Northern Ireland v Hungary (29/03/2022)

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It was sung 27 times and took up the last five minutes. I didn’t even get my burger!” Naturally, Craig also made a pilgrimage, drum in tow, to the Euros, galvanising the crowds in Nice, Lyon and Paris. “That was something special ,” he recalls with a smile, followed quickly by a grimace. “My best mate Jordan slipped and broke his foot , so between his crutches and cast and my drum it was good crack navigating the Metro systems.” Despite the occasional hurdle, Craig has successfully managed to combine his love of music and travel , both with the GAWA and in his career performing globally in a band. “I’ve had some great opportunities but sometimes it’s a tight turnaround returning from an international band performance only to catch a plane for the next Northern Ireland match. “In November 2019 I played in Abu Dhabi, partied all night on the beach then flew back to England and was in Frankfurt for the game against Germany the next day. That was insane.” There’s no doubting Craig’s dedication to the drumbeat . But girlfriend and fellow musician Bethany could sometimes see it far enough. “She thinks it’s a crazy thing the fact that I do still get a buzz after a 0-0 in some strange city, and I haven’t seen too many away victories,” admits our die-hard drummer who spent a productive lockdown learning every capital city just for kicks. And where is Craig’s GAWA dream destination? “I’d love an away day in the Caribbean,” laughs the redhead. “But I’d better not forget to pack my Factor 50.”

king whose greatest achievement was winning Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year in 2010 and who recently featured in BBC NI series The Band. “I also played solo xylophone in the Belfast Tattoo in 2017,” adds Craig of his artistic endeavours. “That first note coming through the PA was electrifying. I’d love to do it again.” Craig has gone on to play many prestigious venues, including the London Colosseum with the English National Opera. But right up there in his favourite musical memories was his GAWA drumming debut in 2015 which what it lacked in footballing folklore more than made up for with one now iconic chant . “My first game with the drum was against Qatar in a friendly at Crewe Alexandra’s stadium. That was when the George Best ‘Spirit in the Sky’ chant came to fruition.

IRISHFA.COM

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