Swatragh revels in McAtamney's NFL debut

Jude McAtamney's NFL debut for the New York Giants on Sunday was greeted with huge enthusiasm in his native Swatragh as many of the village folk watched the game together in local hostelries.

McAtamney's former teacher at Swatragh Primary school, Dermot McEldowney was among those who took in the game at Friel's Bar & Restaurant in the village.

"I actually taught Jude when he was in primary five," said Dermot.

"Jude is a member of a very talented sporting family and it’s no surprise to me that he has actually made it.

"I didn’t know he would be kicking for the Giants but I knew at some stage along the line, Jude would make it in some sort of sport because he was very talented."

McEldowney recalled the red-haired Jude as a "very modest boy but a very good fella in school".

"I think there was only one McAtamney who didn’t have the red hair," laughed the NFL debutant's former teacher.

"It is completely crazy but it just shows anybody with the right attitude can make it. Good luck to Jude and anybody else that’s coming behind him."

McAtamney's former primary school and secondary school classmate Declan Quinn recalled a "dead on lad".

"I haven’t seen him in a long time. It’s good to see. It puts our wee place on the map. Nobody really knows where we are here. They know now though," added Declan, who was watching an American Football game for the first time.

"I might have to watch it more now with Jude playing."

Longtime NFL fan Peter Doherty couldn't hide his excitement at seeing a local man playing in front of over 80,000 spectators at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

"I did the fantasy NFL team on the way up here and picking a guy who lives 30 minutes up the road to feature in the fantasy team is just something else," added Peter.

"Getting an opportunity….I don’t think a lot of people thought it would happen."

Doherty believes McAtamney and Down man Charlie Smyth forging NFL careers could lead to further gaelic football players trying their luck in the USA.

"Jude’s earned his shot and he’s doing rightly tonight and hopefully he’ll get a few more games to demonstrate that," he added.

"I think the likes of Jude and Charlie will be pioneers in that respect and that people will see what’s possible."