Pat Stritch proud of the past as he helps St Margaret’s look to the future

Manager Pat Stritch celebrates with the players after Dublin won the under-21 Aisling McGing Memorial Championship Final against Kerry in 2012

Pat Stritch’s memory dances back through the years, the pride of wearing the St Margaret’s jersey.

The fulfilment of playing with teammates brought such conviction to the shirt.

He played with two of the best of them – Paddy Reilly and Mick Kennedy.

Mick Kennedy was the finest defender of his time. He played with Dublin for many years. When he was growing up, Mick’s idol was Paddy Reilly, a Heffo Hero.

“It was such a privilege to play with footballers like that,” says Pat.

There were others too who wore the Margaret’s and Dublin colours. “You had tremendous footballers like Colm Murphy and Ciarán Sutton, both, sadly, no longer with us,” recalls Pat.

Margaret’s played in Division 1. They’d thrived in the old Fingal Championship. They had solid runs in the Dublin Senior Football Championship.

“You’d be meeting teams with several county players,” relates Pat. “The likes of Civil Service, Garda, Parnell’s, Thomas Davis, St Vincent’s, Ballymun Kickhams, Scoil Uí Chonaill, Plunkett’s and so on. Really top-class teams.

“Yet, back then, you just took it in your stride. You went home, collected your gear bag and off you went. It was another match.

“It’s only in later years that you appreciate it all. And it’s something I say to the young players here. It’s good to savour these days.

“But, in reality, it’s only when it’s all over that you see the value of it all. The most important thing for our players today is that they are playing with their friends. And many of them will be friends for life.

“They’ll remember all the fun times. The camaraderie that they had.”

Pat is managing St Margaret’s ladies’ football Division 5 team, who are having an excellent campaign. They are also competing in the Go-Ahead Dublin Junior D Championship.

Margaret’s have a second adult ladies’ team in Division 12 and the Junior K Championship.

“This is the busy time of the season now,” he states. “The matches will be coming thick and fast.”

He marvels at what the Dublin ladies’ team have done for the sport. “It was fantastic. Then at the same time, you had Jim Gavin and Dessie Farrell with the men, and Mick Bohan with the ladies. It was a brilliant period.

“I felt the ladies were unlucky against Galway. Carla Rowe was a massive loss to them.”

Dessie Farrell’s team were also a feather away from Galway in Croke Park. “Who would have thought this year’s All-Ireland final would be between Galway and Armagh?”

Pat was the Dublin manager when they won the Aisling McGing All-Ireland Championship in 2012.

The Under-21 event celebrated the memory of a young, gifted footballer who played for Carnacon and Mayo.

Nicole Owens scored a hat-trick against Kerry in the final at Nenagh. Hannah Tyrrell also gave a superb performance.

“There was a real benefit in that championship for giving younger players and those not part of the first-team squad a chance to represent their counties.

“It was lovely to see Hannah and Nicole go on to have such fabulous careers with Dublin.”

Margaret’s have had Josh Kennedy, Conor McKenna and Mia Tighe on Dublin minor football panels this season.

“That means a lot to us. It lifts everyone. It gives boys and girls a belief that they too can play for the Dubs someday.

“It’s also rewarding for the mentors that have brought these players on. It keeps the Margaret’s name out there.

“There is such a proud tradition out here. It’s the spirit of the people that make the club so special.”

Pat has returned as club chairman. “It’s a different job now, for sure,” he smiles.

“When I did it before, there wasn’t all the technology. Things have changed so much in terms of social media. It’s part and parcel of it now, and we just have to get on with it.”

And that’s what they are doing. Margaret’s is going to install an all-weather pitch, and an astro training area, improve the drainage and extend the car park.

“The way the winters have gone, with all the rain, you definitely need an all-weather facility these days, especially for training.

“There’s a lot of work ahead. We have appointed a Development and Fund-raising committee.

“We have had new people that have arrived into the club who have really rolled up their sleeves to help out. It’s always nice to get in some new blood.”

The Margaret’s blood flows deep in the veins of Pat Stritch. He loves every blade of grass in this hallowed place.

A ground graced by footballing Gods like Paddy Reilly, Mick Kennedy, Colm Murphy and Ciarán Sutton.

The venue has hosted many big matches. It will host many more.

There will always be that warm embrace of the North County welcome in the scenic beauty among its fields of gold.