Coach who plotted Kerry’s five in a row downfall believes returning Tyrone star could play a similar role to Seamus Darby 26 years ago

Stephen O’Neill’s return to the Tyrone colours revives memories of how Seamus Darby spectacularly derailed Kerry’s five in a row bid 26 years ago.

O’Neill is unlikely to start against Kerry this day week, but he could still have a major role in determining the destination of the Sam Maguire.

Eugene McGee, who plotted Kerry’s downfall in 1982 sees O’Neill’s return as an astute move on Tyrone’s part.

“If he’s any way fit all he’s worth a recall. Circumstances though will dictate just when and how they use him,” says McGee

“There may come a point in the match when they have to move Sean Cavanagh from full forward to midfield and who better to bring in than Stephen O’Neill.”

Back in the 1982 All Ireland decider Kerry fans were already preparing to celebrating the five in a row when Seamus Darby appeared from the Offaly bench.

Funnily enough he wasn’t scheduled to come on, but talk about a player making the most of his golden opportunity.

“We used to plot our games the night before and it was a different player who was supposed to com on,” says McGee.

“But when the time came for change it was lashing rain and we badly needed someone who could play close to goal.

“I had four selectors. I took a quick head count and it was 2-2 and I opted to go with Seamus Darby.

“I had seen him score goals with his club and an older head is a much better bet on a wet day.”

The rest is history. With the game in its dying embers Darby grabbed possession from a free, swivelled and shot to Kerry’s net.

Within seconds the five in a row dream had become a nightmare.

McGee maintains that O’Neill’s return is a clever move that could yet pay handsome dividends.

“Tyrone have this huge advantage of having beaten Kerry twince, 2003 and 2005.

“They have no inhibitions and have a fierce belief in their own ability.

“I expect it to be what we euphemistically refer to as a torrid game.”

Kerry’s gross indiscipline this summer suggests they feel the pressure more than ever before.

They have had players suspended, others booked, others feigning injury, which is untypical Kerry.

McGee, now a highly respected journalist and broadcaster, claims the Kerry public will soon ostracise them if they don’t quickly catch themselves on.

“The real Kerry supporters were disgusted with Paul Galvin’s behaviour and also that of Aidan O’Mahony,” insists McGee.

“Whatever you say about Kerry they had that bit of class and also set certain standards.

“But this championship has seen them lower the tone of Kerry football.

“Older Kerry people don’t want any part of that as they value their principles very highly.

“They thrived on being an elite group of people and their record is there for all to see.”

McGee contrasts the Kerry of now with the team of 1982, denied the five in a rown with virtually the last kick of the ball.

“There was never as much as one dissenting voice. It was extraordinary.

“It sometimes makes you wonder if there’s any decency left in the sport.

“There’s a sour, old taste to football now and that saddens me.”