Tyrone legend Frank McGuigan dies

'The King' won two Ulster senior medals with the Red Hand in 1973 and ’84.

THE KING: Frank McGuigan snr, speaks to Micheál Ó Domhnaill after the McGuigan family were presented with The Dermot Earley Family Award during the GAA President's Awards in 2017. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

Frank McGuigan, considered one of Tyrone’s greatest footballers, has passed away.

Affectionately known as “The King”, the father of Brian, Tommy, Frank junior and Shay who all followed in his footsteps and played for The Red Hand County, was 71.

McGuigan won two Ulster senior medals with Tyrone in 1973 and ’84. His performance in the latter decider against Armagh was one of the finest given by a player in a provincial football final. He scored 11 points from play, five off each foot as well as a fisted effort.

Prior to that 1973 annexing of the Anglo-Celt Cup, McGuigan had been prominent in Tyrone claiming an Ulster minor medal and a run to an All-Ireland final.

The Ardboe man won an All-Star in 1984 but just days before receiving it his career was cut short when he suffered a leg break in a car accident after he had played in a club game.

McGuigan emigrated to the US in 1977, deciding to stay in New York after an All Stars trip, and travelled back and forth from there to play for Ardboe before returning in ’84. His appearances in club games alone were known to draw massive crowds.

In a BBC podcast two years ago, McGuigan spoke frankly about his difficulties with alcohol and how he suffered depression following the car crash. “I didn’t even know what this thing was but now I know what it was. I was, for a long time, in the dumps, boy.” 

McGuigan later rejected his All-Star in protest at what he felt was the snubbing of his son Brian for the award in 2005 when Tyrone claimed their second ever All-Ireland. Last May, it was reported McGuigan had suffered a serious heart attack.

A moment's silence will take place before the Roscommon-Tyrone All-Ireland SFC Round 1 game in King & Moffatt Hyde Park on Sunday afternoon.

McGuigan is survived by his four sons and daughters Caitlín and Kristin. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.