Memory of McAnallen inspires Tyrone
“It was only this week that the players were able to mention his name freely,” said Harte. “And you knew that Cormac McAnallen was looking down on us, watching and guiding us.”
The true extent of Tyrone’s grief for the 23-year-old who died suddenly last year was evident as Harte broke down in front of the TV cameras after his side had triumphed by three points in a searing All-Ireland final.
“It was fantastic to win a final the way Cormac would want it won,” said Harte, after the Red Hands’ 1-16 to 2-10 win over the Kingdom. Tyrone’s second success put to bed the argument over the best side in the country. “We knew it would take a great side to beat us, and Tyrone are that,” admitted Kerry coach Jack O’Connor, who was tasting defeat in the championship for the first time since he took the job at the beginning of last season.
Tyrone’s success was inspired by an awe-inspiring will to win, and a clinical piece of finishing by their veteran star, Peter Canavan. His goal in first half injury time was the game’s turning point, and only Tyrone’s second All-Ireland final goal ever - the first was scored by his parish neighbour Paudge Quinn against Kerry 19 years ago.
There was an 82,000 full house to witness the most keenly anticipated football final in recent memory, but Kerry are left to reflect on their third championship defeat to Ulster opposition in four years.
The two-year term of the Kingdom’s management is now up, but O’Connor refused to speculate on a possible extension next year.
“Kerry are a great time, I’ve always said that, and they badly wanted that two in a row,” said Harte.
“But we wanted it more, and the reason we did was a man who isn’t here today.
“He always said we had to win more than one All-Ireland, and now we have. He was our 16th man today.”
The Down minors completed a celebrated double for Ulster counties as they overpowered a disappointing Mayo side in the curtain-raiser at Croke Park.
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