Messages

Can ye Tyronies not have dissenting opinions?  I find it hard to believe that none of ye are capable of independent thought on this subject, c'mon, at least one of you can admit that Harte has been a w**ker about this??

Of course Mickey Harte is fallible, he's made plenty of mistakes down the years. On this issue though Im not sure what the great fuss is, seems to me that a few people who dont like Harte are just using it as a stick to beat him with. The idea that he is doing it because of his ego or to get publicity is ludicrous, he just wants whats best for his team and if he feels he is being wronged he will speak out.
He's released the established players (whose capabilties he knows all about) but wants to have a look at the younger ones. With no competitive games before the new year the McKenna Cup is his only chance to do that before the league (and Tyrone have to play in front of a big crowd in a high profile match in their first league game). I very much doubt Harte has broken any rules, he isnt that stupid. Going "against the spirit" of the competition sounds more like it but ultimately Mickey Harte's job is to get the best possible Tyrone panel for the months ahead and if he as to go against the spirit of the McKenna whilst this isnt ideal if it has to be done then fine. He's hardly a lone voice either, its clear other managers around the country have grave doubts about the issue.

Did Gormley not break his ankle?  Anyone know what leg McGuigan broke?

Think McGuigan suffered a double leg break below the knee on his left leg. I was shocked to read the article about Brian's plight and that his life was actually in danger at one point, incredible.
Im in no position to be able to confirm Eugene McGee's story but its very worrying and like somebody else said I would be surprised that Mickey Harte wouldnt have stepped in to get something sorted out in the way of compensation. Mickey was certainly involved at the beginning in making sure Brian got the best treatment possible. It would be interesting to hear from him, the county board or Club Tyrone to see what their version of events is. If McGee is right this is really disapointing.
Just hope Brian can get himself back playing again at the level we're used to, a fantastic footballer and a joy to watch.

At the age of 18 playing my first full season I rattled in 1-2 from the half forward line in a local derby match (I like to think of it as a Brian McGuiganesque performance ). That was as good as it got unfortunately.

There is also question marks over Tyrones strenght in depth after last season.Only O Neill, Dooher, Cavanagh, D Harte, Gormley, Mc Guigan and Mc Menamin are of any worth

Thats not fair to be honest, no team in Ireland could have lost as many key players as Tyrone did this summer and not suffered, its not about strength in depth when youre missing so many leaders.
Surprising also to suggest the likes of Philip Jordan, Eoin Mulligan, Enda McGinley and Joe McMahon are not of any worth. Im sure there are plenty teams who would love to have these worthless players on their team

declan mc crossan still plays for his club, and is still a great player.  Good athlete and brilliant left foot. Opted out of tyrone panel at start of 2004, got married and built a house.  Hes pretty young yet, dont think he would be older than 26/27

Im not suggesting McCrossan is anywhere near the most naturally talented player Ive ever seen (though incidentally he would be by some distance the best player I personally ever played against, had to mark him once in a Scottish Universities match) but its a shame he opted off the Tyrone panel a few years back, he could have been a key man for many seasons and would probably still make it onto most county panels in Ireland. Unlucky for him that Philip Jordan came along at the same time.

Hard to say who the most naturally talented player is because you dont really know who has the natural talent and who has worked their backside off to improve but suppose Canavan must be a contender and I love watching Brian McGuigan play when he is at his best. Donnellan in 98 too, fantastic.

The Anne one is going to turn out to be the Timmons lost kid is she not??

Im a Scot of Tyrone extraction.
Dont have a club as the nearest GAA club is 120 miles away but used to play university and a wee bit of club football in Scotland.
Best memory was the 2005 AI final.