BACK in the Noughties, a consummate playmaker called Brian McGuigan was the beating heart of a Tyrone team that took the GAA by storm.
The Ardboe man owned the number 11 shirt for more than a decade, his creativity, vision and range of passing a delight to watch and a key contributor to the county’s three All-Ireland titles.
Fast forward to 2021, and a man from the same club has laid claim to that famous jersey.
Michael O’Neill’s name appears on the match programme as centre-forward, but there the similarities to his loughshore neighbour end.
Centre-forwards are not what they used to be, and in the modern game, numbers mean nothing.
O’Neill’s brief bears little resemblance to that of the man whose forte was the defence-splitting pass or the clinically executed assist.
“Our two roles are very different roles, but to share the same number as Brian is something special,” said O’Neill of his former team-mate and club manager.
“He’s someone I have looked up to for a long time.
“Brian’s IQ for the game was above and beyond most players, he was phenomenal.
“To play alongside him and to play for him as a manager, it was a great honour.”
It may be a less glamorous role, but the 25-year-old has happily dedicated himself to chasing down runners, forcing turnovers and putting his body on the line to execute tackles.
“It’s probably not the most attractive or traditional role, but that’s what it is – two completely different roles.
“I’m trying my best to track runners and help my team-mates out, and free up different men.”
Intensity and relentlessness are key components of a Tyrone team that runs on high energy levels.
And with the non-stop endeavour and constant pursuit provided by Kieran McGeary, Conor Meyler, Niall Sludden and Frank Burns, O’Neill is in good company.
“When you look at the way those boys all play, the four or five of us are nearly in the same sort of role.
“When you look at the amount of tackles Kieran McGeary made in that match against Kerry, out around the 45 and beyond, in the middle of the park, he had some phenomenal turnovers.”
Tyrone’s terriers hunted down Kerry’s aristocrats almost to the point of submission, and they’ll look to bring the same vigour to Saturday’s All-Ireland final.
But fury will be met with fury, ferocity will collide with a similarly ferocious spirit as they confront a Mayo side hewn from the same rock formation.
The Connacht men believe they are on the verge of laying the 70-year curse after taking out six-time champions Dublin, Tyrone are desperate to scratch a 13-year itch, and a fascinating contest is perfectly set up.
“The energy they brought against Dublin, that got them past Dublin was unbelievable,” said O’Neill.
“Some of the young fellas in that team, and some of the older dogs, it’s unbelievable to watch what Mayo can do. It will be an interesting game.”
Energy levels were remarkably high in the semi-final, give that so many of the Tyrone players had been struggling with the after-effects of the Covid-19 virus in the lead-up to the meeting with Kerry.
Another two weeks provides the opportunity to re-integrate others who failed to make it in time for the twice proposes last four tie, and to restore the entire entourage to full health and fitness.
“There’s no doubt that the last four or five weeks has been mayhem in terms of preparation.
“So since the Kerry game, everybody has been taking the time to get their bodies right and get the preparation both mentally and physically, get it in tune and hopefully we’ll be properly prepared.”
