TYRONE supporters around the world have been urged to fly their flags this weekend in tribute to Mickey Harte.
The Ballygawley man has confirmed that he is stepping down as Red Hands football manager after 18 years at the helm.
After success at underage levels, he steered his native county to three senior All-Ireland triumphs.
He also experienced personal tragedy during his time in charge when his daughter Michaela was murdered while on honeymoon in 2011.
Harte's decision to step down came after county board chiefs refused to grant him a one-year contract extension.
Now Fermanagh and Omagh Sinn Féin councillor Barry McElduff wants everyone to fly the flag in recognition of his achievements.
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"I propose that next weekend, Friday 20 - Sunday 22 November, all Tyrone supporters fly our Tyrone flags from our homes, schools and businesses throughout the county," he said.
"We do this as an expression of thanks to Mickey Harte and the Tyrone teams which have brought us so much joy."
The former West Tyrone MP, who played for Tyrone at minor level and was a senior player with Carrickmore, suggested that "supporters in other parts of Ireland and throughout the globe to do this also".
His praise for Harte was echoed by his party's northern leader Michelle O'Neill at the weekend.
The Deputy First Minister, who is also a Tyrone native, said: "The Tyrone football team flourished under direction of Mickey, winning three all-Ireland titles and six Ulster championships.
"An impeccable service to Tyrone GAA and Gaelic sports.
"Ádh mór Mickey."
SDLP MLA Justin McNulty, a former All-Ireland winner with Armagh, was also among many former players to pay tribute on social media.
"Mickey Harte is one of the most successful GAA managers of all time," he wrote.
"And he has dealt with more tragedy than most both personally and in sport.
"He has always personified dignity and strength in triumph and tragedy. He’s a winner in my book.
"Good luck in the next phase Mickey."
Tyrone great Peter Canavan said he was relieved that Harte "has got out of Tyrone management in good health and in good spirit knowing that he has given everything that he could possibly give to Tyrone football".
