Fermanagh and Omagh District Council recognised former Tyrone Senior County Gaelic Football manager, Mickey Harte, at a civic reception this week at Kelly’s Inn.
Harte was joined at the reception by his sons, Mark and Michael and other family members and friends including members of his various backroom teams from his county career.
Now the manager of Louth GAA's senior team, Harte won three All Ireland titles between 2003 and 2008, with Tyrone having won none before that time.
Speaking at the reception, Harte said it was an honour for him to be recognised by the council.
“I would like to thank Fermanagh and Omagh District Council for hosting this civic reception for me and I am honoured to be only the second recipient of such recognition in the lifetime of this Council," Harte said.
"I am pleased to be recognised for my contribution to the many years of success which have been enjoyed by Tyrone GAA, it was a fantastic journey and one I will remember for many years.
"In hosting this reception, the Council is also recognising the impact sport can make on the lives and health and wellbeing of so many people, whether they are playing or celebrating the success of their team.
"I am delighted to share this occasion with my family and close friends and I would like to thank my family for their continued support and particularly during my 30 years with Tyrone GAA.”
Hosting the evening, DUP councillor and council chair Errol Thompson praised Harte's influence on wider society as well as on the sporting world.
"Mickey is widely regarded as one of the most successful managers in Gaelic Football in recent times and his success with his native county across all age groups at provincial and All Ireland level is unrivalled.," Cllr Thompson said.
"In his 18 years in charge of the Senior County team, Mickey delivered 22 titles, including most importantly 3 All-Ireland titles, bringing the coveted Sam Maguire Cup to Tyrone in 2003 for the first time.
“His pastoral guidance over the group of players in the face of various tragedies which befell them as a group, imbued them with a resilience which was to sustain them during their careers. "
