BY GERARD BROWNE
Former Tyrone star Enda McGinley speaks powerfully about tragedy and what Monaghan may be going through right now.
The Farney County are still mourning after the sudden death of their Under-20 captain Brendán Óg Duffy in a car crash two weeks ago.
The incident occurred after he led his side to victory over Donegal in the Ulster semi-final and 24 hours later, the senior team booked their place in a provisional decider with an emotionally-driven triumph over Armagh.
Former Tyrone player McGinley knows this experience all too well. In 1997, his fellow minor teammate Paul McGirr died following an injury picked up in a game versus Armagh.
Seven years later, Cormac McAallen passed away, only months after Tyrone’s first Sam Maguire Cup success.
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Speaking on The Football Show, McGinley gives an insight into how Monaghan will be feeling heading into tomorrow’s Ulster final.
“I can only imagine the goodwill and support the Monaghan players are getting at the moment is way beyond putting up buntings and the congratulations that winning teams get. It is a raw, deep-pride emotion,” says the three-time All-Ireland winner.
“They will be bonded by a sense of togetherness and that is very powerful stuff for a game like this.
“Win or lose it doesn’t matter, because there will be a massive backing for that team for what they’re representing”.
The Red Hands county are going in search of their first Anglo-Celt Cup in four years tomorrow, but given the nature of events in Monaghan, McGinley is expecting a tough battle.
“There is a deep drive within you to stand up, do things right and go right to the bitter end,” states the current Antrim boss.
“I do expect a special Monaghan performance and a massively charged one, as I don’t think you can switch that off.
“They won’t need speeches in the dressing room beforehand, because they will know what has to be done.”
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