Football

Tyrone boss Mickey Harte steps down: ''It's been an absolute privilege to have managed these sides''

Legendary Tyrone manager Mickey Harte
Legendary Tyrone manager Mickey Harte

MICKEY Harte has ended his involvement with Tyrone football after 18 years managing the senior team, during which time he brought the Red Hand county three All-Ireland titles and six Ulster Championships. 

Harte was seeking one final year, but his request was refused on grounds that clubs would have to vote on the ruling. 

However, the Errigal Ciaran clubman holds no ill-will against the process or the people that made it, stating yesterday: “I respect the outcome of these meetings and that it’s time to reflect on what happened and leave the present to unfold itself,” he said.  

“I always say that I feel privileged ever to have been a manager of any Tyrone team. To get through the minors, the under-21s and seniors for so long is an absolute privilege and I would never look at it in any other way. 

“That’s how I leave things, I am privileged to have been given the opportunities I have been given and I did my best every year I was there.”

See tomorrow’s Irish News for a from-the-heart feature interview with Mickey and a look-back at his exceptional career, written by Brendan Crossan.

Former Tyrone Allstar Enda McGinley, a member of the six Tyrone teams Mickey Harte guided to All-Ireland titles at Minor, U21 and Senior level, also reflects tomorrow in The Irish News on an incredible journey with a unique man ‘’who always led from the front.’’