New Management In Place For Tyrone Ladies Team

The Tyrone ladies GFA have confirmed the appointment of a new senior management team. Mickey Rea has been unveiled as the manager with a backroom team including Cathal Magill, Aidan O’Kane and Louise Daly. The management team have been offered a three year term with the intention clear, Tyrone are focused on an all Ireland senior title. However the new man at the helm is realistic
“It’s clear we are on a rebuilding mission first and foremost. The talent is there within the county but there will be a year of transition. It will be hard work for all concerned but we are confident of what can be achieved” explained the Derrytresk club man.
Rea has brought together a new look management team with a link to last year’s minor squad that reached the all Ireland final with Louise Daly included. The management team will meet with players ahead of Christmas to co-ordinate a training schedule and programme for the first part of the year. With Tyrone opening their national league campaign on February 3rd with a trip to Mayo time is of the essence.
County chairman Martin Conway welcomed the appointment this week but paid tribute to Gerry Moane, Aidan Connolly and Barry Grimes who stepped down after a frustrating year in charge.
“Gerry and his backroom team had a lot of issues to deal with, injuries, unavailability and in some cases lack of commitment from some players. They gave it a shot and did trojan work. They can’t be faulted but it was a tough task. With Mickey and his team it’s time for a fresh start. The management team are all new to senior inter county management but they have a clear path and I expect quite a few changes in the squad,”

Rea has outlined a professional approach, and as the chairman pointed out, he is indicating there will be changes. “It is a fresh start for Tyrone ladies football. We only want players committed to the cause and it would appear some players won’t be back. No-one and I mean no-one will walk into this squad. A place will have to be earned and we know what calibre of player we want”
Rea’s plans are exciting and with Tyrone set to compete in the Ashling McGing tournament it affords a raft of new players a chance to step up.
Management teams at under age level have also been confirmed. At under 14, county development officer Angela Stevenson will head a team that includes Roisin Devine, Michael Penrose, & Ryan McShane. Martin Conway and Dessie Friel have stepped up to under 16 management however while it is expected there will be a new minor management team an announcement on that will not be made until the end of the month.