Jude McAtamney: NFL debutant’s fellow Swatragh folk thrilled by his achievement

Jude McAtamney’s NFL debut for the New York Giants on Sunday was greeted with huge enthusiasm in his native Swatragh as many of the village folk watched the game together in local hostelries.

The 24-year-old ended up on the losing side as Washington Commanders clinched a 27-22 win in front of over 80,000 spectators at the the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey but he landed both his kicks in becoming the first Irish-born placekicker to feature in a regular season NFL game since 1985.

McAtamney’s former teacher at Swatragh Primary school, Dermot McEldowney was among those who took in the contest at Friel’s Bar & Restaurant in the village.

“I actually taught Jude when he was in primary five,” said Dermot.

“Jude is a member of a very talented sporting family and it’s no surprise to me that he has actually made it.

“I didn’t know he would be kicking for the Giants but I knew at some stage along the line, Jude would make it in some sort of sport because he was very talented.”

McEldowney recalled the red-haired Jude as a “very modest boy but a very good fella in school”.

“I think there was only one McAtamney who didn’t have the red hair,” laughed the NFL debutant’s former teacher.

“It is completely crazy but it just shows anybody with the right attitude can make it. Good luck to Jude and anybody else that’s coming behind him.”