'Tyrone role is a huge honour'

MALACHY O'Rourke has been living in Tyrone for over three decades and when the offer came to manage “a very passionate county” he says it was hard to refuse.

- KARL O'KANE

O'Rourke had spent four years with Glen, leading them to back to back All-Ireland finals and landing the 2024 title – after two years “chilling out” away from football management.

When the Tyrone opportunity came up, he was ready to step back into the county game having stepped away in 2019 after seven years with Monaghan and two Ulster titles.

"I've been living maybe 32 years in Ballygawley now, right in the heart of Tyrone," says former Fermanagh player O'Rourke.

"When you're living there and when people ask you to get involved with the county team, it's very hard to refuse it. I felt privileged to be asked.

"Especially when you know the passion for football in Tyrone and when you know the talents that are there. I was delighted to get the opportunity and delighted to take it.

"At the same time, you know there's a massive responsibility there as well. There's a big expectation and you have to make sure that you're doing everything in your power. You have to realise that when you go into these jobs you've no divine right to be there. You're trying to do your best for the panel of players.

"If it comes to the stage at any time that players felt it wasn't going the right way, or you felt it wasn't the right fit, I know certainly I would not be one for sticking around.