This is what the GAA is all about.
They’re proud Gaels up in Derry and they take their tradition very, very seriously. So much so that the celebrations for a first championship win in 28 years have to be cut short so obligations outside of playing football can be taken care of.
Magilligan, a club right on the north coast, won the Junior Football Championship on Sunday for the first time since 1988 when they edged out Drum by a single point in the decider at Celtic Park. But the cows will still be milked, don’t worry about that.
.@MagilliganGAC captain Michael McLaughlin confirms 'there definitely won't be a sandcastle built on Benone for at least a week.' Congrats! pic.twitter.com/je7LoEgTKi
— Derry GAA (@Doiregaa) October 16, 2016
The match had it all. Passion, drama, missed chances and two sets of fans engrossed in the junior final like it was all that mattered; like there wasn’t anything else to be done that Sunday, never mind another game taking place straight after.
The elements just made it all the more epic.
The torrential rain was no dampener of spirits for the @MagilliganGAC supporters after their long awaited victory today pic.twitter.com/8rWnu3ZnXJ
— Mary K Burke (@MKBurke1) October 16, 2016
Then, you have a legend of the club, playing in goals for what feels like forever now, and he’s rushed off out of the celebrations so he can join the parade for the senior football final.
Michael Doherty, @MagilliganGAC goalkeeper, puts the #DerryJFC celebrations on hold to lead the parade for the senior final. #DerrySFC pic.twitter.com/iZ0DN8sM3j
— Derry GAA (@Doiregaa) October 16, 2016
Michael Doherty, a player and coach with Coleraine FC in the Irish League, joined St. Mary’s band before he could even change out of his club gear and he had the thousands in attendance at Celtic Park marching to the beat of his drum.
Great to see StMarys band with proud @MagilliganGAC member @Doiregaa final #Magilligan #GAA pic.twitter.com/o6NVq3nmlq
— Ciarán Toner 😷 (@CjToner) October 16, 2016
Slaughtneil went on to clinch their third successive championship title with a comprehensive win over Loup – that was only their fourth ever.
Michael Doherty, you’d hope at least, went on to celebrate with his team mates.
‘Keeper, coach, drummer.
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