Harte to receive honorary doctorate

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte is to receive an honorary doctorate from Queen's University, Belfast for his services to Gaelic football.

The 53-year-old Ballygawley-born man is one of 15 notable figures who will be recognised as honorary graduands of Queen's this year.

Harte, who is now based in Dublin as an auctioneer in Martin Shortt's Ballymun premises, guided Tyrone to their second All-Ireland SFC title in three seasons last September.

Harte played for the Tyrone senior team from 1975 to 1982 before moving into coaching. He had a prolific management career at underage level - guiding the Tyrone minors to Ulster titles in 1993 and 1997 and All-Ireland glory in 1998.

Success followed with the Under-21s - three Ulster crowns and successive All-Ireland wins in 2000 and 2001 - before Harte was appointed as senior boss in November 2002.

Over the past three seasons, Harte's golden touch, which coincided with a resurgence in Ulster football, has continued with his Red Hands winning two All-Irelands (2003, 2005), an NFL title (2003) and an Ulster championship (2003).

The Tyrone boss was named as the 2005 Philips Manager of the Year at a ceremony in Dublin last month.