Tyrone boss O'Rourke anticipates 'great challenge'

Malachy O'Rourke has previously managed Fermanagh and Monaghan at inter-county level

New Tyrone manager Malachy O'Rourke says he is looking forward to the "great challenge" of managing the Red Hand county following his appointment to the role on a three-year deal.

Current Glen club manager O'Rourke was the only nominee to succeed Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher after being proposed by his club Errigal Ciaran and his appointment was confirmed at a meeting of the Tyrone county committee on Tuesday night.

Logan and Dooher stepped down in late August after almost four years at the helm.

"I was delighted when they [Errigal Ciaran] asked me would I let my name go forward," O'Rourke told Tyrone GAA's You Tube channel.

"It's a massive challenge, I'm going in with my eyes wide open. It's a big county and there's a lot of expectation.

"I know there's going to be an awful lot of work and I'm sure the players know that as well."

'Creating an environment where everyone can flourish'

O'Rourke's managerial CV is an impressive one and he hopes to bring his influence to bear in leading an upturn in the fortunes of Tyrone.

He has been in charge of Glen since late 2020 and has led them to three county titles, two Ulster club triumphs and an All-Ireland success last January.

The Fermanagh man has been out of inter-county management since he stepped down as Monaghan boss in June 2019, having led the Farneymen to two Ulster SFC titles.

Prior to taking over at Monaghan in 2012, O'Rourke also led Fermanagh to the Ulster final in 2008.

Outlining his recipe for success, he says "it is a matter of getting everyone on the same page, giving them something to aim at".

"You make sure everyone feels valued and the players are not taken for granted. It's about creating an environment where everyone can flourish and reach their full potential.

"If you do that and take care of our side of things then it's up to the players to produce what they can on the field.

"You make sure the players are looked after and the coaching set-up and the backroom team is good. If people can see that and buy into that then you are half way there.

"After that it's about improving the performances as you go on and that whole idea of playing for the team. It's massive that people work as a team and commit to every aspect of preparation."

'A massive passion for football'

Dooher and Logan led the Red Hands to Ulster and All-Ireland titles in their first year in charge in 2021 after Mickey Harte's departure but the three subsequent seasons failed to yield similar successes.

They were knocked out of this year's All-Ireland Championship at the last-12 stage in a surprise home defeat by Roscommon but remain a Division One side.

"You don't come in here and expect things to happen but it's a great challenge. There's a great panel of players there at the moment and a lot of talent coming through.

"We just hope we can develop it further and build on different things. I look forward to working with them."

With the county winning a second All-Ireland Under-20 title in three seasons this year, O'Rourke is aware there is a good production line of talent at his disposal.

"It's a football-mad county, there's massive passion for football in the county and there's a strong club system and school system. It's a really healthy set-up.

"I've massive shoes to fill as I'm coming in after Tyrone legends but I hope I can do the job justice and bring some success while I'm here."