By Alan Rodgers

LIFE changed forever in the Casey home outside Dungannon almost exactly four years ago when their beloved son, Damian, died while he was enjoying a holiday in Spain just weeks after another marvellous hurling success.

In the early summer of 2022, Damian Casey was universally regarded as Tyrone’s top hurler. He had just played a starring role for the Red Hands as they won the Nickey Rackard Cup by defeating Roscommon in Croke Park.

That success was the latest of many crowning glories in an illustrious career. The 29 year-old was poised to make more history as the county strived to compete at the higher levels of hurling. They did, but without the services of their most renowned star.

His loss to the team has been immense during the intervening period. But, amid the highs and lows since 2022, there has been one constant – the presence of the Casey family at Tyrone’s matches and the ongoing esteem in which both Damian, his parents and sisters are held by all associated with the senior side.

Now, as Stephen McGarry and the players prepare for their first Nickey Rackard final since that day at Croke Park, Damian’s father, Sean, has reflected on the ongoing journey of grief, emotion and indeed joy. They have experienced every feeling since their son’s death, and the two-way support has sustained them.

“We have come to nearly every match for the past four years. You can see how well the lads are playing. Damian would want us there and we know that he’s in the back of our minds all the time and in the back of the minds of the players as well,” he said.

“It’s not an easy journey and is difficult. But the fact is it’s absolutely brilliant to see Tyrone heading to the final again and that’s what Damian would want.

“The memories of Damian playing so well in that final four years ago are brilliant to have and you never lose them. But I’ve only been back to Croke Park once since then, and that was for the All-Ireland Club Final between Errigal Ciaran and Cuala.”

One big decision will face Sean and the rest of the family ahead of next weekend’s final. At some point, the poignant and emotional trip back to the scene of some of their son’s most outstanding performances will have to be taken.

That’s not going to be easy for Sean, his wife Susan and their two daughters. Nevertheless, it’s an occasion and journey they know has to be undertaken.

“Believe you me, going to Croke Park is not an easy path to take. The bit that encourages me is that all the Tyrone teams are going well in hurling and the clubs are improving,” added Sean.

“I always be talking to the Tyrone players, and especially the Dungannon lads. The man that spearheads a lot of this is Aodhan McHugh. He was one of Damian’s best friends, and he will let the rest know what all of this is about.

“Damian loved hurling and didn’t want any accolades. He just loved the craic, loved playing the game and having friends from all over the country.

“It’s still all about the spirit of the players. From the first day, our family has been our first line of defence. My wife Susan and Louise and Catherine are always there. We always try to be together at matches. Damian was always part of that too, it’s natural and encouraging. No person will be left to drop off.

“We will continue that on. Damian put so much into Tyrone hurling and will never be forgotten. He loved hurling, football and camogie and sport generally. We will always remember him for that and his social skills.”

In the immediate aftermath of his death, there was a much wider acknowledgement of Damian Casey’s hurling skills and his contribution to the game not only in Tyrone but also much further afield.

Lory Meagher, Nickey Rackard and National League medals with Tyrone and numerous successes with his club, Dungannon Eoghain Ruadh, are positive proof of his contribution. The trophies and mementoes of that time remain as reminders of his prowess with the hurl.