He usually played in midfield.[1] He was shorter than most midfielders,[1] but made up for this with his excellent spring and catching abilities,[1][2] which drew McGuinness comparisons with Jim McKeever.[1][2] Along with his ability to out-jump bigger opponents was his capability to score long-range points[1] and his free-running play was described as a "nightmare for defenders".[2]
McGuinness is known as one of Derry's best ever players.[2] Along with Mickey McNaught, he has been described as one of the two best ever players to come from Derry City.[1]
Personal life
McGuinness was born in Derry City[1] on 15 May 1949, to Peggy and William McGuinness, and grew up just 50 yards from Celtic Park.[3] He was educated at the Christian Brothers School in the city. McGuinness had one sister, Geraldine, and five brothers: John, William, Paul, Declan and Martin, the latter being a prominent Sinn Féin politician and former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland.
Playing career
Club
McGuinness started his club career with Sarsfield's in Derry City.[1] He later played for Sean O'Leary's Newbridge.[1] He had much success[1] with the club, winning the Derry Senior Football Championship on ? occasions. When the Steelstown club started up in Derry City he made a playing comeback, lending his experience to the younger players.[1] He also was manager of Steelstown for a period.[1]
Inter-county
McGuinness first came to prominence as part of the Derry Under-21 side that won both the Ulster Under-21 and All-Ireland Under-21 Football Championships in 1968.[1] He played in midfield alongside Seamus Lagan.[1] Having reached the Ulster Under-21 final, they beat Monaghan. In the All-Ireland semi-final Derry defeated a fancied Kerry team with ease.[1] In the All-Ireland final Derry met Offaly in Croke Park and won 3–09 to 1–09.[1] The success was Derry's first ever All-Ireland Under-21 title.
That same year McGuinness made his debut for the Derry Senior team on 9 June 1968 against Down.[1] He soon established himself on the Senior team and became a long-time midfield partner of Larry Diamond.[1] In 1970 McGuinness helped Derry win the Ulster Senior Football Championship,[1] overcoming Antrim in the final. Derry met Kerry in the All-Ireland semi-final, but were defeated.
In 1975 McGuinness and Derry again won the Ulster Championship,[1] this time with victory over Down. They were however beaten by Dublin in the subsequent All-Ireland semi-final. They defended their Ulster title in 1976,[1] beating Cavan in the final after a replay. Once again Derry lost in the All-Ireland semi-final, this time to Kerry.
McGuinness made his last Derry appearance on 8 June 1980 against Down – a day less than 12 years since his debut.[1]
^ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz"Derry Greats – Tom McGuinness". Red Hand View – Tyrone vs Derry (National League Division 1 Round 6 programme). A-Star Design. 28 March 2009.