Tyrone star Mickey Coleman returns from US for final

A popular former Tyrone player who suffered a serious heart attack earlier this year, is returning from the US this week, to attend this weekend’s All Ireland final.

Mickey Coleman from Ardboe said his return to Ireland was a ‘bitter-sweet’ occasion after the recent passing of his uncle after a long illness.

The 42-year-old who won two senior All-Ireland medals in 2003 and 2005 for the Red Hands said he was looking forward to seeing his family again and was delighted to secure two tickets for Saturday’s final between Tyrone and Mayo.

“I am very delighted that I am still here to make the journey, and I know I have been very, very lucky,” he said in an interview with BBC Radio Ulster presenter Lynette Fay.

“I am absolutely ecstatic. I cannot wait, I am like a big child. There has been such a big buzz from what I’ve been seeing on social media. The team have been fantastic and I cannot wait  for the game on Saturday and all the atmosphere of  Croke Park.”

Mr Coleman who has a successful construction firm in New York recounted his remarkable recovery from the ‘widow-maker’ heart attack which he suffered back in March. He added, “Life is so, so precious and I understand that now.”

Mickey Coleman is also well-known as a singer and musician and penned the song The Brantry Boy in tribute to former team mate Cormac McAnallen, who died suddenly in 2004.