A Fantastic Few Days For All Tyrone Folk

Sunday 10.06.2012

Club

This has been quite a week for Tyrone GAA. There was of course lots of action on the fields of play as both the county’s hurlers and footballers were involved in key matches at the weekend. However even before a ball was pucked or kicked in anger there were several major events taking place across the county which all contributed to giving the association a huge boost across the whole county and beyond.
On Thursday night the members and friends of Club Tyrone gathered at Kelly’s Inn to review the past year and take a close look at the progress of the Garvaghey Project. They were bound to have been impressed with what they saw and heard. The building and playing facilities are developing brilliantly and all is on target for a September 2012 opening. The numbers at the function would appear to suggest that Club Tyrone is continuing to go from strength to strength in terms of membership and support. The message of the night was a hugely positive and inspiring one that created a great sense of togetherness and a real feel good factor.
The following night Friday saw Club Tyrone member and Tyrone fanatic Chris Mc Gale host his annual Francie O’Neill Memorial Quiz at his Terrace Bar premises in John Street Omagh. This function not only keeps the memory of a great Omagh Gael alive and well but also recognises Tyrone Legends who have given great service to the game or the Association over the years. Some of those receiving awards on Friday past were former referee Paddy Devlin, Coalisland grounds-man Charlie Hurl along with former county players Ciaran Mc Garvey, Aidan Skelton, Dessie Mc Kenna, Patsy Hetherington, Pat King, Oliver O’Neill, Patsy Forbes and the one and only Barney Eastwood.
It was an outstanding night of reminiscence and craic and showed what Tyrone folk can do when they put their heads together. Chris was delighted with the response to the function and the enjoyment it gave to all who saw it.
The action then swung to the playing field as firstly the hurlers produced a magnificent extra time comeback to defeat Fermanagh in the final of The Lory Meagher Cup at Croke Park and in so doing brought great credit to the county. It was a high scoring and highly skilled display from Tom Magill’s team and was the perfect start to the first competitive fixture of the weekend.
Following that great victory it was then the turn of the footballers. The county’s minor and senior teams travelled across The Blackwater and into the lion’s den to take on their neighbours and old rivals Armagh. Both teams displayed all the qualities and characteristics spoken of by the presenters at Thursday night’s function and made sure that Tyrone folk will head to work this week, wherever they are in the world, with a zip to their step and their chests bursting with pride at what has been achieved by their county men over the past five days. Well done to each and every one, Tir Eoghain Abu!!