One of Omagh St Enda’s and Tyrone’s greatest ever footballers Thady Turbett is set to be remembered permanently by the club with the naming of the stand at O’Neill’s Healy Park in his memory with members at the clubs AGM on Sunday informed of the news to wholesale acclaim.

Outgoing Omagh Chairman Conor Sally affirmed his delight at the announcement" “The term “legend” is used quite liberally these days and invariably without much validation, however it is the only term that can be used to describe Thady. Not only a legend on the park for several decades with the club, County, Province and Ireland off it too  he was a coach, manager and a real nurturer of young footballers after he hung up his gloves in 1964.”

From his first championship medal for the club minors as a 16 year old in 1946 at corner forward to his last as a St Enda’s Cup winner in 1964, Thady enjoyed an illustrious career to become Omagh, Tyrone and Ulster’s most famous goalkeeper. In that time he amassed six Tyrone Senior championship medals (1948, 1952,1953, 1954, 1957 & 1963), two Tyrone Minor Championships (1946,1947), two Ulster Senior championships with Tyrone (1956. 1957), three Railway Cup medals (1956, 1960, 1963), a McKenna Cup medal (1957), a Gael Linn Cup medal, and two Lagan Cup medals, as well as representing Ireland twice in 1954 and 1958.

Known all over Ireland the name Thady Turbett was one that immediately linked to the Omagh club and with the County of Tyrone long before internet or social media. Now once again his name will echo over the Country when Omagh plays host to the biggest games in the Country.

Thady’s last act a few short weeks before his sad passing in 2021 was to assist in the opening of Caife 32 at O’Neills Healy Park. Surrounded by his family and friends, Thady produced one last brilliant performance and regaled those present with vivid tales of past glories in what was a deeply humbling and wonderful experience.

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