James McClean: Footballer gets a hero's welcome at Creggan street party

James McClean signs a young fan's shirt at the street party in Creggan on Saturday

Footballer James McClean has been given a hero's welcome on the street where he grew up.

Derry's Creggan Heights was festooned for a street party in honour of the Republic of Ireland star, who won his 100th cap against Gibraltar on Monday.

"It's been some week," the 34-year-old said as he was mobbed by young fans keen to get their football shirts signed and grab a selfie with him.

His wife Erin and family members took part in the festivities too.

McClean is only the seventh player to reach a century of caps for the Republic. President of Ireland Michael D Higgins made a special presentation to him at the Aviva Stadium before Monday's international.

On Friday he was honoured before Derry City's home game against Cork City at the Ryan McBride Brandywell stadium.

Creggan native McClean is only the seventh player to reach a century of caps for the Republic

"You know, I'm looking forward to the moment where it actually sinks in because I think then that's when it'll hit home but for now I'm enjoying every second of it and long may it continue," he said at Saturday's party.

As local children enjoyed bouncy castles and face painting, McClean's wife Erin said life over the past 12 years with the international star, who debuted with Derry City and now plays for Wigan Athletic, had been Incredible.

"I could write a book, to be honest, with all the highs and the lows," she said. "But days like Monday and Tuesday, even, celebrating with family and friends - they're the days that make it all worth it."

She added: "I feel very lucky and blessed. I think we're just a wee team - we just get through it together."

Erin McClean said life with the Republic of Ireland player has its "highs and lows"

Earlier McClean thanked the Creggan community for giving him the strength to fulfil his footballing dreams.

"If it wasn't for everything I learned growing up in Creggan then I wouldn't be where I am today," McClean told BBC Radio Foyle.

"Creggan is my home and I'm proud of that. They are also proud of me.

"They feel part of my career and that means so much to me. I'm one of them and that's a great grounded way to be. I thank Creggan for everything."

Derry City director Tony O'Doherty, who was capped for Northern Ireland, said on Saturday he was honoured to hand over a framed signed Derry City shirt to McClean.

"James has been a tremendous role model for Creggan and for every young person. They are all having such a great time at this street party and I reckon some will go home and go to bed tonight dreaming of being the next James McClean," he said.

James McClean poses for photos with fans at the Creggan street party

It's not the first time Creggan has honoured its favourite footballing son.

Barcelona has a Messi mural, and Naples one of Maradona - in Creggan a giant mural of McClean adorns a Central Drive wall.

It's a tribute he still finds surreal.

"I'll never get used to walking by the mural in Creggan. I grew up kicking ball around the Creggan shops and now I'm on the end of a wall.

"It's surreal but so special for my family to walk by every day."

'Creggan is strong'

Since leaving his hometown club of Derry City, McClean has played for Sunderland, Stoke, Wigan Athletic and West Bromwich Albion in an enduring career in England.

It's been a career not without its challenges too - abuse directed at him is well documented.

A large 3D mural of McClean was installed on Central Drive in Creggan in 2022

In his opinion, it is on a "different scale" to what other players face. His upbringing has helped him deal with the worst of it, he said.

"The majority of times, it's water off a duck's back. You're a product of your environment. Creggan is strong and has resilience - that's also how I am as person."

On Friday, Millwall Football Club was charged by the Football Association (FA) in relation to three alleged instances of religiously offensive abuse aimed at McClean during a game against Wigan Athletic in April.

Former Northern Ireland international and Creggan community worker Tony O'Doherty

McClean welcomed the development, saying: "I've been quite publicly critical of the FA in the past and rightly so. In the same sense, now with this, I'll give praise where its due."

He added: "I'm not going to hold my breath and say it'll change things going forward. I'm not naïve enough to think that it will. But look, it's a start."

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The Republic of Ireland's newest football centurion is "in a good place right now - and content".

And he's not ruling out a return home to where it all started.

"I've always been open that I want to end my career at Derry City. At the minute there's no timeframe for that."

He added: "You never rule out things because you don't know what's around the corner."