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!
13. FULL FORWARD: Mark Foley
It's not a myth, he actually is as slow as he looks! Would have been my worst nightmare to mark as he frustrates every defender who picks him up. Always wins his own ball and often got us over the line with his dead ball expertise. | jpimedia Photo: Derry Journal
14. FULL-FORWARD: Dan Jackson
One of very few out and out forwards we produced and often operated with very little support up there but caused havoc in open space with direct running, his pace and his ability to take a score. | jpimedia Photo: Derry Journal
15. SUB: Eamon Donnelly
This must be first time I didnt start Donnelly when fit which tells us how good a player he is. Revels in being public enemy No. 1 with opposition teams. Always produced the goods when needed. Very unlucky not to be in first 15 | jpimedia Photo: Derry Journal
16. SUB: James Jackson
The Wee Man is a real character but he was also a damn fine player. Strong off either side, won every type of ball in and brought a tonne of frees. Id say Foley owes him big time for a huge percentage of his scores. | jpimedia Photo: Derry Journal