News: Defender of the 'Castle
Date: Thursday 26th April 2006

Damien shines in St. Patrick's All-Ireland triumph

CROKE Park has witnessed many extraordinary Tyrone triumphs since the turn of the Millennium, the exploits of Micky Harte's men probably the most famous and those of Omagh CBS the most recent. Sandwiched in between though were the superb deeds of Greencastle St Patricks.

It's now seven weeks since Sean Teague's all-conquering troops made history by becoming the first Red Hand club side to annex an All-Ireland title, overturning an interval deficit to get the better of Kerry champions Duagh in a pulsating Junior decider at Headquarters 0-13 to 0-12.

Life has just about got back to normal for the squad who quite rightly were showered with glowing praise from all quarters after putting the unsung North Tyrone club on the footballing map.

Man of the match in the All-Ireland Final was left corner back Damien O'Hagan, who produced a tremendously resilient and inspiring display to help shut down the Duagh attack. His efforts on that never- to be forgotten Saturday evening have helped earn the 19-year old the Ulster Herald Sports Personality of the Month Award for March.

Despite shipping an early knock to the head which would have sidelined many a player, Damien bounced back to his feet and played a storming role in the 'Castle's wonderful breakthrough success.

He acknowledged that the scenes witnessed when they returned home to a heroes reception in the normally tranquil village will live long in the memory.

" It was unbelievable, to bring an All-Ireland trophy back to Greencastle was something none of us could have dreamt about. The celebrations must have lasted about two weeks and there certainly wasn't much work done for a while."

A journey that began with modest targets for Division Three progress in their own domestic league reached an amazing climax thanks to that glorious Croke Park victory. The final was a real nip and tuck affair and at times the signs weren't encouraging for Greencastle. Through it all however they managed to maintain that composure and sheer resolve which so epitomised their entire campaign.

" There was only a point or two in it most of the way, but we had plenty of championship matches like that over the past few months and that definitely stood to us. We kept playing our football and kept our composure and thankfully things worked out for us."

Tyrone's highest club is certainly riding high on the pitch this weather, and that success story continued unabated last weekend when Edan Clarke (Omagh CBS), together with Barry McNulty, Conor Carson and Barry McGarvey (Tyrone Vocationals) clinched further All-Ireland medals at schools level. All this and the 2007 football season is still to get into full swing. Damien says that the future looks positive for Greencastle such was the quality of youngsters coming through the youth ranks.

" The team that won the All-Ireland had a few experienced heads on board but in the main it was a young side so touch wood they'll be around competing for honours for a few years yet. It was great also to see the boys do well with the school sides last weekend and to see Greencastle so well represented. That was another boost for us."

Looking ahead rather than back, Damien stated that Greencastle could not afford to continue dwelling in the recent past, despite the glorious recollections of Croke Park. Tough task-master Sean Teague wouldn't afford them that luxury.

" The league is underway now so we are back to the real bread and butter. It's tough enough I suppose after the real high of playing at Croke Park but we all realise how important it is to try and stay in Division Two this season. With the league changing next year only the top six are safe and Sean has made that our goal. We have to try and put the All-Ireland win at the back of our minds."

Damien was one of the mainstays of the Dean Brian Maguirc, Carrickmore side which claimed the U-14 Vocational Schools McDevitt Cup title back in 2002, where his battling never-say die spirit also came to the fore.

Not one to single out individuals, his club manager Sean Teague paid him the ultimate accolade after the All-Ireland Final.

" Damien O'Hagan was the man. To get a crack in the head like he did early on and finish the game is something else. He was hurting but you don't tell him to come off and especially not in an All-Ireland Final at Croke Park."