Hall of Fame Award: 'King, one of Cavan’s greatest'
The supporters had waited long enough for it and the captain didn’t disappoint. After 28 years without winning the Ulster Senior Football Championship, Cavan finally managed it, holding off Derry to win by a point on July 20, 1997 on that never-to-be-forgotten, sub-baked afternoon in Clones.
And concluding an iconic winning speech, the Cavan captain, Stephen King, sent the tens of thousands in attendance wild when he issued the rallying cry, “The Anglo-Celt Cup is coming home!”
It was a speech worthy of the occasion, and of the man. In many ways, King was the public face of the team and was commonly associated with Cavan football by onlookers throughout the land.
That was for a number of reasons – first, his longevity (Stephen made his debut in 1979 and was still there, patrolling the middle third, 18 years on) and also, his consistent excellence.
Watch Stephen in action here
In what was at times a difficult era for Cavan football, during which other counties in Ulster were winning titles and making breakthroughs, King was one of those who shone like a beacon. The big midfielder was known for his high fielding, his physicality and refusal to back down. He was the leader and this was recognised when manager Martin McHugh made him captain.
Even at 35, the amiable Leaguers clubman was still performing at a high level and his experience and nous had a calming influence on a team with many young players, fresh out of the underage ranks.
And while 1997 will forever be remembered as the high point of a fine career, there were many other notable achievements. Stephen represented Ireland in the Compromise Rules and lined out for Ulster in the Railway Cup, taking his place among his peers, the leading footballers in the province and the country.
With his club, he won Intermediate Championships in 1986 and 1991, dominating the latter match with an extraordinary individual display at midfield, highlighted by three wonderful points in a 0-9 to 0-6 win over Munterconnaught.
The popular Stephen is a familiar sight at Cavan and Killeshandra matches and managed the Leaguers to an Intermediate Championship title in 2013. He retains a great affinity with Cavan teams at all levels and is a very deserving winner of our Hall of Fame award.