A DOWN GAA fan has come up with a cunning plan to put the frighteners on Tyrone ahead of the Ulster football final - a singing and dancing Frankenstein's monster dressed in red and black.
Instead of 'Frankie goes to Hollywood', Newry man Mickey Doran said it's a case of 'Frankie and Mickey go to Clones' as the clock ticks down to Sunday's showpiece in the Ulster GAA calendar.
Five-foot 'Frankie' is already a familiar sight around Newry, after he bought the monster from an owner who had brought it over from Germany.
When not attempting to unsettle Tyrone's superstars, he is a vital aid to Mr Doran's fundraising efforts for Sister Consilio Fitzgerald and the Cuan Mhuire rehabilition centres and charity shop, which help people suffering from addictions.
A regular outside Sr Consilio's shop in Hill Street, Frankie causes traffic to stop as he moves along to renditions of hits including Michael Jackson's Thriller.
A former member of the Hilton Showband for more than three decades, Mr Doran also calls on his own musical skills to bring his friend to life.
"He dances and sings and I stand beside him miming on the guitar. He plays rock and roll stuff with a tape built into him, but you would think he is dancing to my music."
Capable of scaring children and adults alike, Frankie is now sporting his Down colours - complete with jersey and scarf - and Mr Doran is hoping he can give the reigning Ulster champions and their fans a fright ahead of Sunday.
Mr Doran, who played for the Ballyholland club and Down minors in his youth, expresses a carefully qualified air of optimism about the county's chances, saying they "can and will win - with a bit of luck".
"If Down win, it will be Frankie goes to Croke Park. If Tyrone win, he's going to Tasmania on the first plane," he added.
