'Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher in Tyrone GAA history for all the right reasons,' says county chairman

County chairman Martin Sludden paid tribute to two men who he said had placed the success of the Red Hands above everything else in their lives.

“Fergal Logan and Brian Dooher stepped down as our senior football managers during the year. They brought us great success by winning the All-Ireland Senior and Ulster titles in 2021. Also Ulster and All-Ireland U21 titles in 2015,” said Sludden.

“Feargal and Brian have walked the walk for Tyrone GAA.

“As players and managers for Tyrone they gave up everything in their lives to see Tyrone succeed. We all know that the names of both men will be in the history of Tyrone GAA for all the right reasons, and I want to thank both men for their lengthy contribution as they are truly two outstanding GAA volunteers.

“We wish both men and their families every good health and happiness in the future.”

Sludden used his address at Garvaghey to appeal to supporters to get behind the team in 2025 under new boss Malachy O’Rourke, against a back-drop of a fall-off in numbers attending Tyrone’s league and championship games.

“With Malachy O’Rourke now at the helm of our senior football team now, we look forward to Tyrone challenging for honours again.

“Looking ahead, I would appeal to all Tyrone supporters to get behind all our county teams in 2025 and to make your voices heard, effectively becoming our 16th player once more, whether we are in O’Neill’s Healy Park or at other county venues around the country.”

And the county chairman acknowledged the need for changes to arrangements for club league play-offs, which are regularly held up due to the involvement of participants in extended championship runs.

This weekend, newly crowned Ulster champions Errigal Ciaran will compete in the Division One league semi-final against a Carrickmore team which will have gone more than eleven weeks without a competitive game.

“Play-offs, whether it be for promotion, relegation or play-offs for Div 1 league are providing difficult to get played whilst teams are still in the club championship.

“I thank the clubs for their patience during this period, especially the clubs who are waiting to play.

“I welcome the motions this evening from Dromore and Carrickmore. Hopefully this will generate discussion within our clubs to seek a better way forward.” Sludden raised concern over the growing problem of flares being thrown during club championship games.

“One concern I need to raise here is the increase in the throwing of flares by young supporters at some of our Championship matches.

“I have been in communication with our clubs regarding this issue and it is something I will be revisiting in 2025. It must stop before someone is seriously hurt.” There was also a call for an end to opposition to the recently approved A5 road scheme.

Tyrone GAA has been at the forefront of a campaign to have the notorious route upgraded to dual carriageway.

But a legal challenge has been launched against the £1.2bn project, and will be heard in March of next year.

The 53-mile stretch has claimed 57 lives since 2006, and a scheme to upgrade the stretch between Aughnacloy and Derry was given the go-ahead by NI Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd in October.

“I want to commend our A5 Enough is Enough group which is spearheaded by Niall McKenna.

“The work of our A5 Group in lobbying, in building public support and in preparing for and contesting the Public Inquiry held in Omagh was truly extraordinary. It was very effective and necessary.

“The announcement by Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd on October 2nd of his intention to proceed with the first phase of the road was most welcome.

“All attempts to frustrate this progress and to obstruct the building of the A5 Western transport corridor must end.”