Sean Armstrong | Niall Bogue | Paddy Bradley | Kevin Cassidy
Colm Cooper | Shane Curran | Brian Dooher | Mattie Forde | Thomas Freeman
Raymond Gallagher | Paul Galvin | Oisin McConville | Ciaran McDonald
Stephen McDonnell | Michael Meehan | Conor Mortimer | Eoin Mulligan
Ross Munnelly | Stephen O'Neill | Tomas Ó Sé | Darragh Ó Sé
Colm Parkinson | Ciaran Whelan
Last September, Brian Dooher held the Sam Maguire Cup aloft in Croke Park as Tyrone won the All-Ireland Senior Football Championship for the second time in three years. Any thoughts that 2003’s win was a once off were dispelled and Tyrone established themselves as one of the true powers in Gaelic football.
Now, after an ankle operation kept him out of the beginning of Tyrone’s National League campaign, Brian is back in his beloved number 10 jersey and ready to captain the Red Hands on another Championship adventure. Having made his Senior debut in 1996, the right half-forward has made his name with his hard-working displays, his ability to get back and defend and, most of all, to pick off some remarkable points when going forward.
Although he may be entering the latter stages of his inter-county career, his presence and leadership will be absolutely essential if Tyrone are to hold off the challenge of the likes of Kerry, Armagh and Dublin, and take the Sam Maguire north once more.
What has been your greatest moment in sport?
Winning the two All-Irelands in 2003 and 2005 were by far my greatest moments in sport. To beat two top teams like Armagh and Kerry in both finals was a great achievement It was extra special in 2005 as I was captain of the team and got to lift the Sam Maguire Cup aloft in front of thousands of ecstatic Tyrone fans.
Who are the toughest teams you have faced?
Every team is tough now and there are no pushovers. That said, Kerry and Armagh are always hard teams to play against.
Who are the toughest opponents out there?
Our own Philip Jordan is hard to play against. I should know cos I have to play against him in training, and believe me that’s tough going. Conor Gormley is another great defender, remember his late block to deny Steven McDonnell a near certain goal in the 2003 All-Ireland final, well that says it all.
How do you balance work and football?
It’s easy because I love my football and make plenty time for it.
Which players do you admire the most?
Kerry’s Maurice Fitzgerald has always been a hero of mine. Closer to home, it has to be players like Peter Canavan and Stephen O’Neill.
Who were your childhood sporting heroes?
I always looked up to Patsy Kerlin and Paddy Ball. They were a great inspiration to me growing up. The two Owen Roe Leckpatrick greats played for Tyrone in the 70s and 80s, with Patsy winning an All-Ireland Minor medal in 1973.
What club do you play for and who are your biggest rivals?
We play in Division 1B of the Tyrone County Championship and we made a great start this year, winning our first 5 matches. There are 12 teams in our division and our biggest rivals
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