The week of Ireland's home World Cup qualifier against Wales last March was a tough one for Derry. In the space of two days, the city lost two of its heroes: footballer Ryan McBride and Martin McGuinness.
In an interview with Richie Sadlier on Second Captains this week, Ireland international Shane Duffy, who hails from Derry, revealed that he had been with McBride just two days before he died. He also contributed to the former Derry City player's funeral costs.
Duffy also spoke about his relationship with McGuinness.
I only met him personally three or four times, like. He was always up for a laugh with the lads - he loved his football. He obviously had a serious head on as well, sometimes. He was always in the headlines for good or bad stuff - people have opinions - but he did a lot for Derry.
I met him with James [McClean] a couple of times, he was in our hotel in France [at Euro 2016]. Obvious, y he supported the Derry boys. I never had a lot of time with him but when I met him he was always a nice guy.
On the morning that news of McGuinness's passing broke, Duffy posted a tribute to Twitter. It was one which received much criticism.
More tragic news this morning, RIP Martin Mc Guinness a true hero for many off us 🍀 god bless your family and close ones #ireland
— Shane Duffy (@shaneduffy) March 21, 2017
The city of Brighton, where Duffy plays his club football, was the victim of one of the IRA's most infamous bombings in 1984. Five people were killed when a timed delayed device exploded at the Grand Brighton Hotel. The target was Margaret Thatcher who had been staying in the hotel for the Conservative Party conference.
Duffy told Richie Sadlier that the reaction to his tweet was one which he had not expected.
I don't think people know, if you're not from Derry, obviously people just think automatically that Martin McGuinness is bad but people in Derry know, it's a lot different to people closer to home.
I would do the same thing again, it's just where I'm from. I just didn't think that there would be such a backlash of it.
The 26-year-old refused requests from his employers to take down the tweet.
"The club were on my case - 'Get it down'. I was like, 'It's up there now'. When you put something up for a second, it's up there. I said, 'No. It's my beliefs'. The manager was good with me, he was alright."
Duffy added that he could understand the rationale of the club.
I'll always stand by what and who I support , it's the way I was brought up https://t.co/w07ugGngmN
— Shane Duffy (@shaneduffy) March 21, 2017
