Seamus Coleman missed senior football for 319 days thanks to a horrific leg break. The Republic of Ireland captain demonstrated remarkable professionalism to immediately bounce back and even picked up a man-of-the-match award on his re-appearance.
Coleman has spoken admirably about wanting to prove the doubters who claimed he would never come back wrong. It was an injury that required huge amounts of rehab and additional training but ultimately Coleman returned and showed football fans what they missed.
Last week Bray Wanderers defender Andy McGovern was stretchered off the pitch during his sides lose to Dundalk and it was later confirmed he suffered a horrendous injury diagnosed as a broken fibula and ligament damage.
In the aftermath of his injury, one thing cheered McGovern up, as Bray manager Graham Kelly told RTE Sport:
Séamus heard about the injury and when he saw it, he realised how bad it was and asked to get in touch with young Andy, which he did. He offered the support and if Andy needs anything in any way at all to just get in touch with him, so I think that just shows what a top class person Séamus is.
It’s a great boost for Andy. When you’re on such a bad injury and you’ve had such a big operation like that to come out and get a message of the Republic of Ireland captain, it gives him a lift and his family which is great.
McGovern is not the only Irish athlete who Coleman reached out to. Cork Gaelic footballer Brian Hurley suffered a horrendous injury two years ago when his hamstring ripped off the bone. The injury re-occurred a year later, but finally, Hurley made his inter-county return as he came on for the Rebels during their victory over Tipperary last week.
Speaking on the Second Captains podcast last week, Hurley praised Coleman for reaching out while he was recovering:
It came out of nowhere to be honest with you. It really hit me, it really hit me now. Seamus Coleman sent me a lovely message and it came out of the blue. Someone who had just come back from such a horrific injury. Basically, he said 'I hope you recover to get back to do what you love. I've had a long-term injury myself.' The way he introduced himself was gas, as if I didn't know who he was! He was all about positivity every day is key.
Coleman has earned a reputation as a model professional, but his eagerness to assist other recovering players is as more a testament to his character than his footballing ability. A class act.
