Harte crowned Philips Sports Manager of the Year

Tyrone football manager Mickey Harte was crowned Philips Sports Manager of the Year for 2005 at a ceremony in Dublin's Berkeley Court Hotel yesterday.

The 53-year-old Harte, who guided the Red Hands to a second All-Ireland SFC title in three seasons in September, joins a select band of managers who have claimed the award, including, over the past few years, Mick McCarthy, Brian Cody and Eddie O'Sullivan.

The Ballygawley-born boss, who recognised his personal award as recognition for his team's performances throughout the past season, said: "The nature of the way we won this year, the long course of the season and the way we came back after 2003 and the setbacks of 2004 means people are maybe beginning to recognise that we weren't a one-hit wonder.

"There is a lot of substance in our team - across the board in sport, it is recognised that what Tyrone achieved is very noteworthy."

The Dublin-based auctioneer won the monthly Philips award in September as his side pipped Ulster champions Armagh by a point in the semi-final and beat 2004 All-Ireland champions Kerry 1-16 to 2-10 in the Sam Maguire decider.