Eugene McKenna
Encyclopedia
Eugene McKenna is a retired Gaelic football
er, and former Tyrone
manager. With three All Stars
, three Ulster Senior Football Championship
medals as a player, two as a manager to his name, and his guiding of Tyrone to their first all-Ireland triumph, the 2002 National League
, he is often considered a legend of Tyrone football.
His son Niall won the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship
with Tyrone in 2008. Niall played midfield for the Tyrone Minors. This has led many Tyrone supporters to hope that they might have another Eugene McKenna in their ranks.
, Plunkett Donaghy
, Frank McGuigan
and John Lynch
.
Eugene started his playing career with Augher St. Macartans, a small club in the south of Tyrone. He achieved great success with Augher, such as winning the Tyrone County Championship and captaining them twice on this occasion.
In 1986, he led Tyrone to their first ever All-Ireland Final
, against the much-fancied Kerry
, who were going for their third title in a row. Tyrone gained a massive seven-point lead during the second half, but a missed penalty dented their confidence, and McKenna had to be replaced due to injury. Tyrone then suffered a heavy defeat to the experienced Kerrymen, with the score ending 2-15 to 1-10 (21 points to 13).
He won the Ulster Championship again in 1989, although this time he was under the skippership of Plunkett Donaghy
. Tyrone defeated Donegal
in a replayed final.
McKenna won three All-Star awards
during his career, in 1984, 1986 and 1989, making him Tyrone's most prolific representative, until the emergence of Peter Canavan
in the mid nineties.
, guiding the team to its second sustained spell of success. This began in 1994, with Tyrone reaching the Ulster Final
, although they lost to Down
. Down went on to win the All-Ireland Final, to continue a streak of four Ulster teams winning the accolade in a row.
In 1995, Tyrone won the Ulster Championship, including winning a heated encounter against Derry
, where they came back from five points down, despite having two players sent off. In the Ulster Final, against Cavan
, McKenna's substitutes both scored goals, and Tyrone comfortably won the match by nine points. When Adrian Cush
scored the second goal with less than two minutes remaining, the jubilant Tyrone fans (who were already lining the pitch) initiated a premature pitch invasion. However, they quickly broke, avoiding the possibility of the match being abandoned.
In the next game, the All-Ireland Semi-Final, Tyrone beat Galway
, with an emerging Peter Canavan
leading the team with a personal tally of 1-07. It had only been the second time Tyrone had won the Semi-Final, the first being in 1986, when McKenna was captain.
In the All-Ireland Final against Dublin
, Tyrone took an early lead, just as they had in 1986, but the Dubs fought back, and ended up winning the match by a single point, 1-10 to 0-12. Peter Canavan had scored eleven points that day, but still ended up on the losing side. Tyrone fans remember the final with bitter taste, due to a controversial decision by referee Paddy Russell. With seconds remaining, and Tyrone down by a point, Russell adjudged Canavan to have touched the ball in the ground, when he was passing it to team-mate Sean McLaughlin. McLaughlin put the ball over the bar, but the point was not counted.
In 1996, Tyrone again won the Ulster Championship, beating Down
in the Final. The match is probably best remembered for the two great saves by Tyrone goalkeeper Finbar McConnell.
In the semi-final, Tyrone lost to Meath
. Tyrone fans remember this match because of the perceived "dirty" tactics by Meath. Several of Tyrone's key players sustained injuries in that match, including Peter Canavan, who subsequently found out he had been playing with a broken foot. Brian Dooher
and Cairan McBride both had their heads heavily bandaged during the match. McKenna and McRory's hands were tied, because they had used up their tally of three substitutions.
After defeat in the semi-final, McKenna and McRory stepped down, only to return again in 2000. They won another Ulster Championship in 2001, and led Tyrone to National League success for the first time in their history (and the first All-Ireland Senior title Tyrone had ever won), but they were replaced in 2002 after a disappointing loss in the Championship to an unfancied Sligo
. There is speculation that the departure was acrimonious, and the Tyrone Board offered a public apology to McKenna. The vacancy, however, paved the way for Mickey Harte
who has surpassed McKenna's achievements as manager since taking over, by winning the All-Ireland.
Since leaving the Tyrone manager's spot he has become heavenly involved in his local GAA club (Donaghmore St Patricks). He has guided the youth teams in Donahghmore to great success. In 2008 Eugene became manager of the Donaghmore senior team after the departure of Joe Faloon
Gaelic football
Gaelic football , commonly referred to as "football" or "Gaelic", or "Gah" is a form of football played mainly in Ireland...
er, and former Tyrone
Tyrone GAA
The Tyrone County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Tyrone GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Tyrone. The county board is also responsible for the Tyrone inter-county teams....
manager. With three All Stars
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
, three Ulster Senior Football Championship
Ulster Senior Football Championship
For information on this years competition, see Ulster Senior Football Championship 2011-2010 Draw:-2009 Draw:-2008 Draw:-Top winners:* All-Ireland winning years in bold.-Roll of honour:Notes:* 1907 No final result in records...
medals as a player, two as a manager to his name, and his guiding of Tyrone to their first all-Ireland triumph, the 2002 National League
National Football League (Ireland)
The National Football League is a Gaelic football tournament held annually between the county teams of Ireland, under the auspices of the Gaelic Athletic Association. The prize for the winning team is the New Ireland Cup, presented by the New Ireland Assurance Company...
, he is often considered a legend of Tyrone football.
His son Niall won the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship
All-Ireland Minor Football Championship
The All-Ireland Minor Football Championship is the premier "knockout" competition for under-18 competitors of the game of Gaelic football played in Ireland...
with Tyrone in 2008. Niall played midfield for the Tyrone Minors. This has led many Tyrone supporters to hope that they might have another Eugene McKenna in their ranks.
Playing career
McKenna was the captain of a star-studded Tyrone team in the mid-eighties, which included All Star winnersGAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
, Plunkett Donaghy
Plunkett Donaghy
Plunkett Donaghy is a former Tyrone Gaelic footballer. He won three Ulster Senior Football Championship medals and an All Star in 1986. He lives in The Moy, Co. Tyrone.-Background:...
, Frank McGuigan
Frank McGuigan
Frank McGuigan is a former Tyrone Gaelic footballer and father of current Tyrone player, Brian McGuigan. Despite his playing career being cut short by a car crash, which broke his leg, he is considered a legend in Tyrone football, alongside players such as Frankie Donnelly and Peter Canavan.He is...
and John Lynch
John Lynch (GAA)
John Lynch is a former Tyrone Gaelic footballer, and All Star winner, who played in Tyrone's first ever All-Ireland Final in 1986.He also represented Ireland in an early rendition of the International Rules Series...
.
Eugene started his playing career with Augher St. Macartans, a small club in the south of Tyrone. He achieved great success with Augher, such as winning the Tyrone County Championship and captaining them twice on this occasion.
In 1986, he led Tyrone to their first ever All-Ireland Final
All-Ireland Senior Football Championship
The All-Ireland Senior Football Championship, the premier competition in Gaelic football, is a series of games organised by the Gaelic Athletic Association and played during the summer and early autumn...
, against the much-fancied Kerry
Kerry GAA
The Kerry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Kerry...
, who were going for their third title in a row. Tyrone gained a massive seven-point lead during the second half, but a missed penalty dented their confidence, and McKenna had to be replaced due to injury. Tyrone then suffered a heavy defeat to the experienced Kerrymen, with the score ending 2-15 to 1-10 (21 points to 13).
He won the Ulster Championship again in 1989, although this time he was under the skippership of Plunkett Donaghy
Plunkett Donaghy
Plunkett Donaghy is a former Tyrone Gaelic footballer. He won three Ulster Senior Football Championship medals and an All Star in 1986. He lives in The Moy, Co. Tyrone.-Background:...
. Tyrone defeated Donegal
Donegal GAA
The Donegal County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Donegal GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Donegal. The county board is also responsible for the Donegal inter-county teams.Gaelic football is strongest in the...
in a replayed final.
McKenna won three All-Star awards
GAA All Stars Awards
The All Stars Awards, currently sponsored by Vodafone, are given annually since 1971 by the Gaelic Athletic Association to the best player in each of the fifteen positions in Gaelic football and Hurling in Ireland. Additionally, one player in each code is selected as the player of the year...
during his career, in 1984, 1986 and 1989, making him Tyrone's most prolific representative, until the emergence of Peter Canavan
Peter Canavan
Peter Canavan is manager of Fermanagh and an Irish former Gaelic football player for Tyrone, and is one of the most decorated players in the game's history, winning two All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals, six GAA All Stars Awards , four provincial titles, and two National Leagues and...
in the mid nineties.
Management career
After he retired from playing football, McKenna joined his longtime manager, Art McRoryArt McRory
Art McRory is a former Tyrone Gaelic football Manager. The Dungannon man was manager on and off for nearly twenty five years, leading Tyrone to their first two periods of relative success - the All-Ireland Finals of 1986 and 1995...
, guiding the team to its second sustained spell of success. This began in 1994, with Tyrone reaching the Ulster Final
Ulster Senior Football Championship
For information on this years competition, see Ulster Senior Football Championship 2011-2010 Draw:-2009 Draw:-2008 Draw:-Top winners:* All-Ireland winning years in bold.-Roll of honour:Notes:* 1907 No final result in records...
, although they lost to Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
. Down went on to win the All-Ireland Final, to continue a streak of four Ulster teams winning the accolade in a row.
In 1995, Tyrone won the Ulster Championship, including winning a heated encounter against Derry
Derry GAA
The Derry County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Derry GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland. It is responsible for Gaelic games in the GAA county of Derry, which covers virtually the same territory as the former administrative county of Londonderry...
, where they came back from five points down, despite having two players sent off. In the Ulster Final, against Cavan
Cavan GAA
The Cavan County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Cavan GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Cavan...
, McKenna's substitutes both scored goals, and Tyrone comfortably won the match by nine points. When Adrian Cush
Adrian Cush
Adrian Cush is a former Gaelic footballer for Tyrone. He was part of the panel that played in Tyrone's second ever All-Ireland Final in 1995, and has enjoyed immense success on the underage scene....
scored the second goal with less than two minutes remaining, the jubilant Tyrone fans (who were already lining the pitch) initiated a premature pitch invasion. However, they quickly broke, avoiding the possibility of the match being abandoned.
In the next game, the All-Ireland Semi-Final, Tyrone beat Galway
Galway GAA
The Galway County Boards of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Galway GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Galway. The county boards are also responsible for the Galway inter-county teams.Unlike all other counties in Ireland,...
, with an emerging Peter Canavan
Peter Canavan
Peter Canavan is manager of Fermanagh and an Irish former Gaelic football player for Tyrone, and is one of the most decorated players in the game's history, winning two All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals, six GAA All Stars Awards , four provincial titles, and two National Leagues and...
leading the team with a personal tally of 1-07. It had only been the second time Tyrone had won the Semi-Final, the first being in 1986, when McKenna was captain.
In the All-Ireland Final against Dublin
Dublin GAA
Dublin County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association , or Dublin GAA, is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Dublin. The county board is also responsible for the Dublin inter-county teams...
, Tyrone took an early lead, just as they had in 1986, but the Dubs fought back, and ended up winning the match by a single point, 1-10 to 0-12. Peter Canavan had scored eleven points that day, but still ended up on the losing side. Tyrone fans remember the final with bitter taste, due to a controversial decision by referee Paddy Russell. With seconds remaining, and Tyrone down by a point, Russell adjudged Canavan to have touched the ball in the ground, when he was passing it to team-mate Sean McLaughlin. McLaughlin put the ball over the bar, but the point was not counted.
In 1996, Tyrone again won the Ulster Championship, beating Down
Down GAA
The Down County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Down GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Down...
in the Final. The match is probably best remembered for the two great saves by Tyrone goalkeeper Finbar McConnell.
In the semi-final, Tyrone lost to Meath
Meath GAA
The Meath County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Meath GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Meath, as well as for Meath inter-county teams.- Pre-1960s :...
. Tyrone fans remember this match because of the perceived "dirty" tactics by Meath. Several of Tyrone's key players sustained injuries in that match, including Peter Canavan, who subsequently found out he had been playing with a broken foot. Brian Dooher
Brian Dooher
Brian Dooher is an Irish Gaelic footballer who was a member for Tyrone between 1995 and 2011.He has won three All-Ireland Senior Football Championship medals, five Ulster Senior Football Championship and two National League titles with the county...
and Cairan McBride both had their heads heavily bandaged during the match. McKenna and McRory's hands were tied, because they had used up their tally of three substitutions.
After defeat in the semi-final, McKenna and McRory stepped down, only to return again in 2000. They won another Ulster Championship in 2001, and led Tyrone to National League success for the first time in their history (and the first All-Ireland Senior title Tyrone had ever won), but they were replaced in 2002 after a disappointing loss in the Championship to an unfancied Sligo
Sligo GAA
The Sligo County Board of the Gaelic Athletic Association or Sligo GAA is one of the 32 county boards of the GAA in Ireland, and is responsible for Gaelic games in County Sligo...
. There is speculation that the departure was acrimonious, and the Tyrone Board offered a public apology to McKenna. The vacancy, however, paved the way for Mickey Harte
Mickey Harte
Michael "Mickey" Harte is the current manager of Tyrone Gaelic football team. He has led the team to three All-Ireland titles, three Ulster titles, one National League, and four Dr...
who has surpassed McKenna's achievements as manager since taking over, by winning the All-Ireland.
Since leaving the Tyrone manager's spot he has become heavenly involved in his local GAA club (Donaghmore St Patricks). He has guided the youth teams in Donahghmore to great success. In 2008 Eugene became manager of the Donaghmore senior team after the departure of Joe Faloon