This really is the GAA at its finest Declan Browne came on at the later stages of the game for his club Bellaghy as they defeated Newbridge in the club championship. Declan Brown buried his father that morning but he still chose to play the game and as the winner went over his teammates rushed to hug him and be with him at full-time.
That’s why the GAA is more than just a sport, it’s one big family and moments like this really do prove that. We send our best wishes to Declan Browne and his family and his club Bellaghy and is a sad time to lose a great club man.
Bellaghy goalkeeper Peter Stewart kicks a 65th minute winner against Newbridge. On the final whistle seconds later they all sprint to Declan Brown, who buried his father Damian this morning and came on late in the game. The emotional connection of a GAA community is unrivalled pic.twitter.com/BJrZoNA27C
— Cahair O'Kane (@CahairOKane1) October 12, 2021
Declan Brown buried his father today. His grandfather was murdered, locking the gates of his treasured GAA Club in Bellaghy. Tonight, Declan came on, to help his club to a one point championship win. Club GAA brings the best out in people- even at the worst times. Massive respect pic.twitter.com/YhZpAitjQd
— Thomas Niblock (@thomasniblock) October 12, 2021
Declan Brown in the @BellaghyGAC huddle after helping his team beat Newbridge during the @Doiregaa SFC match at Owenbeg Tuesday night. Declan buried his father on Tuesday morning #DerrySFC @officialgaa @UlsterGAA #ClubGAA @irish_news pic.twitter.com/GhXyqQmWVz
— Margaret McLaughlin (@mclaughlinpress) October 13, 2021
The injustice and frustration of searching for answers around his father Sean's murder was borne by Damian Brown. A community dragged back to its feet by winning a championship match made pulling his son Declan back to his their first thought #GAAhttps://t.co/wkkaBpk9re
— Cahair O'Kane (@CahairOKane1) October 14, 2021
Where would we be without the GAA in this county, what an organisation and taps into the very soul of everyone in Ireland and no more did we see that then on Tuesday night in Owenbeg.