The Gaelic Athletic Association will mark its 125th anniversary this year - and Tyrone hope to play a leading part in the celebrations.

Not only do the Red Hand county hold the All Ireland senior and minor All Ireland titles but they will have the honour of launching the celebrations when they meet Dublin in what looks like being a sell-out National League opener under the Croke Park floodlights on January 31.

The GAA’s top brass are planning to make this a gala affair, the first of many events to mark what promises to be a landmark year in the Association’s history.

Croke Park spokesman Pat Doherty has confirmed that provincial councils, counties and clubs

will all have a part to play in what is a mammoth programme of events that will span the next eleven months or so.

“We want the entire GAA family to be involved and to this end we have made elaborate arrangements for a whole range of events,” says Doherty.

The Dublin v Tyrone league tie will set the celebration wheels in motion and Tyrone

chairman Pat Darcy is among those fervently hoping that the O’Neill county can extend its reign of dominance.

“To be going into this special anniversary year as holders of both the All Ireland Minor and Senior titles is a great privilege for us. Obviously our prime goal will be to retain both titles if we can. Already there is huge interest in our opening league game against the Dubs,” states Darcy.

The Tyrone chairman is beginning his fifth and last year in the hot seat, having overseen some of the most significant developments in the history of the sport within his county. But he has already sounded a note of warning against possible complacency.

“We must constantly be focussed on the future. In this respect, it is most heartening that we have the MacRory and Hogan Cups in the custody of St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon and it is encouraging to note the ongoing progress within the Vocational Schools sector,” says Darcy.

Mickey Harte and his All Ireland winning squad left for their holiday in Orlando on Tuesday and will return immediately prior to their opening Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup tie against holders Down on Sunday week.