Tyrone GAA legend Frank McGuigan has died.
Tributes to “The King”
Regarded as one of the best players to ever emerge from Ulster let alone Tyrone, McGuigan captained his county to the 1973 provincial final at the age of just 19. They hammered Down at Clones.
His club, Ardboe, said that McGuigan was a genius of a footballer who commanded the respect and admiration of the entire GAA fraternity both at home and abroad. They added that through his brilliance, humility and love for Gaelic games, he truly put their great club on the map and inspired generations of players who followed.
“The King has left the field, but his legacy will live forever in Ardboe and Tyrone,” his club said.
McGuigan’s Career Highlights
In 1984, McGuigan produced the most famed performance in Ulster championship history, in the ‘Frank McGuigan final’ win over Armagh. He scored 11 points from play.
Months later, McGuigan received an All-Star at full-forward. However, a few weeks before he accepted it, McGuigan was involved in a serious car crash that brought his career to a premature end.
A year prior to his famed 1984 performance, McGuigan starred in the Ulster Minor final against Cavan – Mickey Harte at full-forward – before getting a quick change and coming on at midfield in the senior decider as the Red Hands lost to Donegal.
Family Legacy in Tyrone GAA
In latter years, McGuigan’s sons Brian, Tommy and Frank Jnr helped Tyrone to finally end their wait for the Sam Maguire. Brian won three All-Ireland titles as one of the side’s most valuable players at centre half-forward.
Younger brother Tommy scored the opening goal in the 2008 final win over Kerry. Frank Jnr was on the panel for their breakthrough success in 2003 while Shay also represented the Red Hands at senior level.
Remembering a Legend
McGuigan’s extraordinary individual display in the 1984 final saw him score eight points with his left foot, two with his right and one with his fist. He was known affectionately across Tyrone and beyond simply as ‘The King’.