Dooher beating his demons

BRIAN DOOHER has admitted there were times when he doubted whether he would make it back for a 15th season with Tyrone.

The double All-Ireland winning skipper, who will soon turn 35, spent the winter fighting the injury demons, and rehabilitation ruled him out of the National Football League. But dedication and an almost superhuman determination ensured that he returned to lead the Red Hands out for the Ulster Championship opener against Antrim.

And as he prepares to take a remarkable career a step further this weekend when the provincial champions take on Down, Dooher is just grateful he will be stepping on to the team bus prior to departure for Casement Park.