Kingdom chairman thanks Tyrone as visitors get treated ‘royally’

Kerry GAA chiefs have heaped praise on their Tyrone counterparts following Sunday’s Allianz League clash at Healy Park, Omagh.

The build-up to the game had been dominated by stories of bad blood and growing ill-feeling between the counties but Kingdom officials and supporters left the north with nothing but praise for their hosts.

Kerry chairman Patrick O’Sullivan told delegates at the April County Committee said that the visitors were treated ‘royally’ by his Tyrone counterpart Ciarán McLaughlin and his committee.

After congratulating Eamonn Fitzmaurice and the Kerry team on winning on Sunday and maintaining their top flight status, Mr O’Sullivan said: “I want to thank Tyrone chairman Ciarán McLaughlin and the Tyrone County Board for the warmth of their welcome on Saturday and Sunday.

“We were offered every facility that was available, both before, during and after the game.

“Ciarán McLaughlin was on hand to ensure we were looked after before the game.

“We were treated royally at half-time and even after losing a tight game, Tyrone and Mikey Harte were magnanimous in defeat.

“As Kerry chairman I feel it incumbent on me to publicly acknowledge the wonderful reception Kerry were afforded from Ciarán McLaughlin and all the Tyrone officials.

“It flies in the face of some of the sensational headline grabbing stuff that was printed in the media in the week leading up to the game.”

Meanwhile the Kerry Junior Football team management was ratified at Monday night’s meeting with Diarmuid Ó Sé of Dromid Pearses joining Michael Anthony O’Connell (Valentia) and Seamus Murphy (St Pat’s) as a selector.

The team will again be managed by Spa’s Sean Moynihan with clubmate Willie Cahill remaining as trainer.