THE pace may have dipped, but Stephen O’Neill’s competitive edge remains as sharp as it was back in the days he was winning All-Irelands, Allstars and Footballer of the Year awards.
One of the greatest attackers the game has witnessed can still be seen weaving his magic for Tyrone.
He has won every honour Gaelic football has to offer, but competitive desire continues to burn in the heart of a Red Hand legend.
On Saturday he lines out in the All-Ireland Masters final against Dublin at Ballinagh, Co Cavan, seeking a second successive title and another successful chapter in the story of a remarkable career.
“It would be a great achievement if we could manage to do it back-to-back, but it will be a tough, tough challenge.
“It’s good to be back there in the final game, but we’ll have to do a lot of work to get through it,” he said.
The Dubs are intent on biting back in a repeat of last year’s final, which they lost narrowly in a thrilling decider at Drumlish.
“The challenge we got last year from Dublin was the toughest game we played in a long time.”
Former team-mates from the glory days of the Noughties, Conor Gormley and Ciaran Gourley, add further class and experience to the Tyrone challenge, but there’s a high level of quality throughout the team.
“Some of them weren’t lucky enough to play at county level, but they have always been brilliant club players, and they’re now getting that chance,” said O’Neill.
“And they have kept themselves in really good shape, so they’re getting their just rewards now.
“It’s a great chance to win an All-Ireland title.”
Dedication to the cause reflects the serious approach taken by the successful teams to Masters football, and a demanding training regime has brought fitness levels in the Tyrone squad to a peak ahead of this weekend’s title challenge.
“If you look at any of the teams that are doing well in the Masters, they’re all in good shape.
“Apparently the Dublin team do a bleep test at the start of the year, and anybody that can’t hit a certain level, they’re out.
“The Tyrone lads train hard and they’re in good shape, and a lot of them are still playing club reserve and some boys playing club senior.
“It’s a big more easy-going, which is good at this age. Training is tough, but it’s enjoyable, and there’s a good bunch of lads there who are putting their shoulder to the wheel and really enjoying it.”
O’Neill has been troubled by a hamstring niggle, and had to go off during the first half of the semi-final win over Clare, bit he expects to be fully fit for Saturday’s clash with Dublin.
“I was playing with the club and gave the hamstring a wee twinge, but it’s not too bad and hopefully it will be okay.”
Wing back Liam Patterson is also available again, after missing the semi-final due to a broken hand.
