by Ronan McSherry

The Tyrone county senior team will not be going on a squad holiday as has been the practice in recent years, it emerged this week. Instead, the players and management are reported to be receiving £1,400 worth of holiday vouchers each to use for individual holidays.

It also emerged that Club Tyrone will not be hosting its annual gala banquet this year. Instead, plans have been been made for a 'Day-at the Races' event in May.

Tyrone County Board chairman Pat Darcy said, "The players are having a holiday but they will be taking it when it suits themselves rather than all going together.

"This is really to do with all the logistics of all the players and management team being free to travel away at the same time. That would be 37 players and the back-up management."

Regarding Club Tyrone's annual celebration, he said that with the proliferation of GAA banquets, an alternative fundraiser of a 'Day-at-the-Races' is being organised for Navan racecourse in Co. Meath.

Despite all the recent controversy and heated debate in the GAA, Pat Darcy is upbeat about the year ahead.

"Certainly I am very much looking forward to this year for the GAA in Tyrone. We have a lot to look forward to in the months ahead.

"We have everything in place for the next two years," he added. "The new sponsorship is in place as well as the new jersey and new kits. Hopefully we can build on that and bring success. Of course we are hopeful that our county teams will do well and expect our club competitions will run smoothly."