Maxi Curran
TYRONE manager Mickey Harte has all but called on the GAA to stop selectors running onto the pitch during SFC games – and had had a pop at Donegal selector Maxi Curran.
In an interview with GAA journalist Declan Bogue, the Red Hand county boss was asked specifically about Maxi’s runs onto the pitch during games.
“I just would like to let you know how things have changed,” said Harte.
“In 2005, when we were playing Armagh in a critical game, the All-Ireland semi-final, (former selector) Tony Donnelly came up and stood beside me on the line for about 15 or 18 minutes, in the second half of that game until almost the end of it.”
He continued: “He got suspended for it. And wasn’t allowed inside the wire for the All-Ireland final and the first game of the next season because he stood beside me for that period of time and that was not allowed. That’s a far cry from what I see at the minute. There has been some change somewhere, maybe it will change back.”
Bogus pressed Harte if he felt there was a measure of what Fermanagh manager Pete McGrath termed as gamesmanship to the pitch incursions.
Harte replied: “Well, all I will say is that I fail to see the necessity to be on the pitch as much as some people do.”
Harte also rubbished claims that Tyrone and Donegal have a poor relationship over accusations made after a stormy 2015 minor championship game.
“There are a lot of people speaking with wonderful authority about this vitriol that is supposed to exist between Tyrone and Donegal. They didn’t show us any evidence, they went on rumour and the rumour mill,” said the Tyrone manager.
“They were prepared to talk about it as if it was the truth. That’s all been investigated and dealt with and there was no evidence. I don’t think any such vitriol exists between Tyrone and Donegal at all.”
Meanwhile Monaghan – who Donegal beat after a replay in the semi-final – are finished for the season.
Longford beat them yesterday at Clones in one of the surprises of the qualifiers.
Derry also caused an upset by beating Meath in Owenbeg.
It took a dubious penalty meanwhile for Mayo to overcome Fermanagh in Castlebar.
Donegal take on Tyrone in Clones next Sunday with a 2pm throw-in to suit TV.
Many Donegal fans who want to see the Minor final beforehand (noon throw-in) will need to be on the road early to see both games.
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