Never forget where you’re coming from.
James McClean is a soccer man and he’s a fine soccer man. He plays with more passion for his country than any of us would ever threaten to but, more than that, he is a proud Derry man. He’s a Creggan man.
As a sportsperson representing his parish with distinction, he would never therefore pass up the opportunity to don the Séan Dolan’s GAC geansaí and go to battle with his fellow Creggan natives on GAA fields all over the county.
He hasn’t let go of those memories or those feelings.
It’s been a tough period for his old club who had their clubhouse burnt down in an arson attack at the end of 2011 and since had to play without even a home pitch until they returned last season.
Boys like James McClean helped them through, the Derry man sponsoring the team’s new senior kit for one.
“The club would like to thank former Seán Dolan’s player James McClean for offering to sponsor a new team kit for the senior team,” the club statement read last year.
“Fair play James for not forgetting your roots and thanks very much.”
This weekend though, Dolan’s has lifted off its knees once more.
A new clubhouse, new facilities and tournaments aplenty for the Gaels of Derry was put on show during the club’s new opening weekend as Creggan opened its gates to the GAA again and the place is booming once more.
So much so that West Bromwich Albion’s finest couldn’t resist a trip back.
The photos are from Brian O’Donnell over on the Séan Dolan’s Facebook page. And, well, it’s safe to say the surprise went down a treat.
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