Tyrone are worthy winners Thank God I got it wrong! My mid season hunch that Kerry would probably be All-Ireland champions for 2008 was proven wrong. While the fact that they have shown themselves to be the second best team in the country may ease my embarrassment somewhat, it will be of scant consolation to them. While no panic buttons will be activated it's now time to go back to the drawing board and following the surprise departure of Pat O'Shea they will be working with a clean slate. The year belongs to Tyrone. No doubt. The fears that I had harboured mid-season concerning the level of performance of key players like Brian Dooher, Conor Gormley, Sean Kavanagh and Philip Jordan all proved unfounded. Following their defeat to Down there were no recriminations, no finger of blame pointed at anyone. No excuses! We could have done better, we should have done better, we will do better! Following their defeat in "the Marshes" a squad meeting was held as early as Monday night so as to determine what approach would be taken to the upcoming back-door games. Everyone knew the road of the qualifiers was a long arduous one with many pitfalls along the way. The easy option for most players was to succumb to the demands of their clubs (who were applying great pressure on their club stars for a return to championship training) and say 'OK, we'll have a week or twos rest, just take the qualifiers as they come but we must give priority to our clubs.' As all these individuals are totally committed to their clubs, and with no pressure being applied by Mickey Harte, this would not have been a surprising outcome. The decision taken that night - one of total commitment to the qualifiers - and the passion expressed by the players as a whole was to prove just a forerunner of the unity that would be displayed throughout the remainder of the season and would in fact become the catalyst on which Tyrone's success was achieved. What a boost this positive stance must have been for Mickey Harte and his staff. Having hours previously watched in pain as his team was knocked out of the championship he surely must have known there and then at that meeting that winning Sam was once again a very realistic goal. His charges had just taken the decision that he had so prayed they would. A decision that he couldn't influence. It had to be their decision and theirs alone - his prayers were answered! During the two encounters with Down there was some great passages of football from both teams but what was heartening from a Tyrone perspective, particularly in the replay, was that the fighting spirit and will to win was back. Mickey's tactic of moving Sean Kavanagh to full forward was in its infancy and was naturally having a few teething problems. But, if the spirit was there anything was possible. The players' individual commitment to improve their levels of fitness and to increase their focus was a massive starting point. Mickey knew they were all intelligent, skillful players so collectively he could develop the rest. Unlike any other county manager Mickey has one advantage that has accrued over the years. Total belief in his players. He knows the players that have done it for him at minor level, U21 level and senior level. (This includes Stephen O'Neill.) He knows that the players he has drafted in can do it from following them through schools level right up to senior. He believes in them and as a result their self belief soars and they generally repay his faith in them. This belief in his players also contributed to Mickey's consistency in team selection throughout the year. Except when tactical switches were needed - like moving Joe McMahon back into defence for the final - Mickey tried to remain consistent in his lineout and showed faith in players on form. I'm sure there was a big temptation for Mickey to introduce Owen Mulligan or Raymond Mulgrew back into a starting line-up after having recovered from injury and chomping at the bit. However, he remained true to the players that were producing results. This also, of course, gave him the benefit of a stronger bench which he knew he would need before Sam could be secured. The players themselves really rose to the challenge and the aforementioned players who hadn't quite hit the right level of performance in the early part of the season surely made up for it as the team progressed. Words fail me when it comes to summing up Captain Marvel, Brian Dooher - an inspiration! Sean Cavanagh's athleticism, skill, energy, hunger,.brilliant! Though these two men appeared more prominent than most I would have thought that Enda McGinley was a close second for Player of The Year. His powerful displays throughout the league and championship were fantastic and his absence for the match in Newry probably tells its own story. An unsung hero of the '03 and '05 victories I was particularly pleased to see him gain his rightful recognition. As I have said before, Mickey knew he had intelligent players and that is exactly what they produced - intelligent football. He developed a system that would suit them and they adapted to whatever role was necessary. Their use of possession was exemplary, especially their foot passing. It is very difficult to recall many balls being kicked over the sideline or end line during the latter part of the season. The ability of defenders to score and how comfortable the defenders were on the ball. The footballing ability of the McMahons. The skill of Colm McCullagh. The reappearance of Hub Hughes - timed to perfection. Pascal McConnell's late call-up and subsequent heroics. So many brilliant displays from a very talented team surely begs the question - what really is puke football? Following on from their All-Ireland glory it was no surprise that Tyrone would dominate the 2008 All-Star team. The big surprise was how Ryan McMenamin was denied his second award having been one of the most consistent defenders throughout the entire year. I know his nomination in the half-back line may have cost him an award as too did Joe McMahon's versatility. That said no-one can deny that all those selected were worthy recipients. Congratulations to the seven Tyrone men, especially to Enda, Davy and Justin on their first (of many) awards. One of these rookies was so overcome with the honour that he never let go of his award all night. In fact, much to the concern of his new bride he even slept with the trophy that night! Congratulations as well to the other first time award winners on the night, Gary Connaughton and Shane Ryan. Well earned awards for both and a nice consolation for all those miles clocked up on the wintry training pitches. A fantastic double was realized when the Tyrone minors lifted the All-Ireland title after two fabulous encounters with Mayo. Credit must go to the astute management of Raymond Munroe and his assistants Cathal McAnenly and Roger Keenan. There was evidence a plenty of their fighting spirit and brilliant preparation as time and again they had to fend off a well drilled Mayo team and eventually take control in an energy sapping extra-time period. Congratulations to all involved especially Peter, Stephen and Ronan who performed so admirably. As I sit on my computer and listen to the rain blowing against the windows I think of those poor Irishmen who, as I compute, are ensconced in some sweltering training camp in Fremantle, Australia preparing for the first International Rules test in Perth. While training in temperatures of 35 degrees would be extremely tough I am sure the players will all be enjoying the occasion. This is a fantastic opportunity for Gaelic footballers from across the counties to come together in a unique bonding session and represent their country in a wonderful sporting occasion. I am all too aware of the violence that has marred previous series but if both governing bodies are genuine in their desires to maintain this international venture then such problems can be eventually sorted. Although the players competing in the All-Ireland Final will have a possible advantage over other players because of current form and obvious profile this competition provides an opportunity for players from the lesser successful counties to experience national recognition and grace magnificent stadia like Croke Park or Melbourne Cricket Ground. I can understand the concerns of others who have no love for this marriage but it really is a proud occasion when you wear a national jersey for the first time. AFL clubs will continue to draft young GAA players whether the series continues or not. It was with deep regret and sadness that I heard recently of the tragic and untimely death of Paddy Kenny, Moylagh, Co Meath. I was fortunate earlier in the year to have had the opportunity to take Paddy and his teammates for a training session pre championship. I can only imagine the grief and sorrow that Paddy's family and friends are experiencing at present and the great sense of loss felt by the entire community of Moylagh. May God rest his soul. Tweet

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