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Colm Cavanagh in action for Tyrone. Tommy Dickson/INPHO

Cavanagh: 'You focus on playing. You let everything else go, what's being said in the media'

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte branded criticism from former players as a ‘cheap shot’ earlier this week.

TYRONE MIDFIELDER COLM Cavanagh has distanced himself from the back-and-forth between his manager Mickey Harte and former players-turned-pundits.

Red Hand manager Mickey Harte branded criticism from ex-Tyrone players now working the media as a ‘cheap shot’ at their All-Ireland final press event in Garvaghey GAA centre Monday.

Owen Mulligan and Sean Cavanagh — Colm’s brother — have both been critical of their county’s senior football boss of late, with Harte responding to the criticisms:

“Let people make their comments, and if they have substance to back it up, then I’ll appreciate it. And if they haven’t, I’ll recognise it for what it is – a cheap shot.”

And this morning as he collected his PwC GAA/GPA Player of the Month accolade, Cavanagh was asked if he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place as someone who’s soldiered with these ex-players through the years, and obviously the family connection.

“Not at all,” he said.

“To be honest, when you’re playing you focus on playing. You let everything else go, what’s being said in the media.

“To be honest, I don’t watch whatever’s being said in the media, and I don’t read any of the papers. The only thing I ever see is probably on social media.

“I stay away from whatever, myself and Seán obviously my brother. It’s light-hearted conversations about it. He knows as well as me that I have to concentrate on playing football and he can concentrate on doing his punditry.

Sean Cavanagh and Colm Cavanagh raise the All Ireland Intermediate trophy The Cavanagh brothers helped Moy to the All-Ireland intermediate championship title in February. Ken Sutton / INPHO Ken Sutton / INPHO / INPHO

“He’s entitled to his opinion and every other past player is entitled to their opinion. I know well they’re entitled to that, and that’s what they’re there to do. They’re there to analyse and give their opinions and that’s fair.

“But while I’m playing and I’m part of Tyrone, I focus on playing football and winning, and that’s what the most important thing is for me.”

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Emma Duffy
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