Frank McGuigan: Tributes pour in for 'The King' after death of GAA icon

Iconic Gaelic footballer Frank McGuigan has passed away at the age of 71. The Ardboe man was considered to be one of the finest players to ever come from Tyrone and Ulster. McGuigan produced one of the greatest individual performances in GAA history by scoring 0-11 from play for the Red Hands in the 1984 Ulster final against Armagh in Clones. Often referred to as "The Frank McGuigan Final," he landed 5 points with his left foot, 5 with his right, and one with his fist in a 0-15 to 1-07 victory.

McGuigan is a two-time Ulster Championship winner with the Red Hands and one of the game’s all-time greats. He was awarded an All-Star for his performances in ’84, but his county career was cut short after a car accident left him fighting for his life with a horrific leg break ending his footballing career. Tyrone reached their first All-Ireland final in 1986, but were beaten by Kerry in the final, leaving many to ponder if McGuigan could have made the difference. They lost another decider to Dublin in 1995.

Sam Maguire would eventually make its way to Tyrone and Frank’s son Brian was a key member of the 2003 side that defeated the-then All-Ireland champions Armagh. Frank Jnr was also on the ‘03 squad while Tommy McGuigan scored a vital goal in the 2008 All-Ireland final against Kerry. Brian would finish his career with three All-Ireland medals while Shay McGuigan would become the fourth of Frank’s sons to feature for Tyrone seniors.

Last year, McGuigan suffered a heart attack, with his club Ardboe asking for prayers for ‘a legend of club and county’. McGuigan leaves behind wife Geraldine and six children, Brian, Frank Jnr, Tommy, Kristin, Caitlin, and Shay. His four sons Frank Jnr, Brian, Tommy, and Shay all followed in his footsteps to play for Tyrone with distinction, and won five All-Ireland medals between them at various levels. His club, Ardboe GFC, released a statement, confirming the tragic news and hailing a 'true legend'.

"CLG Uí Dhonnabháin Rosa, Ard Bó, deeply regret the death of Frank McGuigan, one of the greatest footballers ever to wear the colours of club and county and a true legend of Ardboe and Tyrone football," it read. "Frank played a central role in the famous Ardboe teams which secured three consecutive Tyrone Senior Championships between 1971 and 1973 and famously returned from the USA to help the Rossas capture another Championship title in 1984. "That same year, he produced one of the greatest individual performances ever witnessed in Ulster football, scoring eleven points from play for Tyrone in the Ulster Final at Clones — five with his left foot, five with his right and one with his fist — an unforgettable exhibition of unique skill, composure and supreme talent. "His exploits in 1984 earned Frank the distinction of becoming Ardboe’s first ever All-Star recipient, and he would later continue his lifelong service to the club as manager of our senior team.

"Known affectionately across Tyrone and beyond simply as “The King”, Frank was a genius of a footballer who commanded the respect and admiration of the entire GAA fraternity both at home and abroad. "Through his brilliance, humility and love for Gaelic games, he truly put our great club on the map and inspired generations of players who followed. The King has left the field, but his legacy will live forever in Ardboe and Tyrone. "Our chairperson Sean Paul, entire commitee and club members extend our deepest condolences to his beloved wife Geraldine, sons Frank, Brian (vice-chairperson), Tommy (joint senior manager) and Shay (senior player), daughters Kristin and Caitlin, his cherished grandchildren — many of whom proudly represent our youth teams at present — and the entire McGuigan family circle at this deeply sad time, especially committee members Áine and Jennifer.

"Wake and funeral arrangements will be announced via the usual club channels in due course. Tá an Rí ar shlí na Fírinne. I measc Laochra na nGael go raibh a anam dílis." The Tyrone Supporters Club released a statement on the sad news. Brian Furey who helps run the club shared: "Very sad news coming out of Ardboe this morning.

Frank McGuigan passed away this morning. The finest player we have ever seen, the mighty Frank McGuigan from the green fields around Ardboe. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time. May he rest in peace.

A true legend. Fans on social media have paid their own tributes, with many quick to claim they were there the day he scored 0-11 from play in the Ulster final in Clones. "RIP Frank. One of the greatest.

It was a pleasure to be at the 1984 Ulster final to witness him score 11pts from play," said one. Another said: "RIP Frank. Condolences to the Ardboe Club and Tyrone Gaa Families. Great Player one of Tyrone and Ulster s Best." "Very sad to hear that news.

One of the best footballers ever to play the game. May he rest in peace," said another. Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox