O’Neills Derry Senior Football Championship
THE big game may be on Sunday but Michael Drumm has another big match on his mind today.
Lavey stalwart Drumm will line out for the Erin’s Own men as they end their 20-year Derry final exodus against Eoghan Rua, Coleraine.
First though, there is the small matter of his wedding to Eimear Duggan in Magherafelt before thoughts can start to drift towards Celtic Park, the scene of battle on Sunday afternoon.
“At the time the wedding was booked we didn’t expect to be in a county final, and it’s normally earlier in October anyhow. It’s just the way it’s worked out, but it’s a great problem to have.
“There’s been loads happening and loads to organise, but I have to say Eimear has sorted out the vast majority of things to do with the wedding so it’s been grand in that respect.
“I don’t think there’ll be any beer taken, but we’ll get the chance to have a few drinks on Sunday and later on next week.”
And luckily there was no need to start hastily re-booking honeymoons once Lavey had seen off Watty Graham’s, Glen to book their place in this weekend’s showpiece final.
“No, thankfully we have the honeymoon booked for South Africa in December, so we’re alright that way.”
Drumm first came into the Lavey senior side in 2002 – four years after that last appearance in a county final. He admits he couldn’t have expected it would take this long until they would be back contesting the John McLaughlin Cup.
“I remember the ’98 final well - I was about 13 or so and we went on the supporters’ bus,” continues the 33-year-old half-back.
“Lavey were comprehensively beaten by Bellaghy, and some of the fellas that day probably thought they were going to be in plenty of finals from there on in.
“Unfortunately that’s not the way it turned out, and now it’s been 20 years since the club was even in a final. It’s been a long, long wait.
“But some excellent teams have gone through Derry since then. Lavey have been through a period of struggle in that time, so it makes you appreciate it all the more.
“You can see it even now - there’s a big buzz about the place, flags up at every house, every lamppost. I think there’s a car has been painted and sitting in the middle of Gulladuff.
“You sometimes get accustomed to success and maybe that happened with Lavey, but having not been in a final for 20 years, we just want to do our supporters justice.
“Everybody’s enjoying it, as they should.”
Back leading the charge at his home club, just as he was when Drumm first came on to the scene 16 years ago, is the evergreen John Brennan.
The former Derry boss, joint manager with nephew Seamus Downey this year, was at the helm alongside Paddy Chivers when Lavey last conquered the county 25 years ago – a final famously played on St Stephen’s Day in 1993.
“Damian Chivers [son of Paddy], one of our players and the best man at my wedding, was mascot that day,” laughs Drumm, “hopefully that’s a good omen!”
Lavey beat Swatragh in the ice and snow in Glenullin, and so continued Brennan’s amazing winning streak in county finals – one which has since stretched to 10 from 10, covering club campaigns in Derry, Tyrone and Antrim.
And Drumm has no doubt Brennan’s experience is a huge asset to Lavey’s class of 2018.
“When you have someone who’s been there and won all those finals, if they’re telling you what to do, giving you instruction, you’re going to listen,” he said
“He’s been through the mill and been there and done it. It definitely gives you a bit of confidence.
“But there’s some talented young players coming through here and their progression has been a huge help over the last six weeks or so.
“We had quite a poor start to the league and it’s really just all come together after the break they had in Derry. We got a few players back, won a few games in the league and got a run going in the championship.
“Glen had beaten us comfortably the year before so we were delighted to get the win.
Coleraine beat us comfortably in the league, they’re a very experienced, strong running team so we know we’re going to have to bring our absolute best to contend.”
STALWART'S BROTHER TO LEAD OUT LAVEY IN COUNTY FINAL
WITH Michael Drumm every step of the way in this year’s championship, and every other campaign for as long as he can remember, has been younger brother Ciaran.
Captain of the Derry GAA for All team and a legend about the Lavey club, Ciaran Drumm will not only act as joint best man at his brother’s wedding today, he will also lead the team out in Sunday’s Derry final clash with Eoghan Rua, Coleraine at Celtic Park.
Indeed, in the programme pen pics, players are asked who has been the biggest influence on their careers. For Michael Drumm, there was only one answer to that question – his younger sibling.
“Everyone around Lavey’s very good to Ciaran - he really enjoys heading out to training or the gym with me,” said the club stalwart.
“He loves having the craic about the place and rarely misses a session. The club has asked him to lead us out on Sunday so he’s very excited about that.
“Him and Damian [Chivers] are joint best men at the wedding, so I’m very lucky to have two of them. We’re both really looking forward to the next couple of days.”
