THERE are reports circulating in Tyrone GAA circles that Mickey Harte has found a worthy replacement for Gavin Devlin in his backroom team. Former player of the year Stephen O’Neill is believed to be the man in question.
O’Neill won All Ireland minor, U21 and senior medals with the Red Hands during an illustrious playing career under Harte in what was a golden era for the county. He was also crowned Footballer of the Year in 2005 as he played a key role in helping Tyrone win a second Sam Maguire title.
Having taken time out as a result of injury he famously re-joined the squad in time for the 2008 final, coming on as a second half substitute as the Red Hands once again got the better of Kerry.
The Killyclogher-based schoolteacher is still playing competitive football with his club Clann na Gael and recently helped them reach the junior championship semi-final, bagging two goals in their quarter-final win over Drumquin.
