Coiste Chontae Thír Eoghain is deeply saddened by the loss of Mattie Lennon, Tyrone Senior Hurling manager on two occasions in 2014/2015 and again from 2017 to 2020.
Known as a fierce competitor during his playing days for Derrynoose and Armagh, Mattie transitioned to management easily and came into Tyrone in 2014 with big reputation following earlier successes with the Armagh and Monaghan Senior teams.
Inheriting a team that had been relegated from Division 3A and suffered a heavy defeat in the Nickey Rackard Semi Final the previous season, Mattie made an instant impact. The side went undefeated throughout the 2014 season and claimed silverware in the form of the NHL Division 3B title and a first ever Nickey Rackard Cup v Fingal. Success continued into 2015 when the side annexed the NHL Division 3A title however back-to-back trips to Croke Park eluded them following a Nickey Rackard Semi-final loss.
Stepping down for the 2016 campaign, Mattie subsequently returned in 2017 and remained in charge for the following 4 seasons. While no trophies were collected during this time, the side remained competitive, narrowly missing out on promotion on a number of occasions as well as reaching the Nickey Rackard Semi Final in each of the 4 years.
Mattie’s enthusiasm, positivity and love for the game resonated with the players and mentors who worked under him, while his steely determination was ingrained in the teams he coached. He was always a strong advocate for his players and for the development of hurling throughout Ulster. He succeeded in bringing Tyrone hurling into spotlight and left it in a better place in 2020 than he found it.
We extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Lennon family circle at this difficult time, especially his wife Úna and sons Michael and Matthew.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam
By Rory Cox Fri 9th Jan
