‘He’ll be cheering us on’ – West Ham’s Kerr misses Tyrone’s All-Ireland Minor final

Tyrone coach Ciaran Gourley says it is “unfortunate” that West Ham footballer Joel Kerr was not available to play in Sunday’s All-Ireland Minor final against Kerry.

Kerr played a key role in the Red Hands’ progression to the final on Sunday, but was not able to feature for Gerard Donnelly’s side as his contract with the Premier League side started on 1 July.

The 16-year-old had balanced playing gaelic football for Tyrone and was also an underage player with Irish Premiership side Glentoran.

There were reports in the build-up to the final that Kerr would not be allowed to play after his move to the Premier League side was finalised, but he was surprisingly named in the Red Hands’ starting team before throw-in.

However, Gourley confirmed that Kerr was not available to feature and said it was “unfortunate” for the teenager.

“We had hoped during the week there might have been an opportunity for us,” Gourley told TG4 before Tyrone’s decider.

“Look, he signed with them on 1 July so he’s their [West Ham’s] player.

“You have to respect that it’s a big opportunity over there and you can’t maybe jeopardise that for this one game.