The protégé turned pragmatist on a Mourne mission

THOSE who saw his performance that day will never forget it. The game itself is considered a classic. Many who were in Coalisland that afternoon would point to the 1989 MacRory Cup final between St Patrick’s Maghera and St Colman’s Newry as the best they ever witnessed.

The final score: St Patrick’s Maghera 4-10 St Colman’s Newry 4-9. Four-time All Star Anthony Tohill starred for the winners, but he was still eclipsed by James McCartan.

‘Wee James’ scored 3-1. Every time he gained possession an electric current ran through the crowd. His explosive style was predictable but unstoppable. Drawing on his searing pace and power, he simply ran in straight lines towards the goals. His cool, clinical finishing provided a striking contrast to his frightening speed.