QUESTION: THE BEST SEND-OFF FOR A GREAT GAEL?

CUTHBERT Donnelly receives between 30 to 40 calls a day regarding the availability of Sam Maguire. Few of those are left disappointed by Donnelly, who has been guardian to football’s silver symbol the three times it has visited Tyrone.

He claims the demand for his services is greater now that in 2003 and 2005 combined and his days are down to a fine art: Cuthbert polishes Sam every morning before hitting the byeways and highways while wife Mary organises the scheduling diary back at base camp.

Despite hundreds of trips, some journeys carry added significance for the former county chairman.