Tyrone GAA: Feargal Logan 'doing well and recovering' after illness setback, says Brian Dooher
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Brian Dooher and Feargal Logan managed Tyrone to All-Ireland SFC glory in their first year in charge in 2021
Brian Dooher says Tyrone joint manager Feargal Logan is "doing well and recovering" after his illness setback.
However, he refused to be drawn on whether Logan will be back alongside him on the sideline later this season.
Logan was again absent as Tyrone suffered a major blow to their Division One survival hopes losing by 0-12 to 1-10 to Galway at home in Healy Park.
Joint boss Dooher said: "it's just going to be a full journey back to recovery for him".
"We'll see how long it takes."
Dooher and Logan led Tyrone to the All-Ireland SFC title in their first year in charge in 2021.
In the wake of the six-point defeat by Derry at Celtic Park two weeks ago Tyrone GAA issued a statement confirming that Logan, who won Ulster titles as a player with Tyrone in 1995 and 1996, was "dealing with some health issues".
When asked after Sunday's defeat by Galway whether Logan, a solicitor, will return to the arduous job of inter-county management this season Dooher said "it's not for me to determine that".
"He's recovering well and that's as much as I know," added Dooher.
"We're just sending best wishes to him and he's definitely doing well."
Two-time All-Ireland winning skipper Dooher appeared to rule out asking anyone to join his backroom team, which already includes his former All-Ireland winning team-mate Joe McMahon.
"We've a strong backroom panel here and plenty of others putting their shoulder to the wheel.
"There's a lot of people doing what they normally do, so there's no issue there."
Tyrone lose their way in second half
Galway manager Padraic Joyce, who starred in the county's All-Ireland wins in 1998 and 2001, congratulates Johnny Heaney after a superb display in the one-point win over Tyrone
A poor second half saw Tyrone beaten at home by Galway in a defeat that will leave them fretting about Allianz Football League Division One survival.
The Red Hands were leading by 0-8 to 0-6 midway through the second half when Cathal Sweeney blasted home the game's only goal in Omagh.
Johnny Heaney starred for Galway while Tyrone lacked potency up front after the withdrawal of Darragh Canavan.
Ciaran Daly and Conn Kilpatrick hit the last two points but Galway held on helped by great second-half cameos from Sean Kelly and Daniel O'Flaherty.
Galway boss Padraic Joyce was a happy man and hailed his team's character.
"It's one thing I never questioned as a manager, they have always showed it, though maybe not enough at times," said Joyce.
"It's great that they showed it here in Omagh.
"Let's call a spade a spade. We knew ourselves it was a must-win game for both teams to try to give a bit of a cushion for next week and it's great to leave with both points."
Joyce was delighted to see the return of skipper Kelly, who came off the bench and helped Galway take a strong grip of the game in the second half while Tyrone lost their way.
"He's our captain, he's our leader, it's just brilliant to have him back on the pitch.
"He has a lot of work done. He hasn't kicked a ball in eight months.
"I know he has played a bit of club but you have to be careful with him as well.
"We'll mind him the next day as well (at home to Derry) but it's great to have him out there."
Conn Kilpatrick is dejected after Tyrone's narrow loss to Galway in Omagh
It was a case of 'what might have been' for Tyrone who looked to be in a strong position leading 0-8 to 0-6 at half-time.
"We felt we could have and should have (kicked on)," Dooher admitted.
"But we didn't. And that's what happened.
"Galway got a foothold in the game and they never really relinquished it from there.
"It was crucial for them, but poor from us. We were slow to start, just the same as the first half.
"We really struggled to get any continuity in the second half. We just got the odd score here and there.
"Definitely. It's disappointing. A game that we should have gotten something out of.
"But it is what it is now, there's nothing we can do about it. We have to get ready for Mayo next Saturday evening again."