendan also made a huge impression on generations of teenagers as a teacher at Omagh CBS. A true ‘olde’ who nurtured young people’s natural talents.

“His passing marks the end of an era. The world changes for very many people when a figure o Brendan Harkin’s standing dies. He was more than capable of serving in any role and he served in many capacities. He was a cherished GAA member who was most welcome wherever he went in the county, throughout Ulster and nationally as well.

“His talents truly found expression within the GAA for which he was a fantastic, and huble ambassador.”