ON THE PITCH last Saturday’s All-Ireland football qualifier between Kerry and Tyrone in Killarney was as fiery as they come, ending with 16 yellow cards, one red and a worn-out pencil for referee David Coldrick.
But the enmity quickly subsided after Kerry’s powerhouse performance as Kingdom fans united in a stunning show of support for Mickey Harte, whose daughter Michaela was murdered while on honeymoon in Mauritius last year.
Despite his team’s bitter disappointment the Tyrone manager was in no rush to leave Fitzgerald Stadium after the 1-16 to 1-06 defeat, gladly signing autographs and chatting with fans on the pitch.
And as the Tyrone team bus later pulled out of the ground for the long journey back north, around 500 Kerry supporters remained to show solidarity with Harte and their respect for a bitter footballing rival.
The game’s aftermath is recounted in a heartfelt piece penned anonymously on the Tyrone GAA website, titled “One GAA family united in respect”.
Long after the thousands had left Fitzgerald Stadium last Saturday evening our Tyrone team was getting ready for a bitter journey home. Around 500 Kerry people remained outside the changing area – men and women, old and young. As our people started to board their coach a ripple of applause met them. That ripple grew and grew and for long minute after long minute just went on and on and on.When Mickey Harte appeared, a cheer of support went up. As the coach headed down through Killarney hundreds on the pavements took over where the others left off, warmly applauding Tyrone. There is no doubt that Ireland lost a lot and took a lot of wrong turns in the last few years. But if you wanted your faith in decency, respect, honour and dignity restored, then Killarney at about eight o’clock last Saturday evening was the place to be.
Inspirational. Unforgettable. Classy.
nice article … well written… thanks
Alls proud to be an animal from ky…only fair Harte is a legend and his daughter was a lovely person saw them on late late one time my heart goes out to the poor man may she rest in peace n I hope they get justice at some stage soon
Its fair to say we’d be sick of the sight of the Tyrone lads, but very few people in the Kingdom wouldn’t think that Mickey Harte is a class act as a human being. Class just inspires class I guess
These must be the ‘animals’ Paidi O’Shea once referred to…
Terrific to see the class shown by the Kerry fans.
As a Cork supporter, I agree 100%.
One of the greatest legends in sport. One would bounce off walls for Mickey Harte after reading his autobiography. Says it all about Mickey’s character and his team when Kerry fans wait behind to sportingly applaud them. Fair play to all involved. Take note soccer ‘fans’
sad that you had to use this story for a dig at football. but not surprising.
We are not such a bad Race in Kerry, just as Mickey Harte is recognized as a legend to decency on the Whole Island of Ireland!
Fantastic show of unity in a world gone mad. Fair play.
Kingdom haters take note.
Puts a big smile on your face.
And a tear in you eye.
Allways proud to be an animal from ky…only fair Harte is a legend and his daughter a lovely person I saw them on late late one time my heart goes out to him may she rest in peace and I hope they get some justice soon
Allways proud to be an animal from ky…only fair Harte is a legend and his daughter a lovely person I saw them on late late one time my heart goes out to him may she rest in peace and I hope they get some justice soon
Harte is a legend
Well done Kerry fans the harte and mc avereavys really deserve our support rip michhaela she was and remains a beautiful class lady such. A huge, Loss to her family and the world