Harte: door still open for O’Neill

TYRONE manager Mickey Harte has renewed his invitation to Stephen O’Neill to rejoin his squad.

Harte used his programme notes for last weekend’s NFL clash with Kildare to stress that the door remains open to the former All Star.

O’Neill stunned the footballing world last week when he announced his retirement from the inter-county game at the age of 27.

Harte said he still hopes Tyrone supporters will get the opportunity to see O’Neill in action in the county colours once again.

“He’d certainly be welcomed back and I still hope that the Tyrone supporters will get the chance to see his unique qualities displayed again in the Tyrone jersey,” said Harte.

“The door is always open and both myself and the entire Tyrone squad would be delighted if Stephen changes his mind at any time in the future.”

O’Neill won All-Ireland titles at minor, Under-21 and senior level with Harte as his manager, and according to the Tyrone boss, he was a role model for young people throughout his playing career.

“He was a real quality player and a terrific role model for all young people, and especially young aspiring Gaelic football athletes.”

O’Neill’s scoring exploits won him two All Star awards, and he was voted Footballer of the Year in 2005.

Last Sunday, just days after Stephen O’Neill’s shock retirement, the value of a quality finisher was brought sharply into focus as Tyrone limped to a 0-7 to 1-4 stalemate with the Lilywhites.

In the aftermath of the clash at Healy Park, Red Hand star Tommy McGuigan admitted O’Neill’s decision to retire was a blow.

“Everybody’s disappointed that Stevie’s gone,” he reflected.

“You’re always hoping that he’s going to come back. There were rumours that he was going to quit, so you kinda prepared yourself for it, and then you hear that he definitely is quitting.

“But we just have to move on, and we have more quality players in there now.

“But young Shaun O’Neill came in and did well, and Colm McCullagh showed up well.”