Marius McHugh

Castlederg GFC Memories

I remember the day I broke my leg in San Francisco Park
As I lay there on the ground the memories I took a journey back
I thought about the days gone by in the fields of West Tyrone
When I wore the Castlederg jersey, sure it,s not that long ago

It all started off for me when I was under 12
And in every team down through the year, minor senior and reserve
Didn’t mind if we won or lost or played in rain or snow
As long as it was a Derg team there was bound to be a show.

I thought about the sixties when men like my dad John McHugh got it going down in Urney
There was Jackie Lynch and Pat O’ Loughlin too
And boys like Seamus Harvey and Leslie and Malaoisa McHugh
Not forgetting Patsy Doherty and all the Spamount Crew

The mid seventies saw it going again
When Gallagher, Stokes and McLaughlin were to the fore
And RJ Catterson and Christopher Sharkey sure they are all part of the Derg folklore
When the Derg played at Kilcroagh or St Eugenes they were always a good bet
And I hear Joe Leonard’s over forty now but by God he’s playing yet

The eighties started off well, we went up to Division 2
Harry Brennan was the Tyrone team minor manager
And for the Derg things were looking good
We had Paddy Glackin, Baffo and Barber
They were boys who could drink their sup
Do you mind the summer of 85 boys
When we lifted the Lynch memorial cup

And what about our County men, a lot of names spring to mind
Charlie, Colm , Bail, Francie and Barney, Pat Lynch and Stevie Devine
And John I know the All Ireland is your one and true desire
I hope I’m with you in Croke Park when you lift the Sam Maguire

So BOYS get out to training
Next season’s not far away
Keep the Derg flag flying
I’m with you all the way
For as I lie here in my hospital bed
And I dream of walking out in the sun
I hope I’m there the day boys when you reach Division 1