Match abandoned after serious injury

A YOUNG Owen Roes gaelic footballer who sustained an horrific leg injury during his club’s Tyrone Intermediate semi-final on Saturday, is currently recovering at home.

Ryan Devine was released from Alnagelvin Hospital late on Saturday night after undergoing emergency treatment for a dislocated ankle. Paramedics from Northern Ireland Air Ambulance had been dispatched to Healy Park following the injury which resulted in the game between the north Tyrone side and Gortin being abandoned.

In a social media post yesterday (Sunday) morning, the Owen Roes defender thanked the emergency services for their help. He also expressed his appreciation for the large number of messages of support which he had received.

“Bleak times but these things happen. Onwards and upwards,” he added.

Mr Devine sustained the injury just five minutes into the tie. He was initially treated on the pitch for upwards of an hour by the club physio, Brian Coyle, and Omagh St Enda’s official, Dr Eamon McMullan.

Speaking to the TyroneHerald, the Owen Roes manager, Paddy Campbell, said their players and supporters were shocked by what had happened and that the correct decision had been taken to call the match off.

“All our thoughts are with Ryan following this incident. The two teams had prepared well for the game and it was disappointing that it couldn’t be completed,” he said.

“It would have been very difficult for the players to finish the game after this. Ryan’s brother was beside him at the time, but this was tough emotionally for the players, Ryan’s family and the club.

“We were told by the 999 operator not to move him at all and the most important thing that was that everything was done to make him comfortable.

“The whole thing was out of our hands and completely down to the medical people. We had Dr O’Flaherty there as well from the club which was a big help.

“The emergency services were absolutely brilliant, including the Air Ambulance. The speed at which he was treated was relatively quick considering the pressure on our ambulances and medical staff at the moment.”

Tyrone GAA officials have now re-scheduled the game for next Saturday night when donations will be taken at entrance gates in aid of the Northern Ireland Charity Air Ambulance.