Beragh Swifts footballer recovering after sustaining a fractured leg

A Beragh Swifts footballer is recovering in hospital following an operation to repair a fractured leg.

Chris Leathert went through surgery yesterday (Sunday) after breaking his right leg towards the end of the Fermanagh and Western League Division One game at Strathroy Harps on Saturday afternoon.

The midfielder fractured his Tibia and Fibula in a 50-50 challenge and it was soon apparent that Leathert had suffered a serious injury.

Fortunately paramedic Ian Pauley was there watching the game and he quickly took control of matters.

An ambulance was on the scene in a matter of minutes before an air ambulance arrived to take the injured player to Craigavon Area Hospital.

Beragh manager Wes Ferguson and everyone there were extremely grateful to have the expertise of Mr Pauley on hand.

“Without going into the details it was a nasty injury and there was the risk of infection,” he said.

“At one stage it looked like we might need two ambulances, the other player involved was in a lot of pain too. As soon as it happened Ian Pauley was running onto the pitch.

“His actions were outstanding. He made Chris as comfortable as he could be in the circumstances and I’m sure that was reassuring for him. Wew were fortunate Ian was there.”

Ferguson said Chris is in good spirits and was hoping to be discharged in the next day or two.”

Strathroy manager Benny Boyle when speaking on this week’s Ulster Herald Bootroom, which goes out on air this evening, led the many messages wishing Chris a full and speedy recovery.