St. Brigid's PS Carnhill celebrates 50th anniversary: Sporting Hero Michael Duffy remembers

Michael Duffy has great memories of his time at the school and seeing that he’s played football at senior level it hardly needs saying that sport played a huge part in his time at St Brigid’s.

The current Derry City star explains even as young lad he was soccer mad, so much so that he even chose Thierry - after the Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry - as his confirmation name. And a teacher facilitated that decision.

Michael explains: "I’ve great memories from the school, mostly sport to be honest.

READ ALSO: St. Brigid's PS Carnhill celebrates 50th anniversary: Massive celebrations to mark landmark occasion

“It's embedded in my mind, playing out on that gravel pitch everyday using the two trees as goal posts. They are still there. I recall Mr O'Doherty - he was my primary 6/7 teacher- was brilliant in that he went and did his research and let me use Thierry for my confirmation name. Looking back, that was a great thing to do.

"I was mad to get into the college for my secondary school and again it was Mr O'Doherty, a great teacher, who helped me get the right grades in my 11-Plus. Mr O'Doherty, and Mr Divin also, helped me during my time in the football team. They got me into the team when I was a few years younger than maybe I should have been, but that speeded up my development a lot."

Michael Duffy has spent a large part of his life on the football pitch.

Starting out with Foyle Harps, Michael, now in his 30th year, returned to the city after signing for Glasgow giants, Celtic followed by a loan spell at Alloa Athletic, Dundee and Dundalk.

He says St. Brigid’s holds a special place in his heart and that he loves coming back to the school where, recently, he has been involved in coaching the school team.

"This is where I learned to play football, in the school grounds of St. Brigid’s. I’m very proud to be a former pupil of the school and happy to play a small part in the celebrations of fifty years of St. Brigid’s existence. "

The Derry City star said for him the principal, Ms McCallion has been a great principal and has done an amazing job for the school.

Former pupil and Derry City legend Michael Duffy pictured with the school football team at St. Brigid's Primary School, Carnhill. Included is coach Peter Divin. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)

He commented: "I think Ms McCallion and the staff set the tone for the whole school. I have been in a few times now with Mr Peter Divin helping out with the team, and it's something I enjoy.

“They've a great wee team and they were very easy to work with. It's lovely hearing they done really well this year, and they've plenty of younger players coming up through the ranks.

"The school seems to be progressing every time I visit, it's brilliant. And I'm sure it will continue to do that."

And his final thoughts: "Ms Mary McCallion deserves massive credit for that and I'm sure the next principal to come in will keep the school going in the right direction."