Pádraig (Paudie) Hampsey - leader, role model and inspiration.

Tyrone captain Paudie Hampsey lived the dream when he climbed the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift the Sam Maguire Cup.
It was the cumulation of years of commitment and dedication.

National recognition, however, has never dimmed his passion for his beloved club Coalisland Fianna and local community.

Two times an All Star, he recalls sharing the joy of winning All Ireland finals and club championships with his family and friends. Special memories.

Paudie also looks back on his days in the boxing ring. Future pros Feargal McCrory and Conrad Cummings trained at the club with him. Three-times Ulster champion, he came close to winning All Ireland titles before putting all his efforts into football.

It soon brought reward as he captained Tyrone minors to a provincial win and won an All Ireland U21 medal.
There was also disappointment with club and county, losing finals, before winning the O'Neill Cup and the Sam Maguire. He pays tribute to all those he played alongside as well as the managers who guided them on the way.

In 2021, as we made our way out of Covid restrictions, Tyrone reached the promised land for only the fourth time. An unforgettable day. Paudie recalls the key plays, other great leaders on that team, the winning speech, joyous scenes with family and his partner and very special memories of his son Cillian joining him on the field afterwards.
The scenes bringing the Sam Maguire Cup to Coalisland (along with club-mates Michael McKernan and coach Peter Donnelly) are now part of the town's folklore.

Paudie also remembers the joy returning to Coalisland, along with his clubmates, with the O'Neill Cup.

This is a local chat with Ronan Mac, a fellow Coalisland man, as Paudie reflects on an incredible GAA career and they share special memories of family and friends, some who have sadly departed.
However, the idea of a GAA Royal Rumble is a hard sell...