Long praises Tyrone success and Ulster double

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 26th Sep 2005

Alliance Sports spokesperson Michael Long has praised the Tyrone senior and Down minor Gaelic Football teams for their all-Ireland successes at Croke Park.

The Castlereagh Councillor stated: "I congratulate the Tyrone players on pulling off a second all-Ireland victory in three years. They did it in some style, beating a very strong Kerry side.

"It was also great to see Down complete an Ulster double on the day. Since both these teams also faced strong competition within the province, it is quite clear the game has a strong future right across Ulster.

"This, combined with Northern Ireland's soccer success earlier this month, has completed a month of outstanding sporting achievement for our teams. People right across Northern Ireland now know that we can compete successfully on a wider stage. Let us hope that confidence extends into wider walks of life here."

ENDS