Hi °C | Lo °C The Tyrone squad will today attend the funeral of John Devine, father of their goalkeeper of the same name.
And as he prepared to attend the service, Pascal McConnell, who stepped in to guard the Tyrone net against Kerry at the last minute on Sunday, claimed that his absent colleague John actually helped him to save Declan O’Sullivan’s late goal attempt that might well have tilted the scales back in Kerry’s favour.
Indeed, McConnell made several crucial saves to help Tyrone to their third All Ireland title.
He said: "I think John was in goals with me there as well - I don’t think I saved it. I think John might have stretched out a leg for that one.
"I think there were two of us in goals there. We managed to do well. I would take a quiet day any day. If you get the stops, so be it. It is satisfying."
In a further tribute to the man he replaced, McConnell said: "I can’t speak highly enough of John. He is just a fabulous guy. It’s great to dedicate that to him.
"It was a late call. I just had time to get the head around it. I called on whatever experience I had.
"Thankfully, I came through. All the lads were really supportive giving me all the backing I needed. It spurs you on."
McConnell was in goal when Tyrone overcame Kerry in the 2005 All Ireland final while Devine wore the No 1 shirt when Tyrone landed their first All Ireland title in 2003 by beating near neighbours Armagh.
McConnell’s brother Finbarr has also represented Tyrone with distinction in goal, enjoying a lengthy career between the posts.
And manager Mickey Harte, as well as having McConnell and Devine disputing the goalkeeping berth, also has the talented Tim Harney in the frame.
The 17-year-old Glenelly club player was brought into the Tyrone senior side as cover last Sunday after helping the Minor side force a draw with Mayo in the All Ireland Minor decider.
The replay is on Saturday at Longford and thousands of Tyrone fans are likely to make the trip there in the hope of hailing what would be a double coup for the county.
Mayo manager Ray Dempsey makes no secret of his disappointment at the manner in which his side had victory snatched from their grasp in their drawn game on Sunday.
"We’re disappointed not to win the All-Ireland final, and to draw it, I suppose leaves us in a bit of a limbo," he said.
