Embracing Life Despite Adversity
Seamus Birt has never feared death. What truly unsettles him is the thought of not living life to its fullest. A three-time championship-winning player with Bellaghy, he later became a successful manager, securing three consecutive John McLaughlin Cups and an Ulster Club title between 1998 and 2001. His journey in football has been marked by dedication, resilience, and an unwavering spirit.
A few days before his 60th birthday, Seamus was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Just a week after turning 61, he and his two sons, Seamus Óg and Eamon, will take a leap of faith, skydiving from 15,000 feet above ground. “I don’t think it’ll bother me too much. Why not do it?” he says with a smile.
His thoughts often drift back to moments like the night before this year’s Grand National, when he was in a bar in Aintree. During his playing days, he had the task of marking Paul ‘Bambo’ Conway every time Bellaghy faced Ballinderry. “A beating match, every time,” he recalls. The two would often meet on Saturday mornings, lifting Kevin ‘Mal’ O’Neill on their way to play soccer for Coalisland Celtic. Their friendship, built over years of early starts and late finishes, remains a cherished memory.
One evening, Bambo reached out to Seamus, offering sympathy on his diagnosis. “He said, ‘Jesus Mama, you didn’t need that oul hand’ and all this. I told him, ‘wait till I tell you Bambo, there’s going to be an awful lot of people talking to me about my condition who will be dead before me.’” Tragically, six weeks later, Bambo fell ill and passed away suddenly.
Four years ago, during a casual get-together with Damian Brown, Seamus noticed something was wrong. Damian was diagnosed with a brain tumour and given just 12 weeks. These experiences have shaped Seamus’s perspective, reminding him of the value of time and gratitude.
Living Every Moment
Since his diagnosis in May 2023, Seamus has been aware of the challenges ahead. He knew his body was sending signals long before the official diagnosis. “I was going to Australia at Christmas ’23, my young fella was out there, and I started worrying around November time about these cramps in the leg and the long flight. I went back to the doctor and told him I thought I had MS or Parkinson’s or something like it.”
By the time he was diagnosed in August, the power in his left leg had already begun to fade. Recent tests showed that his lower left limb had deteriorated to a level one on a scale of five. However, his arms remain as strong as ever. Though time is ticking, he chooses to focus on the present, locking the clock in the back of his mind.
The loss of his friend Bambo, who didn’t get to say goodbye, has only strengthened Seamus’s resolve to live each moment fully. “I won’t waste a single day,” he says.
A Legacy of Football and Friendship
Seamus’s football career has been nothing short of remarkable. In 1986, he was part of the Bellaghy team that defeated Crossmaglen in the Ulster Club tie. That same year, he played in three championships, taking on some of the toughest opponents in the game. Marking players like Tony Scullion and Joe Brolly was no easy task, but Seamus always found a way to hold his own.
His management success came later, leading Bellaghy to multiple titles. One of his proudest achievements was winning the Ulster Club title in 2001. Despite the challenges, he remained focused on the goal, even when the team faced setbacks, such as an ill-fated challenge match against Queen’s.
Seamus also shared a friendly rivalry with St Paul’s, where Anto Finnegan was a key figure. Their matches were always competitive, but off the field, they maintained a strong bond. Anto, who fought Motor Neurone Disease for nine years, inspired many through his determination.
A Final Message
Seamus has no regrets about his life. “Whatever your personal battle, be brave and face it. Every single day is precious. Don’t waste a moment,” he says. He refuses to let his condition define him. Instead, he continues to live life on his terms, whether it’s managing his engineering business or preparing for his skydive.
He once met a faith healer who described his condition in a way that resonated deeply with him. “He said it was like frayed wires in a house, and while he couldn’t replace them, he could slow the corrosion,” Seamus recalls. Whether it was the healer’s words or simply his own resilience, Seamus has managed to maintain his independence for now.
Raising Awareness and Support
Seamus’s skydive is more than just a personal challenge—it’s a way to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). The idea came to him one day while shopping in Belfast, where he saw an elderly man collecting for the cause. Inspired, he decided to do something big for his community.
On the day of the jump, there will be a fun run, a breakfast, and a barbecue in the Taphouse, all under the banner of “Mama’s Day for MNDA.” Seamus hopes to make a meaningful impact, showing that even in the face of adversity, there is still room for joy and connection.
He has asked his friends not to treat him any differently. “It is what it is. There’s plenty of people get worse news than me. I’ve no regrets. I’ve enjoyed my football, enjoyed my life.”
Seamus may not know how much time he has left, but he knows one thing for sure: every day is a gift. And he intends to make the most of it.