"We are all very proud of Daniel and what he has achieved. He is a credit to the area."
It's fair to say the St James' community is proud of Danny Devine.
The 25-year-old, who once kicked a ball along the streets of West Belfast with his mates, is now preparing to face the might of Celtic in the final of the Scottish Cup.
Read more: Isle of Man TT sidecar passenger disqualified after positive drugs test
The Inverness Caledonian Thistle defender has been here before, having already won the competition with Caley Thistle in 2015.
Over 50 residents from St James will travel over to Hampden Park on Saturday, and while most of them support Ange Postecoglou's treble-chasing Hoops, they won't hold too many grudges if one of their own gets his hands on the famous trophy.
"We have about 50 people from around St James going over to it. They're all Celtic fans but they hope Daniel can do well," said Damien Lindsay, Community Engagement Worker at St James' Community Farm.
"We are all very proud of Daniel and what he has achieved. He is a credit to the community.
"He played for St James' Swifts when he was a young lad, so he started his career with us when he was about nine or 10 years old. He had a wee bit about him even then.
"We have kept a close eye on his career since then. He lives on the same street as us and comes home quite often.
"He is good with the kids around here. And he is an inspiration to them.
"Daniel has made a good career out of football because of his hard work and dedication. He deserves it all."
Daniel isn't the only sporting hero to hail from St James.
Boxer Padraig McCrory won the IBO World light-heavyweight title in Germany last year, while Sean McComb is also climbing the ranks after claiming a European belt.
McCrory's coach Dee Walsh has also impressed since hanging up the gloves to become a successful boxing coach.
And then there is Celtic legend Charlie Tully, another St James' icon who won two Scottish Cups during his illustrious football career.
"We went to Frankfurt to watch Padraig win the world title. That was a special moment for him and the community," Damien said.
"Sean McComb is another St James' man who actually played football for our Swifts. And Dee Walsh is a world class boxing coach as well.
"It is brilliant to see them all do so well. All those lads, no matter what they do, they always put it back into the community.
"Anything you ask them to do, they help any way they can. And they are proud of where they come from, they always mention St James in interviews.
"This is a small, tight area. But it has got a great big heart."
Damien added: "A lot of these guys have good guidance, but a lot of their success comes down to their own dedication. They put in the time and effort, and it's great to see.
"And any time you talk to young people around here, these guys are their heroes. They hold these guys in high regard."
Inverness will be massive underdogs to deny Celtic the treble on Saturday, but Damien is confident the Scottish Championship side - and home hero Devine - will rise to the challenge.
"A right squad of us went to the last final in 2015, so we might be their lucky charm. This will be a tougher challenge, with Celtic going for the treble," he said.
"Daniel has already won a Scottish Cup medal. Charlie Tully who also hailed from St James also won two Scottish Cups.
"But Daniel will be up for it, and hopefully he enjoys the occasion. All his family are Celtic supporters, so there will be divided loyalties.
"But at the end of the day we all want Daniel to do well. And if Celtic lose, then the best consolation is that Daniel would have won the trophy.
"Daniel's family are good community people. They get involved in community events, and Daniel's 2015 medal has been shown around the kids in the area.
"It shows them what can be achieved in life. Nothing can hold you back.
"Anything is possible if you believe in yourself and work hard. And Daniel is testament to that."
READ NEXT:
- Isle of Man TT sidecar passenger disqualified after positive drugs test
Jim Ervin returns to Ballymena United as club appoints David Jeffrey's successor
Glenavon boss Gary Hamilton admits to full-time dilemma after losing star striker
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
