Fans’ Harte tribute praised

A moving and impromptu tribute which saw hundreds of people line the streets of Killarney after the Kerry and Tyrone match to show both their appreciation for the beaten Tyrone team and support for manager Mickey Harte has drawn praise from Tyrone GAA.

The applause began outside the dressing rooms as the team prepared for the journey home, and was taken up by hundreds more on the streets of Killarney.

The emotional reception was missed by the thousands who attended the match and by most match commentators.

However, an account posted by Tyrone GAA on its Facebook page on Tuesday has drawn some 21,000 ‘likes’.

In the piece entitled “One GAA family united in respect”, the writer tells how as Tyrone braced themselves for the long, “bitter journey home” after being beaten, some 500 Kerry fans waited outside the dressing rooms.

“There is no doubt that Ireland lost a lot and took a lot of wrong turns in the last few years. But if you wanted your faith in decency, respect, honour and dignity restored, then Killarney at about eight o’clock last Saturday evening was the place to be. Inspirational. Unforgettable. Classy,” it says.

Chairman of Kerry County Board Patrick O’Sullivan was on his way out of the stadium with Colm Cooper when he said a few people started applauding. “It just started with a few people and the whole crowd got behind it. Next thing Mickey Harte came out and the clapping got louder,” he said.

Former chairman of the Kerry County Board Jerome Conway said: “We have particular respect for Tyrone and for Mickey Harte and the trials and tribulations he and his family have been going through.”