0:00:06 > 0:00:11This programme contains some strong language.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Lads, this is what we've been working for all year.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19This is where the hard work starts.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21We go in with a bit of heart, we show a bit of passion
0:00:21 > 0:00:25and we show them that we are from Cross and this is how we do things!
0:00:25 > 0:00:26ALL SHOUT
0:00:33 > 0:00:38For the people in this town, Gaelic football is a passion -
0:00:38 > 0:00:43an addiction to winning forged from blood, sweat and sacrifice.
0:00:47 > 0:00:50The white heat of battle, that's what it's all about.
0:00:50 > 0:00:53Every ball is a prisoner, it's do or die.
0:00:53 > 0:00:57CHEERING
0:00:57 > 0:01:00It's also a way of life,
0:01:00 > 0:01:02a refuge...
0:01:02 > 0:01:03a lifeline.
0:01:03 > 0:01:05It's that important, life or death.
0:01:08 > 0:01:11For decades, life in this town was unremarkable.
0:01:12 > 0:01:14COW MOOS
0:01:14 > 0:01:17But after the outbreak of a brutal sectarian conflict,
0:01:17 > 0:01:20it became a place apart,
0:01:20 > 0:01:24the heart of a no-go zone known as "bandit country".
0:01:30 > 0:01:34Despite the dangers, a group of local children came together
0:01:34 > 0:01:38to forge one of the greatest football teams in the country.
0:01:42 > 0:01:44Two of those boys are now men
0:01:44 > 0:01:47and they are about to dream the impossible again.
0:01:48 > 0:01:51This is the story of Crossmaglen,
0:01:51 > 0:01:54a town determined to be known for sporting greatness...
0:01:56 > 0:02:00..a town driven to keep the dream alive for generations to come.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07The only team in Ireland that will beat us is ourselves.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09This is what you were born to do! Born to do!
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- Well, how's things? - Well, how are you?- Good.
0:02:27 > 0:02:29- You want your buns? - Have you got some for us?
0:02:29 > 0:02:32I do, here.
0:02:32 > 0:02:34- Packed and all, it's great. - Packed and all, ready.
0:02:34 > 0:02:36Thank you.
0:02:37 > 0:02:39- I like the nice ones. - They are the nice ones.
0:02:39 > 0:02:41Thank you.
0:02:45 > 0:02:50It's kind of a central part of the town, being the square.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53You know what, in 20 years, it hasn't changed an awful lot.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56A lot of the faces around the town stay the same
0:02:56 > 0:02:59and you go into the bakery at ten o'clock on Tuesday morning,
0:02:59 > 0:03:01you see the same faces there
0:03:01 > 0:03:04as you might see at a football match on a Sunday.
0:03:07 > 0:03:11There's where me and John plied our trade, believe it or not,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14as in kicking ball and playing kerbsies and...
0:03:16 > 0:03:18..kicking each other!
0:03:18 > 0:03:22Isn't it the fact that you can do it for as long as you want
0:03:22 > 0:03:25and you haven't harmed anybody.
0:03:25 > 0:03:27You can do it for as long as you want and always get better.
0:03:29 > 0:03:33As Gaelic footballers, Oisin McConville and John McEntee
0:03:33 > 0:03:35were All-Ireland medal winners.
0:03:37 > 0:03:38Is he injured again?
0:03:38 > 0:03:41We were chatting about the weight issue, you know.
0:03:41 > 0:03:43As the new managers of Crossmaglen Rangers,
0:03:43 > 0:03:45they are hoping to create
0:03:45 > 0:03:48the most formidable Gaelic football team in Ireland.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15I'm making a cup of tea here for the boys before the Championship.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16This started a long, long time ago
0:04:16 > 0:04:21and I'm afraid to stop it in case it brings them bad luck.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25Margret McConville, Oisin's mum, has been making tea and buns
0:04:25 > 0:04:29before Championship games for the past 20 years.
0:04:29 > 0:04:31Is this the buns here?
0:04:31 > 0:04:33Plenty of them here, they're hid behind the box there.
0:04:33 > 0:04:36Paul and me are here the longest, aren't we?
0:04:36 > 0:04:39- I'm here from nine to five, you're here even longer.- I'm here the same.
0:04:40 > 0:04:42It's a way of life, always has been
0:04:42 > 0:04:45and will be until I pass out...
0:04:45 > 0:04:47some of these days!
0:04:57 > 0:05:00This is a new era for everybody, boys, OK?
0:05:00 > 0:05:02Let's start off and let's be positive.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05Never give up, lads, regardless of what the score is.
0:05:05 > 0:05:06Is that clear?
0:05:06 > 0:05:09From this first minute, as we go out, we work our socks off.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11Let's go, boys, come on!
0:05:12 > 0:05:13Crossmaglen's dream...
0:05:13 > 0:05:16We have to stop taking it as a given, boys.
0:05:16 > 0:05:18..is to win the All-Ireland Club Championship
0:05:18 > 0:05:21in Dublin's Croke Park stadium on St Patrick's Day.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23Go on! Go!
0:05:25 > 0:05:27Ahh, brilliant, brilliant!
0:05:29 > 0:05:31That's the start you wanted.
0:05:31 > 0:05:35But first, they have to win the Armagh County Championship,
0:05:35 > 0:05:37then the Ulster Championship.
0:05:41 > 0:05:42Go on, Johnny!
0:05:42 > 0:05:45Lads, let's get sharp around here, we are starting to slacken off.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50WHISTLE BLOWS
0:05:50 > 0:05:51Come on, Cross!
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Stay with him, stay with him! Ryan!
0:06:03 > 0:06:06WHISTLE BLOWS, CROWD CHEERS
0:06:06 > 0:06:10Cross are through to the second round of the County Championship.
0:06:10 > 0:06:14They'll need to win the next two games to reach the final.
0:06:20 > 0:06:24Gaelic football has been a passion in Crossmaglen since 1887.
0:06:26 > 0:06:31In the early days, life off the pitch was largely uneventful.
0:06:31 > 0:06:34COWS MOO
0:06:34 > 0:06:39But once a month, the town square became a hive of activity.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41There used to be a fair day.
0:06:41 > 0:06:42The pubs used to be full
0:06:42 > 0:06:46and there used to be awful craic in this town for three or four days.
0:06:46 > 0:06:48JAUNTY ACCORDION MUSIC
0:06:54 > 0:06:56If you want a good fighter, you want to come to me.
0:06:56 > 0:07:01- I'll think of you, someday if I... - Aye, come for me.
0:07:01 > 0:07:03For days, people were waiting around to see this fight.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07The king of the travellers, the king of the gypsies or whatever it was,
0:07:07 > 0:07:09to have that fight in your own town,
0:07:09 > 0:07:12it literally was unbelievable.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- MAN COMMENTATES:- Dan's eye is open.
0:07:15 > 0:07:18If someone else raises a fist, there could be awful trouble.
0:07:18 > 0:07:21Yes, Dan is moving in here for the kill.
0:07:21 > 0:07:24The funny thing was that I remember going into the video shop
0:07:24 > 0:07:27and I remember sitting up in the corner
0:07:27 > 0:07:29was the king of the gypsies fight
0:07:29 > 0:07:31and you could rent it out and take it home,
0:07:31 > 0:07:33have it for a couple of days!
0:07:34 > 0:07:37The locals even developed their own language.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40THEY SPEAK THEIR OWN LANGUAGE
0:07:42 > 0:07:44"Munya" is great.
0:07:44 > 0:07:46"Rulya" is somebody who is mad.
0:07:46 > 0:07:48"Fein" is a fellow.
0:07:48 > 0:07:50"Beur" is a girl.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53Even the youngsters now... Oisin's wee fellow,
0:07:53 > 0:07:55I gave him ice cream or something one day and he says,
0:07:55 > 0:07:57"Granny, that was munya."
0:07:57 > 0:07:59We all talk it.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01When you go outside of Cross, you actually realise,
0:08:01 > 0:08:04"Oh, we need to think about what we're saying here
0:08:04 > 0:08:07"because nobody else understands us!"
0:08:11 > 0:08:13Mentally, lads, we have to be strong.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16The battle is not with anybody else, but with ourselves.
0:08:16 > 0:08:19Round two of the Armagh County Championship.
0:08:20 > 0:08:23But some of the other team haven't turned up.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27Dromintee officials are worried the whole club could be penalised
0:08:27 > 0:08:30if they don't field a team tonight.
0:08:30 > 0:08:33Substitutes are hastily arranged.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35Why did somebody not let us know?
0:08:50 > 0:08:51WHISTLE BLOWS
0:08:57 > 0:09:00Men of 50 years of age, we have to respect them men
0:09:00 > 0:09:01and what they have done for their club.
0:09:01 > 0:09:03We went about it the right way,
0:09:03 > 0:09:06we played the match and we are into the next round, OK?
0:09:16 > 0:09:18That would've been the house I grew up in.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23Summers here were the best days of my life.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26We'd play football from morning to night and if you get bored,
0:09:26 > 0:09:28we would have went out and we would have got
0:09:28 > 0:09:30pieces of wood and metal and old net
0:09:30 > 0:09:32and we would have made football nets.
0:09:32 > 0:09:34This is where it all started.
0:09:36 > 0:09:39When Jamie Clarke was old enough, he honed a reputation
0:09:39 > 0:09:42as one of the most talented players of his generation
0:09:42 > 0:09:44on the local Gaelic pitch.
0:09:47 > 0:09:52This is just a diary thing, or your own personal sort of thing.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56I would record, you know, my scores from different zones.
0:09:56 > 0:09:57I would take certain shots
0:09:57 > 0:10:00depending on what I need worked on the most.
0:10:01 > 0:10:03Then I just have sort of little mottoes and all,
0:10:03 > 0:10:05just different little quotes and that.
0:10:05 > 0:10:11It kind of keeps me grounded as well and grateful at the same time.
0:10:11 > 0:10:13"A person who does many things differently
0:10:13 > 0:10:16"and often independently makes perhaps the biggest difference
0:10:16 > 0:10:18"of the highest significance
0:10:18 > 0:10:21"and the greatest excellence in everyone's life."
0:10:23 > 0:10:27I suppose, for me, it's about leaving a legacy
0:10:27 > 0:10:29and, you know, trying to be as best as I can be.
0:10:40 > 0:10:41Hi, Kevvy.
0:10:44 > 0:10:46But Gaelic football is an amateur game,
0:10:46 > 0:10:49so it has to fit in around day jobs and family life.
0:10:53 > 0:10:57- CHILD:- 'Good morning!' - Good morning! How are you?
0:10:57 > 0:10:58'Good.'
0:10:58 > 0:11:00What's the craic today?
0:11:00 > 0:11:02'Good.'
0:11:02 > 0:11:04Are you being a good girl?
0:11:04 > 0:11:06'Good.
0:11:06 > 0:11:08'We have to go to get our breakfast.'
0:11:08 > 0:11:12You're going to get your breakfast? Right, sure, hey, I'll talk to you,
0:11:12 > 0:11:14I'll give you a buzz later on, all right?
0:11:14 > 0:11:16'Yeah, bye-bye.'
0:11:16 > 0:11:19Paul Hearty, at the age of 36,
0:11:19 > 0:11:22has been Crossmaglen's goalkeeper for two decades.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26He splits his time between playing and working as a milkman.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30Croke.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34I drive past it every day. I love my football.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36That's where I want my ashes spread!
0:11:38 > 0:11:41The dream is, St Paddy's Day I'll come back here.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43You can always dream.
0:11:43 > 0:11:46'Sport has really put the town on the map'
0:11:46 > 0:11:49in a totally different context, which is...
0:11:49 > 0:11:52which is great for the area, great for the club
0:11:52 > 0:11:54and great for the people in the town,
0:11:54 > 0:11:56that they can associate themselves
0:11:56 > 0:11:59with something else other than what did go on before.
0:12:10 > 0:12:14The first hints that Crossmaglen was to become a place apart
0:12:14 > 0:12:19came in the early 1920s when a border was drawn across Ireland.
0:12:19 > 0:12:23The town teetered just one mile north of the new frontier.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26A no-man's-land of sorts.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35I didn't really feel I was from the north or the south.
0:12:35 > 0:12:38I knew what my address was to write it down on a piece of paper,
0:12:38 > 0:12:41but when I wrote my address down, I just wrote "Ireland".
0:12:41 > 0:12:43That's the way it was.
0:12:43 > 0:12:47We were a little island cocooned in the middle of the whole thing.
0:12:51 > 0:12:53But when Northern Ireland erupted into violence,
0:12:53 > 0:12:57the arrival of the army in the 1970s changed everything.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02A new base in the largely Catholic town was resented.
0:13:06 > 0:13:10The atmosphere in the village itself is not a particularly pleasant one.
0:13:10 > 0:13:13It's not so much that the people are hostile,
0:13:13 > 0:13:15it's just that they totally ignore you.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18We try very hard to talk to the locals,
0:13:18 > 0:13:21but they just give us very little response.
0:13:23 > 0:13:24If you're very lucky,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27you might manage to get a "good morning" out of them occasionally.
0:13:27 > 0:13:29The simple question from a young lad was,
0:13:29 > 0:13:31"What are you doing? What are they doing here?"
0:13:31 > 0:13:32Do you know what I mean?
0:13:32 > 0:13:35That was the one thing that we could never understand.
0:13:35 > 0:13:38I mean, you can see where the barracks is now.
0:13:38 > 0:13:41That sprawled right over to the football field,
0:13:41 > 0:13:44lookout posts on every road as you come into the town.
0:13:46 > 0:13:49We maybe didn't feel safe to be close by them,
0:13:49 > 0:13:51maybe you're in a car behind a police car,
0:13:51 > 0:13:54you kept a distance for maybe the potential for booby traps
0:13:54 > 0:13:55and things to be there.
0:13:55 > 0:13:57If there was an army checkpoint on the way down,
0:13:57 > 0:14:01they would just step in front of you and you have to step past them
0:14:01 > 0:14:04and, you know, it was just antagonising people
0:14:04 > 0:14:06and that's why we didn't say hello,
0:14:06 > 0:14:08just wasn't... it wasn't the done thing.
0:14:10 > 0:14:12Security forces stationed in the town
0:14:12 > 0:14:14were a constant target for the IRA.
0:14:17 > 0:14:18Throughout the conflict,
0:14:18 > 0:14:22nearly 200 were killed or injured in the area.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Crossmaglen gained a reputation as the heart of bandit country.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29We are approaching Crossmaglen now,
0:14:29 > 0:14:31just about a mile north of the border.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33This is, without doubt, the worst area
0:14:33 > 0:14:35in the whole of Northern Ireland.
0:14:35 > 0:14:39It's been responsible for one in six of all the security forces killed
0:14:39 > 0:14:41in the present campaign in Northern Ireland.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46It just happens that everybody who lives in this particular area
0:14:46 > 0:14:48is violently pro-the IRA.
0:14:48 > 0:14:55And therefore...it's always been a stronghold of Republican feeling
0:14:55 > 0:14:59and I think has now identified itself more closely with the cause
0:14:59 > 0:15:01or the struggle or whatever,
0:15:01 > 0:15:04the terrorist campaign, than any other particular area.
0:15:07 > 0:15:08Some assumption to make,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11for somebody flying a helicopter over your town, like.
0:15:13 > 0:15:15There was never any pressure to join the IRA.
0:15:15 > 0:15:18I know for certain I was never asked.
0:15:18 > 0:15:21Too busy playing football, too busy getting educated,
0:15:21 > 0:15:24too busy trying to get on with life.
0:15:24 > 0:15:26Scared shitless of it, to be honest.
0:15:27 > 0:15:29It's life or death.
0:15:31 > 0:15:34- Yeah - if you joined?- Hm.- Yeah...
0:15:34 > 0:15:36You run the risk, don't you?
0:15:37 > 0:15:40Real Irish people would die for Ireland, surely,
0:15:40 > 0:15:42but not in those circumstances -
0:15:42 > 0:15:46not just to take a gun and shoot another man.
0:15:46 > 0:15:50That's nothing to do with All-Irelands or anything else.
0:15:50 > 0:15:57The violence just did nothing for me, because of me own son.
0:16:00 > 0:16:05Thomas was the oldest boy and the apple of his father's eye.
0:16:05 > 0:16:08He hadn't much interest in school,
0:16:08 > 0:16:12but he learned Irish and he was brilliant,
0:16:12 > 0:16:15and he got a scholarship to go to the Gaeltacht,
0:16:15 > 0:16:16to the Irish college.
0:16:16 > 0:16:19He was 16-and-a-half and he never came home.
0:16:19 > 0:16:21He was only there a week
0:16:21 > 0:16:23and he was drowned there.
0:16:25 > 0:16:27On the Sunday, before -
0:16:27 > 0:16:29he died on the Tuesday -
0:16:29 > 0:16:31well, on that Sunday,
0:16:31 > 0:16:35there was a soldier blown up down at the corner there,
0:16:35 > 0:16:36there was a bomb on a bicycle.
0:16:38 > 0:16:41His mother's door got a knock that Sunday.
0:16:41 > 0:16:43My door got a knock.
0:16:43 > 0:16:46It was the same grief and the same hardship
0:16:46 > 0:16:48and, just...you know,
0:16:48 > 0:16:50the trauma of it all,
0:16:50 > 0:16:53and, um...losing your son.
0:16:58 > 0:17:01- OVER PA:- Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life.
0:17:01 > 0:17:04"No-one can come to the Father except through me..."
0:17:04 > 0:17:05Sometimes I wonder, like,
0:17:05 > 0:17:09"What would you be doing without the GA?"
0:17:09 > 0:17:10I don't know what I'd be doing.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12If I hadn't it to look forward to,
0:17:12 > 0:17:15I'd just...would have nothing to look forward to.
0:17:17 > 0:17:18I mightn't be here at all.
0:17:20 > 0:17:24Through bereavements and sad times and that,
0:17:24 > 0:17:26it got people back out.
0:17:26 > 0:17:29I think that's what the GAA is about.
0:17:29 > 0:17:31It's that important.
0:17:33 > 0:17:34Life or death.
0:17:46 > 0:17:49Just have him there, because he's with me every day.
0:17:53 > 0:17:55Well, you see, the children coming in now
0:17:55 > 0:17:58know it's Uncle Thomas, you see, just let you keep his name alive,
0:17:58 > 0:18:02you know, as best you can.
0:18:05 > 0:18:07DISTANT APPLAUSE
0:18:11 > 0:18:13Crossmaglen have made it through
0:18:13 > 0:18:14to the Armagh County final.
0:18:19 > 0:18:23We let it all out today now, boys. We use our heads, boys.
0:18:23 > 0:18:25Let's play football, let's get the ball in.
0:18:25 > 0:18:27If you're not having an effect on the game, boys,
0:18:27 > 0:18:29go and fucking have one!
0:18:29 > 0:18:31If we have to get their respect,
0:18:31 > 0:18:34we put our hand down their throat and we pull it out.
0:18:34 > 0:18:35THEY YELL
0:18:48 > 0:18:49OK...
0:18:49 > 0:18:51Let's keep it here.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Michael, try and keep a bit of shape, come on.
0:19:03 > 0:19:06We should be destroying this team, boys, but we're not.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09All we want, boys, is score after score after score.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14CROWD CHEERS
0:19:20 > 0:19:21CHEERING CONTINUES
0:19:23 > 0:19:27John and Oisin's half-time team talk pays dividends.
0:19:29 > 0:19:31WHISTLE BLOWS, CROWD CHEERS
0:19:31 > 0:19:35Crossmaglen have won the Armagh Championship.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40The next challenge is Ulster.
0:19:41 > 0:19:43MUSIC: Love Man by Otis Redding
0:19:43 > 0:19:46# I'm a love man
0:19:46 > 0:19:49# They call me the love man... #
0:19:49 > 0:19:50Love me job.
0:19:50 > 0:19:53Do you want to know what is the very best thing?
0:19:53 > 0:19:56Seeing a few lovely ladies throughout the day.
0:20:00 > 0:20:01We just love winning.
0:20:02 > 0:20:05You know, if you're not going to go to the top,
0:20:05 > 0:20:07and be the best team in Ireland,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10there really isn't no point to it at all, you know?
0:20:10 > 0:20:11It's all or nothing.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14For John and Oisin in particular, like.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17For them two men alone, I'd love to win an All-Ireland,
0:20:17 > 0:20:20cos I think if there's anybody ever deserved it, as managers,
0:20:20 > 0:20:22it's definitely them two.
0:20:24 > 0:20:26There is a saying we have, where we come from,
0:20:26 > 0:20:28that you'd go through a wall for someone.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34Well, them two guys, I'd go through a wall for them two.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39Another one done. That's us for today.
0:20:42 > 0:20:43Back up to sunny Crossmaglen...
0:20:45 > 0:20:47..where it's probably going to be lashing rain.
0:20:52 > 0:20:54HE CALLS TO THE COWS
0:20:54 > 0:20:57I grew up admiring Oisin and watching him play football
0:20:57 > 0:21:02and...wanting to kick a football like him.
0:21:02 > 0:21:03I used to love watching John McT,
0:21:03 > 0:21:07swinging points from 50 yards out with his left boot.
0:21:09 > 0:21:11When you're growing up,
0:21:11 > 0:21:14watching all the boys and looking up to them,
0:21:14 > 0:21:18when you follow in their footsteps, it means everything.
0:21:18 > 0:21:19HE CALLS
0:21:19 > 0:21:22Have to win.
0:21:22 > 0:21:26Afraid of losing. Fear losing.
0:21:35 > 0:21:40It's the first round of the Ulster Championship.
0:21:40 > 0:21:42This is us on a whole new level, now, boys.
0:21:42 > 0:21:44The country is watching us today.
0:21:44 > 0:21:47That should fill your heart full of joy, boys.
0:21:47 > 0:21:48Because we are the best around, boys.
0:21:48 > 0:21:50that's what we are going to show today.
0:21:50 > 0:21:52You're going to be challenged, today.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55Not from Omagh. From me. From Oisin.
0:21:55 > 0:21:57And from every man around this circle, lads.
0:21:57 > 0:21:59- Are we up to the challenge? - ALL:- Yes!
0:21:59 > 0:22:01THEY YELL
0:22:03 > 0:22:06- COMMENTATOR:- ..the referee says no, play will continue.
0:22:06 > 0:22:07The ball is there to be won.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09Crossmaglen fires in front, so too does McAnally.
0:22:09 > 0:22:11It's in the hands of the Cross man.
0:22:11 > 0:22:14Here they come again, Omagh, one point ahead,
0:22:14 > 0:22:16- who could create a massive upset. - WHISTLE BLOWS
0:22:18 > 0:22:21Ronan O'Neill, he will shoot. This could seal it.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24It goes...over the bar.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27Ronan O'Neill has scored four points today,
0:22:27 > 0:22:28that one with his left foot.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30A majestic effort.
0:22:30 > 0:22:33Brannigan looks at the watch. Brannigan calls for the ball.
0:22:33 > 0:22:36- WHISTLE BLOWS - It's all over.
0:22:36 > 0:22:38And Omagh, incredibly,
0:22:38 > 0:22:40have defeated Crossmaglen.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43Quite a magnificent second-half performance.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45You could argue that Crossmaglen
0:22:45 > 0:22:47were the architects of their own downfall
0:22:47 > 0:22:50by having two men sent off, but taking nothing away...
0:23:00 > 0:23:02Today, boys, we are failures.
0:23:02 > 0:23:04We said at the start of this whole journey, boys,
0:23:04 > 0:23:07there will be only one team that will beat us,
0:23:07 > 0:23:09and that would be ourselves.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12And that's the pill we have to swallow today.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15We were beaten because we lost to ourselves.
0:23:15 > 0:23:17It's a bittersweet pill, that.
0:23:17 > 0:23:21We have a lot to learn. And it's sickening.
0:23:21 > 0:23:23It's sickening.
0:23:56 > 0:23:57A huge disappointment.
0:23:59 > 0:24:01Not because we were beaten,
0:24:01 > 0:24:03but the manner in which we were beaten.
0:24:03 > 0:24:08They eroded our discipline, like nothing...ever before.
0:24:14 > 0:24:17If you asked the fellas, probably, if they were honest,
0:24:17 > 0:24:20it's probably still raw with them, you know?
0:24:20 > 0:24:23You know, you think it gets easier every time.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25It actually gets worse every time you get beat.
0:24:25 > 0:24:27It's not a nice place to be.
0:24:29 > 0:24:32You're letting yourself down. You're letting your family down.
0:24:32 > 0:24:34You're letting the community down.
0:24:34 > 0:24:38It's more than football, that. More than football.
0:24:38 > 0:24:40It's just a bond we have with each other and...
0:24:40 > 0:24:44Yeah, a band of brothers, we call each other.
0:24:47 > 0:24:49You make lifelong friends through the football
0:24:49 > 0:24:53and that is a huge part of it, as well, you know?
0:24:53 > 0:24:55"What is the meaning of life?", people sometimes ask.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58Living it to the best of your ability, I think.
0:24:58 > 0:25:01You can only live life as it comes in front of you, as you see it.
0:25:01 > 0:25:04You should just try and take it on the chin and move forward.
0:25:09 > 0:25:13You have to want to win and be hungry to win.
0:25:13 > 0:25:15I think that's more important than anything.
0:25:15 > 0:25:18I know that our boys have that belief.
0:25:18 > 0:25:22Why not go and do it right, fucking win something,
0:25:22 > 0:25:26and get these boys to achieve what previous generations have achieved?
0:25:45 > 0:25:48For years, we used the Troubles as the old crutch.
0:25:48 > 0:25:50"This is why we are not doing well."
0:25:50 > 0:25:52All of a sudden, we started to use it
0:25:52 > 0:25:56as a...siege mentality, if you like.
0:25:56 > 0:25:57Despite what was going on,
0:25:57 > 0:26:01we were still going to be successful on the football field.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04We didn't want anybody telling us
0:26:04 > 0:26:06we couldn't do this, or couldn't do that.
0:26:06 > 0:26:10Some people might say there's an arrogance about us.
0:26:10 > 0:26:13But it's not. It's the fact that we...
0:26:14 > 0:26:17You tell us we can't do something, of course we are going to do it.
0:26:17 > 0:26:19If you tell us we can't win,
0:26:19 > 0:26:21of course we are going to prove you wrong.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24As players, Oisin and John helped Crossmaglen
0:26:24 > 0:26:27win its first All-Ireland club Championship.
0:26:28 > 0:26:30CHEERING
0:26:32 > 0:26:34Since 1996, the club has also won
0:26:34 > 0:26:38an unprecedented 18 out of 19 County Championships,
0:26:38 > 0:26:40ten Ulster club trophies,
0:26:40 > 0:26:42and five more All-Ireland finals.
0:26:42 > 0:26:44# Championees...! #
0:26:44 > 0:26:48To achieve something that brought complete joy to Crossmaglen
0:26:48 > 0:26:50and to the whole of Ulster
0:26:50 > 0:26:52was a sight to behold.
0:26:52 > 0:26:55We did that with a bunch of fellows from a five-mile radius
0:26:55 > 0:26:57who were best friends right through.
0:26:58 > 0:27:00Wasn't it great to stick two fingers up
0:27:00 > 0:27:02and say, "Regardless what you do,
0:27:02 > 0:27:03"you can land your helicopters here,
0:27:03 > 0:27:06"you can build your barracks on top of us,
0:27:06 > 0:27:08"you can stop us, throw our clothes out in the street,
0:27:08 > 0:27:12"throw our bags out, you can chase people going to training,
0:27:12 > 0:27:14"you can try and intimidate us, but fuck yous -
0:27:14 > 0:27:17"we are going to win an All-Ireland anyway."
0:27:17 > 0:27:20As they prepare for their second season as managers,
0:27:20 > 0:27:22Oisin and John are more determined than ever
0:27:22 > 0:27:25to build on the town's sporting legacy.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38The simple things, time after time after time.
0:27:38 > 0:27:39It's May,
0:27:39 > 0:27:42and the 2015 season is underway.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44There are a few boys playing in different positions
0:27:44 > 0:27:47than they're used to. Suck it up, boys. So what?
0:27:47 > 0:27:48You could be there for the rest of the year.
0:27:48 > 0:27:50How do we enjoy the game, boys?
0:27:50 > 0:27:53By doing the right things, boys, and by winning the game.
0:27:55 > 0:27:57Come on, Stephen!
0:27:57 > 0:27:58Move it, Mickey, move it!
0:28:03 > 0:28:04Clown, ye...
0:28:04 > 0:28:07Take it over, Jamie, take it over the bar!
0:28:09 > 0:28:11Crossmaglen are through to the second round
0:28:11 > 0:28:14of the Armagh Championship.
0:28:14 > 0:28:17But John and Oisin have asked the team to stay behind.
0:28:19 > 0:28:21John Murtagh, Danny and Gavin,
0:28:21 > 0:28:23do you know why you weren't playing today?
0:28:23 > 0:28:25The boys weren't playing today
0:28:25 > 0:28:27because they were drinking at the wedding.
0:28:27 > 0:28:29At the start of the season,
0:28:29 > 0:28:32the managers imposed an alcohol ban nine days before every game.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38They have discovered three players flouted it before today's match.
0:28:39 > 0:28:43There's no integrity in this room. None.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45And anybody who thinks
0:28:45 > 0:28:48that they going to suck the energy out of this group,
0:28:48 > 0:28:51or take away anything from this group, they're gone.
0:28:53 > 0:28:54I had an addiction, boys,
0:28:54 > 0:28:57and I went to a treatment centre in Galway.
0:28:57 > 0:28:59I spent three months there.
0:28:59 > 0:29:04I met a nun on the way into the ward and she said two things.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07"Be positive and stick with the winners."
0:29:09 > 0:29:11Stay away from negativity.
0:29:15 > 0:29:1714 years of age, I started gambling.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19I did a simple bet on the Grand National
0:29:19 > 0:29:21and fell in love with it.
0:29:21 > 0:29:23It just spiralled out of control from there.
0:29:26 > 0:29:27The best way I can describe it
0:29:27 > 0:29:29is when you see people strung out on drugs.
0:29:29 > 0:29:31You see very vivid images on TV
0:29:31 > 0:29:35of people who are strung out on drugs...heroin or whatever.
0:29:35 > 0:29:37They do anything to get the next hit.
0:29:37 > 0:29:40For me, that next hit was just putting on a bet.
0:29:40 > 0:29:46And...when I got that bet on, I felt relief.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55I was financially bankrupt, emotionally bankrupt,
0:29:55 > 0:29:58no self-respect, no self-esteem, no integrity.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01All those things - it takes all those things away from you.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06I seriously considered suicide.
0:30:06 > 0:30:11And I didn't know what way I could get out of the trouble I was in.
0:30:11 > 0:30:15When I think back on days like that,
0:30:15 > 0:30:20I'm so glad I spent the next ten weeks in Galway,
0:30:20 > 0:30:22sticking with the winners and being positive.
0:30:24 > 0:30:28Unless we are willing to knuckle down and really do that, boys...
0:30:30 > 0:30:33..we're just going the same place we're going last year.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36It is up to you to see whether we can change that or not.
0:30:36 > 0:30:38John?
0:30:42 > 0:30:43Throughout the conflict,
0:30:43 > 0:30:46Crossmaglen's resolve was tested by the army,
0:30:46 > 0:30:49who commandeered part of the club's pitch to extend their base.
0:30:53 > 0:30:54They took over the club.
0:30:54 > 0:30:56They were in the surrounding area
0:30:56 > 0:30:59and up tight nearly to the goals, and all that.
0:31:03 > 0:31:06It was just the occupation of our ground.
0:31:06 > 0:31:08Low-flying helicopters coming in,
0:31:08 > 0:31:11when you're trying to play a game or trying to train.
0:31:11 > 0:31:13I remember there was once they landed on the pitch.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15Training had to be stopped.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20You just have to dig deep and push on.
0:31:42 > 0:31:44People often associate the resilience
0:31:44 > 0:31:47and never-say-die attitude of Crossmaglen,
0:31:47 > 0:31:49they attribute that to the Troubles, you know?
0:31:49 > 0:31:51And...that might well be the case.
0:31:51 > 0:31:53We knew that the Troubles were there
0:31:53 > 0:31:57and we were affected on many, many's a day by the Troubles.
0:31:57 > 0:32:00But we chose to ignore that as best we could.
0:32:09 > 0:32:14But for some, the scars of the past continue to leave their mark.
0:32:14 > 0:32:16I don't know whether it's the Troubles
0:32:16 > 0:32:20or whatever in the past, you know, it definitely has affected people.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26There are over 15 pubs in Cross.
0:32:26 > 0:32:29It's a huge part of this town and it's a cultural thing, you know?
0:32:29 > 0:32:32To go...to go to the pub or whatever
0:32:32 > 0:32:37and being part of that, sort of, whole alcohol circle
0:32:37 > 0:32:40and being part of that environment.
0:32:40 > 0:32:41Um...
0:32:45 > 0:32:46You know, it's...
0:32:49 > 0:32:50..not easy, you know?
0:32:50 > 0:32:52Crossmaglen is just weeks away
0:32:52 > 0:32:55from the second round of the County Championship.
0:32:58 > 0:33:01But Jamie has started to question his future with the team.
0:33:02 > 0:33:06I just feel like there is a lot more than to me
0:33:06 > 0:33:09than, you know, living in a rural town.
0:33:11 > 0:33:13It's not that I can't fit in here.
0:33:13 > 0:33:16It's probably that I don't want to.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22Like, ultimately, the only reason I am here is because of football.
0:33:25 > 0:33:26I don't enjoy it as much
0:33:26 > 0:33:29because of the pressures of having to win all the time
0:33:29 > 0:33:32and wanting to just win for the sake of winning
0:33:32 > 0:33:37and so nobody else can win and, you know,
0:33:37 > 0:33:41it's not about having fun and enjoying the game any more.
0:33:45 > 0:33:47'I suppose, when you think about it, you know...
0:33:49 > 0:33:53'..the commitment and the effort required, it is pretty crazy.'
0:33:53 > 0:33:55Now, do you want something to eat?
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- CHILD COOS - Do you want a pancake?
0:33:58 > 0:34:02It's something that you have battles with yourself, in your own head.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05"Why am I going out here again? Why am I doing this?"
0:34:05 > 0:34:09'The football has taken a front seat of my life for so long, now,'
0:34:09 > 0:34:12and it's coming to the point where other things
0:34:12 > 0:34:14are getting to be more important than football.
0:34:16 > 0:34:18You know, you're trying to balance everything,
0:34:18 > 0:34:20it's hard for me to still do it.
0:34:22 > 0:34:25You still want to do it, obviously, but...
0:34:25 > 0:34:28Your actions now reflect on other people in your life -
0:34:28 > 0:34:31your family obviously, your kids.
0:34:31 > 0:34:33'It's probably a hindrance, the family life,
0:34:33 > 0:34:34'if you know what I mean?'
0:34:34 > 0:34:38Here comes the army, now. Will, what's the crack?
0:34:38 > 0:34:40- How did you get on?- OK.
0:34:40 > 0:34:42There are nights where it just gets on my nerves.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45He could be in to work at five o'clock, get his dinner,
0:34:45 > 0:34:47pack his bag and away he goes.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50- My goodness, you're filthy.- I know.
0:34:50 > 0:34:53The dinner plate will still be sitting on the table, you know.
0:34:53 > 0:34:56The children will be going mad, I'd have to get them ready for bed,
0:34:56 > 0:35:00get them settled, you know, and he'll just walk out the door.
0:35:00 > 0:35:03I'm like, "This has to stop", you know? It has to stop.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08But then, you know, their daddy is this man, he's the goalkeeper,
0:35:08 > 0:35:11and it's something to look up to and something to be proud of.
0:35:11 > 0:35:14It's a good thing. It's not a bad thing.
0:35:16 > 0:35:17It can be lonesome, you know what I mean?
0:35:17 > 0:35:19It can be lonesome.
0:35:20 > 0:35:22I've still to come to terms with it,
0:35:22 > 0:35:24that this will probably be my last season,
0:35:24 > 0:35:26but I think it is coming down to that point where...
0:35:28 > 0:35:31..you know, it would be indulgent of me, probably, to play...
0:35:33 > 0:35:35..much longer.
0:35:42 > 0:35:44Jamie has decided to bow out of the team.
0:35:44 > 0:35:47You know, I don't think I want it enough
0:35:47 > 0:35:51and I just want to be true to myself and...you know, give it 100%,
0:35:51 > 0:35:53and I just don't think I'm...
0:35:53 > 0:35:55I want other things.
0:35:57 > 0:36:00Get whatever you need out of your system.
0:36:00 > 0:36:02You know we are here for you. All right?
0:36:02 > 0:36:04- OK.- Cheers, John. Thank you.
0:36:07 > 0:36:10- McGrath.- How are you?- Not too bad.
0:36:17 > 0:36:21The people of Cross are trying to balance this thing of being
0:36:21 > 0:36:24the first person ever to leave Cross in the middle of a Championship,
0:36:24 > 0:36:26and that sounds silly, doesn't it?
0:36:26 > 0:36:29You know, but if it's the first time it's ever happened,
0:36:29 > 0:36:32he's set a precedent, so that in itself is new,
0:36:32 > 0:36:33and that's a big talking point.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36It's not easy for us, me, looking at Jamie,
0:36:36 > 0:36:40at the talent he has and what he could give to us.
0:36:40 > 0:36:42But it's his life, at the end of the day.
0:36:45 > 0:36:47You know, there's a lot more to life
0:36:47 > 0:36:51than kicking a ball over a bar, you know?
0:37:05 > 0:37:07Our season hangs on this.
0:37:07 > 0:37:10That's an obvious thing to say, but if we're beaten, we're gone.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13This is the biggest game of our season.
0:37:13 > 0:37:17With Jamie gone, the team is under more pressure than ever.
0:37:19 > 0:37:21Not having Jamie on our team
0:37:21 > 0:37:23makes us vulnerable in many ways, you know?
0:37:23 > 0:37:28John Murtagh is now critical to the forward line.
0:37:28 > 0:37:30OK, boys, going to name the team, all right?
0:37:30 > 0:37:36Paul Hearty in goals, Paul McKeown, Aiden Rushe. Midfield is David.
0:37:36 > 0:37:40Mickey Mac, Stephen Kernan, Tony Kernan,
0:37:40 > 0:37:42Kyle Carragher, Kyle Brennan
0:37:42 > 0:37:45and Cunns in the corner, OK?
0:37:45 > 0:37:48That's the way we're starting, boys.
0:37:50 > 0:37:53John isn't named in the starting line-up.
0:37:53 > 0:37:56What he doesn't know he that he's being penalised
0:37:56 > 0:37:59for flouting the alcohol ban a second time.
0:38:03 > 0:38:04You tell us.
0:38:07 > 0:38:09- You're telling lies, though. - I'm not.- You are telling lies.
0:38:09 > 0:38:12- Who said...?- The person who was drinking with you.
0:38:12 > 0:38:14You're going to stand here
0:38:14 > 0:38:16and look me in the eye and tell me you weren't drinking?
0:38:16 > 0:38:17I wasn't drinking.
0:38:20 > 0:38:23Three weeks ago, lads, we said we needed to improve.
0:38:23 > 0:38:25For three weeks, we've worked on everything.
0:38:25 > 0:38:28There's no mistakes today. We're a better side.
0:38:28 > 0:38:30The way to prove it, lads, is in the first ten minutes.
0:38:30 > 0:38:32We want to hit this ground hard.
0:38:32 > 0:38:34There's two types of teams in the world.
0:38:34 > 0:38:36An honest team and the rest.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39We're an honest team, we get out here with an honesty, hard work.
0:38:39 > 0:38:4215 battles to be won. We'll win them all!
0:38:42 > 0:38:44THEY YELL
0:38:54 > 0:38:56HE YELLS
0:39:00 > 0:39:04Not happening out there. It's just not happening, OK?
0:39:04 > 0:39:06We're playing hard, boys, we are playing hard.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08Now, we need to play hard and smart.
0:39:10 > 0:39:14After half-time, John is brought on as a substitute.
0:39:28 > 0:39:29- WOMAN:- That's the boy!
0:39:29 > 0:39:32John helps Crossmaglen win the semifinal.
0:39:34 > 0:39:36That was a real battle, boys, a real battle.
0:39:36 > 0:39:39And we came out on top, because that's what we do best.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42I don't know about yous, but I'm happy, boys.
0:39:42 > 0:39:46I'm fucking happy. Don't look it, but I am, I'm happy.
0:39:52 > 0:39:57Live by myself. I love it. It's nice and quiet.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Thank God - if I had too many distractions, it'd be...
0:40:00 > 0:40:02It's a bad thing.
0:40:06 > 0:40:10With time to reflect, John wishes he hadn't lied to his managers.
0:40:12 > 0:40:15It happened so quick. It was so...
0:40:15 > 0:40:19It was just like an immediate answer, you know,
0:40:19 > 0:40:23just to try and do anything to get playing.
0:40:23 > 0:40:29And then whenever I got home and got a chance to take it all in,
0:40:29 > 0:40:33it really didn't sit well with me that I did lie to two team-mates,
0:40:33 > 0:40:36and I was sick about it, to be honest with you.
0:40:36 > 0:40:39I rang Oisin the next day and apologised to him and...
0:40:41 > 0:40:43..and said, look, I was going to fight twice as hard then
0:40:43 > 0:40:44to get back in again.
0:40:47 > 0:40:49And that's just what I've done since.
0:40:51 > 0:40:55Nothing else is more important to me than football -
0:40:55 > 0:40:56not work,
0:40:56 > 0:40:58not this house...
0:41:02 > 0:41:05Not getting married and settling down, you know,
0:41:05 > 0:41:07none of them things comes in the equation,
0:41:07 > 0:41:10only football, only that team.
0:41:24 > 0:41:25Six, seven, eight...
0:41:30 > 0:41:32Seven, eight, nine...
0:41:38 > 0:41:41This is the team that's starting, boys because we're going to
0:41:41 > 0:41:43need every single man if we're all going to get across the line.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46Paul Hearty in goals, Fiddler,
0:41:46 > 0:41:49Aidan Rushe, Paul McKeown,
0:41:49 > 0:41:53Paul Hughes, Fish, James Morgan,
0:41:53 > 0:41:56Johnny and Dave, Mickey Mac,
0:41:56 > 0:41:58Stephen Kernan, Tony Kernan,
0:41:58 > 0:42:00Kyle Carragher, Rico,
0:42:00 > 0:42:02and John Murtagh.
0:42:04 > 0:42:06These boys don't know yet, boys,
0:42:06 > 0:42:09that it doesn't matter if we start well or not
0:42:09 > 0:42:11cos we're relentless, boys, relentless!
0:42:11 > 0:42:15We don't stop, boys, from the first minute to the last.
0:42:15 > 0:42:17THEY ALL SHOUT
0:42:18 > 0:42:20They love it, smack in the face!
0:42:25 > 0:42:27CHEERING
0:42:27 > 0:42:29Come on, Cross! Come on, Cross!
0:42:33 > 0:42:34Good man, Ollie.
0:42:36 > 0:42:42Crossmaglen are the Armagh champions for the 19th time in 20 years.
0:42:42 > 0:42:45# Oh-way, oh-way, hey, hey... #
0:42:45 > 0:42:47Next, they take on Ulster.
0:42:47 > 0:42:49# Championees... #
0:42:50 > 0:42:53Last year's crushing defeat in round one will be
0:42:53 > 0:42:55at the forefront of their minds.
0:43:00 > 0:43:01Catch them!
0:43:01 > 0:43:04Oisin has been contacted by a former soldier
0:43:04 > 0:43:08once stationed at Crossmaglen who is now involved in reconciliation work.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14Oisin has agreed to meet him.
0:43:19 > 0:43:22This sign was one of the first things we saw.
0:43:22 > 0:43:27I think it perfectly exemplifies the attitude soldiers used
0:43:27 > 0:43:30to deal with any given situations,
0:43:30 > 0:43:33dark humour, dark humour and a kind of fatalistic humour.
0:43:33 > 0:43:36"Don't worry, be happy, welcome XMG."
0:43:40 > 0:43:42WHISTLE BLOWS
0:43:46 > 0:43:50I would have been fearful of the club because in my head
0:43:50 > 0:43:53the Gaelic club is where all the local volunteers
0:43:53 > 0:43:55in the local IRA active service unit
0:43:55 > 0:43:58would sit and come up with their plans to hit the army patrols,
0:43:58 > 0:43:59of which I'm a member.
0:43:59 > 0:44:02It was a general attitude amongst the soldiers that
0:44:02 > 0:44:07Gaelic, ie nationalist, ie Republican, equals our enemy.
0:44:10 > 0:44:13As far as I was concerned, you were the enemy.
0:44:13 > 0:44:16You were, I suppose, invading.
0:44:16 > 0:44:19We used to have no ball catcher at the back
0:44:19 > 0:44:22and we used to kick the ball and the ball used to go into the barracks.
0:44:22 > 0:44:25Sometimes, depending on who was in there, would kick it back
0:44:25 > 0:44:27and sometimes they wouldn't, you know?
0:44:27 > 0:44:29And sometimes they'd burst it and throw it back that way.
0:44:29 > 0:44:31- That's true.- Yeah, yeah.
0:44:31 > 0:44:33I didn't do it. I know of people...
0:44:33 > 0:44:36- You sure?- I didn't! I didn't. - THEY LAUGH
0:44:36 > 0:44:37It was...
0:44:37 > 0:44:40Most of the time when I saw the pitch was coming across in a Lynx.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42Yeah.
0:44:45 > 0:44:47Did you resent the fact that you ended up here?
0:44:47 > 0:44:50I kind of resent that
0:44:50 > 0:44:53very little regard was given to us soldiers as individuals.
0:44:53 > 0:44:58They could afford to lose a few of us without worrying about too much
0:44:58 > 0:45:03adverse publicity and that seemed a wanton risk of soldiers' lives.
0:45:07 > 0:45:11There was cost for, or potential cost, or a cost for all of us...
0:45:11 > 0:45:16- For everybody.- ..that, a cost that didn't have to be expended.
0:45:18 > 0:45:22'It was a watershed moment. from a personal point of view'
0:45:22 > 0:45:27I'd didn't think I'd be shaking hands with a British Army officer,
0:45:27 > 0:45:32and it's something that proves how much everybody has moved on.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42- NEWSREADER:- Army engineers moved in to Crossmaglen this morning
0:45:42 > 0:45:45and began dismantling the observation post
0:45:45 > 0:45:49which has monitored all movement in the village square since 1976.
0:45:52 > 0:45:54With the ceasefire in place,
0:45:54 > 0:45:56the army began to move out of Crossmaglen.
0:46:00 > 0:46:03The land commandeered nearly a quarter of a century earlier
0:46:03 > 0:46:05was eventually handed back to the club.
0:46:07 > 0:46:11We're here tonight witnessing a splendid development
0:46:11 > 0:46:14and the facility here at the disposal of people
0:46:14 > 0:46:18will make this place, great and all as it is already,
0:46:18 > 0:46:20a better place for everyone to live in.
0:46:20 > 0:46:22APPLAUSE
0:46:25 > 0:46:29It's the first round of the 2015 Ulster Championship.
0:46:29 > 0:46:32Today is the day we get our redemption, lads!
0:46:34 > 0:46:37At this stage last year, Crossmaglen were knocked out.
0:46:42 > 0:46:44CHEERING
0:46:44 > 0:46:46- COMMENTATOR:- 50 minutes gone in the second half, Mark,
0:46:46 > 0:46:50and it's Crossmaglen one goal and 12 points, Cargin nine points.
0:46:50 > 0:46:52Come on, Cargin!
0:46:56 > 0:47:00- No!- Relax, Kenny! Relax! Relax!
0:47:02 > 0:47:05CHEERING
0:47:08 > 0:47:10That's brilliant, lads. That gets us the next round.
0:47:16 > 0:47:19We're going out into a cauldron of pressure, lads,
0:47:19 > 0:47:22that we've created for ourselves because we thrive in that cauldron.
0:47:27 > 0:47:29WHISTLE BLOWS
0:47:36 > 0:47:38Cool heads, keep our composure, lads, and let's execute it.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40We fight to the death.
0:47:58 > 0:47:59Yeah!
0:47:59 > 0:48:02Crossmaglen are through to the Ulster club final.
0:48:04 > 0:48:07And this time, they have a secret weapon.
0:48:13 > 0:48:16The prodigal son has returned to Cross.
0:48:17 > 0:48:21There was a part of me that has unfinished business, you know.
0:48:22 > 0:48:25I feel like I owe the team one more great moment.
0:48:28 > 0:48:32I feel that Crossmaglen has made me the person who I am.
0:48:32 > 0:48:34Ultimately, if I'm in New York next year,
0:48:34 > 0:48:38and we've won an All-Ireland with Cross, I'll be happy.
0:48:38 > 0:48:42When you're talking to Jim, it's hard not to say no to him, like,
0:48:42 > 0:48:43you could not say no to him,
0:48:43 > 0:48:45but he'll have to come in and fight for a space,
0:48:45 > 0:48:48he wouldn't be walking straight back onto the team, not at the minute.
0:48:48 > 0:48:51But put it this way, we're better with him than without him.
0:48:51 > 0:48:55We're here on merit, boys. But we haven't won anything yet.
0:48:55 > 0:48:57There's only one team that can beat us, boys,
0:48:57 > 0:48:59and you're looking at them.
0:49:01 > 0:49:02Pressure, boys, harder!
0:49:06 > 0:49:09Get in there! You're pathetic!
0:49:13 > 0:49:15CHEERING
0:49:17 > 0:49:19Fuck did that happen?
0:49:21 > 0:49:23WHISTLE BLOWS
0:49:25 > 0:49:28Ref! Ref, allow! Allow! Allow!
0:49:39 > 0:49:43Can we get an assessment of where we are with injuries? Aaron Kernan?
0:49:43 > 0:49:46- I'm all right.- Tony Kernan?- All right.- Stephen Kernan?- Yeah, I'm OK.
0:49:46 > 0:49:49- Johnny?- OK.- James?- Yeah.
0:49:49 > 0:49:52Right, OK. We need a lot of movement in there, lads,
0:49:52 > 0:49:56and when we get opportunities, we need to kick them over the bar. OK?
0:49:59 > 0:50:01Good advice for half-time.
0:50:16 > 0:50:18Normal time ends in a draw.
0:50:20 > 0:50:22During extra time, Jamie Clarke leads the way.
0:50:24 > 0:50:27- Take them on, Jamie!- Go on!
0:50:30 > 0:50:31Go on, Jamie!
0:50:35 > 0:50:37CHEERING
0:50:52 > 0:50:55Crossmaglen are Ulster champions.
0:50:55 > 0:50:58They're through to the All-Ireland semifinal.
0:50:58 > 0:51:00THEY CHEER
0:51:07 > 0:51:11- Are we going to win this year? - I don't know. Probably, yeah.
0:51:11 > 0:51:13- We have to be confident, don't you?- Yeah.
0:51:13 > 0:51:15Going into a match, you have to be confident.
0:51:15 > 0:51:17Since we started winning, we started to realise
0:51:17 > 0:51:19what success did for everybody else.
0:51:19 > 0:51:21It shapes our lives in a way.
0:51:21 > 0:51:24It's also a little bit more sweet when you're Ulster champions,
0:51:24 > 0:51:27and you're preparing to go ahead and win an All-Ireland.
0:51:27 > 0:51:30- Are you going, Jenny?- No, I'm not able to go but I'll watch it on TV.
0:51:30 > 0:51:31Oh, you'll watch it on the TV?
0:51:31 > 0:51:34- How am I going to get off? - Ach, you'll have to.
0:51:34 > 0:51:37- I can't believe this is happening. - ..Rangers, Crossmaglen.
0:51:37 > 0:51:40Well, I can't wait. Up the Rangers!
0:51:40 > 0:51:42SHE LAUGHS
0:52:15 > 0:52:18We have no reason to do anything stupid today, boys.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20We are as honest as we can be.
0:52:24 > 0:52:28If we bring our A game, boys, they might as well jump on the bus now.
0:52:28 > 0:52:32CROWD SINGS NATIONAL ANTHEM IN IRISH
0:52:32 > 0:52:37# Thar toinn do rainig chugainn... #
0:52:37 > 0:52:40We're inspiring people all around the country.
0:52:40 > 0:52:44We can fucking inspire the next generation, boys.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48But see this generation here, boys, we have a big stamp to leave.
0:52:48 > 0:52:55# Ba bhuachach ar sinsir romhainn... #
0:52:55 > 0:53:00Nothing that they throw at us is good enough to beat us, boys.
0:53:00 > 0:53:01Nothing!
0:53:03 > 0:53:06WHISTLE BLOWS
0:53:06 > 0:53:08When we hit that field today, boys,
0:53:08 > 0:53:11we are a different animal than we've ever been.
0:53:11 > 0:53:15In 20 years, we're a different animal than we've ever been before.
0:53:18 > 0:53:20CHEERING
0:53:27 > 0:53:29Move it up, that's it.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31Kick a point, kick a point.
0:53:49 > 0:53:50THEY CHEER
0:53:50 > 0:53:52Come on, come on!
0:53:52 > 0:53:56- COMMENTATOR:- Crossmaglen have really started this game at a huge pace,
0:53:56 > 0:53:58at 100mph, and been the dominant force here.
0:54:08 > 0:54:11- Come on, Cross!- Come on, come on! - Come on again, Johnny!
0:54:13 > 0:54:17- Go on, Jamie, that's it.- Go on, Jamie!- In again, come on there!
0:54:17 > 0:54:18Yes!
0:54:25 > 0:54:27- COMMENTATOR:- The angle is really, really tight,
0:54:27 > 0:54:33but that's a magnificent point white from Jamie Clarke.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36It's 8-4, Crossmaglen Rangers lead.
0:54:38 > 0:54:41It wouldn't take an experienced analyst to say, lads,
0:54:41 > 0:54:43we completely dominated that half.
0:54:43 > 0:54:46But you wouldn't think that from the scoreboard, sure you wouldn't?
0:54:46 > 0:54:49Cut the mistakes down. We've done enough mistakes, OK?
0:54:49 > 0:54:52We have to keep our composure, boys. They're going to come at us hard.
0:54:52 > 0:54:53See these first five minutes?
0:54:53 > 0:54:57We do the exact same thing that we did first half. That clear?
0:54:57 > 0:54:58THEY SHOUT
0:54:58 > 0:54:59Five minutes, lads.
0:55:00 > 0:55:03- COMMENTATOR:- Right on cue as the second half gets under way,
0:55:03 > 0:55:06and again it's Jamie Clarke gets the kick in!
0:55:06 > 0:55:08Oh, saved on the crossbar by Rory Byrne.
0:55:13 > 0:55:15That's a great point, or is it?
0:55:15 > 0:55:16Yes, it is.
0:55:20 > 0:55:21Go on, boys!
0:55:22 > 0:55:26Just two points between the teams, and it is another score,
0:55:26 > 0:55:30making it now 8-7. Game on here.
0:55:30 > 0:55:32Yes, certainly a comeback here by Castlebar.
0:55:32 > 0:55:35Castlebar have started very, very strongly,
0:55:35 > 0:55:38and their running forward is the key.
0:55:38 > 0:55:40Warm up, come on.
0:56:03 > 0:56:04Good lie!
0:56:04 > 0:56:06Two-and-a-half minutes to go.
0:56:06 > 0:56:08The sides are level at 12 points apiece.
0:56:08 > 0:56:10Ball played down along the sideline.
0:56:17 > 0:56:19HEARTBEAT POUNDS
0:56:23 > 0:56:26CHEERING
0:56:30 > 0:56:31Over. It's over.
0:56:33 > 0:56:36Crossmaglen have been defeated by a single point.
0:56:36 > 0:56:40- COMMENTATORS:- Castlebar are going through to the All-Ireland final.
0:56:40 > 0:56:43- Crossmaglen will be hugely disappointed.- What a game.
0:56:43 > 0:56:46What a finish. What an end.
0:57:36 > 0:57:38We wanted us the title, lads,
0:57:38 > 0:57:40and we did our best in the All-Ireland semifinal
0:57:40 > 0:57:42and it wasn't... It wasn't to be on the day.
0:57:43 > 0:57:46We got knocked to the floor and we got back up after.
0:57:46 > 0:57:48It made us bigger and better men.
0:57:48 > 0:57:50So well done, lads,
0:57:50 > 0:57:53and it's been a privilege working with you the last two years.
0:57:53 > 0:57:56There's one saying that springs to mind today
0:57:56 > 0:57:58and that's dying with our boots on,
0:57:58 > 0:58:01and that's what we did, boys, we died with our boots on.
0:58:10 > 0:58:13Until the boys became successful,
0:58:13 > 0:58:18we were known as the town the army took over,
0:58:18 > 0:58:22and now we're known for the successful town that we are.
0:58:27 > 0:58:29It gives people in the town hope.
0:58:29 > 0:58:33It gives them something outside of the norm,
0:58:33 > 0:58:37something special that nobody else can recreate.
0:58:40 > 0:58:42Without Crossmaglen Rangers,
0:58:42 > 0:58:44our community wouldn't be as strong as they are.
0:58:46 > 0:58:51That constant striving for being the best will never stop.