McAnallen could’ve become one of the best: Harte

By Michael McMullan

THE late Cormac McAnallen could’ve been one of the greatest players to play the game.

That was the take of his former minor, u-21 and senior manager Mickey Harte.

Speaking to the press after Saturday’s 1-16 to 1-11 to Dublin, on the 20th anniversary of Cormac’s passing, Harte said it will be a day “we will never forget” and how he wondered how further his former skipper would’ve blossomed.

“We knew he was special and he had achieved so much in his short life and I fear we all missed what he could’ve become,” Harte added.

“I think he could’ve become one of the best players ever to play the game.”

After leading the Red Hand County to minor and u-21 All-Ireland glory, Harte appointed him as senior captain at the start of the 2004 season.

McAnallen captained Tyrone to McKenna Cup glory before his untimely death sent shockwaves across Ireland.

“He was a great lad to have around the place and very mature for his age. He is such a loss to his family and the whole GAA world, particularly in Tyrone,” added Harte, who hinted McAnallen could’ve gone on to lift the cherished Sam Maguire Cup as captain.

“I had a wee goal for him and I think he would’ve done it, I think he would’ve been the only person to have lift all three (All-Ireland cups).

“He had the first two got and maybe they are the hardest to get. I think he would’ve got the three of them.”