Council honours Mickey Harte with civic reception

A CIVIC reception has been held to recognise the achievements of Tyrone GAA legend Mickey Harte.

Mr Harte was joined at the civic reception by his sons, Mark and Michael and other family members and friends including members of his various backroom teams from his county career.

The chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Cllr Errol Thompson, hosted the event at Kelly’s Inn, Garvaghey.

Cllr Thompson, said, “Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is delighted to have accorded Mickey Harte a civic reception in recognition of his service to the various Tyrone County Gaelic Football teams over the last 30 years, as manager of the Minor, Under 21 and Senior county teams.

“Mickey is widely regarded as one of the most successful managers in Gaelic Football in recent times and his success with his native county across all age groups at provincial and All Ireland level is unrivalled.

“In his 18 years in charge of the Senior County team, Mickey delivered 22 titles, including most importantly 3 All-Ireland titles, bringing the coveted Sam Maguire Cup to Tyrone in 2003 for the first time.”

Cllr Thompson added, “His pastoral guidance over the group of players in the face of various tragedies which befell them as a group, imbued them with a resilience which was to sustain them during their careers.”

The council chairman praised Mr Harte’s contributions to the county, saying they “go well beyond football”, including his work as a teacher and overall contributions to civic life across Ireland.

Concluding, Cllr Thompson took the opportunity on behalf of the Council to wish Mickey well in his future endeavours.

Speaking at the reception, Mr Harte thanked the council for hosting the event, adding, “I am pleased to be recognised for my contribution to the many years of success which have been enjoyed by Tyrone GAA, it was a fantastic journey and one I will remember for many years.

“In hosting this reception, the council is also recognising the impact sport can make on the lives and health and wellbeing of so many people, whether they are playing or celebrating the success of their team.

“I am delighted to share this occasion with my family and close friends and I would like to thank my family for their continued support and particularly during my 30 years with Tyrone GAA”

Mr Harte was presented with a framed copy of a poem, ‘Glencull Waterside’, composed by a native of Glencull, Patrick Farrell prepared in a Celtic style by calligrapher and illustrator, Janet Millar of KisoArts.