I thought I heard on RTE sports this evening that he has just officially retired from inter county football.
I can't find any confirmation of this news.
If true it is a football tragedy.
Got a text from a distraught Tyrone man who also heard it on the radio. Terrible news.
O'Neill retirement stuns Tyrone
Tyrone GAA has been stunned by the news that Stephen O'Neill has retired from intercounty football at the aged of 27.
County manager Mickey Harte told BBC Sport on Thursday evening that O'Neill had decided that 10 years of intercounty football was enough.
O'Neill has been troubled by injury in recent years and is currently out of action but Harte believes the decision is not just injury-related.
"He feels that he has no more to give to the county," added the Tyrone boss.
O'Neill has told Harte that he does intend to continue for his club Clann na nGael.
Harte revealed that O'Neill had first told him of his plan to quit back in October.
"I was hoping that we would be able to change his mind and that he would come round once he got over his knee problem but his mind is made up."
Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/northern_ireland/gaelic_games/7207950.stm#
This story was doing the rounds for a while now. Amazing the journo's only picked up on it now. Best of luck Stevie!!!
Terrible Loss to the GAA,Hope he can be persuaded to return.
one of the Modern greats of the game.
I hope we haven't seen the last of him. I will always remember the goal he got against us in the quarter final in 04. He is a great player and it would be a bad reflection on our game if he retires at his age.
Quote from: never kickt a ball on January 24, 2008, 07:59:25 PM
This story was doing the rounds for a while now. Amazing the journo's only picked up on it now. Best of luck Stevie!!!
I checked with the Tyrone thread before starting the thread and I didn't see anything confirmed there, in fact apart from Hardstation there was more denial that it can't happen.
Heard this rumoured a few weeks ago. Fantastic player in his day, always thought he was older than 27, would have said early 30's he will be a huge loss to Tyrone. It takes serious dedication nowadays to play intercounty football for an extended period.
All the best to Stevie, he owes us nothing at this stage, as we owe him everything. Terrible pity though, that such a sublime talent has felt compelled to curtail his footballing career at such a relatively premature stage -- without equal at his best on either wing.
Maith thú Stevie.
Devastating news.
His 2005 season will live long in the memory.
:o :o :o :o :o :o ??? :-[
Stephen, while its a sad day for Tyrone football, you owe us nothing. A gentleman whose softly spoken nature belied his ruthless clinical and stylish finishing on the field. Goan away back sir and take the free keeks for clan na gael.
Maybe someday you'll come out for a swansong.
Quote from: Main Street on January 24, 2008, 08:17:41 PM
Quote from: never kickt a ball on January 24, 2008, 07:59:25 PM
This story was doing the rounds for a while now. Amazing the journo's only picked up on it now. Best of luck Stevie!!!
I checked with the Tyrone thread before starting the thread and I didn't see anything confirmed there, in fact apart from Hardstation there was more denial that it can't happen.
Quote from: Goats Do Shave on December 20, 2007, 03:59:43 PM
Heard rumours AGAIN, that Stevie O'Neill is for packing inter county football in...
Here's one from 20th Dec. I meant rumours and stories etc. As you can see from the story above he informed MH in October and MH hoped to persuade him back.
Terrible news for Tyrone heading into the 2008 NFL and Championship campaign.
As Fear ón Srath Bán says, he has given a lot to Tyrone county football down through the years and owes us nothing more.
I just hope it's a short lived retirement...
O'Neill retirement stuns Tyrone
Tyrone GAA has been stunned by the news that Stephen O'Neill has retired from intercounty football at the age of 27.
County manager Mickey Harte told BBC Sport on Thursday evening that O'Neill had decided that 10 years of intercounty football was enough.
O'Neill has been troubled by injury in recent years and is currently out of action but Harte believes the decision is not just injury-related.
"He feels that he has no more to give to the county," added the Tyrone boss.
O'Neill has told Harte that he does intend to continue for his club Clann na nGael.
"Injury does deflate people but I don't think that it was just injury, that was part of his thought process."
606: DEBATE
Give your thoughts on Stephen O'Neill intercounty retirement
Harte revealed that O'Neill had first told him of his plan to quit back in October.
"I was hoping that we would be able to change his mind and that he would come round once he got over his knee problem but his mind is made up.
"He has thought this decision through very carefully and we have to respect his decision and be grateful for the tremendous service that he gave the county.
"We wish him all the best for the future."
O'Neill won the first of his two All Star awards in 2003 and his second honour came two years later when he was also named the GAA's official footballer of the year.
The 27-year-old, who works as a schoolteacher in Gortin, plans to get married in August.
BBC
from an armagh fan....
im sad to see stephen o neill retire. fantastic talent, great player even if was wearin tyrone colours.
gaelic footballer will be worse for his loss.
maith thú
A truly wonderful player who'll be a massive loss to the GAA. It's just a pity that he has been plagued with injury in recent seasons.
shocked to hear that, i hope that with a bit of time he'll change his mind. hes one fantastic footballer
A big loss indeed. His footballing talents will certainly be missed by this poster. He will always have his two well deserved All-Ireland medals tucked away in his back pocket.
meant to put this up a while back (and apologies for sticking it on here) but loyal Kerry servant Mossy Lyons has also recently withdrawn from the Kerry panel due to work commitments in Dublin. Mossy was another player plagued by injuries over the last few years but was always a wonderful defender whenever he togged out for the Kingdom. He got to finally play a small part in an All Ireland final last September and deserves his medals for being a part of a fantastic group of players.
Maith an fear Mossy...
Quote from: hardstation on January 24, 2008, 08:30:51 PM
What did I say?
Anyway, big loss for Tyrone. Great player.
How many Hardstations are there?
you wrote
I think SON is as good as goneasked why
you replied
He is knackered. He can't play for 20 minutes without being injured. The aul legs are giving up.
Quote from: never kickt a ball on January 24, 2008, 08:26:00 PM
Here's one from 20th Dec. I meant rumours and stories etc. As you can see from the story above he informed MH in October and MH hoped to persuade him back.
I see that I only checked the 13 page Tyrone 2008 thread,
who could have guessed that there was another 400 page thread :)
wonderful player- one of the best of the modern era even though he haunted us- i've written off tyrone for this season now- they won't win the big one without him. He is and was that good.
You need that extra wee bit up in the FF line to win an AI - SON had that. Seemed like a decent chap too - couldn't tackle very well though!
Realistically teams like Dublin and Mayo don't have that we bit extra and that's why they'll always struggle to win Sam.
Hard to see Tyrone being any great shakes this year without them. I hope I'm wrong as a strong Tyrone will make for a much better championship.
stephen is a great player good luck to him in his retirement
Jesus lads - some of you are going on like he died or something. I would take retirement (i.e. as in never playing for tyrone again) with a pinch of salt. Maybe the lad needs a break from the game to find his hunger again. Id be suprised if he didn't excel at the club game and make a reappearance in a year or two.
Quote from: Main Street on January 24, 2008, 08:53:32 PM
Quote from: hardstation on January 24, 2008, 08:30:51 PM
What did I say?
Anyway, big loss for Tyrone. Great player.
How many Hardstations are there?
you wrote
I think SON is as good as gone
asked why
you replied
He is knackered. He can't play for 20 minutes without being injured. The aul legs are giving up.
Quote from: never kickt a ball on January 24, 2008, 08:26:00 PM
Here's one from 20th Dec. I meant rumours and stories etc. As you can see from the story above he informed MH in October and MH hoped to persuade him back.
I see that I only checked the 13 page Tyrone 2008 thread,
who could have guessed that there was another 400 page thread :)
Not sure what you're getting at Main Sreet but you obviously didn't read page 13 of Tyrone 2008 thread :D:
http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?PHPSESSID=4e7d426e79edf34b652fb55809d1e508&topic=4233.180
Quote from: mylestheslasher on January 24, 2008, 09:06:40 PM
Jesus lads - some of you are going on like he died or something. I would take retirement (i.e. as in never playing for tyrone again) with a pinch of salt. Maybe the lad needs a break from the game to find his hunger again. Id be suprised if he didn't excel at the club game and make a reappearance in a year or two.
It is known as the world famous "Gaa Board RIP" mentality.....
tyrone may have been capable of winning an all ireland without peter canavan, but without stephen o'neill and with question marks still over whether brian mcguigan and brian dooher can return to previous form, tyrone fans can unfortunately forget about sam for a while. tyrone just about beat kerry in '05 with these players - that's the quality it takes to beat kerry and tyrone just dont have that quality anymore. anyway best of luck to stephen o'neill - he gave us all some great memories.
'tyrone may have been capable of winning an all ireland without peter canavan, but without stephen o'neill and with question marks still over whether brian mcguigan and brian dooher can return to previous form, tyrone fans can unfortunately forget about sam for a while. tyrone just about beat kerry in '05 with these players - that's the quality it takes to beat kerry and tyrone just dont have that quality anymore. anyway best of luck to stephen o'neill - he gave us all some great memories.'
I agree with 95% of this, but Tyrone's margin of victory in 2005 over Kerry was considerably more than 'just about'. I'd heard rumours about SoN's injury too and it's a huge blow we've lost him. A true legend in the county ... hopefully him and those other boys you named can inspire the younger boys to come through...
Disappointing news, Steven was a credit to his County and the G.A.A. in general. Thanks for the memories Steven, you were a delight to watch, except when you were playing Down
Time for Mulligan to step up to the mantle and find his footballing feet again.
Quote from: never kickt a ball on January 24, 2008, 09:14:12 PM
Not sure what you're getting at Main Sreet but you obviously didn't read page 13 of Tyrone 2008 thread :D:
http://gaaboard.com/board/index.php?PHPSESSID=4e7d426e79edf34b652fb55809d1e508&topic=4233.180
I´m not getting at anything really, if I was a Tyroneman I´d be howling at the moon. I feel we all have lost a genious player in O'Neill.
On that page, one or two rumours in December and a few questions is it true.
Everybody knew that he had a serious injury or rehabilitation issues, I think it is normal that Tyrone followers would be hoping against hope that O´Neill would make it out in the county colours again, you would be mad not to.
Quote from: ziggysego on January 24, 2008, 09:39:37 PM
Time for Mulligan to step up to the mantle and find his footballing feet again.
He auctioned them off to Mr Eastwood.
The man can win nothing else a county level, so he is probably putting health before more glory. I'm sure he'd far rather be fit to walk at 45 than have a few more all irelands to his name. He was and is a great player, always seems to have an age on the ball and rifle over points at his ease.
Although as a Derry man is great. Now if we could just get McGuigan and Mulligan and Cavanagh and Ricey and Jordan and Dooher and Hughes to follow suit...
The majority of the 97/98 sides have been playing long inter-county seasons now for a decade, be it minor, U21 and senior with plenty of those players combining two teams in the one season. The wear and tear must be extensive.
A someone else said you never know - Stephen might put in a decent club season soon and if the knee clears up and appetite regained by seeing a new batch of players and perhaps new management, he might return.
Quote from: clarshack on January 24, 2008, 09:29:52 PM
tyrone may have been capable of winning an all ireland without peter canavan, but without stephen o'neill and with question marks still over whether brian mcguigan and brian dooher can return to previous form, tyrone fans can unfortunately forget about sam for a while. tyrone just about beat kerry in '05 with these players.
What? ??? The 3 point winning margin by Tyrone very much flattered Kerry that day. Your main point is correct though, there is no team which could lose Canavan, Dooher, McGuigan and O' Neill and stay anywhere near the same level. Thats been the situation Tyrone have had since 2005 (I know O' Neill and McGuigan have played championship in 2006 and 2007 but SON was playing whilst injured both years and Dooher suffered serious injuries in each of those seasons). People go on about Tyrone not being able to cope with the loss of Canavan but the truth is they lost 2/3 of their AI winning forward line.
I would say this news pretty much kills of Tyrone's AI hopes for this season. We needed McGuigan and SON back and fit to make a real challenge. Thats SON gone and who knows if Brian will ever get back playing again. Cant blame Stephen for retiring, he gave great service and it must have been hugely frustrating to put so much in and then suffer so many injuries, with a bit more luck he would have helped Tyrone to more All-Irelands. The fact he is apparently struggling to get over the latest injury maybe made his mind up to quit. 2 AI Senior, 2 under 21 and 1 minor is still a decent return for his inter county career though ;D
Who knows if gets fit in time and is doing well for the club he will maybe give it another go with Tyrone.
Sad to hear that. Even though I'm a Derry fan, the victory against Tyrone in 2006 was made a little bit hollow by the fact that neither O'Neill or McGuigan were playing. Two fantastic footballers blighted by injury since 2005. If they had those two fully fit I think that team could have won a 3rd AI, but I can't see that happening now. I hope if he gets fully fit again and playing well for the club he might come back next season.
A little of topic, but what is it with Tyrone's curse over talented players? Obviuosly there's O'Neill, McGuigan Jnr, McGuigan Snr, McAnallen. Is it because there is more media coverage now, or why do them'uns seem to have a monopoly of misfortune. Has any other county got hit as bad?
Sad to hear about Stephen - it seems a strange decison to say the least - is there more to this than meets the eye ? ??? ??? ??? ???
One of my favouirte players his ability to score points from inpossable angles was a joy to be hold. A true great. Will be severly missed was really looking forward to seeing Stephen line out for Tyrone this year. A lass not to be. Enjoy your retirement from County Football you will be truly missed.
Was talking to some fellas that are out in San Fransico who spoke very highly of Stephen O Neill as a person.
(http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c69/BALLINTOY/Season%20of%20Sundays%2005/148.jpg)
He can now safely send referre Collins that Christmas card !!!! ;)
Sad to hear the news, class act on the field and off it. Once he gets married but and shes nagging every evening he'll be more than glad to get out to his Tyrone training :P
He might enjoy being around home for a while though ! ;) :D ;D
Considering his age and if his injuries clear up I think he might be back before too long. However I have to say he was probably the footballer I most enjoyed watching, he had everything, the complete player IMO. I first noticed him as a Tyrone U21 footballer and from that time on a watched his progress closely as you could tell he would make it. Tyrone lads might be able to confirm this as I might be mixing my games up but I think he had a storming AI U21 final one year, I don't think it was against Limerick but it might have been.
What age was Brian Corcoran when he retired for the first time?
Quote from: Zulu on January 24, 2008, 11:45:56 PM
Considering his age and if his injuries clear up I think he might be back before too long. However I have to say he was probably the footballer I most enjoyed watching, he had everything, the complete player IMO. I first noticed him as a Tyrone U21 footballer and from that time on a watched his progress closely as you could tell he would make it. Tyrone lads might be able to confirm this as I might be mixing my games up but I think he had a storming AI U21 final one year, I don't think it was against Limerick but it might have been.
In 2001 he had a great year and starred in the U21 win over Mayo. He played a big part in Tyrone winning the Ulser senior that year and won an All-Star.
Quote from: ONeill on January 24, 2008, 11:55:33 PM
Quote from: Zulu on January 24, 2008, 11:45:56 PM
Considering his age and if his injuries clear up I think he might be back before too long. However I have to say he was probably the footballer I most enjoyed watching, he had everything, the complete player IMO. I first noticed him as a Tyrone U21 footballer and from that time on a watched his progress closely as you could tell he would make it. Tyrone lads might be able to confirm this as I might be mixing my games up but I think he had a storming AI U21 final one year, I don't think it was against Limerick but it might have been.
In 2001 he had a great year and starred in the U21 win over Mayo. He played a big part in Tyrone winning the Ulser senior that year and won an All-Star.
Stephen turned up to MacRory cup training at his first year with omagh CBS. The things he was capable of doing as a 16/17 year old were amazing. Against St Colmans he was being marked reasonably well. A few of us on the bench were within earshot of the then colemans manager as he encouraged his defender..."Hes only got a left foot, thats it, stand him up"
Stevie turned on a sixpence, and from close to 50 yards out thumped it over the black spot with his right.
Another memory is him single handedly waltzing through the St Macartans defense after picking the ball up in midfield and scoring a cracking goal.
From a perspective of sheer attack minded talent he has few peers.
An outstanding player. He was a joy to watch in 2005 in particular. I'd be amazed if he never wore the Tyrone jersey again.
A complete footballer and a gentleman in person, don't think we've seen the last of him!
As a Gaelic Fan I am terribly disappointed he is retiring as I hate seeing good/great players having to give up the game......but selfishly as a Dublin fan I am also glad at the same time....If only Darragh O'Se would also retire now...!!
Fantastic player - as has been mentioned with Canavan gone, and McGuigan still in doubt this is the last thing Tyrone needed
Maybe he read Peter Canavan's opus about the life of the modern GAA player and with the impending nuptials thought it just wasn't worth the hassle
A great footballer and an even greater person. I saw, after he got his first All Star, at a function in an Omagh school. He was so modest and had a word for every pupil and was one of the last to leave the hall. He also spoke in Armagh Cathedral in 2005 at a junior Pioneer service and chose to sit with school children rather than the dignitaries. If he is happy with his decision then fair play to him.
QuoteO'Neill won the first of his two All Star awards in 2003 and his second honour came two years later when he was also named the GAA's official footballer of the year.
The 27-year-old, who works as a schoolteacher in Gortin, plans to get married in August.
BBC
He won his first All Star in 2001 and second in 2005.
I would say the injuries are to blame more than anything else. He has not really played for Tyrone since 2005. He has made some appearances but he has being severly limited sue to the hamstring injury. It must be demoralising for him to have been around the squad and not being able to play properly so who knows what the future holds. If he can get rid of the injuries and get a full season witht he Clanns he will be back. Its been a sickener of a time being a Tyrone fan since 2005 - everybody knows of the injuries we have had, but outsiders seem to be of the opinion that every team gets them. Unfortunately for Tyrone, the injuries have been too frequent, and in most cases have been of the most serious type and to the main men.
A nice fella. I wish him and his bride all the best for the future.
Terrible shame. One of the greats of his generation.
He's still young, so hopefully he'll be back..
Terrible news to hear of a class footballer retiring from intercounty football at such a young age.
Hopefully if he can overcome the injuries that have been affecting him over the past few years we may very well see hime doing a "Brian Corcoran" on it in the near future.
Big shame, great footballer.
Cant help but feel that Tyrone wont be challenging this year, I really thought they needed all the injured players back, and not just back, back to their best if they were to have a chance of winning the AI.
I think this is one injury blow too many for them.
Tyrone won't be in the mix - they needed everyone back fully fit and focussed - it seems this won't happen now.
Was it 10 points he score v Armagh a few years ago?
Never seen Francie Bellew get a roasting apart from that day!
Shame , great footballer still could of had a other 4/5 season but am thankful for the 10 years he gave us
It's always a shame to see someone retire so young, but i'd say he might be back in due course, so long as Harte isn't the manager. I guess O'Neill thought enough was enough.
I was speaking to a relative of Stevens a while back who told me there was no way Steven would go back and play under Harte!! Apparently he had to quit working with him as well as they were not seeing eye to eye on a number of issues. I will not go into details but if i was in his shoes i would struggle to play under the circumstances also! I think he had lost all respect for the man!!
A fantastic player who was virtually unmarkable on his day. he possessed power and pace in abundance and combined with his accuracy off both feet he was arguable the most potet forward in the country in the last 5 years.
However, i'm unable to credit his virtues without mention of the dirty streak which lurked below his undoubted talent. I'm sure John toal has a little less pain in every step this morning.
Quote from: Uladh on January 25, 2008, 10:47:56 AM
However, i'm unable to credit his virtues without mention of the dirty streak which lurked below his undoubted talent. I'm sure John toal has a little less pain in every step this morning.
Aye right whatever ::)
You're out of order there Uladh. >:( >:(
Quote from: Uladh on January 25, 2008, 10:47:56 AM
However, i'm unable to credit his virtues without mention of the dirty streak which lurked below his undoubted talent. I'm sure John toal has a little less pain in every step this morning.
Tyrone's NFL disciplinary record might be a bit better this year.
Didn't he get 3 red cards in one campaign?
Quote from: orangeman on January 25, 2008, 11:28:11 AM
You're out of order there Uladh. >:( >:(
Why, what did he say that was untrue?
I dont think anyone can underestimate how big of a loss this is to Tyrone this year.
With PTG gone, Mulligan not firing on all cylinders & Mc Guigan struggling with injury ye lot are going to have another barren year (much like ourselves)
What price Derry now for Ulster?
Very sad day. Stephen could do more with one leg than most could with two. His 5 minutes against Meath last year showed that. Unfortunately there's a lot more to it than just the injury. A change of management will see him return no doubt.
Quote from: Will Hunting on January 25, 2008, 11:29:27 AM
Quote from: Uladh on January 25, 2008, 10:47:56 AM
However, i'm unable to credit his virtues without mention of the dirty streak which lurked below his undoubted talent. I'm sure John toal has a little less pain in every step this morning.
Tyrone's NFL disciplinary record might be a bit better this year.
Didn't he get 3 red cards in one campaign?
like peter canavan he took a serious amount of abuse from defenders. i am pretty sure those sending offs were all double yellows for getting involved with such defenders. to suggest that stephen o'neill was a dirty player is nonsense.
To suggest that SON was dirty and inflicted deliberate injury is way out of order !!! Complete dung. Where are you from Uladh ?
Your county men won't thank you for turning this thread into a slanging match. if you can't be detatched enough to see the strenghs and weaknesses of players then you show yourself in a very dim light (not for the first time).
Thats a very interesting post StarSpangler, would you care to elaborate?
Uladh I would like to reiterate the statements of Orangeman. Stevis was certainly not a dirty player and are you trying to implement that he deliberately ended John Toals career? If you are I just put is down to one thing - Jealously.
best advise is to ignore Uladh
Agreed - Max - dim ???????? Aye right !!!!!!!!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D :D
Quote from: Uladh on January 25, 2008, 10:47:56 AM
A fantastic player who was virtually unmarkable on his day. he possessed power and pace in abundance and combined with his accuracy off both feet he was arguable the most potet forward in the country in the last 5 years.
However, i'm unable to credit his virtues without mention of the dirty streak which lurked below his undoubted talent. I'm sure John toal has a little less pain in every step this morning.
Are you actually being serious. There was an accidental clash. No player would deliberatley go out to injure someone and especially an injury of the magnitude of John Toals. I would think if you asked John Toal himself he would tell you he would not have thought it was deliberate. Do you think whoever injured Brian Mc Guigans eye did it deliberately? Accidents happen so get over it.
Quote from: Star Spangler on January 25, 2008, 11:44:52 AM
A change of management will see him return no doubt.
How so ss?
Quote from: parttimeexile on January 25, 2008, 12:13:08 PM
There was an accidental clash. No player would deliberatley go out to injure someone
Bullsh1t
So do you think SON deliberately meant to hurt Toal FB?
Yep absolute bullshit - a gentleman on and off the field.
Quote from: parttimeexile on January 25, 2008, 12:13:08 PM
I would think if you asked John Toal himself he would tell you he would not have thought it was deliberate.
are you for real? that was a very deliberate foul. and i can assure you that john toal wold tell you nothing of the sort.
accidents happen in this game and fellas get hurt all the time and i'd doubt if o'neill intended ending anyones career. fact is he went late and hard and ended toal's career. i find it difficult reading the virtuous eulogies of his talent without menioning his flaws. and, in case ther is any confusion, i couldn't care less about anyone else's perceptions of what is in or out of order.
We've been over this before, nobody is suggesting that Stephen O'Neill intended to end John Toal's career, but what he did do was deliberately come in late with the intention of hurting him. Parttimeexile, I think if you spoke to John Toal that would be his feeling on the matter. It was NOT an accidental clash and I know for a FACT that John Toal doesn't think so.
'Tyrone's NFL disciplinary record might be a bit better this year.
Didn't he get 3 red cards in one campaign?'
Well, as someone who was at all the games he was sent off in, I don't think the problem with Stevie was that he was a dirty player ... far from it. The problem with Stevie was that he just wasn't a very good tackler ...
What he got sent off for was on the clumsy side rather than the dirty side ... I've seen far worse on a football pitch go unpunished than what Stevie got red-carded for, particularly from your heroes in the championship game at Omagh in 2006
This thread isn't about SON and John Toal - it's about his retirement -
Quote from: supersarsfields on January 25, 2008, 12:25:03 PM
So do you think SON deliberately meant to hurt Toal FB?
Read my post again sarsfields
I was replying to part time saying no player would go out to injure someone
Am not going to comment on the ONeill/Toal incident
I always thought he was a very inconsistent player prior to the 2003-05 period, 2005 was his year and he was on another level, those standards could never be repeated. Don't hink he was dirty myself, but there are plenty who have reservations especially regarding the Toal incident.
If Harte is his problem, he could be back sooner rather than later as I doubt very much if Tyrone are capable recapturing their recent glory years. New name on the Anglo-Celt this year as well I reckon.
We'll we'll agree to disagree on that then Mackers because I def don't believe SON tried to hurt Toal that. To me he was a great player who was exceptional at taking scores. Granted he was an untidy tackler but I would not agree he was malicious
That what I was trying to get clear FB. I wasn't sure if you were talking about the SON Toal incident or just Part Times comment in general.
Pity to see a good player dropping out at 27. He did struggel with injury but Mickey H reckons that had little to do with it. Pity though. He could have had 7 more years in him if his legs held up, much like another well known Tyrone forward.
I reckon after a break and some good form at club level he'll be back in the white and red.
What's the chances of him being back for the championship ????
This is sad news for Tyrone football. Stevie you were an absolute legend, Tyrones loss is undoubtedly Clann na Gaels gain. Who could begrudge them one of their prize assets back. I would suggest that wild speculation over this is not in anyones interests. Good luck Tyrone 2008!
A great who was unfortunately plagued by injury which was sadly reflected in his inconsistency, but we all saw what Stevie in top form could do in 2005.
He was always committed to the club by all accounts, think he managed one of the underage teams last year.
He called round to our house at university for his tea the odd Wednesday evening, dessert in hand. Would have been in Dukes on a Tues night (not drinking), in the days before Mickey Harte took the senior team. A very nice guy.
Guess the Club Tyrone website will have to be redesigned... :-[
Fair play. I'm glad to know Clann na Gael can finally count on their best player to field.
Quote from: red hander on January 25, 2008, 12:30:57 PM
'Tyrone's NFL disciplinary record might be a bit better this year.
Didn't he get 3 red cards in one campaign?'
Well, as someone who was at all the games he was sent off in, I don't think the problem with Stevie was that he was a dirty player ... far from it. The problem with Stevie was that he just wasn't a very good tackler ...
What he got sent off for was on the clumsy side rather than the dirty side ... I've seen far worse on a football pitch go unpunished than what Stevie got red-carded for, particularly from your heroes in the championship game at Omagh in 2006
Well firstly, i never said O'Neill was a dirty player.
Your second point there smacks of pettiness. From what i remember it was one of your Tyrone 'heroes' who saw red that day.
Mickey Harte appeared to speak very sincerly about SON on the radio.
The bit I don't get is if SON is fit enough to play for Clann na Gael would he not be fit enough for the county team, even if it was for just 20 mins?
Quote from: rrhf on January 25, 2008, 01:21:05 PM
This is sad news for Tyrone football. Stevie you were an absolute legend, Tyrones loss is undoubtedly Clann na Gaels gain. Who could begrudge them one of their prize assets back. I would suggest that wild speculation over this is not in anyones interests. Good luck Tyrone 2008!
Wild speculation...i doubt not....As a tyrone football fan im getting increasingly impaitent with Harte. His achievements to date cannot be questioned...and never would i criticise the man that brought sam to tyrone for the first time....But think about it....He faces his toughest year to date....having to work without the mecurial canavan, mcguigan and now oneill.... it will be very intresting to see what harte can get out of tyrones new breed...Harte seems to have fallen out with crucial men at different stages....Tally wasnt a yes man so bang....he got rid off him....Its believed O Neill was under serious preassure to return last year, so much so that it is reported
...(now im not completely for certain on this) harte forecd him into taking Pin Killing Injections to come back and play.....Of which only a few your allowed in a lifetime....Stevie then had the dilema of not playing any football whether it be with club or county....Subsequently the men fell out hence they dont work together anymore...
I ask the question, if wat i have just mentioned were true.....should it be ignored.... ??
I can't see this being the real truth - maybe more a perosonality thing with SON ??
Stephen O'Neill tackled him and he got badly injured. I am not taking away from that. What I am saying is that he meant to tackle him but not injure him. There is a major difference.
QuoteThe bit I don't get is if SON is fit enough to play for Clann na Gael would he not be fit enough for the county team, even if it was for just 20 mins?
Obvious difference between playing club and county as you know. But when you look at it from his perspective, it must have been difficult for him being around the team the last 2 seasons and playing very little due to injury. It could not have done his morale any good, and there is also the load of expectation and progress out of the spot light. He will want to just play regularly again, and hopefully this will happen and his injuries will clear up. I don't think it can be a co-incidence with all the injuries Tyrone have had, as mentioned before training methods etc must be looked at.
As for the Toal thing, SON hit him late but Im sure he did not mean to end his career. The red card was rescinded also!
Living away from home for some time now I'm not as familiar with Stephen as most of my Fellow Clann clubmates.
However I can testify that he is and always was one of the most HUMBLE, softly spoken gentlemen you could ever meet.
Unfortunately he like PTG took some amount of abuse over the years and unlike Peter he was as strong as a horse and so often Refs would offer him little to no protection whilst he was being dragged and fouled as we say more and more post 2003. I suppose teams started double marking him and using blanket defense to smother his influence.
I'm no expert in the matter but iMHO he has totally Overdosed on football ever since he went to St Marys with him playing for u-21 club, U-21 county, club senior, county senior and also for Ballymena soccer club all at the one time.
The man eats drinks and breathes football even more so than Dooher and I think it was inevitable that he would get loads of inuries and suffer burnout.
Like my brother, Stevie and Dooher are ball carriers and if you run with the ball you tend to get a lot of bad tackles and get targeted for special attention.
I think Stevie has realised now that there is more to live than football and he's now thinking about marriage and having kids.
He's probably been told time and time again if he continues to play thru the pain barrier then he could end up with long term problems
Maybe he's realised this and has decided that his old friend Harte is maybe too driven to win another AI at any cost and that his longterm well being is not on Mickey's agenda. I heard 3rd hand earlier this year that they had a disagreement about his injuries but of course I don't know how accurate this was.
I am beginning to question whether Mickey is as goodie good shoes as he likes to protray. I've heard he's a very driven man and so his ultimate success depends on this Tyrone team winnng a third all-Ireland. He know's with McGuigan and 11 and SON at 14 he had some chance of that. So naturally he'll bust a gut to get Stevie to play no matter how bad it might be for his long term health.
This is only my own opinion and I've no inside info so don't quote me as this being TRUE
I know Stevie is a much more private person than Harte and would not like all this speculation going on around him
Finally, can I say how pathetic it is of ye sad Armagh lads to try to drag a player and a fine upstanding man like Stephen into the mud with thugs like we have in lots of teams in our game, including Tyrone. I believe Stevie rang up Joan Toal the night it happened in hospital and expressed his regret of the incident. Can you imagine someone like Ricey, Francie (gentle as he is), Casey from Dublin or Galvin from Kerry having the decency to ring someone up. I think NOT!
As a few posters said. IGNORE such sad Pathetic posts as that's all they deserve.
It's possible that Stephen felt unduly pressurised to play a part in the Meath game last year when he was far from physically up to the challenge. It's also possible, that as a result of being forced to do this, he came to the realisation that the "setup" was of the belief that no matter the damage to the long-term physical well-being of individual players it would be a price worth paying for the Tyrone cause. Therefore, it's also possible that he felt disillusioned with the "setup" and decided enough was enough - especially when he could see a repeat prospect looming on the horizon.
Very sad day for the GAA a truly great sportsman! Some of the scores he put over in 2005 left and right from some outrageous angles were a joy to watch! I wish him all the best
Quote from: Quarterback on January 25, 2008, 02:00:18 PM
...(now im not completely for certain on this) harte forecd him into taking Pin Killing Injections to come back and play
Not completely certian How much is not completely? Is it not at all? This would be barbaric. Are you sure you meant to say forced?
Totally understand where a few posters are coming from with respect to the scepticism over how some of Tyrones injured players have been managed over the past few years. I have posted on the board before about how it appears as if in some cases the race to get them back into action has often taken precendence over their long term health.
Quote from: Uladh on January 25, 2008, 10:47:56 AM
A fantastic player who was virtually unmarkable on his day. he possessed power and pace in abundance and combined with his accuracy off both feet he was arguable the most potet forward in the country in the last 5 years.
However, i'm unable to credit his virtues without mention of the dirty streak which lurked below his undoubted talent. I'm sure John toal has a little less pain in every step this morning.
Uladh,
Like O'Neill (the poster, not the player) I watch the DVD of that game regularly. Having played with Stephen, and knowing his personality It always vexes the shite out me to hear this drivel about John Toals very serious injury being brought up. Anyone with half an eye in their head can see that it was a late tackle. Unfortunately it was one of those ones that was so close to being on time, there was no way to avoid the contact. Stephen is a terrible tackler, but without a malicious bone in his body. This dirty streak you refer to simply doesnt exist. Sometimes frustrated yes - dirty no. If John Toal is sitting around waiting for SON to retire in order to feel better about what happened him - Id be shocked.
Quote from: Zapatista on January 25, 2008, 02:51:02 PM
Quote from: Quarterback on January 25, 2008, 02:00:18 PM
...(now im not completely for certain on this) harte forecd him into taking Pin Killing Injections to come back and play
Not completely certian How much is not completely? Is it not at all? This would be barbaric. Are you sure you meant to say forced?
Id be 90 % sure of standind by my comments....
Quote from: loughshore lad on January 25, 2008, 02:53:58 PM
Totally understand where a few posters are coming from with respect to the scepticism over how some of Tyrones injured players have been managed over the past few years. I have posted on the board before about how it appears as if in some cases the race to get them back into action has often taken precendence over their long term health.
Lough shore, wats the latest on John Mc Conville, Pulled into the county panel for the leauge i believe??
Quote from: Quarterback on January 25, 2008, 03:07:15 PM
Quote from: loughshore lad on January 25, 2008, 02:53:58 PM
Totally understand where a few posters are coming from with respect to the scepticism over how some of Tyrones injured players have been managed over the past few years. I have posted on the board before about how it appears as if in some cases the race to get them back into action has often taken precendence over their long term health.
Lough shore, wats the latest on John Mc Conville, Pulled into the county panel for the leauge i believe??
Not sure if he is on the panel for the league but he was training with them this week. To be honest I dont understand Hartes rationale with John. He had a fantastic 2006 but didnt even get a trial for 2007, didnt play as well in 2007 and is actually coming back from an injury (broken ankle) and is then asked to train with the squad.
Quote from: Fuzzman on January 25, 2008, 02:32:29 PM
Living away from home for some time now I'm not as familiar with Stephen as most of my Fellow Clann clubmates.
However I can testify that he is and always was one of the most HUMBLE, softly spoken gentlemen you could ever meet.
Unfortunately he like PTG took some amount of abuse over the years and unlike Peter he was as strong as a horse and so often Refs would offer him little to no protection whilst he was being dragged and fouled as we say more and more post 2003. I suppose teams started double marking him and using blanket defense to smother his influence.
I'm no expert in the matter but iMHO he has totally Overdosed on football ever since he went to St Marys with him playing for u-21 club, U-21 county, club senior, county senior and also for Ballymena soccer club all at the one time.
The man eats drinks and breathes football even more so than Dooher and I think it was inevitable that he would get loads of inuries and suffer burnout.
Like my brother, Stevie and Dooher are ball carriers and if you run with the ball you tend to get a lot of bad tackles and get targeted for special attention.
I think Stevie has realised now that there is more to live than football and he's now thinking about marriage and having kids.
He's probably been told time and time again if he continues to play thru the pain barrier then he could end up with long term problems
Maybe he's realised this and has decided that his old friend Harte is maybe too driven to win another AI at any cost and that his longterm well being is not on Mickey's agenda. I heard 3rd hand earlier this year that they had a disagreement about his injuries but of course I don't know how accurate this was.
I am beginning to question whether Mickey is as goodie good shoes as he likes to protray. I've heard he's a very driven man and so his ultimate success depends on this Tyrone team winnng a third all-Ireland. He know's with McGuigan and 11 and SON at 14 he had some chance of that. So naturally he'll bust a gut to get Stevie to play no matter how bad it might be for his long term health.
This is only my own opinion and I've no inside info so don't quote me as this being TRUE
I know Stevie is a much more private person than Harte and would not like all this speculation going on around him
Finally, can I say how pathetic it is of ye sad Armagh lads to try to drag a player and a fine upstanding man like Stephen into the mud with thugs like we have in lots of teams in our game, including Tyrone. I believe Stevie rang up Joan Toal the night it happened in hospital and expressed his regret of the incident. Can you imagine someone like Ricey, Francie (gentle as he is), Casey from Dublin or Galvin from Kerry having the decency to ring someone up. I think NOT!
As a few posters said. IGNORE such sad Pathetic posts as that's all they deserve.
Correct, but for the record this was the one and only contact he made with John Toal who was at least 18 months in recuperation. I am making no observation, merely stating a fact!
Leave the john TOAL thing out of it - it's not relevant on this thread - discuss it somewhere else if you must.
Quote from: Sandy Hill on January 25, 2008, 03:20:09 PM
Quote from: Fuzzman on January 25, 2008, 02:32:29 PM
Living away from home for some time now I'm not as familiar with Stephen as most of my Fellow Clann clubmates.
However I can testify that he is and always was one of the most HUMBLE, softly spoken gentlemen you could ever meet.
Unfortunately he like PTG took some amount of abuse over the years and unlike Peter he was as strong as a horse and so often Refs would offer him little to no protection whilst he was being dragged and fouled as we say more and more post 2003. I suppose teams started double marking him and using blanket defense to smother his influence.
I'm no expert in the matter but iMHO he has totally Overdosed on football ever since he went to St Marys with him playing for u-21 club, U-21 county, club senior, county senior and also for Ballymena soccer club all at the one time.
The man eats drinks and breathes football even more so than Dooher and I think it was inevitable that he would get loads of inuries and suffer burnout.
Like my brother, Stevie and Dooher are ball carriers and if you run with the ball you tend to get a lot of bad tackles and get targeted for special attention.
I think Stevie has realised now that there is more to live than football and he's now thinking about marriage and having kids.
He's probably been told time and time again if he continues to play thru the pain barrier then he could end up with long term problems
Maybe he's realised this and has decided that his old friend Harte is maybe too driven to win another AI at any cost and that his longterm well being is not on Mickey's agenda. I heard 3rd hand earlier this year that they had a disagreement about his injuries but of course I don't know how accurate this was.
I am beginning to question whether Mickey is as goodie good shoes as he likes to protray. I've heard he's a very driven man and so his ultimate success depends on this Tyrone team winnng a third all-Ireland. He know's with McGuigan and 11 and SON at 14 he had some chance of that. So naturally he'll bust a gut to get Stevie to play no matter how bad it might be for his long term health.
This is only my own opinion and I've no inside info so don't quote me as this being TRUE
I know Stevie is a much more private person than Harte and would not like all this speculation going on around him
Finally, can I say how pathetic it is of ye sad Armagh lads to try to drag a player and a fine upstanding man like Stephen into the mud with thugs like we have in lots of teams in our game, including Tyrone. I believe Stevie rang up Joan Toal the night it happened in hospital and expressed his regret of the incident. Can you imagine someone like Ricey, Francie (gentle as he is), Casey from Dublin or Galvin from Kerry having the decency to ring someone up. I think NOT!
As a few posters said. IGNORE such sad Pathetic posts as that's all they deserve.
Correct, but for the record this was the one and only contact he made with John Toal who was at least 18 months in recuperation. I am making no observation, merely stating a fact!
Well to be honest I would have thought that was enough. He contacted him after the incident and expressed his regret. It's more than alot of players would have done.
didn't o'neill get a goal against laois in the 98 all ireland minor final?
Well in defence of Ricey he did actually visit Brian" Beano " McDonald in hospital when he horrendously broke his leg in the champoinship in 2004 even tho there was never any blame levelled at him.
Enda McGinley and Mulligan scored both goals in the 98 minor final by the way Bloody mary
this doenst come as a shock to me at all. i heard back in november that a number of the tyrone players 7 i believe were very unhappy about training and the way things were going. Stevie was one of these players and was put forward as a spokes person to address this to management, whom refused to take this information on board. from them himself and MH have not seen eye to eye MH obviously thought that current training methods etc was more important than a forward like Stevie O'Neill.
Theres a lot of guys on here talking about a lot of Gossip. Uladh your comments would make a tr**p blush, you are a disgrace to your county.
All this talk has made me thirsty for the 2005 ten steps to glory DVD. Must get the stout in. Phone off between 10-12.
Its bit ironic Armagh posters saying theyve lost respect for a player over one late challenge that they say was dangerous. Francie Bellew and a number of other Armagh players icluding McKeever go in late all the time late. What about the the day Bellew went straight through a 40 year old Mickey Linden in the ulster club (that could have had serious consequences). Every time Francie's name is mentioned on the website you dont see uladh (or his mates) coming on saying he's lost respect for him due to that late challenge or many others he carried out.
Adrian Logan interview with SON on tonight on UTV sportsnews at 6.15
Quote from: hardstation on January 25, 2008, 05:23:09 PM
You're going to turn the DVD off after the semi final, aren't you?
Message to all: If ONeill has your phone number, leave it off the hook. He'll be ringing you up, looking for tickets later.
Yes, could be an expensive night. I can see a holiday being booked after the replayed Ulster final.
Conclusive interview - thats that then.
'Well firstly, i never said O'Neill was a dirty player.
Your second point there smacks of pettiness. From what i remember it was one of your Tyrone 'heroes' who saw red that day.'
Will, 95% of your posts on this board are anti-Tyrone ... you're obsessed, mate. Get over it. We have 2 Sams, you have 1, even though the team that won you that 1 were well capable of winning far more but for the fact they tore themselves apart with their infighting .... AM I RIGHT OR AM I RIGHT?
I wish him well in the future. Some great days watching him play at the highest level.
Watch the inteview at http://u.tv/newsroom/indepth.asp?id=40483&pt=s
Press Release
24 Jan 2008
The Tyrone County Board wish to confirm that Stephen O'Neill has taken the decision to retire from inter-county football.
County senior team manager Mickey Harte was aware of Stephen's intention to retire since October but was hoping that when Stephen had fully recovered from his injury he would reconsider and return to the senior panel. County chairman Pat Darcy said tonight that 'Stephen was a wonderful player and a tremendous ambassador for the county both on and off the field over the past ten years. While we respect his decision to retire we are all very disappointed that his county career has ended so prematurely.' On behalf of the Tyrone County Committee I would like to pay tribute to Stephen's many achievements in a county jersey and wish him a speedy recovery from injury and a successful continued playing career with his club side Clann na nGael.
Damán Ó hAirmhí
Oifigeach Caidreamh Poiblí
http://www.tyronegaa.ie/county/football/news/story.jsp?newsid=504
A well choreographed piece from Stephen and Mickey.
A trilogy of points:
#1. Those of you who use the word tragedy in this thread to describe the premature retirement of an inter-county footballer have no understanding of what the word means. Look to two of O'Neill's former teammates or two young boys from Tyrone last year to understand what a tragedy really is.
#2. Re. O'Neill's disciplinary record in general and the John Toal incident in particular. Any summary of any footballer's career will find skeletons in the closet. O'Neill is no different. However I feel (and this is simply a personal opinion) that he is very unfairly vilified for the John Toal incident. It is my belief that he went to block the ball and simply mistimed the tackle. I have seen the incident several times, my opinion hasn't changed. My posting record on the board shows I have no great love for Tyrone (or anyone else for that matter) but I think Toal was the very, very unfortunate victim in what was a genuine accident.
#3. Where would O'Neill rate in the all-time Tyrone great forwards list? Would he make the top 20?
#3 5th
Quote from: ONeill on January 25, 2008, 10:16:31 PM
#3 5th
Behind who?
Canavan, McGuigan x 2, Jones, Donnelly, McGleenan.
Ok, the last one is a joke.
1. Canavan
2. Jones
3. McGuigan
4. McKenna
5. O'Neill
Frank or Brian at 3. I would have both ahead of O'Neill. McKenna I would pick at midfield.
Frank.
Was O'Neill less important/impressive than Brian in 05?
If I had the choice of any one player from the Tyrone squads of 2003/05, I would pick McGuigan.
Not sure if that answers your question.
A tough call but for me it would have to be O'Neill.
2 things.
McGuigan's as good as the men he's feeding at inter-county level.
O'Neill's as good as the man he's receiving from but offers more.
I think O'Neill's performances in 2005 outweighed Brian's. O'Neill's dead balls were deadly.
Read again page 1 to 5 of this thread again and see the tributes. Terrific. Gaels know great gaels.
But O'Neill missed almost nothing that game. I honestly don't know what you're talking about.
SON definately had some games when he kicked a few wides alright, but that was only because he had the confidence to go for them. When you have a guy of his talent you get the ball too him and let him have the pop. People can get a bit wishy washy about lads who no longer play but SON was always my favourite current player and I'm not from Tyrone. He was the player I wished I had been, truely a joy to watch.
Here, right in front of me, in the media section at the time, on TV now.
Mc Guigan and O'Neill are incomparable as players IMO
They are both integral vital parts of the success of Tyrone. Comparisons cant really be made. Brian couldnt play the role stephen played and Stephen wouldnt be the playmaker for others that Brian is.
Watched the 05 trilogy last night when I was up with the wee one. Great viewing.
I have to say as a Cavan fan I'm delighted O'Neill has retired, and I wish a few more of the top Ulster players would.
QuoteI have to say as a Cavan fan I'm delighted O'Neill has retired, and I wish a few more of the top Ulster players would.
To give Cavan a chance perhaps a few of middle rank players would have to retire as well. ;)
(Please don't quote this if Cavan beat Armagh next week)
It's official - Cavan are on their way back !!!!!!! ;) ;)
Didn't know about Stephen's paramilitary (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_O%27Neill) background!!!!!!!!!
Didn't last long.
You mean this one
http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stephen_O%27Neill&diff=186902721&oldid=186801296 (http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Stephen_O%27Neill&diff=186902721&oldid=186801296)
The ip address (talk) on that edit points to somebody using a computer in Dublin.
Quote from: Fuzzman on January 25, 2008, 02:32:29 PM
Living away from home for some time now I'm not as familiar with Stephen as most of my Fellow Clann clubmates.
However I can testify that he is and always was one of the most HUMBLE, softly spoken gentlemen you could ever meet.
Unfortunately he like PTG took some amount of abuse over the years and unlike Peter he was as strong as a horse and so often Refs would offer him little to no protection whilst he was being dragged and fouled as we say more and more post 2003. I suppose teams started double marking him and using blanket defense to smother his influence.
I'm no expert in the matter but iMHO he has totally Overdosed on football ever since he went to St Marys with him playing for u-21 club, U-21 county, club senior, county senior and also for Ballymena soccer club all at the one time.
The man eats drinks and breathes football even more so than Dooher and I think it was inevitable that he would get loads of inuries and suffer burnout.
Like my brother, Stevie and Dooher are ball carriers and if you run with the ball you tend to get a lot of bad tackles and get targeted for special attention.
I think Stevie has realised now that there is more to live than football and he's now thinking about marriage and having kids.
He's probably been told time and time again if he continues to play thru the pain barrier then he could end up with long term problems
Maybe he's realised this and has decided that his old friend Harte is maybe too driven to win another AI at any cost and that his longterm well being is not on Mickey's agenda. I heard 3rd hand earlier this year that they had a disagreement about his injuries but of course I don't know how accurate this was.
I am beginning to question whether Mickey is as goodie good shoes as he likes to protray. I've heard he's a very driven man and so his ultimate success depends on this Tyrone team winnng a third all-Ireland. He know's with McGuigan and 11 and SON at 14 he had some chance of that. So naturally he'll bust a gut to get Stevie to play no matter how bad it might be for his long term health.
This is only my own opinion and I've no inside info so don't quote me as this being TRUE
I know Stevie is a much more private person than Harte and would not like all this speculation going on around him
Finally, can I say how pathetic it is of ye sad Armagh lads to try to drag a player and a fine upstanding man like Stephen into the mud with thugs like we have in lots of teams in our game, including Tyrone. I believe Stevie rang up Joan Toal the night it happened in hospital and expressed his regret of the incident. Can you imagine someone like Ricey, Francie (gentle as he is), Casey from Dublin or Galvin from Kerry having the decency to ring someone up. I think NOT!
As a few posters said. IGNORE such sad Pathetic posts as that's all they deserve.
Fuzzman, You criticise some people for dragging a player's name 'through the mud', but then you go on to name 4 other players yourself and question their decency? What's that about?
I reckon Ricey, Francie, Paul Casey and Galvin would all be dead on fellas and their off field characters would be entirely different to how they may be preceived on it -
For example, look at Mick Lyons - he was one hard man on the field and now he a Laochra gael on TG4 !!!!!!!! ;) :D ;D
Quote from: red hander on January 25, 2008, 07:08:19 PM
'Well firstly, i never said O'Neill was a dirty player.
Your second point there smacks of pettiness. From what i remember it was one of your Tyrone 'heroes' who saw red that day.'
Will, 95% of your posts on this board are anti-Tyrone ... you're obsessed, mate. Get over it. We have 2 Sams, you have 1, even though the team that won you that 1 were well capable of winning far more but for the fact they tore themselves apart with their infighting .... AM I RIGHT OR AM I RIGHT?
You are indeed correct red hander in that we could/should have won more than 1 all-ireland in the 90's. Maybe if there had been a back-door in those days we would have!
As for 95% of my posts being anti-Tyrone - scurrilous nonsense. My posts on this thread haven't even been anti-Tyrone. You like the thought of me being obsessed with Tyrone, but you're seeing something that isn't there 'mate'.
Another serious question here for the Tyrone posters.
Given, as it seems to increasingly clear, that there is an issue between O'Neill and Harte preventing the two of them working together, which of the two would you rather have involved?
O'Neill..dont think harte will be there after this year :-\
Harte has done a great job but a change of management may not be a bad thing.
shure i was talkin to stevey there th other day,says hes not even retired,jus takin the hand out of the media
says he was lyin in bored wan day n jus decided hed hav a laff with th media
In 2002 I had a letter published in the Irish News in mid-summer saying that Art's days as an inter-county manager were numbered as his methods and game philosophy were outdated and that Harte should get the job (the dogs in the street and and minks in the ramparts could've written the same).
I think now, in 2008, it's time for considering whether we need change again. If there is more to get out of the 97/98 minor, 00/01 U21 and 03/05 seniors I think a fresh face will challenge them to prove themselves all over again.
However, if we've seen the best of the Gormley/Jordan/Ricey/Cavanagh/O'Neill/McGuigan/Mulligan era and it's time to blend some of the old with more of the new, maybe Mickey's the man still. Boylan dined out on the 87/88 wins and it worked out fine for Meath in 96/99.
On one hand, it'd be a great pity to lose some players in terms of presence or appetite simply because of the man in charge. However, on the other hand I'm sure there is still a sizeable majority of the old heads still 100% behind Mickey.
It's a tough one. The county board will not get rid of Mickey. Maybe we have to trust that Harte will know when he has run his course.
There's one thing though I'd like to see of Mickey in 2008 - a ruthless streak. Sometimes, when Tyrone are backed into a corner, Mickey calls on his class of '97 to bail him out. Against Meath, the game was crying out for fresh, eager Tyrone legs in Colm Cavanagh or Niall Gormley. He threw on O'Neill at 20%. I'd like to see an off-form Mugsy withdrawn after 25 mins (the Dublin turnaround was a one-off). I'd like to see an off-colour Ricey dropped if needs be.
I still feel the 2003/05 players still playing are the best we have. However, some of them seem to avoid the drop even when they're having stinkers, most notably those with nicknames!
The difference between 2002 and 2008 is that Harte was ready to assume the mantle in 2003. Compare to now. I don't think out U21 management are ready. Last years under 21 team regressed from the All-Ireland minor winning side of 04 and Ulster U21 winning team of '06. The current minor management aren't ready to make the jump - Big things are expected of this current minor side already and it will be up to the management to deliver.
Are there any other contenders? The return of Eugene McKenna? The man of the moment Noel McGinn? Peter Canavan? Brian McIver?
The cynics in Antrim will claim that Jody Gormley has his eye on that carrot. However, he'd need to take the Saffrons out of Division Four to be close.
mickey has 1 of the best managers record that there is about he has won all irelands at every level there is. The only all ireland he is yet to win as a manger is the all ireland club and lets be honest he was not a million miles away from winning that in 2002. Stevie is a massive loss that goes without saying but if i had to choose mickey wood be my pick
Quote from: ONeill on January 28, 2008, 11:07:56 PM
In 2002 I had a letter published in the Irish News in mid-summer saying that Art's days as an inter-county manager were numbered as his methods and game philosophy were outdated and that Harte should get the job (the dogs in the street and and minks in the ramparts could've written the same).
I think now, in 2008, it's time for considering whether we need change again. If there is more to get out of the 97/98 minor, 00/01 U21 and 03/05 seniors I think a fresh face will challenge them to prove themselves all over again.
However, if we've seen the best of the Gormley/Jordan/Ricey/Cavanagh/O'Neill/McGuigan/Mulligan era and it's time to blend some of the old with more of the new, maybe Mickey's the man still. Boylan dined out on the 87/88 wins and it worked out fine for Meath in 96/99.
On one hand, it'd be a great pity to lose some players in terms of presence or appetite simply because of the man in charge. However, on the other hand I'm sure there is still a sizeable majority of the old heads still 100% behind Mickey.
It's a tough one. The county board will not get rid of Mickey. Maybe we have to trust that Harte will know when he has run his course.
There's one thing though I'd like to see of Mickey in 2008 - a ruthless streak. Sometimes, when Tyrone are backed into a corner, Mickey calls on his class of '97 to bail him out. Against Meath, the game was crying out for fresh, eager Tyrone legs in Colm Cavanagh or Niall Gormley. He threw on O'Neill at 20%. I'd like to see an off-form Mugsy withdrawn after 25 mins (the Dublin turnaround was a one-off). I'd like to see an off-colour Ricey dropped if needs be.
Whatever is to blame, this scenario is totally unacceptable if any management or training factors are to blame. These boys are mostly my age, and should be at the prime stage of their careers.
Yea totally agree but these lads have played sum football from they were 16
Really cant see us challenging for silverware this year..hope i am wrong :-\
Quote from: saffron sam2 on January 28, 2008, 10:02:45 PM
Another serious question here for the Tyrone posters.
Given, as it seems to increasingly clear, that there is an issue between O'Neill and Harte preventing the two of them working together, which of the two would you rather have involved?
This is a real conundrum but if O'Neill was fully fit and wanting to play county football I wold perhaps have to lean towards him. The main reason being within Tyrone there is simply no one else on a par (or any where near) with a fully fit O'Neill as a consistent scoring threat. Harte is without doubt the best manager in Tyrone at the moment and the only person who would be currently capable of providing a similar approach to the job is Brian McIver but its hard to know if he would want it after being turned down in 2003. Perhaps a suitable candidate to take over from Harte will emerge over the coming years but at the moment no one really stands out. The under 21 management would appear to be next in line but that would be a disaster from what I can gather. Too often there is far too much emphasis put on the role a manager plays in a winning or losing team, its the quality of the players who will determine how successful a team is. In my opinion an excellent manager is possibly replacable but outstanding players like Stevie O'Neill, Brian McGuigan etc are not - I think Tyrone have illustrated this point over the last few years.
First of all I believe its time for Harte to move aside, I think he has taken this group of players as far as he can. However the Under 21 management team and even the minors are non runners. For the good of Tyrone football Mickey Harte needs to move back into under 21 or even minor management as its quite obvious at this level some serious ommissions have been made and the chances to gather and bring through talent have been ignored (Mc Ginn) resulting in a loss of talent to other options. I think we realise with the departure of O Neill and Canavan how important bring ing through that top class forward is - your ai hopes depend on it.
Mickey Harte is the man who assembled the greatest group of players in Tyrones history. Today I am asking him to do this again. Tyrone need it from the bottom up. Mickey needs to go hunting and bring another team through when the tinme is right. Ilook at the example of Pete Mc Grath who won 2 and stayed on at the top too long, let someon else come in there and they might nick an unlikely ai but this team has had its era, and its time to start agfain at the bottom. Mickey could be senior manager again in 4 - 6 years time - he is young enough and in the meantime he could be developing his armoury for another golden era in Tyrone football. the under 21 management are a disaster and the minor management are struggling. I would take Mc Ivor / Porter straight from Donegal - they might be capable of nicking one with that team. Im afraid that Mickeys message isnt being heard in as lot of quarters at the moment.
I think one thing that must be noted about Harte is that he is a very different animal in 2008 than in 2003. Back then he was fulll of ambition and a self belief as well as belief in his players. No doubt he still has those things in abundance, but he also has 5 years of intense publicity behind him, he is considered by many throughout Ireland as some sort of football genius and he now has a serious value, both financial and in terms of credability. Whether that makes you a better or worse manager is all about opinion, but the one thing about Harte now is that he knows his value and he isn't going to be bothered by other people's opinions. He will do it his way...because he can. Now he might fall on that sword or he might be successful, we can't say just yet and few of us are really in a position to genuinely criticise a man who has won two All Irelands, we might express an opnion but really most of us wouldn't have a clue of how to start to win the Junior Championship in our home county, let alone the Sam Maguire. I don't like the guy myself, never have done, far too squeaky clean for me, everyone has a few warts here and there and maybe the fall outs with PTG, SON and Tally are evidence of the warts. He may eventually be blinded by his own ambition or he may yet prove to be the greatest manager of his generation and win a couple more Sams. The thing with Harte though, is that he will never gain universal approval, he just doesn't have that X factor that appeals to the public, which is evident by so many postings on this board. No matter what he wins, some of us will always find a reason to detract from that achievement. He has studied many succesful people and he has the capacity to mould his methods around the pieces of their character that appeal to him. He has taught himself to be a manager.
Harte has a long, long history of success and really as I have said before, the mamager's job is his for as long as he wants it.
Quote from: orangeman on January 29, 2008, 10:05:55 AM
Harte has a long, long history of success and really as I have said before, the mamager's job is his for as long as he wants it.
He certainly has a long history of success although it has been with a particular "core" group of players from the minor teams of 97/98. Like I said in an earlier post he is definitely an excellent manager but it will be interesting to see what transpires when that outstanding bunch of players are no longer available. Any manager is only as good as the players he has to work with see Tyrone in 2004/6/7 for reference.
Did you notice Stevie did an interview with utv but not bbc. Logie said it was an 'exclusive' from Gortin.
Quote from: irunthev on January 29, 2008, 10:02:44 AM
I think one thing that must be noted about Harte is that he is a very different animal in 2008 than in 2003. Back then he was fulll of ambition and a self belief as well as belief in his players. No doubt he still has those things in abundance, but he also has 5 years of intense publicity behind him, he is considered by many throughout Ireland as some sort of football genius and he now has a serious value, both financial and in terms of credability. Whether that makes you a better or worse manager is all about opinion, but the one thing about Harte now is that he knows his value and he isn't going to be bothered by other people's opinions. He will do it his way...because he can. Now he might fall on that sword or he might be successful, we can't say just yet and few of us are really in a position to genuinely criticise a man who has won two All Irelands, we might express an opnion but really most of us wouldn't have a clue of how to start to win the Junior Championship in our home county, let alone the Sam Maguire. I don't like the guy myself, never have done, far too squeaky clean for me, everyone has a few warts here and there and maybe the fall outs with PTG, SON and Tally are evidence of the warts. He may eventually be blinded by his own ambition or he may yet prove to be the greatest manager of his generation and win a couple more Sams. The thing with Harte though, is that he will never gain universal approval, he just doesn't have that X factor that appeals to the public, which is evident by so many postings on this board. No matter what he wins, some of us will always find a reason to detract from that achievement. He has studied many succesful people and he has the capacity to mould his methods around the pieces of their character that appeal to him. He has taught himself to be a manager.
must say I enjoyed that post...alot of truths in it.
If Harte wins a sam in 2008 with the squad he's got, he can rightly be regarded as a genius
W
MH by virtue if the two senior AI has already claimed genius status !
Paddy Heaney in today's Irish News
'Memories of 2005 can ease pain of O'Neill's retirement'
THE Gooch was slightly the worse for wear and tear when he ambled up to Stephen O'Neill at the GPA's Annual Banquet at the City West Hotel in 2004.
Black jacket gone. Black tie off. Shirt tail out. The Gooch wasn't concerned about sartorial protocol.
He'd come to pay tribute to Stephen O'Neill. With a broad smile across his freckled schoolboy face, he threw his arm around O'Neill and declared that the Tyrone forward had scored the goal of the year.
Few would dispute Cooper's assessment. O'Neill's left-footed rocket against Mayo in the All-Ireland quarter-final was a vintage finish. The Gooch was effusive in his praise of the precision strike and openly admitted that he was envious.
O'Neill cut a much different gait to his Kerry comrade. Jacketed and sober, he was keenly aware that Cooper was celebrating Kerry's
All-Ireland success and his coronation as the 'Player of the Year'.
The reserved and quietly spoken O'Neill was clearly pleased to receive recognition from a fellow artist, but the real envy in the conversation probably resided within him.
Twelve months later and the situation had been reversed. Tyrone were the All-Ireland champions, and a key figure in their success was the new Player of the Year, one Stephen O'Neill, who last week announced his retirement from inter-county football at the tender age of 27.
O'Neill packed a lot into his relatively short career. By the time he was 21 years old, the Clan na Gael clubman had won an All-Ireland minor medal (1998) and two All-Ireland U21 medals (2000 and 2001).
He was the outstanding player in the precocious Tyrone side that defied all expectations by winning the Anglo-Celt Cup in 2001. Although noted for his scoring prowess, it was O'Neill who memorably announced their arrival on the scene when he hit Kieran McGeeney with a thunderous body check during the shock victory over Armagh in the first round.
A long and fulfilling career seemed to be in store for the former Omagh CBS pupil when he collected an Allstar in the same year
It didn't work out quite like that for Stephen O'Neill. Admittedly, he possesses a very respectable haul of medals.
However, in terms of his personal achievement, O'Neill would be the first to acknowledge that his playing days were utterly dogged by injury.
Injury meant he was only a peripheral figure when Tyrone won their first All-Ireland title in 2003. Of Tyrone's eight Championship games, the Aughabrack man started just three times (against Derry, Antrim and Kerry), while he came on as a sub in the All-Ireland final against Armagh. His Championship tally was a modest eight points.
All that was to change in 2005. This was the season which proved to be his annus mirabilis. In 2005, O'Neill, for one of the few times in his life, was fully fit, injury-free and totally unstoppable.
Anyone who has ever played gaelic football will understand the satisfaction that comes from kicking a point and the outright glee that follows a goal. For most mortals, the experience of scoring is fairly limited.
Imagine scoring nine goals and 98 points in just 20 competitive games. That's an average of over six points per game. This is precisely what O'Neill chalked up in 2005.
His haul comprised 3-17 in the McKenna Cup (four games), 1-32 in the National Football League (six games) and 5-49 in the Championship (10 games).
Over half the tally of 9-98 came from play, (3-8 in the McKenna Cup, 0-21 in the NFL and 2-19 in the Championship).
His mesmerising performances at the start of the season earned him the Ulster GAA Writers' monthly merit award for January and March.
In July, the northern writers were compelled to present the award to him for a third time following his brilliant displays against Armagh in the drawn and replayed Ulster final.
Comparisons with Frank McGuigan's display in 1984 were entirely justified. O'Neill kicked six points from play while being marked by Francie Bellew. Four frees brought his tally for the day to 0-10.
He was allocated Kieran McGeeney as a shadow marker in the replay, but still landed two superb points from play. Once he and Canavan were incorrectly sent off, Tyrone were a beaten force.
Throughout 2005, O'Neill exhibited the full repertoire of his formidable skills. He scored from the sideline in Casement Park and with both feet in Croke Park.
His free-taking in pressure-ridden situations was unerring and his penalty-taking was also faultless.
He took four spot-kicks against Cork (NFL), Cavan (Ulster SFC), Dublin (All-Ireland quarter-final replay) and Armagh (All-Ireland semi-final) and converted them all.
While Owen Mulligan burst into life against Dublin, and Peter Canavan was the pivotal scorer in the All-Ireland final, O'Neill was excellent throughout.
His decision to retire will be immensely disappointing to all Tyrone supporters and any fan that appreciates watching a classy and accomplished footballer.
But we need to remind ourselves that it is an amateur game and no player is under any obligation to represent his county. O'Neill's decision must be respected.
The past few seasons have been incredibly frustrating for the primary school teacher.
When blessed with such talent, it would be extremely depressing to spend such protracted periods of time on the sidelines.
Moreover, a player like O'Neill must feel under a huge amount of pressure to be fit and available for action.
Every man, woman and dog that meets him in the street probably enquires about the state of his knee. There is also the constant media speculation about his anticipated return.
For a quiet figure like O'Neill, that focus on his injuries and the constant sense of expectation must be horrendous.
It would undoubtedly have been a factor in his decision to call it a day.
What Stephen O'Neill maybe really needs is an extended break that will allow him to rehabilitate away from the glare of the media and supporters. After all, any self-respecting inter-county player is entitled to at least one faux retirement.
Those of us who have marvelled at his wonderful ability can only hope that the memories from Healy Park and the roars of Croke Park will lure him back into the Tyrone camp.
But if the former Player of the Year believes that his tendonitis condition will prevent him from returning to the peak of his powers, and if he is content with his lot, then so be it.
His legacy is assured because in one of football's finest years he was the game's finest footballer.
Quoteit was O'Neill who memorably announced their arrival on the scene when he hit Kieran McGeeney with a thunderous body check during the shock victory over Armagh in the first round.
Anyone remember that?
Quote from: red hander on January 29, 2008, 02:44:53 PM
Paddy Heaney in today's Irish News
"His legacy is assured because in one of football's finest years he was the game's finest footballer."
That's a great line.
Really well put Heaney - a legend among journalists.
Aye I remember a youthful Stevie hitting Mc Geeney and knocking him into next Month. Set Mc Geeney back a year that hit. Fantastic memories. Even the Armagh men in the crowd applauded
:D :D :D Sure they did
Armagh supporters applauding Stephen O'Neill for whacking Geezer ?? Can't see it - there must have been some very perverse Armagh supporters at the match that day.
I think some posters need to take a few reality pills. Tyrone have gone 2 years without winning an all ireland, which is hardly a disaster considering the 100 years that went before. In those 2 years Harte has had to put up with an injury list that would cripple most counties, and yet we still managed to win the ulster title last year beating the league champions and a strong Monaghan side on route. Maybe Harte has taken the team as far he can but Id certainly be more than glad to take a chance that he can continue to deliver titles and hopefully the injuries will clear up to give him the best possible chance. I suspect no one on this board knows exactly what was behind the Stephen O'Neill retirement and Im certainly not going to make a judgement without knowing the facts. I know that O'Neill is the only senior player to retire and there's no signs that the other senior players (including his clubmate Brian Dooher) are unhappy with Harte. Hopefully O'Neill will reconsider his decision later in the year when he gets fit and it dawns on him that he has another 50 years to retire from county football. There'll not be to many people complaining about Harte in September when Sam is once again paraded through Omagh!
"Injury meant he was only a peripheral figure when Tyrone won their first All-Ireland title in 2003. Of Tyrone's eight Championship games, the Aughabrack man started just three times (against Derry, Antrim and Kerry), "
Didn't Heaney get this bit wrong though, I thought SON only came on vs. Kerry in 2003 when PTG got injured?
Tyrone supporters are very unforgiving !
SON did come on for PTG in 2003 ok.
Yes I thought that too. Heaney should resign.
However, this is possibly the worst piece of journalism - spot the mistakes.
http://www.tyronegaa.ie/countyboard/aboutus/
You have to keep these Derry cvnts in line lads! ;D
No doubt !
What's the chances of Paddy doing a piece on us posters ?
Wonder what he would say ????????? ;) ;) :D :D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: tyssam5 on January 29, 2008, 07:48:30 PM
You have to keep these Derry cvnts in line lads! ;D
I thought he was too f#ckin nice to yes
'His legacy is assured because in one of football's finest years he was the game's finest footballer.'
Very Gracious imho!!
From such a celebrated journo too..............
Quote from: ONeill on January 29, 2008, 07:09:06 PM
Yes I thought that too. Heaney should resign.
However, this is possibly the worst piece of journalism - spot the mistakes.
http://www.tyronegaa.ie/countyboard/aboutus/
If you read it with a good strong west Tyrone accent it's perfect!
McGuigan in 86?
Canavan's assist in 95?
Eff me pink.
i just watched my Sam 2005 DVD after reading that article earlier
O'Neill was simply awesome as were tyrone on many occassions that year
O'Neills penalty v Dublin in the replay was leathal-ive never seen better
some of his scores from play were outrageous--i stuck the DVD on after watchin 15mins of the O'Byrne Cup Dubs Carlow game and my faith in the greatest game in the world is restored
O' Neill is a genius, sheer f**king genius and i would love to see him play again at the same level as he performed in that year
I also was dead level at head height on the Hogan Stand side with O'Neill when he scored that rocket against Mayo in 2004
What a player and what a loss to the game as there arnt many or enough with his natural ability
I still can't get over this retirement at all. Honestly waited around for two years for Stephen to come back and now this. Put it like this if Canavan retired at 27 he wouldn't have them 2 All-Irelands. Stephen should keep himself fit until May and then return to the team. He would be fresh and would have more appetite. I remember him saying in an interview that if premier league soccer players can play every week then Tyrone could handle ten games(2005). Its a sin this man is even allowed to retire. Well I think anyway.
Quote from: orangeman on January 29, 2008, 08:13:12 PM
No doubt !
What's the chances of Paddy doing a piece on us posters ?
Wonder what he would say ????????? ;) ;) :D :D ;D ;D ;D
Great idea Orangeman. Come on Paddy. We know you are watching. What about a critique of the Gaaboard? There's next week's article - no need to go hoaking about the attic this week. You're a fantastic journalist by the way ;D
That's right Paddy - I love you !!!!!! ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D
Great article. Love the last line. The one thing that I thought O'Neill excelled at moreso than others was in scoring from acute angles of either foot! Some of his scores were unreal. I saw him at the Craic in the Braic a few years ago, must have been a difficult night as everyone was wrote and he doesn't drink!
I'll always remember the 2 points he scores in the 05 Ulster final replay. He kicked over one from a non existent angle from the canal end dead line with the right, then 5 mins later did the same from the opposite side with the left. I doubt it's ever been done before and unlikely to be done again.
I know that some techies have put together great Tyrone and Canavan compilations for youtube. Any chance some of you might be able to put a similar SO'N one together in honour of the great man? It would make superb viewing.
MH should be living with SON trying to convince him to get back out !
SON's Mrs to be might have something to say about that orangeman ;)
She's not his MRS. yet ! ;) ;) :D :D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: orangeman on February 04, 2008, 12:09:28 PM
She's not his MRS. yet ! ;) ;) :D :D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Have you an eye on her too?
That sounded like a stark warning to O'Neill.
;D ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D ;) ;) ;) ;) ;)
Mickey Harte used his programme notes for last weekend's NFL clash with Kildare to renew his invitation to Stephen O'Neill to return to the Red Hand football panel.
The Tyrone manager stressed that he hopes Tyrone supporters will get the opportunity to see the two-time All Star in action for the county 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," Harte told the Irish Examiner.
"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."
Last week O'Neill stunned the footballing world with the announcement of his retirement from inter-county at the tender age of 27.
Following Tyrone's moderate start to their NFL campaign the need for a quality forward such as O'Neill was brought sharply into focus.
This hasn't been talked about - a very diplomatic move on MH's part !
Maybe I did not see him enough but I am a little surprised at the adulation on this thread. Stephen O' Neill was good but to me he was not not as good as the Gooch, Giles, Geraghty, Canavan, McDonnell etc.
If he has to retire it is a shame considering he is young and Tyrone have lost a few players but Tyrone should be more worried about getting McGuigan back as he is a lhuge loss.
No maybe about it agorm.
Player of the year????? ??? ???
He was sumptious in the summer of 2005 - best player in the land by a country mile. However, he never appeared to reproduce that form to that extent again, I know he had problems with injuries.
NAybody else hear the a fulltime Northwest soccor club has been putting a number of friendly visits to the O Neill household in the last 2 weeks.
QuoteMcDonnell
While he may not have been as prolific (on average) as young McDonnell, SON's ability (and willingness) to actually pass the ball to a colleague made him a far better player than the Armagh sharpshooter.
I doubt anyone else, either has, or will, take Francie for 10 points either..............
A far better player? Will you get your head sorted man.
To suggest McDonnell is greedy is crazy aswell, if that is the case O'Neill is greedy too.
QuoteTo suggest McDonnell is greedy is crazy aswell
Get those blinkers off lad - I'm married to an Armagh woman, have been to numerous Armagh matches and had beers with many Armagh supporters - they ALL go on about how greedy McDonnell is
Greedy ??? He'd need a ball of his own - but every team has one or two of them !! :D :D ;D ;D ;D
Meath West General Election 2007:
BRADY, Johnny 8868 21.9% Elected
CANTWELL, Phil 506 1.3%
COLEMAN, Paul 127 0.3%
COLLINS, Brian 1634 4.0%
DEMPSEY, Noel 12006 29.7% Elected
ENGLISH, Damien 7227 17.9% Elected
FLANAGAN, Brian 1011 2.5%
GERAGHTY, Graham 1284 3.2%
HIGGINS, Peter 3234 8.0%
REILLY, Joe 4567 11.3%
Yea i know all that but he was never at the same level as SON
If Stevie had been as (relatively) injury-free as Geraghty there'd be no discussion now, simple as.
Hope not.
No blinkers my man, I don't think he is greedy and any Armagh fan that calls him greedy is a fool in my opinion. He is the same type of footballer as O'Neill in the fact that they both like to win and the ball and turn and have a pop without looking for the pass. The reason I don't call either greedy is because both usually scored.
Exactly.
Quote from: Aaron Boone on February 07, 2008, 11:07:10 PM
Meath West General Election 2007:
BRADY, Johnny 8868 21.9% Elected
CANTWELL, Phil 506 1.3%
COLEMAN, Paul 127 0.3%
COLLINS, Brian 1634 4.0%
DEMPSEY, Noel 12006 29.7% Elected
ENGLISH, Damien 7227 17.9% Elected
FLANAGAN, Brian 1011 2.5%
GERAGHTY, Graham 1284 3.2%
HIGGINS, Peter 3234 8.0%
REILLY, Joe 4567 11.3%
What has this got to do with the discussion ffs? Perhaps you should replace Kieran Mulvey down in Cork - you could think of a few red herrings to throw into the talks!!
I never denied that O'Neill was a good player, I just said that I thought that the others were better and longevity would be part of that assessment.