Today marks the 17th anniversary of the death of Tyrone football star Cormac McAnallen.
The Eglish clubman was only 24 when he died suddenly on March 2, 2004 from a rare viral infection of the heart. Just eight days earlier, he had captained the Red Hands to a comfortable McKenna Cup final victory over Donegal in Ballybofey.
Cormac had achieved so much in his short life, winning minor, U21 and senior All-Ireland titles, and a Sigerson Cup medal with Queen's University. In 2001, he was voted Young Footballer of the Year and was an All-Star winner in 2003 when Tyrone won their first senior All-Ireland.
He also represented Ireland against Australia in the International Rules Series for three years. The trophy for the series was named in honour of Cormac following his death.
17 years ago..
— Eglish GAC (@EglishGAC) March 2, 2021
We lost a friend and a leader.
Gone but never forgotten. Cormac McAnallen.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/gZWL1I8Vlx
Cormac McAnallen Tribute - here's raw emotion from Mickey Harte, Mattie McGleenan and Cormac's first Coach Paddy McIntosh from the one programme in my 19 years with BBCNI Sport that I would save from the ashes. RIP Cormac and Paddy. pic.twitter.com/SdISD7cZyk
— Jerome Quinn (@JeromeQuinn) March 2, 2021
"The Brantry is quiet in the heart of Tyrone, for a captain, a hero, a legend has gone"
— Eunan Harkin (@eunanharkin95) March 2, 2021
Cormac McAnallen - 17 years gone today, forever remembered as a hero!
Honoured to have this picture from the banquet of the 2003 Final ❤ pic.twitter.com/uGVT2JIt0d
Remembering our former player, Sigerson Cup winner and Queen’s graduate Cormac McAnallen, 17 years after his untimely passing on 2 March 2004.
— Queens GAA (@QueensGAA) March 2, 2021
Inár gcuimhne go buan. pic.twitter.com/Ketco9vVhj
Seventeen years ago tomorrow 2nd March 2004 we lost the legendary Cormac McAnallen. A Captain, a hero and a leader - Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam 🙏 @teamtalkmagLIVE @TyroneGAALive @EglishGAC @tarlynch43 @DamianMcLernon @bod_uherald @Sport_UH @BarryMcElduff @gaanostalgia #Tyrone pic.twitter.com/5UZWqNmkKN
— Aodhán Harkin (@AodhanHarkin) March 1, 2021
17 years ago..🙏🏻
— Owen Mulligan (@owen_mulligan) March 2, 2021
Gone but never forgotten. Cormac McAnallen.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/IncydqUDFy
Remember so clearly the morning I heard that Cormac McAnallen had passed. Loved learning about the pride he had for our culture, our language & our games growing up. Such an amazing legacy he has left behind. 02.03.04✨♥️ @CampaChormaic @TyroneGAALive #CormacMcAnallen pic.twitter.com/Xz8Eo3YGeD
— Niamh McElduff (@NiamhMcElduff) March 2, 2021
Eglish Gael Cormac McAnallen is 17 years gone today. Unbelievable.
— Cllr Stephen McCann (@stevie81mccann) March 2, 2021
I remember sitting in a coffee shop in Gorey, Co Wexford with my late mother when the news came on the radio.
"The Angels have taken the Brantry Boy......."
17 years. RIP Cormac.
— Cáit (@BelfastConvert) March 2, 2021
A captain, a hero, a legend. pic.twitter.com/0giYQB9fXQ
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