Brian Dooher says money is 'not a motivator' after Tyrone reveal managers 'don't take a penny'

Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher have been together on the sidelines for Tyrone for the past three seasons

Tyrone joint-boss Brian Dooher says the "financial aspect isn't really on my radar" after the county revealed that its managers "don't accept a penny".

County chairman Martin Sludden made the announcement at Tuesday's Tyrone annual GAA convention in Garvaghey.

He said this applied to Dooher, fellow senior boss Feargal Logan plus under-20 and minor managers Paul Devlin and Gerard Donnelly.

"That's our decision," Dooher told BBC Sport Northern Ireland.

It's a widely held perception that many county bosses and indeed club managers are remunerated for their efforts but Dooher said continuing to be involved with his native county after a playing career which saw him win three All-Ireland medals remains an "honour".

"We're glad to work with Tyrone, glad to work with the county board who have been very supportive and very backing of it," said Dooher, who along with Logan, guided Tyrone to a fourth Sam Maguire Cup triumph in 2021.

"We've got a great bunch of players and we're happy with the decisions we have made. Everybody makes their own decisions and goes forward with that."

Dooher unconvinced over payment reports

Speaking at Wednesday's Dr McKenna Cup launch, Dooher added that he wasn't convinced some of the reports about GAA managers being paid are altogether accurate.

"I can't talk for anybody else. A lot of things are being said and I've not sure if the proper information is out there to inform the narrative. I can only speak for Tyrone.

"First and foremost, it's an honour to be involved in Tyrone and to be still involved with Tyrone.

"I'm glad to be a part of it. The financial aspect doesn't really be on my radar. It's not my primary motivator to be honest."

Niall Morgan was among inter-county goalkeepers who took part in NFL trials in Ireland and England last month

Dooher revealed that Niall Morgan was among the GAA inter-county goalkeepers who attended trials in Ireland and England last month with a view to switching to a career in American Football in the NFL.

Monaghan keeper Rory Beggan and Down custodian Charlie Smyth are reported to have been among the keepers asked to attend the next stage of the trials process in the US in late February but Dooher said that Morgan's involvement in the process is now seemingly over.

"There was definitely a risk there for a few weeks and Niall to be fair to him, kept us informed on what he was doing and what the options are and what potentially could happen," added Dooher.

"Obviously Niall is, I wouldn't say disappointed, but he realises he has a big future with Tyrone as well so that will hopefully make up for it and hopefully we'll get the success that he deserves in the years to come.

"This is an amateur game. They have to weigh up what's right for them and their family. We're fully supportive of that. An example was Conor McKenna heading back to Australia a year or two ago. We'll respect their decision."

Donnelly could feature late in League

Asked about Mattie Donnelly's fitness following the bad knee injury he sustained at the Kilmacud Sevens in late July, the Tyrone joint-boss said the Trillick man could be available for the concluding rounds of the Allianz Football League.

"He's working really hard. You couldn't question the effort and the attitude and commitment from him."

Suggestions that Connor McAliskey is on the point of being coaxed back to the Tyrone panel were played down by Dooher.

"Connor unfortunately is not on our panel at the minute. The door is open for everybody. We never close the door on anybody in Tyrone and we're open to all options at the minute."

Tyrone joint-manager Brian Dooher twice captained Harte's Red Hands side to All-Ireland titles and now faces the prospect of being up against his old boss on the sidelines

On Mickey Harte's appointment as Derry manager, Dooher said that the former Tyrone's decision is "not really a surprise when you look at it".

"Mickey has always wanted to work with the best players out there. Arguably Derry are the top team in Ulster at the minute and one of the top teams challenging for an All-Ireland."

Dooher, who captained two of Harte's three All-Ireland winning teams, disagreed with suggestions that his former manager's decision to move to the Oak Leafers could be a stain on his Tyrone legacy.

"He brought us to our first All-Ireland and never mind one, we won three under Mickey.

"That will never be forgotten and it something to be very thankful for, Mickey and his contribution to Tyrone football.

"He really has put Tyrone football on the map if we're to be really honest about it."