Peter Canavan rallies to Mickey Harte’s defence after ‘unfair criticism’

Peter Canavan has described criticism of Mickey Harte and Tyrone in recent weeks as "unfair" and says things are not as bleak in the county as has been suggested.

The former All-Ireland-wining captain was part of the management team which ended Tyrone's nine-year wait for an Ulster under-21 title with a narrow win over Donegal on Wednesday night.

He thinks it will send out a positive message that Tyrone are far from being in crisis, following the seniors’ relegation from Division One and the subsequent withdrawal of four players from the panel. “Tyrone have been on the receiving end of a lot of unfair criticism and some of it has been very personal,” said Canavan.

“I think the seniors put up a very spirited display against Kerry and they deserved something out of it.

“A lot of supporters were disappointed that we were relegated but hopefully this [under-21 title] will rejuvenate everybody .”

Canavan hinted it was important psychologically to put the brakes on Donegal’s domination over Tyrone at any grade.

The counties play each other in the Ulster senior championship next month for the fourth time in five years, and Donegal have won all the big battles in recent seasons.

“They are Ulster senior champions and Ulster minor champions and we were determined they weren’t going to get the clean sweep.

“It took every last ounce of effort from the players going into the last six or seven minutes.”