St Eunan’s College student Brendan O’Hagan is hoping to follow a rich family tradition in Wednesday’s Loch an Iúir final.
St Eunan’s face St Ronan’s, Lurgan, in the final at Drumragh (12.30pm) and O’Hagan could remarkably follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, 50 years ago, and his father, 20 years ago.
The difference being that Noel O’Hagan and Barry O’Hagan won the title with St Paul’s, Lurgan – one of the schools that amalgamated in 2015 to become what is now known as St Ronan’s.
Noel O’Hagan was part of the 1968-winning side, as they claimed the inaugural title.
Nine years later, he played an All-Ireland final for Armagh, as they lost to Dublin.
Twenty years ago, in 1998, Barry O’Hagan led St Paul’s to glory and in 2002 played as Armagh beat Kerry in the All-Ireland final.
Barry O’Hagan, pictured with his father, Noel, in 1998
In ’98, Jimmy Smyth – who had been a clubmate of Noel – managed the St Paul’s team and is now the Ulster Colleges Chairman.
Barry O’Hagan later took up residence in Donegal and played for Naomh Colmcille.
Now, only in the colours of St Eunan’s, but against a well-known opponent, Brendan O’Hagan is hoping to clasp hands on the silverware.
Brendan has already played for Donegal Development sides (above, front row, extreme right) and is a talented allrounder also known for his boxing skills with the Raphoe ABC. Yesterday, he was narrowly beaten by Thomas Brolly in a Boy 4 semi-final at the Ulster 9 Counties Championships at the Shantallow Community Centre.
Brendan O’Hagan boxing for Raphoe ABC. Picture by Geraldine Diver
St Eunan’s booked their place in the Loch an Iúir final thanks to a win over St Joseph’s, the Sentry Hill boys victorious 3-8 to 4-4. Mark Bonner and Leon Blake-Boyce hit the goals and a late ’45 by Josh Patton proved crucial.
For their part, St Ronan’s had a handsome 6-11 to 3-6 win over St Malachy’s, Castlewellan in their semi-final.
