The GAA Social

Frank McGuigan- brutually honest. Alcohol, marriage, a car crash that cost his career, almost killed. This is his story

02.14.2024 - By BBC Radio UlsterPlay

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Frank McGuigan was one of Gaelic Games greatest footballers. An All-star award in 1984 after his historic 11-points from play during the Ulster final of the same year. An icon to this day. Football is great and life is good. However a car accident ended his playing career and could have cost him his life. Frank was drunk behind the wheel and the accident sparked a period of depression and excessive drinking. In this extraordinary podcast, McGuigan explains the toll alcohol took on his marriage, his family and his football. It’s brutally honest. It engages Thomas and Oisin into a conversation around alcohol that’s eyebrow raising. Is Frank an alcoholic? He’s not sure. Fake stories around his drinking causes hurt, even today it annoys him. There's learnings in this podcast. This all comes after a 15 minutes McGuigan syle analysis of new rules and the modern game. Frank doesn’t miss. Tears in 2003 watching his son win Sam Maguire, annoyance over All-stars won and missed (Frank sold his All-star on e-bay) Then there’s that famous last photograph with former Tyrone manager Art McCrory, days before he died. A simple snap that’s now priceless Referees, Peter Canavan and the distress over the thought of Mickey Harte leading Derry to an All-Ireland. Frank and his son Tommy have confirmed they’re moving to the States of Conor Glass walks up the Hogan steps. There are loads of laughs, fun and stomach creasing moments-especially when a dodgy message was forwarded instead of deleted. Big mistake. Frank McGuigan, one of the amazing people of our time. The GAA Social. Powerful listening

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