Some Kerry folk may argue this matter but for us and most GAA people Tyrone were the team of the noughties.

Under the guidance of manager supreme, one Michael Harte, this talented young bunch swept down from their strongholds south of the Sperrins and brought Sam Maguire due north on three separate occasions, 2003, 05 and 08. The 2003 win was Tyrones first ever senior All Ireland success.

An eye catching lot with skilful players, many the end products of fine minor and under 21 sides from the turn of the century, in all positions.

And the question comeths . Name the most talented of the most talented. In other words Tyrone's best team from this glorious spell of Red Hand dominance. And remember same is only our opinion.

1. Pascal McConnell
Only two contestants here, McConnell and John Devine. The former started two of the finals and Devine in 2003. Could have been the other way round. John Devine was chosen between the sticks for the 2008 decider and was only replaced on the day of the game by his great rival due to the sad death of his father.

Mickey Harte had two of the finest keepers in the country on his hands but our selection goes to Pascal McConnell of the long kick and from a family of great Tyrone keepers.

2. Ryan McMenamin
The meanest, tightest corner back of them all. The one inside forwards feared as a marker. And just as we are on the subject this writer sat in the lower Canal End for the 2008 decider and I can say without a shadow of doubt that Ricey never touched Gooch when the great Kerryman fell to the ground during that most controversial of first half moments.

3. Cormac McAnallen
A legend in GAA circles and a leader amongst leaders. Died so young but the memory of big Cormac most definitely lives on. Played most of his career as a midfielder but just as Tyrone floundered in the Ulster drawn final of 2003, Mickey brought Cormac back to man the square for the replay and the rest as they say is history.

4. Joe McMahon
Could have been brother Justin. The McMahons have provided Tyrone with magnificent service and still do. Both are so versatile and have manned practically every outfild position. Joe started in 2005 and again in 2008 and gets the nod. Justin was full back in 2008.

5. Davy Harte
Vastly underrated. Davy was an attacking wing back when most number 5s or 7s hardly ventured over the half way line. His tally of points were vital to the Tyrone cause.

6. Conor Gormley
The real heart of the Tyrone rear. Appeared in all three finals. Brave and committed, Conor could play in any defensive postion. Often put his body on the line for the Red Hand cause. Remember that diving block versus Armagh in 2003. Only retired from the inter county scene last January.

7. Philip Jordan
Like defensive colleagues Messrs McMenamin and Gormley,  Philip also played on the three big days. A real 'thinking' defender where brain rather than brawn was the order of the day. But Philip Jordan could also mix things if need be. Certainly very few attackers got the better of the Moy man.

8. Kevin Hughes
To pardon a pun the 'Hub' of the team. Big and strong and rated by many as the most important player on the side. Hugely appreciated by his teammates. So important to the cause, when Kevin Hughes was on song Tyrone flourished.

9. Enda McGinley
Could play in many positions, particularly attack. But a little bit of juggling sees Enda come in at centre field. A good fetcher who could be relied upon to move forward and shoot critical scores. Played most of the 2003 final with a broken neck.Indeed suffered some severe injuries along the way. Enjoyed a great season in 08.

10. Brian Dooher
A surviver from the team of the mid nineties.One of the veterans but Brian could still run and run all day. Tremendeous workrate. Notched some vital points yet could often be seen tracking back on his own full back line. Made Colm O Rourke eat his words if not his hat.

11. Brian McGuigan
Son of the great Frank, Brian had a brilliant footballing brain and led the Red Hand attack with aplomb.Terrific playmaker.

12. Sean Cavanagh
Hard to know where to put this man. So adaptable, he could have gained selection in any position from 8 up without a single dissenter. Fleet of foot, smooth on the solo run, Sean was/is a free taker of the highest order. One of the all time greats of Gaelic football.

13. Stephen O'Neill
Like a number of his friends could have gained a place in many other positions. Christened the Great O Neill, Stephen had the strenght to match any full back, the stamina to play further out the field and once he got the ball on that left foot close to goals---then there was only one outcome. One of the top  forwards of his generation.

14. Peter Canavan
What great Tyrone team would be really great without the selection of one Peter Canavan? Then coming to the end of his playing days and the Real Daddy of the side. Like Dooher a surviver of previous campaigns and the man younger Tyrone players looked up to. Small in stature but boy could he score. Impossible to pin down, two great feet, a footballing brain ahead of all, took bucket loads of punishment in the name of Tyrone football for nigh on 20 years. The greatest Red Hand.

15. Owen Mulligan
'Mugsy' was the real flair player of the side. The footballer supporters of other teams hated. Strong on the burst and shot some great, match winning goals. Who will forget that mazy run and the subsequent rocket into the Dubs net back in 08. A star in a forward line of stars.

 

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