News: Greencastle celebrates a famous victory
Date: 15th March 2007

BY RONAN McSHERRY

THE parish of Greencastle is still celebrating the most incredible odyssey that concluded with Noel Conway being presented with

the All-Ireland Junior cup in the Hogan Stand at Croke Park. It doesn't come much bigger as St Patrick's GFC became the first side from Tyrone to win an All Ireland club title.

After the victory, players, selectors and supporters made their way to the Regency Hotel at the airport, cup in hand for a post-match meal and revelry that lasted into the early hours of the morning.

Indeed, it was not just Greencastle folk who filled the hotel as members of surrounding clubs went to Croke Park to cheer on their neighbours.

The following morning the team coach led a cavalcade of cars back to Tyrone. They blew their horns and waved green and white flags all the way to the O'Neill county stopping for a half hour in Carrickmacross for refreshments.

In the time-honoured tradition, the team disembarked the coach as the captain carried the coveted trophy across the border into Tyrone.

They were met by a delegation from the Aughnacloy club and paid their respects at the memorial to Aidan McAnespie, a local GAA player shot dead by the British Army while on his way to attend a club game in 1988.

The people of Greencastle have been touched by the goodwill shown to their team as they became champions of Ireland. Mickey Clarke whose sons Emmet, Enda and Aidan, graced Croke Park on Saturday evening said, "We received a wonderful reception from GAA officials and players in Aughnacloy, Ballygawley and Carrickmore. We really appreciate that."

The procession carried on to the crossroads at Greencastle where they were met by young and old filled with joy at their youth's momentous achievement. Mickey added, "It was very emotional. We went up to the club afterwards and the team paraded through the ground behind the Martin Hurson Memorial Flute Band. Sean Teague, chairman Pat Clarke and Sean Clarke club secretary addressed the crowd as well as county board chairman Pat Darcy. Afterwards there was a meal followed by music and festivities."

The feeling of being All-Ireland champions will take a while to sink in around Greencastle. Mickey continued, "It is unbelievable. It is a a completely different feeling than Tyrone winning the All Ireland.

"When the county won it, you were one in 100,000 this is part of a community of 1,000. It is a different type of pride."

West Tyrone MLA Barry McElduff, former Carrickmore player, attended the game and the homecoming reception on Monday. He said, "It was one of the most memorable days ever for a Tyrone person in Croke Park.

The standard of football was terrific and it was a privilege to be in Croke Park, the day Greencastle won the All-Ireland final."

While paying tribute to all the players and management, the Sinn Féin councillor had a special word for corner-back Damian O'Hagan, "His performance typified Greencastle's attitude.

"It was very poignant for everyone in the community and we are very proud of him and the rest of the team.

"They carried with them the goodwill of the whole Tyrone GAA community."

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