Jude McAtamney’s NFL debut for the New York Giants on Sunday was greeted with big enthusiasm in his native Swatragh as most of the village people watched the sport collectively in native hostelries.
The 24-year-old ended up on the shedding aspect as Washington Commanders clinched a 27-22 win in entrance of over 80,000 spectators on the the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey however he landed each his kicks in changing into the primary Irish-born placekicker to characteristic in a daily season NFL sport since 1985.
McAtamney’s former instructor at Swatragh Main faculty, Dermot McEldowney was amongst those that took within the contest at Friel’s Bar & Restaurant within the village.
“I truly taught Jude when he was in main 5,” mentioned Dermot.
“Jude is a member of a really proficient sporting household and it’s no shock to me that he has truly made it.
“I didn’t know he can be kicking for the Giants however I knew at some stage alongside the road, Jude would make it in some form of sport as a result of he was very proficient.”
McEldowney recalled the red-haired Jude as a “very modest boy however an excellent fella at school”.
“I believe there was just one McAtamney who didn’t have the crimson hair,” laughed the NFL debutant’s former instructor.
“It’s fully loopy but it surely simply reveals anyone with the appropriate angle could make it. Good luck to Jude and anyone else that’s coming behind him.”
