Tributes have been pouring in following yesterday’s passing of former Tyrone trainer Fergal McCann.
The St Macartan's clubman was team trainer with the Red Hands for 10 years, during which time the county won its second and third All-Ireland SFC titles in 2005 and ’08, respectively.
Working with Mickey Harte and clubmate Tony Donnelly, McCann also helped the county to three Ulster SFC titles and would go on to coach a number of clubs in the county including Killyclogher and Carrickmore.
Tyrone GAA led the tributes to him last night, with chairman Michael Kerr also going on to describe the 47-year-old as “a true gentleman in life even in the white hot heat of championship battles”.
Tyrone Gaels extend sincere sympathy to the Family and Friends of Fergal McCann (RIP) Augher
— Tyrone GAA (@TyroneGAALive) March 8, 2021
See link belowโฌ๏ธhttps://t.co/GH1cYcq0RB pic.twitter.com/j4tjdDYD7w
Devastating to hear of the passing of Fergal McCann. Fergal took over as trainer of the Tyrone team in 2005, replacing a great coach in Paddy Tally. Not many of us had heard of Fergal and he had a lot to do to convince us he could help us get Sam back...
— Philip Jordan (@PhilipJordan7) March 8, 2021
Never underestimate what this man done for Tyrone football. You can talk about the manager and players we had in 2005 and 2008, but Fergal was a genius on the training field.
— Owen Mulligan (@owen_mulligan) March 8, 2021
He went above and beyond what was required of him for the Tyrone cause.
RIP Fergal McCann pic.twitter.com/zhJU9zVlKv
Special times with a special man. RIP Fergal ๐ pic.twitter.com/EIQijejnc1
— Joe McMahon (@Bigjoemc) March 8, 2021
So sorry to hear the sad news about Fergal McCann. A gentleman in every way. Condolences to his family. Gone too soon. RIP. @tomas5ky @TyroneGAALive @AnEochair . Great memories.
— Adrian Logan (@OurLogie) March 8, 2021
RIP FERGAL MCCANN
— StrabaneSigersonsGAA (@SigersonsGAA) March 8, 2021
Everyone at Strabane Sigersons is saddened to hear the passing of former Tyrone coach Fergal McCann.
He coached Tyrone to All-Ireland Senior title successes in 2005 and 2008.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time! ๐๐ pic.twitter.com/LGXjLoWnko
A true gentleman gone far too soon! #RIPFergal ๐ Fergal McCann: Former Tyrone gaelic football trainer dies after long illness - BBC Sport https://t.co/f9KClp8LJY
— Aileen Moynagh (@Ailser99) March 9, 2021
So sad to hear this news. Fergal was such an unassuming gentleman and he will be deeply missed by all but above all by Roisin and his two young girls. Helped make an indelible mark in the successful legacy of Tyrone GAA with the last 2 All Ireland successes. RIP Fergal ๐ https://t.co/95MWsUgOVe
— Chris Curran (@CJCurran1) March 8, 2021
Very saddened and shocked to hear of the passing of Fergal McCann. Had the pleasure of being in his team environment for a couple of years. Excellent trainer/coach ahead of the game at that time, and also a gent. May he RIP
— Cathal McCarron (@mc_carron1) March 8, 2021
Such devastating news. An absolute gentleman, whose enthusiasm, humour and love of life was infectious. My heart goes out to Roisin, the girls, and to all who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing him. RIP Fergal. https://t.co/d2mIUOAXc6
— Mary Dooher (@dooherm1) March 8, 2021
Very very saddened to hear the news of the death of Fergal.. he changed the face of coaching in the early 2000s and was held in very high regards by his peers RIP Fergal https://t.co/cfZebkbf0B
— Nicholas Walsh (@nickowalsh) March 9, 2021
RIP Fergal McCann https://t.co/oQBr84wvRD
— Eskra Emmetts GAA (@Eskra_GAA) March 8, 2021
TweetSad news of Fergal’s passing makes us all wonder why. Really knocks us to the floor. Comhbhrón ón chroí to his beloved family and close friends. Their loss is unimaginable. Fantastic person. I always felt enriched by even an exchange of a couple of sentences with him #trócaire. pic.twitter.com/rabWH6KQLO
— Barry McElduff (@BarryMcElduff) March 8, 2021