Tyrone to fulfil McKenna fixture
Tyrone county board officials last night confirmed that the team will fulfil the fixture which will be played just days after the tragic death of Harte’s daughter Michaela, who was murdered while on honeymoon in Mauritius.
However the game will not be held should Michaela’s body arrive home in the interim from Mauritius and there is the potential for the game clashing with funeral arrangements.
Tyrone’s participation in the provincial competition had been thrown into doubt when news broke of Michaela’s death.
But the decision to proceed with the pre-season tie was taken after Mickey Harte relayed his wishes that the Red Hand players should turn out for the tie against the Erne County.
“The only thing that will prevent that happening is the remains coming home or a possible funeral,’’ said Tyrone PRO Damian Harvey.
“Mickey Harte has given his blessing for Tyrone GAA activities to continue.”
Meanwhile, tributes poured in from the sporting world yesterday as condolences were expressed to Michaela’s husband John McAreavey and the Harte family.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Michaela’s family and the wider Harte family, her husband John and the McAreavey’s at this tragic time,’’ stated GAA President Christy Cooney.
“Michaela was a familiar face to so many GAA followers up and down the country having been at her father’s side through what has been the most memorable period in the history of the GAA in Tyrone.
“Her radiant smile, passion for life and interest in all things Gaelic were immediately obvious to anyone who crossed her path and the loss to those who loved her most must be incalculable at this most difficult time.
“Her presence at not only football matches but in so many areas of life will be sadly missed at a time when she and her husband should have been planning a bright future together. The tragic timing and circumstances makes the loss even worse and the condolences of the Association are offered to her loved ones.’’
GPA Chief Executive Dessie Farrell offered his condolences after Michaela’s tragic death.
“GAA members have been shocked beyond belief by the devastating news of Michaela Harte’s death. Michaela was a unique figure within Gaelic games, her public devotion to her father’s managerial work from the outset and her engaging character were warmly embraced by everyone involved in Tyrone football and in the wider GAA community.
“Our hearts go out to John, Mickey, family, friends and the Tyrone football panel in this darkest hour. Go dtuga Dia suaimhneas síoraí dá h-anam.”
Meanwhile, the Down County Board expressed their sympathies following the tragedy. Michaela’s widower John represented the Mourne County at senior football level during the 2008 campaign.
The Aghaderg clubman scored 2-3 in a Dr McKenna Cup victory over Donegal in January two years ago and later that season he was introduced as a substitute during Down’s All-Ireland qualifier round four defeat against Wexford in Croke Park.
“Coiste Chontae An Dúin, and the family that is Down GAA express our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to John McAreavey and the entire McAreavey and Harte families on the untimely death of Michaela. We extend our sympathy to our fellow gaels in Tyrone on this sad occasion. Our thoughts and prayers are very much with John at this most difficult time and we offer him our full support.
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