Shane makes emotional return to Drumbaragh GFC dressing room
Drumbaragh clubman Shane Campbell marked a major milestone in his road to recovery after attending his first Drumbaragh match since he was seriously injured in a car accident in Chicago in June.
It was an extremely emotional occasion for Shane, his teammates and his family as he was given a few hours out of treatment from the Mater Hospital to watch Drumbaragh Emmets defeat Blackhall Gaels in the intermediate football relegation semi-final.
Shane, a 22-year-old student had gone to Chicago for the summer on a J1 visa and was a passenger in a taxi that was involved in a crash in June leaving him with serious injuries. He was initially in an induced coma and suffered a number of broken bones as well as abdominal trauma requiring several surgeries and he still has a long way to go in his recovery.
A major fundraising drive was launched by Drumbaragh Emmets GFC after the accident and the Gofundme page raised just shy of €140,000 towards Shane's medical expenses. He spent a number of months in hospital in the US before returning to Ireland on 17th September and is now in the Mater Hospital. Shane has been bowled over by the support he has received from all around the world and has enjoyed frequent visits from friends and family, including a special visit from his wingman, Wesley Smith.
It was a moving moment as Shane visited the dressing room (pictured) in advance of their clash against Blackhall Gaels at the weekend.
Writing on its Facebook page, the Drumbaragh Emmets club said: "A touching moment as Shane Campbell paid a visit to the Drumbaragh dressing room as the team took to the field. Shane was given a few hours out of treatment from The Mater Hospital to watch his beloved Drums. Shane has a long way to go but he gave it his all to make the game.
"A highly emotional moment for all in the room, as manager Davy Cahill spoke about how Shane embodied the team's spirit, fight and strength in the face of adversity. The words roused the boys on to a dominant victory over Blackhall Gaels in last night's IFC Relegation semi-final." They also thanked the Navan O'Mahony's club for putting provision in place for Shane and his family and for providing food and refreshments after the game.
Meanwhile the club will hold a charity event for 'Support4Shane' at the weekend when the Dads & Lads take to the field at Páirc Emmet in the 'Joe Murphy Cup 2024' this Saturday at 4pm for some vintage football.
The draw has taken place and the semi-final pairings will be St Michael's V Cortown, Drumbaragh Emmets v Gaeil Colmcille.
The club is looking forward to welcoming a big crowd for all the action and craic, as the community gathers to show #Support4Shane.