Former Tyrone star Kevin Hughes has hailed Paddy Tally’s influence on the breakthrough 2003 team, calling him “one of the best” in the business.
Tally was Tyrone’s trainer under manager Mickey Harte for their first senior All-Ireland success when they beat Ulster rivals and 2002 champions Armagh in the decider.
The Galbally native also enjoyed Sigerson Cup success with St Mary’s in 2017 and had a stint coaching Galway before managing Down.
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Last season, he was a key member of Kerry’s backroom team as they won the Sam Maguire and, speaking on the BBC’s GAA Social podcast, Hughes spoke of Tally’s methods ahead of their All-Ireland clash with the Orchard County 20 years ago.
“(He is) exceptional - one of the best,” stated Hughes.
“He is a very humble person. He goes about his business - he knows his business exceptionally well.
“Before that All-Ireland (in 2003), he knew when to train us full tilt, high intensity and he knew when to taper it back a bit leading up to games and there was never a question of us training too hard or not enough. He just knew.
“I would have a very good word on Paddy - his relationship with the players was first class.
“Because he had played for Tyrone and been there before, there was full trust in him.”
When quizzed on his views on the current Tyrone team and their chance of success, Hughes said inconsistency is their biggest issue, but admitted that he doesn't agree with the new Championship format.
“I think inconsistency is the real problem. I think they’ve shown enough that they could be contenders, but not enough at the minute,” added Hughes.
“The new format - I can’t stand it! It just dilutes the Championship too much.
“It is taking the bite out of the Championship. I liked the Qualifiers in the sense that you got one second chance, but that was it. Not two or three - it is not Championship.”
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