Coiste Thir Eoghain Annual Report Book 2008 - Tyrone GAA | Tir ...

Coiste Thír Eoghain
An Chomhdháil Bhliantúil
In the lead-up to this year’s All-Ireland final a lot of print space and much airtime was used in
identifying this game as being the decider as to which county could be regarded as the team of
the decade. While Tyrone had no time for such a meaningless title, it seemed somewhat odd that
the topic was barely mentioned after Kerry had been defeated. Regrettably, there still appeared to
remain a certain degree of begrudgery towards the new All-Ireland champions and their
victorious campaign, but it was now evident to all who wanted to see, that both individually and
collectively Tyrone are better footballers.
Their skill, their talent and their work displayed on the field were recognized a long time ago,
within the county, when many of this squad won their first All-Ireland medals at minor levels;
these attributes were even more evident when they annexed their U-21 All-Ireland titles, and they
have now become apparent to all, as many of them hold aloft their 3 senior All-Ireland medals.
In reviewing the championship campaign there are many heroes that come to mind in different
games and at different times within these games; while recognizing the massive contribution
made by all members of the panel of players it would not be considered unfair to name two
individuals that were immense for Tyrone in 2008 – Sean Cavanagh and team captain Brian
Dooher.
At the year’s end All-stars were awarded to Brian Dooher, Justin McMahon, Davy Harte, Philip
Jordan, Conor Gormley, Enda McGinley and Sean Cavanagh and Sean was also selected as
Player of the Year for 2008; indeed, such was the quality of his performances throughout the
year, that it must have been one of the easiest decisions for the selectors to make in many years.
Sean Cavanagh, Enda McGinley and the two McMahon brothers were all selected for the Ireland
team which travelled to Australia for the two-match International Rules Test Series. The team
won both its games and the Series, and there was no prouder man to hold aloft the Cormac
McAnallen Cup than Ireland captain, Sean Cavanagh.
While these players were enjoying sunshine and success in Perth and Melbourne another group
of Tyrone players were representing Ulster in the Interprovincial Series; John Devine, Davy
Harte, Conor Gormley, Brian Dooher and Stephen O'Neill played against Munster losing by
three points, in wet and wintry weather conditions at Fermoy,
We congratulate these men on the special awards that they have won and on their respective
selections for province and country. However the heartiest congratulations is due to the full panel
of senior players that brought Tyrone its third All-Ireland title in 2008, and who brought so much
joy and happiness to people of this county.
The complete panel of players for the 2008 championship was:
John Devine (Errigal Ciaran), Ryan McMenamin (Dromore), Justin McMahon (Omagh), Ciarán
Gourley (Rock), Davy Harte (Errigal Ciaran), Conor Gormley (Carrickmore), Philip Jordan
(Moy), Colin Holmes (Armagh Harps), Enda McGinley (Errigal Ciaran), Brian Dooher (Clann
na nGael) (Capt), Brian McGuigan (Ardboe), Joseph McMahon (Omagh), Tommy McGuigan
(Ardboe), Sean Cavanagh (Moy), Colm McCullagh (Dromore), Pascal McConnell
(Newtownstewart), Dermot Carlin (Killyclogher), Colm Cavanagh (Moy), Peter Donnelly
(Coalisland), Niall Gormley (Trillick), Kevin Hughes (Killeeshil), Cathal McCarron (Dromore),
Damian McCaul (Donaghmore), Michael McGee (Loughmacrory), Ryan Mellon (Moy),
Raymond Mulgrew (Cookstown), Owen Mulligan (Cookstown), Shaun O’Neill (Dromore),
2008
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