Soccer:An emotional Republic of Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni expressed his thanks to the medical staff for treating Shane Duffy, who underwent emergency surgery following a "freak injury" during last night's Ireland XI win against Ireland Juniors at Gannon Park in Malahide.
The Everton defender ruptured the blood supply to his liver in a collision after colliding with Junior goalkeeper Adrian Walsh in the first half. He was treated on the pitch by FAI team surgeon, Professor John O’Byrne, and team doctor, Alan Byrne, before being taken to the Mater Hospital by ambulance.
FAI medical staff said the 18-year-old's life was saved by the emergency operation carried out by Gerry McEntee at the Mater in what medical staff described as a “freak injury”.
“Shane sustained a laceration to his liver and was rushed to the Mater hospital for emergency surgery. Gerry McEntee and the intensive care staff in the Mater must be credited for their expertise and fast response which in no uncertain terms saved Shane’s life,” said O’Byrne.
“Shane was stabilised in intensive care after the surgery which stopped internal bleeding and this morning is conscious and is in the care of the Mater’s high dependency unit having improved overnight.”
He added: “Shane collided with a player in a way that you would see thousands of times in football matches. It was a freak injury that in another 100 years of medicine, we may never see again.”
Trapattoni expressed his gratitude to the medical team for their quick response in what turned out to be a serious situation.
“I would like to thank Dr Alan Byrne and Professor John O’Byrne for their quick reaction to Shane’s serious injury,” said the Italian, who left last night’s Premier League game between St Patrick’s Athletic and Bohemians at Richmond Park after hearing about Duffy’s condition.
“Time was critical and had they not acted as they did, Shane’s life could have been in more danger than it already was.
“On behalf of the FAI, I would also like to praise Gerry McEntee for conducting the emergency operation and ensuring that Shane was given the best possible attention.”
“Shane is very lucky and we wish him a speedy recovery.”
Duffy was to remain with the senior squad ahead of next week’s friendly matches against Paraguay and Algeria at the RDS but only for training purposes.