Tributes paid to 'brilliant person' Art McRory

The Dungannon Clarke’s clubman was in charge of the Red Hands for a total of almost 25 years, in three different spells in the role.

R.I.P: Art McRory. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Tributes have been paid to former Tyrone football manager Art McRory, who passed away on Wednesday aged 82.

McRory has been credited with laying the foundations for the modern-day success of Tyrone football, making a huge impact in his three separate stints in the job.

The Dungannon Clarke’s clubman was in charge of the Red Hands for almost 20 years in total.

He guided Tyrone to a first-ever appearance in an All-Ireland final in 1986, when they lost to Kerry.

A former Tyrone player, he entered management with the county minor team, winning an All-Ireland title in 1973.

He managed the senior side to five Ulster SFC titles, in 1984, ’86. 95, ’96 and 2001.

And he was at the helm, along with Eugene McKenna, when the county reached the Sam Maguire Cup decider for the second time, this time losing out narrowly to Dublin in a controversial final.

Former Red Hand star Peter Canavan described McRory as a brilliant person.

“Sometimes people say you shouldn’t meet your heroes because it can taint your impression - but that was far from the case with Art,” he said.

“He left so many people better off, not just from playing under him but knowing him.

“When you went to Art, as well as getting wise words he was confidante, you could trust him and he was a brilliant person.” 

 A tribute from Tyrone GAA described the late Mr McRory as the man who revolutionised Tyrone football.

“Probably no one in our County’s GAA history has brought greater life to that belief than Art McRory, whose sudden death after a long life so well-lived has left a gnawing space in Dungannon, Tyrone, Ulster and Ireland,” said a statement.

“Art’s achievements across seven decades as a player, coach, manager, Club man, educationalist, developer, organiser, motivator, community activist, strategist, visionary, family man, and the most loyal of comrades are just unrivalled.

“Put plainly, Art revolutionised Tyrone GAA and in doing so made life here so much better for tens of thousands of people, people who have gone ahead of us, people who are still here, and people who have yet to come. That’s real legacy.

“But for all that, it’s the blessing of Art the man that we cherished. Goodness, class, style, honour, dignity, integrity, selflessness, and above all, sheer decency, were the qualities that made him so dear to us all.

“Our deepest sympathy goes to Colm, Ciaran and Eva, to Art’s so many friends and colleagues, to the Gaels of Dungannon, and, simply, to everyone who ever had the good fortune to connect with this wonderful man. Tyrone is now a different and lesser place without him.” 

He was predeceased by his wife Helen in February of this year, and is survived by children Colm, Ciaran and Eva.