Brian “Dinky” Dorrian of St Catherines FC where Seamus Coleman played his football as a youngster.
One of soccer sensation Seamus Coleman’s earliest managers has said the Killybegs man is an inspiration to all youngsters who want to play in the Premiership.
Brian ‘Dinky’ Dorrian coached the Everton star at underage level at St Catherine’s FC in the fishing town before he hit the big time.
But Dorrian has revealed that it was more hard work and not natural ability which has helped Seamus to become a huge star.
Dinky told Donegal Daily “I will be honest and say that Seamus did not stand out technically at a young age. There were better players.
“But the one thing that he has always possessed has been a determination and drive to be the best he can. That has made him the footballer he has become today.
“And I hope that can help lots of young players to see that they can become the best players they can if they work hard at it.”
Dorrian’s honesty may be difficult for many to comprehend after a few short weeks which has seen Coleman’s value go through the roof.
With four goals from right back in his last seven appearances, it’s no wonder that he is being linked with a big money move to a list of clubs including Arsenal.
A photo of Seamus Coleman beside a picture of his brother Stephen’s Ireland jersey which is hanging on the walls of local St Catherines FC
As the days fade on 2013 and the daylight fades outside in Killybegs, Brian is more than happy to show off the small clubhouse of St Catherine’s where Ireland’s most talked-about soccer star regularly togged out.
Not surprisingly there are plenty of pictures of Coleman on the walls reflecting the teams he played on in recent years.
There are also two framed shirts, his first Republic of Ireland shirt and an Everton shirt.
A picture of Stevie Coleman, Seamus’ brother and his Ireland shirt also adorns the walls reminding the Premiership star that there was another Coleman brother here before him!
Brian, who also worked with Seamus as part of the backroom staff at Sligo Rovers under Paul Cook, says Seamus is still the down-to-earth young fella who walked out the narrow corridor onto the pitch at Emerald Park hundreds of times.
“That’s the kind of lad he is and that’s down to his parents Henry and Marie. They have made him appreciate people and life and he’s never allowed himself to get above his station.
“He was here a few weeks back when we played Curragh Athletic sitting in the dressing room with the lads before the game messing and hiding shoes and what not. Having the craic.
“That’s Seamus. He’s a young fella from Killybegs and he will always be from Killybegs. He knows when he comes home here he can relax and have a bit of fun and he knows he has to be a Premiership footballer when he goes back to Everton,” said Brian.
Another St Catherine’s man who knows Coleman better than most is former Sligo Rovers player Jason Noctor.
Seamus and Rachel Cunningham who announced their engagement this week.
The pair grew up together on St Cummin’s Hill, kicking a ball up and down the street on summer nights as fishing ships unloaded their catches below in the harbor.
With a bit more luck, Noctor too could have made his way across the water and could have been featuring on Match of the Day in what would have been the stuff of dreams for the one-time neighbours.
Noctor, now the captain of St Catherine’s senior team, has nothing but admiration for his close friend and former team-mate.
“I always thought that Seamus had what it took to make it. He always got the best out of himself and pushed himself to the limit.
“He never smoke or drank and always looked after himself. That’s what stood to him when he got the chance. And when he got the chance he took it with both hands.”
Noctor has been to visit Coleman on a number of occasions in England and stayed with his friend and his new fiancée Rachel Cunningham.
Indeed Coleman phoned Noctor last Sunday and revealed he had just proposed to the teacher whom he has been dating for nine years.
“We had a bit of banter. They have been dating for a long time and they are so suited to eachother. I was just delighted for them,” said Jason.
Another man who knew from an early age just how serious Coleman took his sport was Killybegs senior manager Martin ‘Slua’ Boyle.
Boyle managed the Killybegs Minor team which won a minor title, one of the last competitive GAA games which Coleman would play before opting full-time for soccer.
The lads ended up on a trip to Carrick-On-Shannon after their long season but Coleman still didn’t allow himself the luxury of indulging on alcohol.
“He has never been a drinker and that night would have been a reason to have a drink and let the hair down a bit. But it’s just not Seamus.
“He has always looked after himself and he didn’t even bother having a drink that night and yet he still had great fun along with al the lads,” revealed Martin.
Boyle also revealed revealed how Seamus called him last summer and asked him if it would be okay if he trained with the Killybegs team.
“I thought he was just going to come along and do a light training session because it was the summer and yet he put in a huge effort.
“Some of the lads came off the pitch and couldn’t believe how serious he took it. But that’s just Seamus and that’s why he is where he is today.”
Seamus Coleman. One of the lads but nobody’s fool.
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