Christopher Rafferty
Incredible MacRory Cup and O'Neill Cup winning memories.
As St Patrick’s Academy, Dungannon bid to lift the MacRory Cup for the sixth time, the incredible build-up and scenes of their first win in 1991, are vividly recalled by goalkeeper on that day, Christopher Rafferty.
He was also at the helm of Dungannon Clarkes when they ended a 64-year famine winning the O'Neill Cup, amid joy unbounded, in a penalty shoot-out against Trillick in 2020.
Christopher was destined for goal-minding following in the footsteps of his late father Jim who played Irish League football with Portadown and his grandfather Paddy Rafferty, an O'Neill Cup winner with Coalisland Fianna in 1946 and the Clarkes in 1951.
He recalls the drive to win that first MacRory Cup under the masterful management of the late Martin O'Farrell and Peter Herron. It was a long-held yearning of college principal Fr Denis Faul who was carried shoulder high by delirious students after the final whistle on a mucky day in Coalisland. Fr Faul has also since passed away, having left the Academy a happy man, his dream fulfilled.
The A level results weren't the best that heady year as the celebrations went on and on...
There are loads of memories of schooldays, on off the football field, while Ronan also recalls the 'old' Academy 1970's style.
Christopher went on to do goals for Dungannon Clarkes for 19 years and was manager when they made the breakthrough, another fantastic day of celebration.
It was during Covid year with its social distancing and a run through round after round of extra-time, that was perhaps destiny, as they made their way to that final incredible shoot-out. The celebrations were again unbridled and not even repeated calls from Stephen Nolan could dampen the joy among the Clarkes' faithful.
Oliver, Chris and Ronan also wonder would the Rahilly's and the Fianna cheer each other on in a final, as they did the neighbours from Dungannon!
A wonderful wander down memory lane recalling many great teachers, old school friends, college and club players and coaches.
* Good luck to St Patrick’s Academy in the MacRory Cup final on Sunday (February 8), as their students bid to make it six of the best!
