YOUNG GAELIC TEAM PLAYING IN SHADOW OF DOUBLE TRAGEDY
YOUNG GAELIC TEAM PLAYING IN SHADOW OF DOUBLE TRAGEDY
BY PETER McVERRY and UNA BRADLEY
TYRONE minors will be playing tomorrow's championship clash under the shadow of a double tragedy.
For last summer the teenagers were distraught when team member Paul McGirr died on the field.
The 18-year-old had been involved in an accidental collision with another player when he suddenly collapsed.
This year, the squad go into the all-Ireland semi-final in the horrific aftermath of the Omagh bomb.
Many of the teenagers come from small communities still grieving those killed in the atrocity.
In particular, several team members from west Tyrone personally knew some of the victims.
The minors have had little time to get over the death of their friend Paul before this latest horror engulfed their community.
Paul McGirr had just fisted the winning goal against Armagh when he collapsed.
The Dromore forward was rushed to Tyrone County Hospital but sadly he died, two hours later.
Paul had suffered two broken ribs but it is understood he died from liver failure.
The tragedy stunned the GAA world throughout Ireland and officials praised the tremendous promise and commitment Paul had always displayed.
At the time of his untimely death, Paul's parents Rita and Francis said their son's only concern after being injured was the result of the match.
Yesterday, joint team manager Mickey Harte said getting to the all-Ireland would be a tremendous boost for the morale of the team.
"The players involved last year went through the range of emotions and have been helping the new faces in this difficult week.
"Our squad has been affected by this terrible tragedy in Omagh, particularly those players from west Tyrone - with several knowing victims of the bomb outrage.
"If we can reach the All-Ireland final then at least some people might take a bit of comfort and have their heads lifted a little."
BY PETER McVERRY and UNA BRADLEY
TYRONE minors will be playing tomorrow's championship clash under the shadow of a double tragedy.
For last summer the teenagers were distraught when team member Paul McGirr died on the field.
The 18-year-old had been involved in an accidental collision with another player when he suddenly collapsed.
This year, the squad go into the all-Ireland semi-final in the horrific aftermath of the Omagh bomb.
Many of the teenagers come from small communities still grieving those killed in the atrocity.
In particular, several team members from west Tyrone personally knew some of the victims.
The minors have had little time to get over the death of their friend Paul before this latest horror engulfed their community.
Paul McGirr had just fisted the winning goal against Armagh when he collapsed.
The Dromore forward was rushed to Tyrone County Hospital but sadly he died, two hours later.
Paul had suffered two broken ribs but it is understood he died from liver failure.
The tragedy stunned the GAA world throughout Ireland and officials praised the tremendous promise and commitment Paul had always displayed.
At the time of his untimely death, Paul's parents Rita and Francis said their son's only concern after being injured was the result of the match.
Yesterday, joint team manager Mickey Harte said getting to the all-Ireland would be a tremendous boost for the morale of the team.
"The players involved last year went through the range of emotions and have been helping the new faces in this difficult week.
"Our squad has been affected by this terrible tragedy in Omagh, particularly those players from west Tyrone - with several knowing victims of the bomb outrage.
"If we can reach the All-Ireland final then at least some people might take a bit of comfort and have their heads lifted a little."
Further Information
Publisher: BELFAST TELEGRAPH EXTRA
Ref: BT/0221
Published Date: 22-Aug-98
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