McGuigan's Injury

[phpearse]

From the Indo!!

THE GAA has always had a love-hate relationship with players. For decades many officials would barely tolerate them and their role was to be seen but never heard.

However, thanks largely to the presence of the GPA and the strike action taken by the Cork hurlers a few years ago, there has been a sea change in the attitude of leading GAA officials towards inter-county players.

Central Council actually drew up minimum standards re travelling expenses, facilities at training and matches and supplies of playing gear.

Some County Boards were reluctant to apply these claiming they could not afford to do so, but they eventually towed the line after much arm-twisting.

However, there is one area where players at all levels can be treated abysmally by the GAA - long-term injuries.

Every year I get numerous E-Mails about serious levels of hardship that injured players have to undergo after incurring a major injury. The GAA has provided a very good insurance scheme, but its implementation can be tortuous.

Brian McGuigan from Ardboe, County Tyrone, is generally accepted to be the best centre half forward in modern Gaelic football. At a time when few counties even bother with a specialist No 11 because of the evolution of the short-passing game, he stands out as an outstanding successor to great traditional centre-forwards like Sean Purcell of Galway, Tony Hanahoe of Dublin and Trevor Giles of Meath.

For the key role he played in the initial Tyrone All-Ireland success in 2003, McGuigan won an All Star and was robbed of a another such award in 2005 when the selectors - in a fit of madness to which they are often prone - actually selected Peter Canavan at No 11 instead, even though McGuigan was THE key figure in that Tyrone success.

McGuigan then suffered a very serious injury early in 2006, when he broke both the tibia and fibia in his leg in a club game between Ardboe and Dromore. Complications set in which caused some bone marrow to seep into his lungs and his life was in danger for a while.

Thankfully the expert medical attention he received in the Belfast Royal hospital set him on the road to recovery, but it was a very long and torturous road. He spent 15 weeks with his damaged leg in a cage and hobbling around on crutches and had to undergo massive amounts of physiotherapy and other remedial treatments. Even now, eight months later he is just able to run in straight lines.

But what will astonish many people outside Tyrone, and possibly within the county as well, is that McGuigan went for over six months without getting a penny compensation from anybody connected with the GAA. This was despite the fact that he was out of work for the best part of half a year from his employment in the building industry.

No income

Indeed, he was forced to return to work much sooner than his recuperation from the serious injuries justified simply because the man had no income and needed to earn some money.

Ordinary GAA followers all over Ireland and abroad who admired the great skills of McGuigan during Tyrone's two All-Ireland winning campaigns in '03 and '05 will surely be saying to themselves: "How could this sort of thing happen to a great player in his own county?"

Many counties try to bridge the financial gap between what insurance pays and the player's lost wages. But in McGuigan's case, he has not received any insurance money yet, and, apart from medical expenses, he has received nothing from the Tyrone County Board to date.

By any standards this is outrageous considering all this player has done for Tyrone football in recent years. It seems extraordinary that the county board would not make a payment to the player months ago in the knowledge that they could, if they wished, deduct it from the insurance when it came through.

But it is not just the county board who provide facilities for county players in Tyrone. One of the most successful GAA fund-raising operations in Ireland is Club Tyrone. This a body set up to guarantee at least £250,000 per year will be available to spend on Tyrone GAA activity, particularly on the welfare of county teams.

Members of Club Tyrone agree to pay £500 per year by standing order. Their mission statement is on their excellent web site and among other things it deals with "supporting our county teams - for example making sure our managers and players get what they need to perform well for Tyrone."

An excellent concept no doubt, but Club Tyrone does not appear to have taken much interest in the McGuigan case.

My request for information to Club Tyrone brought no result, but it seems strange that apart from a small early donation, as far as we know, they did not lead the way in organising help for Brian McGuigan from whatever source was appropriate in accordance with their stated aim of "making sure players get what they need to perform well for Tyrone."

GAA compensation is always unduly delayed, but rarely to the inordinate degree as in this case. What the injured player needs most of all is financial assistance immediately so that his quality of life does not deteriorate by having to live in near poverty until either he returns to work or all the insurance red tape is sorted out.

One wonders, too, why no benefit events were organised for McGuigan during his long recovery period when he was out of work. Neither his own Ardboe club, the Tyrone County Board nor Club Tyrone seems to have taken any initiative in this regard which is in marked contrast to what would happen in most other counties when a well-loved GAA star was in need of a helping hand because of serious injury.

Brian McGuigan is a very quiet, unassuming person. He did not seek any publicity about his poor treatment and such is his love for football and Tyrone that what happened will not have any impact on his future devotion to both.

In the past GAA units have often taken advantage of quiet, dedicated players like Brian while flashier players with big mouths often got anything they wanted. For the 2003 All-Ireland final McGuigan had to get painkilling injections which worked for that day but left him severely restricted in his movements for several weeks afterwards, but he never complained.

Now he sets off for work on building sites at 6.45am as he tries to build up his depleted financial resources and engage in the torturous fitness recovery programme that he hopes will bring him back onto the Tyrone team.

What the injured player needs most of all is financial assistance immediately so that his quality of life does not deteriorate

And if, and when, he is starring for Tyrone in big Ulster or All-Ireland championship games next summer how many will think back to the way he was left to fend for himself in his hours of need during 2006?

I understand another Tyrone player, Conor Gormley from Carrickmore, broke a leg in a club match last summer and is having the same problems as Brian McGuigan.

The appointment of Pauric Duffy as Player Welfare Officer in Croke Park is timely - because we can rest assured there are many more Brian McGuigans in the GAA.

[phpearse]

Lengthy article from Eugene McGee. I would assume it is true and if it is it's a disgrace that McGuigan has received no compensation from either Club Tyrone, the Tyrone county board or the GAA insurers (Coyle Hamilton). I would have always believed that the Tyrone Board and even Mickey Harte would have made sure that all players were well looked after and that McGuigan would have received extra special treatment, given his importance to the Tyrone team. I'm hoping that this is one of the Indo's mud slinging attempts and not an actual account of what McGuigan and Conor Gormley have been forced to endure.

[Maximus Marillius]

I for one am not a bit surprised to read this account. This is common place in GAA where the injured player is left to his own devices. How many times have I heard or read stories in a similar vein. Mc Guigan, if the story is believed is not with the GPA. If ever a story gave one good reason for the GPA existance, this is it. The GAA is a great place to be when you can do something for it, for nothing, but when they have to look after one of its own, some counties and many clubs do a great job in turning the blind eye. Of course there are many counities and clubs who do want is morally right and look after their player, but if a player like Brian Mc Guigan is shafted, time for the GPA is gather moss.

[GaillimhIarthair]

I sincerely hope that the manner in which these two great players are being treated is untrue.  I know the Indo prints alot of shite, but usually it comes from other quarters and not Magee.  I was of the opinion that Tyrone was one of the best counties for looking after their top players, obviously I was wrong.  I cannot believe that the county board or Club Tyrone have not intervened here with some sort of compensation for the two lads.  This type of shite treatment of players simply should not have to be tolerated in this day and age, be it either county stars or ordinary club players.  Have any of our Tyrone posters any "inside" word on whats happening with these lads...................?

[nrico2006]

Did Gormley not break his ankle?  Anyone know what leg McGuigan broke?

[Lamh Dhearg Alba]

Did Gormley not break his ankle?  Anyone know what leg McGuigan broke?

Think McGuigan suffered a double leg break below the knee on his left leg. I was shocked to read the article about Brian's plight and that his life was actually in danger at one point, incredible.
Im in no position to be able to confirm Eugene McGee's story but its very worrying and like somebody else said I would be surprised that Mickey Harte wouldnt have stepped in to get something sorted out in the way of compensation. Mickey was certainly involved at the beginning in making sure Brian got the best treatment possible. It would be interesting to hear from him, the county board or Club Tyrone to see what their version of events is. If McGee is right this is really disapointing.
Just hope Brian can get himself back playing again at the level we're used to, a fantastic footballer and a joy to watch.

[Bogball XV]

At worst could the likes of Club Tyrone not provide income protection cover for each player on the panel?  I know that  there is some shitty scheme in place, but what about a real scheme that pays out 66% of income in situations like this, it can be relatively expensive, but it normally pays out promptly.
This obviously doesn't help club players, but at least it would be a start.

[magpie seanie]

I find that article a little hard to believe. If its true its a bit depressing and I'm sure its a case of one body thinking the other was looking after it. McGee trying to use it to further his agenda is a disgrace and typical of the gutter journalism he indulges in.

To digress slightly - the GAA insurance scheme isn't that great for loss of earnings, especially if a long term injury is involved. All people really should have their own private policies for loss of earnings.

[loughshore lad]

As posted by Lamh Deard Alba Brian did indeed break his tibula and fibula in his left leg - it was about halfway between his knee and ankle. It is no exaggeration to say that the injury could have been catastrophic - while in altnagelvin hospital part of a blood clot did lodge within his lung a few days after the injury occurred and if he had been at home during that time who knows what could have happened. I would not like to comment on what compensation he is recieving from Club Tyrone, the County Board orwhoever else as I dont know - to be honest when I would be talking to him I try to avoid talking about the injury when he will be back etc as am sure he is sick of people asking him the same stuff. I do know for a fact that from the minute the injury occurred Mickey Harte and the Tyrone medical backroom team assumed full control of the situation and put in place a plan of action to try and get him the best possible and most appropriate treatment for his injury. Since the day he got out of hospital with the cage on he has been hitting the gym and working extremely hard in attempt to do whatever it takes to recover, failure to do so will be no reflection on his part.

[neilthemac]

problem with personal insurance schemes is that you can actually only claim from one scheme

so if the GAA decide to claim for you then your own scheme goes out the window

[mouview]

Jeez, compares him to Purcell, Hanahoe and Giles. Why not Ja Fallon - light years ahead of Giles as a player.

[botman]

Jeez, compares him to Purcell, Hanahoe and Giles. Why not Ja Fallon - light years ahead of Giles as a player.

Is that all that you have to say, one gripe about who he compares McGuigan too ? FFS

Shocking story about McGuigan do find it difficult to believe that Tyrone have done nothing for him with his loss of income.

[onlyonefut]

Irish News

AGAINST THE BREEZE 
by Paddy Heaney 

On May 15, this column predicted with its usual air of absolute certainty that Tyrone would fail to retain their All-Ireland crown.

As Tyrone's injuries mounted up, many people came to share this view, but not many columnists or pundits were writing them off with the same conviction as yours truly.

I'm not seeking any great credit for this great prophecy. Regular readers (if there are any) of my previews will be well aware that I can get it wrong the odd time as well.

But on that occasion I was pretty much on the money. My rationale for dismissing Tyrone's chances centred on the double loss of Peter Canavan (retired) and Brian McGuigan (injured)

I believe Tyrone could have defended their title without the peerless Canavan, but any hopes they had of back-to-back successes disappeared during a Tyrone league game in Ardboe on Sunday April 30 when McGuigan broke his leg in two places.

On learning about McGuigan's ordeal, my initial reaction was one of heartfelt sympathy. I've met Brian a few times and he's an immensely likeable character. Unlike many players, who can be fairly dour creatures, McGuigan likes a bit of chat and, it's fair to say, a bit of mischief. He's lives life with a twinkle in his eye, and the lives of those around him are the richer for it.

My second thought regarding the news of his injury was that Tyrone were finished because McGuigan is irreplaceable. While no county side exemplifies the team ethos better than Tyrone, they remain heavily reliant on some key individuals.

McGuigan is one such talent.

He is the creative pulse of the team. He links, he prompts, he unlocks, he directs - he helps turns possession into scores. He is the vital cog in their offensive gameplan. He can also score, evidenced by his three points against Kerry in last year's All-Ireland final.

Tyrone wouldn't have won either of their two All-Ireland crowns without Brian McGuigan and there's a fair chance they'll not win any more in the short term future without him either.

Of course, this is no major revelation.

Many people from inside and outside Tyrone are well aware of McGuigan's credentials as the best centre half-forward in the country. Most of us would have assumed that the O'Neill county would have been doing everything in their power to ensure that all their star player's needs would be met during his period of recuperation.

However, it appears this would be a very mistaken assumption indeed.

A column by Eugene McGee in yesterday's Irish Independent has set alarm bells ringing about the lack of financial support McGuigan has received since April 30.

Following his injury, McGuigan spent 15 weeks with his damaged leg in a cage.

He was on crutches and had to endure intensive physiotherapy and other remedial treatments.

A joiner by trade, the 26-year-old was unable to work while he was on crutches.

No surprises there.

But what will shock people is that McGuigan had to wait for over six months before getting a penny in compensation from anyone connected with the GAA.

McGee noted that the Ardboe man "was forced too return to work much sooner than his recuperation from the serious injuries justified simply because the man had no income and needed to earn some money".

The article also stated that McGuigan has yet to receive his insurance money and has received only medical expenses from the Tyrone County Board.

It's not my intention to start damning the Tyrone County Board for their handling of this unfortunate situation.

A more effective method is to compare McGuigan's experience to that of John Toal from Armagh.

Toal sustained a horrific leg injury during last year's drawn Ulster final against Tyrone.

The damage Toal endured was so serious that he has not yet fully recovered, and there remains a possibility that his inter-county career is over.

However, Toal has already defied medical opinion by being fit to run and play club games.

The player himself would readily testify that his incredible recovery has been assisted by the superb support he has received from the Armagh County Board.

When contacted yesterday, Toal was happy to outline the extent of this help in order to illustrate his gratitude for everything he has received.

The Keady man revealed that Armagh County Board paid for his operation, which was done privately.

Furthermore, Toal didn't have to wait for his insurance money.

The county board paid for his wages in full during the eight months he was unable to work as quantity surveyor.

The board also picked up the tab for the three trips he took to see specialists at Lilleshall in England.

When Toal's insurance cheque finally arrived, the sum of money didn't cover what the county board had already paid out to him.

"Between the wages, the week in hospital and the operation there was a big shortfall," said Toal.

He then added: "Again, the county board took it on the chin, there was no hassle whatsoever."

Toal's appreciation is abundantly clear.

Because the Armagh County Board looked after his financial concerns, he was able to concentrate on his rehabilitation without worrying about bills and putting bread on the table.

Brian McGuigan clearly hasn't enjoyed the same degree of support as John Toal.

It could be argued that, unlike Toal, McGuigan's injury took place in a club game and therefore the county board isn't entirely responsible.

This argument doesn't hold up to much scrutiny.

McGuigan was a Tyrone footballer when he broke his leg, and Tyrone will no doubt be seeking his services if he recovers from this injury.

In between times, he remains a Tyrone footballer and it's the county board's prerogative to facilitate his recovery in any way that it can.

Brian McGuigan provided a first class service for Tyrone when he was on the pitch.

He now deserves that standard of service to be reciprocated while he's on the sidelines.

[realredhandfan]

I find this very hard to believe.  If this is wholly true it would be beyond outrageous,, but Im still sceptical at this moment.  It would be unlike big Frank nor any father to keep it quiet if this was taking place.

[The Bottom Brick]

Eugene McGee in fairness to him wouldn't be the type to make stuff up, he's usually reliable and bang on the money. I would be surprised if he hadn't spoken to McGuigan himself off the record.