MOURNERS at the funeral of a former Tyrone Senior Football coach have been told he was a "great blessing" to all those who knew him.
Family and friends of Fergal McCann, who died on Monday following a long illness, gathered together yesterday at St Macartan's Church in Augher for Requiem Mass for the 48-year-old.
Mr McCann, who has been described as a "giant of the GAA in Tyrone", was well known and respected in the county having played an integral part in Mickey Harte’s Tyrone Senior Management team.
He also worked alongside Harte and his fellow Augher team-mate Tony Donnelly from 2005 until 2014.
During that period Mr McCann, who lived in Kilclay, Augher, helped Tyrone win two All Ireland football titles in 2005 and 2008 as well as three Ulster Senior Championship titles.
He had also played in goals for his beloved Augher and went on to manage and train Augher.
The married father-of-two was employed as a Games Promotion Officer, working within schools for Tyrone GAA from July 2003 and was one of the longest-serving current schools coaches.
He also went on to manage and coach several club sides both within Tyrone and outside the county.
As the funeral cortege made its way to church yesterday it stopped for a time at the grounds of Augher St McCartan's GAA club before making its way to Main Street where a guard of honour was formed by representatives from all the clubs Mr McCann had been involved with as well as representatives of the Tyrone County Board.
Among gifts brought forward to the altar included his coaching file, Augher and Tyrone jerseys, family photographs and a picture of Croke Park.
Former Tyrone captains, Peter Canavan and Brian Dooher then brought forward the Sam Maguire and Anglo-Celt cups.
Fr Peter McAnenly told the congregation Mr McCann was a man who was "deeply respected" and a "great friend" to many.
"Fergal McCann fought the great fight over the last 48 years and over the last 12 months," he said.
"He certainly ran a great race to the finish line on Monday night.
"He was a man who always wanted to be the best coach he could be. He was so modest about it all. He never sought glory. He never sought praise. He was destined for even greater things.
"I have no doubt that his name will be inscribed in the history books of GAA. His name will be spoken in this county and beyond for many years to come."
Fr McAnenly also described Mr McCann as a "great family man" who had "given his daughters a wonderful start in life, always giving them a wonderful example.
"He always remained committed to his faith," he said.
"The last year has been different for all of us but for Fergal McCann, it was also a year in which he struggled with illness.
"Given the type of man he was he carried his cross quietly and bravely. Given his positive nature, he pushed himself to the extreme."
The cleric said the father-of-two would be remembered as a "very kind and caring young man" who was a "great blessing" to all who knew him.
