Former Errigal Ciaran manager reveals what a young Peter Harte was like

Peter Harte had more than just talent.

Harte is a name synonymous with Tyrone football, largely because of the unprecedented success of Mickey Harte, who happens to be an uncle to Peter Harte.  The Tyrone star can - and has - played in just about every single position on the pitch, such is the diversity and range of his talents.  Unfortunately he came into the county panel just a little too late to be a part of the success that saw his county lift three Sam Maguires, and he had to wait 10 years to get his hands on the prize.  However, at the age of 21, he was lucky enough to be a part of the great Errigal Ciaran team that won the Tyrone championship. Derry native Ronan McGuckin was at the helm when he guided the club to success back in 2012, and he told SportsJOE that even then it was obvious to see that Harte was going to be a huge success. “It was obvious to me and everyone around the panel that Peter had everything that it took to have a long inter-county career. “Apart from the natural ability he had, he had the discipline and drive, and the motivation to do it as well. 

“I suppose those are the main things when it comes to longevity in sport, or in any area in life, he was a really disciplined and driven lad.  “He has devoted his life to being the best he can be, and at Gaelic football - I’ve watched his career unfold over the last few years, and I've been delighted that he’s got his All-Ireland medal, and all of the awards he has picked up as well.

“It couldn’t happen to a nicer fella.” Harte had to wait another 10 years before winning the county title again, and now he will have his eyes set on an even bigger prize - the Ulster championship. The Tyrone champions play Watty Graham’s Glen, who conquered Derry for the second year in a row, and although McGuckin believes that his old team have all the potential in the world, he admits that Glen will be going into this game as the favourites. “I would predict Glen to win the game narrowly, I think for two or three different reasons - like number one, they have home advantage in the first round of the Ulster club.  “In my experience, home advantage has always been a huge factor, so that’s in Glen’s favour.  “Also the fact that Glen have had an extra week to prepare over the Errigal lads is an advantage to them too.

“I think they’re two fantastic teams, two different teams in their approach, but I just can see Glen shading it narrowly on Sunday. 

“I actually have a fancy for Glen to go the whole way this year in Ulster, they would be my tip to win it.

“Of course Kilcoo is knocking about there too, and they will not be easy to beat, but I just think Glen have everything going for them at the moment.” Related links:

• Errigal Ciaran's journey to Tyrone championship final is a story of fathers and sons
• Canavan brothers finish first and second in scoring charts as Errigal Ciaran win Tyrone championship
• Whatever decision he makes, it won't take away from his love of Kilcoo - Johnston's awkward situation