National Forum

R.I.P. Frank Mcguigan

(Oldest Posts First)

One of the greats gone too young. My first memory of Frank was as a young lad with my father on a dampish day on the Hill in Clones in 1972. He gave a man of the match display in the Minor Final and then lined out in the Senior Final on the day that Donegal won their first Ulster Championship. It was only in the very later stages of the game that Donegal who were hot favorites pulled away. The next year was my first time to attend an Ulster Final on my own. Got a lift with a Northern Radio reporter (by the name of Mc Dowell, I think), who introduced me to the great Mick Higgins from Cavan, who was on duty as a Garda. On that day Frank captained Tyrone to their third Ulster Title. Had the privilege of also being in Clones in 1984,when Fran gave a display for the ages against Armagh with his 11 points. Was also lucky to be brought by my father to 2 of his County Final victories with his beloved Ardboe. Alas the Hill in Clones is no more a now boyhood hero is gone. To his family and football friends. I send my sincere condolences. May the great Frank McGuigan R.I.P.

ORIELMAN85 (Monaghan) - Posts: 1072 - 25/05/2026 15:22:51    2675435

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Replying To ORIELMAN85:  "One of the greats gone too young. My first memory of Frank was as a young lad with my father on a dampish day on the Hill in Clones in 1972. He gave a man of the match display in the Minor Final and then lined out in the Senior Final on the day that Donegal won their first Ulster Championship. It was only in the very later stages of the game that Donegal who were hot favorites pulled away. The next year was my first time to attend an Ulster Final on my own. Got a lift with a Northern Radio reporter (by the name of Mc Dowell, I think), who introduced me to the great Mick Higgins from Cavan, who was on duty as a Garda. On that day Frank captained Tyrone to their third Ulster Title. Had the privilege of also being in Clones in 1984,when Fran gave a display for the ages against Armagh with his 11 points. Was also lucky to be brought by my father to 2 of his County Final victories with his beloved Ardboe. Alas the Hill in Clones is no more a now boyhood hero is gone. To his family and football friends. I send my sincere condolences. May the great Frank McGuigan R.I.P."
Nice tribute.

Was star of show in 1984 semi v Dublin even though we won comfortably enough. Not too many opposition players made that impression.

BarneyGrant (Dublin) - Posts: 4323 - 25/05/2026 15:46:42    2675456

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An incredible player and he left some mark on the game, considering his playing years at intercounty were actually quite short. He was in the States for what would have been his prime age, mid to late 20s, and his return was then cut short after two years due to his car accident.
He was as strong as a bull, as tough as nails but most of all was a top class footballer. A very skillful player who performed on the big day and did things on the pitch that were almost unheard of at the time.

WanPintWin (Galway) - Posts: 2825 - 25/05/2026 16:09:31    2675477

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Replying To WanPintWin:  "An incredible player and he left some mark on the game, considering his playing years at intercounty were actually quite short. He was in the States for what would have been his prime age, mid to late 20s, and his return was then cut short after two years due to his car accident.
He was as strong as a bull, as tough as nails but most of all was a top class footballer. A very skillful player who performed on the big day and did things on the pitch that were almost unheard of at the time."
Agreed. I well remember his legendary performance in the 1984 Ulster final - 11 points from play from a variety of distances and angles, using both feet and also one with his fist. It was very sad to see his career cut short so soon. It was around the same time that the great Matt Connor also had his career ended in a car crash.

Gaillimh_Abu (Galway) - Posts: 1052 - 25/05/2026 19:04:55    2675537

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I saw him in the 1972 minor final and thought he was one of the best I'd ever seen at that level, even though Tyrone lost to a Cork team led by Jimmy Barry Murphy. His early years at senior level were equally brilliant but mostly it was on TV that I saw him afterwards. One of the all-time greats. Rest in peace, Frank.

midlands (Westmeath) - Posts: 634 - 25/05/2026 21:30:43    2675563

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