"Anybody involved over that period of time, it's more of a family feel than a football team feel. Anyone who was part of that 'family', when something like this happens it hits everyone very hard."
Philip Jordan surely spoke for all Tyrone players who worked under the late Fergal McCann, the man who trained the Red Hands to such success for 10 seasons, 2005-14.
The Augher clubman passed away on Monday, aged just 47, but leaves powerful memories, says Jordan: "As an individual, as a person – there are great people put on this Earth who are just wonderful people, and Fergal was one of those.
"He always enjoyed the craic with the boys, always had a smile on his face. The positivity he had in life, he translated onto the football pitch as well.
"We've all lost a coach, but we've also lost a friend. I was fortunate enough to be involved for seven years with Fergal and you'll never forget those special times. It's not just about winning football matches, it's a deeper thing than that.
Former captain Sean Cavanagh remembers how the McCann quickly made a good impression after replacing Paddy Tally as trainer in late 2004:
"He came in at a difficult time, when were a little bit fragile and hurting, after the death of Cormac [McAnallen] and then the departure of Paddy. To be honest, most of us didn't really know much about him.
"From day dot, it was like taking in a Tyrone supporter with amazing skills. He very quickly became a confidant because you knew you could trust him.
"He was so modest about his own ability. It just radiated that it was never about him or [assistant manager] Tony [Donnelly]. They were just two die-hard Tyrone people who wanted to see the county achieve what it was capable of.
"Fergal was as far away from self-promotion as you could ever imagine, which is why lads really took to him, loved him for everything he was doing for us as a team and as individuals.
"He was only ever in it to see his county win as much as they could possibly win.
"It was all about him getting the best out of us and we're forever indebted to him… He improved people in a quiet and dignified manner."
McCann's human touch mattered as much as his training nous, insisted Cavanagh: "He quickly went from a very well-respected trainer to someone who was a life-long friend.
"When you met Fergal it was always about you and your family and life, always about us. I never knew until about a week ago that he was ill.
"It's just so sad that he's been taken so early but he's left such an incredible mark as a brilliant human being, on all of us coached by him and befriended by him."
Maverick forward Owen Mulligan was making efforts to return for today's funeral from London, explaining: "He meant a lot to everybody. All the lads have fond memories of him. He went above and beyond for every player, not just myself. If you needed extra sessions he'd jump in the car and go to Cookstown, Killeeshil, wherever it was.
"He was all on for the Tyrone cause, a massive Tyrone man. Tony and him, you never really saw one without the other. Off the field, he was a very warm person, very inviting.
"He'd never pass you on the street and not talk to you, always chatting away. It wasn't all to do with football – he'd be chatting to you about outside life...see if you were doing all right. That's why it has come as a shock."
