'It takes a community to field a team, and you are that community' - Daniel McCauley

Naomh Pádraig, Uisce Chaoin manager Daniel McCauley has delivered a powerful and heartfelt message to the community ahead of his team’s historic All-Ireland Junior Football Championship final this Saturday.

As the Donegal club prepares to take on An Ceathru Rua of Galway at Croke Park, McCauley has paid tribute to the supporters, volunteers, and loved ones who have been the cornerstone of the team’s journey.

McCauley began by acknowledging the deep bonds that tie the club and community together.

“You are our families, our neighbours, our workmates, schoolmates, relations, and our friends. We appreciate deeply the sacrifices so many of you have made over the years, and in recent days, that we might get to play football and wear the Blue and Yellow,” he said.

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Reflecting on the collective effort that has propelled the team to this pinnacle, McCauley acknowledged the myriad ways in which the community has contributed — from driving players to training sessions and matches to providing financial support through purchasing gear and participating in fundraisers.

“Without you driving us to training and matches, paying our subs, buying us boots, socks, shorts, and jerseys, buying the club Lotto, the National Draw tickets, and many of your businesses sponsoring us with your hard-earned money, this amazing journey would never have happened.”

McCauley also took time to acknowledge the tireless work of volunteers who have kept the club running over the years. “To those of you who have given us your time over the years — our managers, coaches, mentors, drivers, tea makers, pitch liners, umpires, gatekeepers, grass cutters, club officers — we know that without your personal efforts, this amazing journey would never have got started,” he said.

In a poignant moment, McCauley remembered those who have passed away during the team's journey, specifically mentioning the families of Evan Craig and Maurice McMenamin. He conveyed that the memories of these individuals continue to inspire the team, and they carry these memories with them into the final.

“To all those who have lost loved ones while we have journeyed on, thinking particularly of Evan and Maurice’s families, know that whatever bit of light this team can bring to the darkness, we will bring it. It’s the memories of those gone before us that drive us on, and we carry those memories with us again this weekend.

“When we run out in Croke Park on Saturday, we are not just a team of 15 or a panel of 30, we are a community of thousands, and we are all in this together. They say it takes a village to raise a child; well, it takes a community to field a football team, and you are that fantastic community.

“Be proud of yourselves on Saturday. We might be a small Parish, but we have huge hearts. Wear the colours, fly the flags, and roar us on to Victory. When we are under pressure, lift us; when we tire, push us; and when we score, cheer us.”

Naomh Pádraig’s journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. In the semi-final against Cork’s Kilmurry, the Donegal side showed incredible resilience to emerge victorious after a dramatic penalty shootout, following a 1-13 to 2-10 draw. Now, they face An Ceathru Rua in what promises to be an unforgettable encounter with Naomh Padraig becoming the first Donegal club side to play an All-Ireland club final in GAA headquarters.

The manager concluded his message with a call to action and a sense of optimism, saying, “We leave Ture tonight as Donegal and Ulster Champions, and with your support, we will return on Saturday as All Ireland Champions. There’s Only One Evan Craig, Naomh Pádraig Abú!”