The GAA community has been hit by the news that Derry footballer Aaron Devlin is on life support after suffering a brain virus on Friday evening following a club game.
Social media has been inundated with messages of support for Devlin and his family, from GAA fans eager the 22-year-old makes a full recovery.
It’s believed that the Ballinderry club man had felt unwell following a mid-week challenge game with his club.
Devlin lined out at wing-forward in last summer’s championship for his county but did not feature this time around after becoming the first GAA player to receive a ban for social media comments following the Derry senior club final back in November.
University Ulster Jordanstown, where Devlin is a student and member of the Sigerson team, earlier tweeted; “Could we ask the entire UUJ family to pray for Aaron Devlin. Aaron took a brain virus on Friday. He’s on life support.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Aaron and his family at this sad time. Heartbreaking news.”
In 2011 as an 18-year-old county minor Devlin was rushed to hospital after passing out during a club match at Celtic Park. He subsequently underwent tests and told reporters at the time that “I am not totally sure what the knock was. It was like when you look at the sun; it was blocking the ball and I couldn’t see.
“I went over to the management and I said ‘look here, take me off, I can’t see at the minute’.
“Next thing I know I’m waking up in the ambulance going to Altnagelvin. I’d regained consciousness before I left Celtic Park, but I can’t mind it.
“The doctors said they can’t be certain it will never happen again, but it’s likely it will never happen again.”
Last summer Derry’s former All Star defender Kevin McCloy collapsed on the pitch during the second round of the Derry club championship after suffering a heart attack. He made a full recovery. Hopefully Devlin will do the same.
