Harte leads tributes to Tyrone captain Cormac McAnallen

Tyrone manager Micky Harte has led tributes to his team captain, Cormac McAnallen, who died suddenly at his home this morning aged 24.

Harte said he was shocked the news and described McAnallen as "a real friend and gentleman. -People talk about role models and they misuse the word," he said.

"If you were looking for a real role model, you look no further than Cormac McAnallen. So much about him was so good. He was such a gentleman and such a dedicated guy."

The Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, also said he was "shocked and deeply saddened" to hear of McAnallen’s death.

"I had the pleasure of meeting Cormac recently and he was, as all who knew him will agree, a wonderful young man," Mr Ahern said.

"He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, his county and his sport. On behalf of myself and my colleagues in Government, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his fiancé, his family, his team-mates and the people of Tyrone at this most difficult time."