Derry favourite James McClean got a hero’s welcome on the street where he honed his footballing skills.
After winning his 100th cap against Gibraltar on Monday, Creggan Heights was festooned for a street party in honour of the Republic star.
And as the idol was mobbed by footballing fans on the estate where he first kicked a ball, the 34-year-old said: “It’s been some week!”
His rock of a wife Erin and other family members took part in the celebrations.
McClean is only the seventh player to reach a century of caps for the Republic.
President Michael D Higgins made a special presentation to him at the Aviva Stadium before Monday’s international.
James McClean presented with a gift from Former Northern Ireland international and Creggan community worker Tony O’Doherty and Candystripes manager Ruaidhri Higgins to celebrate his 100 caps for the Republic
McClean made his debut with Derry City before moving to Sunderland in 2011 and now plays as a winger for Wigan Athletic,
“You know, I’m looking forward to the moment where it actually sinks in because I think then that’s when it’ll hit home but for now I’m enjoying every second of it and long may it continue,” James said at Saturday’s party.
As local children enjoyed bouncy castles and face painting, McClean’s wife Erin said life over the past 12 years with the international star, had been incredible.
“I could write a book, to be honest, with all the highs and the lows,” she said. “But days like Monday and Tuesday, even, celebrating with family and friends – they’re the days that make it all worth it.
She added: “I feel very lucky and blessed. I think we’re just a wee team – we just get through it together.”
James McClean and wife Erin back home in Creggan for street party to celebrate his 100 cap for the Republic
“If it wasn’t for everything I learned growing up in Creggan then I wouldn’t be where I am today,” McClean told BBC Radio Foyle.
“Creggan is my home and I’m proud of that. They are also proud of me.
“They feel part of my career and that means so much to me. I’m one of them and that’s a great grounded way to be. I thank Creggan for everything.”
Derry City director Tony O’Doherty, who was capped for Northern Ireland, said on Saturday he was honoured to hand over a framed signed Derry City shirt to McClean.
“James has been a tremendous role model for Creggan and for every young person. They are all having such a great time at this street party and I reckon some will go home and go to bed tonight dreaming of being the next James McClean,” he said.
It’s not the first time Creggan has honoured its favourite footballing son.
Barcelona has a Messi mural, and Naples one of Maradona – in Creggan a giant mural of McClean adorns a Central Drive wall.
“I’ll never get used to walking by the mural in Creggan. I grew up kicking ball around the Creggan shops and now I’m on the end of a wall.
“It’s surreal but so special for my family to walk by every day.”
Since leaving his hometown club of Derry City, McClean, now 34, has played for Sunderland, Stoke, Wigan Athletic and West Bromwich Albion.
It’s been a career not without its challenges too – abuse directed at him is well documented.
In his opinion, it is on a “different scale” to what other players face. His upbringing has helped him deal with the worst of it, he said.
“The majority of times, it’s water off a duck’s back. You’re a product of your environment. Creggan is strong and has resilience – that’s also how I am as person.”
On Friday, Millwall Football Club was charged by the Football Association in relation to three alleged instances of religiously offensive abuse aimed at McClean during a game against Wigan Athletic in April.
Said James: “I’ve been quite publicly critical of the FA in the past and rightly so. In the same sense, now with this, I’ll give praise where its due.”
He added: “I’m not going to hold my breath and say it’ll change things going forward. I’m not naïve enough to think that it will. But look it’s a start.”
But the Republic’s latest football centurion says: “I’m in a good place right now – and content”.
And he’s not ruling out a return to Derry City FC to where his illustrious career all started.
“I’ve always been open that I want to end my career at Derry City. At the minute there’s no timeframe for that.”
He added: “You never rule out things because you don’t know what’s around the corner.”
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