Name: Seán O’Neill.

Teams played for: Dromore, Omagh CBS, St Mary’s Belfast, UUJ and Tyrone.

Current involvement: Recently retired!

Which club game, that you played in, will you never forget and why?
The 2007 Tyrone Club Championship final. Since we had been young children, we had dreamt and talked about what it would be like to win a Tyrone Senior Championship. The people of An Droim Mór had never experienced that before – The game itself started off frantically but we won it convincingly in the end and it was complete elation. We had broken new ground and overcome a massive obstacle. Will never forget that one, it was a great team.

Which club game, that you watched, will you never forget and why?
I have watched many, some great games. Though it must be the 2021 Tyrone County final. I was feeling every tackle and making every kick, nervous for the lads and absolutely delighted to see them getting their championship. They have put a lot of work in for such a young team and hopefully it is the start of a new era of winners in the club.

Which county game, that you played in, will you never forget and why?
I made my starting championship debut with Tyrone in 2011 against Armagh in a Qualifier round. I had been on the panel since 2009 and coming off the bench quite a bit but that occasion was nice, to finally get a start and kick a point. Full house in Healy Park and the sun was out. Tyrone won but winning the All-Ireland wasn’t to be.

Which county game, that you watched, will you never forget and why?
The 1995 All-Ireland final against Dublin. I was eight and remember being very upset at the result. It was the game that made me want to try and make a Tyrone panel and play in Croke Park. I was captivated by the game at that stage and adored everything to do with it.

What was the funniest thing you ever saw in a game?
There was a minute’s silence held before a league game for a person that will remain nameless. Worked out that the person wasn’t actually dead – funny now!

What was the most memorable performance from a player in a game that you watched?
Think the 2003 All-Ireland final where Peter Canavan had to go off but came back on again. It was just the whole scene and the reintroduction of that man to finally get to lift an All-Ireland. All his outstanding performances built up to that one where he got a special reward. Class.

What was the most memorable performance from a player in a game that you played?
Ronan McNabb in the 2009 Tyrone County final – He was excellent and only a young lad then too. I think he was 19 or 20 at most. Energy, grit and determination for the entire game and chipped in with a couple of great scores also. Top performance that day.

What did you love about the games you played in?
~I loved the competition of it all and the general excitement of taking the field and trying to win, week in, week out. A constant challenge to get better and play better and achieve. I loved the identity and purpose it gave you also. You’re always representing more than yourself, and I can honestly say that I never once went out to play a competitive game believing that the team, I was part of wasn’t going to win or couldn’t do enough to get over the line.

What did you hate about the games you played in?
The games that we didn’t manage to win!