'Life does bring some unbelievable experiences': Former Premier League star reflects on Dungannon Swifts journey
Dungannon Swifts captain Gael Bigirimana could never have predicted the journey he’d go on with the Irish League club after first offering his services to Rodney McAree in 2023 – but declared “life does bring some unbelievable experiences and opportunities”.
McAree has previously recalled the “crazy phone call” he received from Bigirimana, a player he’d worked with during their time at Glentoran, who was plying his trade in Tanzania but felt a pull towards Northern Ireland once again.
"Gael Bigirimana phoned me from Tanzania and said he wanted to play for Dungannon Swifts,” said McAree. "I thought he was having a laugh!”
However, Bigirimana landed at Stangmore Park ahead of the 2023/24 season and has since played a key role in a golden period of success for the club, who are preparing for a second consecutive Irish Cup final outing following last year’s historic triumph over Cliftonville.
The 32-year-old has developed a deep connection with the Dungannon faithful, saying “I'm just blown away by the love and support of people at the club” and added “even if my time on the pitch comes to an end, I hope to still be here being involved in this club” after signing a new contract in 2025.
Bigirimana has played on some of the biggest stages in world football, representing Newcastle United in the Premier League alongside earning more than 20 international caps for Burundi.
His experience and quality has proved crucial to an impressive Dungannon run, which includes consecutive top-half Premiership finishes, but it’s not something he was expecting.
"No (I couldn’t imagine the success), I just called the gaffer and said, ‘I want to come and help you and just play football’,” he said. “I didn't think of winning any cups, I didn't think of finishing in the top-six twice in a row.
"Life does bring some unbelievable experiences and opportunities if you just take care of the small things.”
Dungannon’s maiden Irish Cup triumph sparked scenes of jubilation across the town – McAree’s men paraded the famous trophy on an open top bus tour and sang with Philomena Begley at a celebratory event attended by hundreds of supporters.
Bigirimana was named ‘Man of the Match’ for his sensational performance 12 months ago, but doesn’t remember much about it.
"Just when Decky (Dunne) saved the penalty, that moment (is what I remember) and the roar from the fans,” he added. “Seeing the guys on the side running on...I was on my knees because I was overwhelmed.
"It would be good to do it again, it would be good to experience it again.
"It helps (being to a final before), but you can probably say only five per cent.
"You get some kind of experience and know-how, but it's a completely different day, different opponent, so until the moment that the whistle goes, then you get the feeling and know what day you’re anticipating to experience.
“With Coleraine, it’s not going to be easy. They want to move you around, as Cliftonville did, and ask different questions, so we just have to be prepared for it and know the damage that it can cause.
"We also have to believe that we can hurt them at the same time.”