Dorman, Fehin
October 31, 2004
The late Fehin Dorman
All our youth are precious. We think of them as our own, part of our extended family. All have their own special gifts.
For all associated with camogie and football in Brocagh, Fehin was indeed a very special individual. Although, inexplicably, he has slipped away from us, he remains with us still, as large as life.
He was a bright and intelligent boy with a character that was strong and independent in the best possible sense. It would be fair to say that a good part of Fehin's life revolved around the football field. Rarely would there be a match or training session with any camogie or fooball teams when he would not have been present. Often he would have arrived stripped and with ball in hand for there would have been no time to waste, it was straight to the action.
Frequently he would orchestrate a game with his friends on the free area but, at the same time could follow, stroke for stroke the camogie game on the small pitch beyond. When games or training sessions were finished and boys and girls mixed, casually practising the various skills, Fehin would have been in his element.
He would tease and torment and try his best to outdo those he played with, no matter how older or bigger they were, be it at camogie or football.
That Fehin had represented his school and played for Tyrone in the mini-sevens at Casement Park last year was no surprise. At his own level he was not only accomplished skillwise, but competitive to the last.
When he played at U12 or U14 level he dearly wanted to contest every ball all over the field. He was not always impressed with referees nor with the instructions we gave from the line and there were plenty of highs and lows.
To his credit, however, Fehin's enthusiasm for the game and his devotion to Brocagh never diminished but stayed strong to the last. His contribution to both camogie and football clubs was not confined to the playing area. Whenever small fundraisers were organised, one sheet of sponsors was never enough, every door in the neighbourhood would have been knocked, every relative touched up and, when the full list of sponsors and the bag of proceeds handed in, Fehin would have been particularly proud at having done something for his club.
We used to say 'Fehin has no fear'. Even when playing against older lads much bigger than himself, he could carry a ball well and true and never deviate from his chosen path, despite the impending tackle. The depth of his courage and bravery was to become evident to us all over the past six months.
On the Feile weekend he played for a short time against Erins Own, Castlecommer in the friendly match on Sunday morning. On the last day of July he refereed an U10 game at a blitz in Moortown. Throughout August he was at the camogie and football whenever possible.
His strength of character in the way in which he carried the burden of his illness was just incredible.
On behalf of all in the camogie and football clubs and especially on behalf of the young members, we would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Peggy and to all the Dorman family for allowing us to be so much a part of Fehin's final farewell.
That we all have, and will retain, abiding memories of Fehin is no consolation to those nearest to him.
Acknowledgments and reflections seem insignificant, and words cannot compensate for a young life lost, a promise taken away.
To Peggy and to Turlough, to Antoin, Lorcan, Conan and Creagh, and to the immediate family, we can only say that our prayers and thoughts are with you now and will be with you in the weeks and months ahead.
Contributed by An Cumann Camogaiocht
Naomh Brid agus An Brocach Cumann Eimeid
October 2004
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