2022 brought plenty of bad news across Co Tyrone and Northern Ireland as a whole, but there were still plenty of good news stories to keep our spirits up.
Covid 19 was still taking effect with the Omicron variant at the beginning of the year, while there have been tragic deaths alongside ongoing political uncertainty.
While watching the news these days either on your TV, your local newspaper or on your phone can bring plenty of anger and tears, we’re also here to bring you the stories that make you smile.
With that in mind, here’s five stories from Co Tyrone which made our hearts warm in 2022.
Garth Brooks induces labour
A Co Tyrone man and his partner told of how they believe country superstar Garth Brooks 'brought on labour' as they arrived home from the gig with a newborn daughter.
Gearoid Magfheargail from Strabane and his partner Rebecca Dyas from Louth were due to attend the US singer's gig in Croke Park on Friday 16 September, but managed to switch to their tickets for the previous weekend as Rebecca felt it was too close to her due date of September 19.
The huge Garth Brooks’ fans travelled from their home in Cavan to Dublin for the gig on Sunday 11 September - and only arrived back home the following Thursday with their newborn baby Bonnie.
READ MORE: Couple return from Garth Brooks gig with newborn after country star 'brought on labour'
Nick Griggs’ star continues to rise
Co Tyrone running sensation Nick Griggs has said he "could have gone faster" after recording the fastest ever parkrun in Ireland in October.
Nick, 17, ran the five kilometre course at Victoria Park in East Belfast in a time of 14 minutes and 15 seconds.
The humble Cookstown High School student said he wasn’t even aware that he had broken the record until well afterwards.
READ MORE: “I could have gone faster”: Co Tyrone teen Nick Griggs on fastest ever parkrun in Ireland
Wallaby found in Gortin
The whole of Co Tyrone went wild earlier this year after a wallaby escaped from an enclosure in Gortin in August.
Winnie the wallaby escaped her enclosure shortly after arrival at Glenpark Estate in Gortin , with a frantic search taking place from the local community lasting days.
However, estate owner Richard Beattie was jumping for joy as Winnie was found in foliage near to where she was last seen.
READ MORE: Winnie the Wallaby: Co Tyrone owner jumping for joy as Winnie found safe and sound
Co Tyrone girl with hilarious impression of grandparents
A Co Tyrone girl went viral after she was filmed providing a hilarious impression of her grandparents.
Tess O’Neill, from Coalisland followed in her brother Darragh’s footsteps after the video of his busy daily routine was shared widely in 2020.
The video was shared by local mum Caroline O’Neill on her DiggMama social media accounts, with hundreds of thousands of people viewing the video on Facebook alone.
READ MORE: Watch: Co Tyrone girl goes viral with hilarious impression of grandparents
Sean Murphy on success with MOVE
A proud Co Tyrone man opened up about how he turned a vision into reality when launching a new business.
Seán Murphy, from Galbally , was working as a coach from a gym outside his home when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, suspending work for the fitness industry.
The 28-year-old used lockdown to "sharpen his skill assets" in the world of business , reading books and listening to podcasts to gain inspiration.
Fast forward two years, Seán now owns MOVE Clothing, which has grown from a collection of branded sweatshirts to an attractive array of gym and leisure active wear clothing and accessories suitable and versatile for wearing anywhere.
READ MORE: 'Building a community': Co Tyrone man's clothing brand goes global
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