Frank McGuigan remembered as a true GAA genius

TYRONE has lost one of its greatest sporting icons with the passing of Frank McGuigan – the man revered across the county, and beyond, simply as ‘The King’.

On July 15, 1984, McGuigan delivered what many still describe as the greatest individual performance ever seen in an Ulster final. In a 0-15 to 1-7 win over Armagh, he contributed an astonishing 0-11 – outscoring the Orchard men on his own – and led Tyrone to their sixth Ulster senior title.

It was a tour de force from the fair-haired Ardboe man who had only returned from America the previous year. That same season he earned a richly deserved All Star and finished third in the All-Ireland championship scoring charts.

But his journey in the Tyrone jersey had started long before that. In 1972, McGuigan starred at midfield in the Ulster minor final, and just an hour later was introduced for the senior team – still a teenager, playing two major championship matches in one day. The following year, he captained Tyrone as the county ended a 16-year wait for an Ulster senior title with a famous win over Down.

Strong, skilful and fearless, McGuigan was known for his flawless balance, vision, and his ability to kick with either foot. In later years, he watched from the stands as three of his sons – Brian, Frank and Tommy – won All-Ireland medals with Tyrone. Another son, Shay, also starred for Tyrone.

His own playing career was tragically cut short after a serious car crash in 1984, just months after his Ulster Final heroics, denying him a shot at All-Ireland glory. Yet medals were never the full measure of McGuigan. To many who had the pleasure of watching him, he was simply the best to ever wear the Tyrone jersey.

Frank’s beloved club Ardboe have released a poignant statement paying tribute to a true legend of the GAA.

“Known affectionately across Tyrone and beyond simply as “The King”, Frank was a genius of a footballer who commanded the respect and admiration of the entire GAA fraternity both at home and abroad.

“Through his brilliance, humility and love for Gaelic games, he truly put our 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.

“Our chairperson Sean Paul, entire committee and club members extend our deepest condolences to his beloved wife Geraldine, sons Frank, Brian (vice-chairperson), Tommy (joint senior manager) and Shay (senior player), daughters Kristin and Caitlin, his cherished grandchildren — many of whom proudly represent our youth teams at present — and the entire McGuigan family circle at this deeply sad time, especially committee members Áine and Jennifer.

“Wake and funeral arrangements will be announced via the usual club channels in due course.”