I had worked with Marty Dunne, Paul O’Hea and Aidan Cleary when managing Queens so it was easy to chip in where I knew people. My first introduction was watching them play Glack in the Junior/Intermediate promotion game. As I stood watching beside Paul O’Hea Senior and witnessed his vocal torture of the poor referee I knew these city folks weren’t much different to what I had come from in Saul. I’d fit right in!
Gaelic Games are part of my DNA and the people of Pairc Brid were the same. I had never envisaged leaving my home club but life often takes you down different paths and in the end I was more than happy to follow the one that involved my now wife heading back home to Derry with me in tow!
I’ll always be grateful for the opportunities my time as a player and manager of Steelstown Brian Ogs has afforded me. The painful memories of losing the likes of Brian Og, Charlene and Brian Cooper Snr have been tempered with some wonderful memories like the '06 minor semi-final against Kilrea, winning promotion to senior football, our first victory in the Senior Championship against current John McLaughlin Cup holders, Magherafelt, and above all, meeting some terrific people.
I know there’ll be a few raised eyebrows on my selection but here goes!
1. CORNER-BACK: Mickey McKinney
Mickey 'Fridge' is now known for his forward skills but for years he was a corner back, even playing in an All Ireland Final in this position. The fact I could have easily picked him in three different positions in this team just highlights what a talent he is and continues to be. | jpimedia Photo: Derry Journal
2. FULL-BACK: Kevin Lindsay
It's hard to believe he has Tyrone blood in him as he's a true gentleman! lol Was always assigned the job of marking the opposition's danger man and came out on top more often than not. | jpimedia Photo: Derry Journal
3. CORNER-BACK: Mick Moore
Pace, tenacity and ability, all in abundance. Worked so well in the way we wanted to play as he was excellent at breaking out from the back to set up attacks. | jpimedia Photo: Derry Journal
4. HALF-BACK: Neil Forester
I landed on my feet when I arrived here as this lad was coming of age. As a Minor he played in midfield, regardless of his size. Tore teams apart with his pace and direct running. A pleasure to manage. Superb. | jpimedia Photo: Derry Journal