IT IS now down to the business end of the Championship for Malachy O'Rourke and his Farney fellows as they head for Croke Park on Saturday to face neighbours Tyrone in the All-Ireland quarter-finals. It's another all-Ulster battle but that makes no difference to the provincial champions.
O'Rourke got a major lift this week before the big game, selected as the Quinn Building Products Ulster GAA Writers' Association Merit Award winner for July.
“That news was a big surprise to me,” he insisted,”and I must use the cliché that this award is for the rest of the backroom team and the players, as well as, for me. The players have worked so hard that they deserve any honour that they get and I have got to share this one with them. However, I greatly appreciate the honour."
O'Rourke is one of the most successful managers in the business, having led teams from Tyrone, Derry, Monaghan and Cavan to honours and his native Fermanagh to an Ulster SFC final, following a highly successful career in the Erne county jersey.
When players shine often the manager's role is overlooked. The way that Malachy O'Rourke set up his team to deal with the various threats that Donegal presented was a masterstroke. Also the way that he changed plans when the need arose and his use of his bench proved vital to Monaghan's victory. Those were the attributes that tipped the scale in his favour.
July was a month of high-powered action in all branches of the GAA and it took something a little different to win the Quinn Building Products UGAAWA Award. Malachy O'Rourke provided that bit extra.
He had strong opposition from Fermanagh's Tomás Corrigan, who stood out in three games during the month, with his spectacular goal against Westmeath a work of art. Conor McManus produced his normal super show in the Ulster final too, while Donegal hotshot Geraldine McLaughlin wasn't far behind when the Tir Chonaill ladies gained revenge over Monaghan in their Ulster final.
As his reward he receives an engraved Belleek Living Vase, gear from O'Neill's International Sportswear, specially crafted silver cuff-links from Carlingford Design House, a filled medical bag from Knightsbridge Private Hospital, Belfast and two tickets plus overnight accommodation for the Ulster GAA Writers' banquet, at the Great Northern Hotel on Friday, November 13.
