Naomh Padraig captain Dermot Keaveney says ‘This Ulster win is for Evan Craig’
“We were hurting so much as a squad. We wanted nothing more than to get Evan his county medal. We did that and now this, he’ll be so, so proud. We’ve got him the medals he deserved".
Skipper Dermot Keaveney has dedicated Naomh Padraig, Uisce Chaoin’s amazing Ulster JFC title win to the late Evan Craig.
The Inishowen side was left devastated back in September following the sad passing of their friend and teammate.
However, the manner in which they’ve honured his memory has been truly stunning. A first Donegal JFC title win and now this, an Ulster crown.
Prior to lifting the cup after their enthralling 3-7 to 1-12 win over Derry’s Craigbane in Celtic Park, Keaveney read out a poem he’d specially prepared to remind those present just how much they’ve carried Evan’s memory in their hearts over the last number of months.
“It’s hard to sum that all up - it’s kinda overwhelming really,” said Keaveney after. “The county title was such a massive thing.
“But you know what, we celebrated but got together pretty quickly after and decided to give this a real rattle. We knew we were good enough and the belief was there.
“It’s amazing, what a day for the parish. The scenes there really are just amazing”.
In relation to Evan Craig and just how potent the impact his passing has had on the club, Keaveney said: “It’s there all the time and he never leaves the group’s thoughts.
“We were hurting so much as a squad. We wanted nothing more than to get Evan his county medal. We did that and now this, he’ll be so, so proud. We’ve got him the medals he deserved.
“He was a huge part of this side when we started out under Dan a few years ago. We did it for Evan in the county final and we did it again today - this is all for him”.