Irreplaceable

They always say that nobody is indispensable but the void that is left behind by the announcement that twin brothers, John and Tony McEntee, have retired from club football with Crossmaglen Rangers is irreplaceable. 

The many attributes the 32-year -old twins brought with them both on and off the field made them role models for any aspiring young footballer.

In a 14 year senior career with Crossmaglen, the medal haul was immense – four All-Ireland club medals, six Ulster club championships and a national equalling record of 13 Armagh championships in a row is quite a return.  Throw in six Ulster championships, one National League title and one All-Ireland medal in 2002 with Armagh, it is easy to see that there is an awful lot of footballing miles in those legs.

They both retired from inter-county football in 2007.

Ironically it was the greatest attribute that they brought to a team – their versatility, which was to rob them of what would be crowning glory – All-Star recognition.

The duo at some stage must have lined out in every position in the field except in goals. Their value is truly reflected in the words of club and county team mate Oisin McConville who had this to say

“They will never be replaced, never truly replaced. You will never again find two players of such quality and integrity. They were a shining example to anyone who aspired to play any sport. I can see a number of young lads coming through our club and they would have looked up to John and Tony as role models. The greatest legacy they can leave is that young people will strive to live up to the standards they have set.”

Stars from an early age, they continued to shine at every level they played at, but their modesty and manner never altered with all the success and acclaim that came their way. The real treasure that they leave behind is the pleasure they brought to football followers throughout the country by the way they played the game and conducted themselves in both victory and defeat.