Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin honour their promise to ‘get Evan Craig his medals’ 

Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin celebrated an unprecedented season of success on Sunday night but at the heart of it all was the emotional handover of Evan Craig’s medals. 

Daniel McCauley’s side blazed a trail right through the junior ranks of Donegal and Ulster before falling agonisingly short in the Al-Ireland final, at Croke Park, against Galway’s An Chearthrú Rua. 

Still, a promise made in the depths of winter in late 2023 culminated in spectacular fashion right throughout 2024 and into 2025

After losing their teammate and friend Evan, at just 24-years-of-age, to cancer in September last year, Naomh Pádraig Uisce Chaoin rallied to win a first-ever senior adult title in the county. 

They’d then bring their previous pledge to honour Evan’s memory to the dizzy heights of an Ulster title victory as they defeated Craigbane of Derry 3-17 to 1-23 in Celtic Park. 

An amazing All-Ireland semi-final performance that needed extra-time and penalties at Parnell Park against Kilmurry of Cork, meant they’d also secure a historic day out on Jones Road.

However, on an afternoon where the bounce of the ball and some questionable refereeing decisions went against them, they came up agonisingly short by just a single point. 

Still, it was an amazing journey that captivated the entire county and, indeed, beyond. And at the weekend they gathered in An Grianan Hotel for a very special dinner dance. 

And as they collected their medals haul, pride of place during that emotional ceremony went to Joe Craig as he picked up his late son Evan’s Donegal and Ulster awards. 

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