Malachy O'Rourke is officially the new Tyrone senior football manager, and the Red Hand county are excited to see him in action.
However, O'Rourke is still in charge of All-Ireland Club champions Watty Graham's Glen, as they are in the middle of their county championship.
When news broke that the Fermanagh native would be taken the county job, one of the first questions on everyone's lips was how that would work with Glen's current season?
Speaking for the first time as Tyrone manager in Garvaghy, O'Rourke offered some clarity and confirmed that he would remain in charge of the Derry champions until the end of the club season.
In fairness to Glen, we’ve had a great bond built up, not only with the players, but with the club and all the community.
“It is a split season. I supposed this is the season for the club. I am in the lucky enough position that I am retired. I am not working in the day job any more.
“It does mean I have a wee bit more time. I will be able to continue to show 100 percent focus with the club but still be able to get the work done that needs to be done for the county. That’s the way we’ll be going for the immediate future.”
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After confirming that there was interest from Derry and other suitors, he revealed that the pull of Tyrone was too exciting to turn down.
It’s a feeling of great excitement, and I have to say I’m very privileged to be offered the role,” he said.
“I know of the passion for football in the county, but at the same time I know that there’s great expectations. I’m going int the job with my eyes wide open. I know what’s in front of us.
“It’s a great challenge and I’m really looking forward to getting down to work, and it will be a case of getting down to business very soon and getting things sorted out.”
🎙️ Our New Manager
We sat down with our new Senior Football Manager, Malachy O'Rourke, earlier to discuss his appointment, his journey to this point and his aims for the seasons ahead with Tyrone 🤝 pic.twitter.com/rebXGqttgz
— Tyrone GAA (@TyroneGAALive) September 11, 2024
The Ulster side normally appoint managers within the county, and don't go for outside help, but in this instance, O'Rourke is as close to being a Tyrone man as you can be, without being born there.
I have been living in Tyrone now 32 years and I have seen a lot of football over that time and been involved with Errigal Ciaran.
“I would know a lot of players in the county, and I have an interest in football anyway, I would watch a lot of county football, watch a lot of club football.
“So I would have a fair grasp on the players in the county, but at the same time, I have still a lot of work to do to know exactly what they’re capable of, what type of characters they are.
“So that will all happen as time goes on, but that’s an enjoyable challenge.”
If Glen do what they have done in the last two years, and progress all the way through Derry and Ulster, then O'Rourke would have to manage some overlap as Tyrone and club manager, however the fact that Dr McKenna Cup has been suspended does help.
