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Derry GAA footballer battles life-threatening virus

Aaron Devlin (right) with his brother Coilin following the Derry SFC in 2012
Aaron Devlin (right) with his brother Coilin following the Derry SFC in 2012 Aaron Devlin (right) with his brother Coilin following the Derry SFC in 2012

THE family of a high-profile Gaelic footballer remain at his hospital bedside today as he battles a life-threatening brain virus.

Aaron Devlin (22), who plays for Ballinderry Shamrocks and has also played for Derry, was rushed to Antrim Area Hospital on Friday – 48 hours after playing a challenge game for his club.

The University of Ulster at Jordanstown has said the footballer is suffering from "an aggressive strain" of meningitis.

News that the hugely popular footballer was ill led to an outpouring of tributes on social media, with GAA clubs across Ireland using the hashtags #GAAFamily and #keepfighting in their messages of prayer and support.

Mr Devlin’s brothers, Ronan and Coilin, have also played for Derry at senior level.

They, their sister Anna, mother Carmel and father Eugene are said to be “overwhelmed” by the support they have received.

Mr Devlin was reported to be at his “peak fitness” before becoming suddenly unwell during a game against Dromore last Wednesday, when he came off after 40 minutes’ play due to tiredness.

He is on life support in intensive care. It is understood his condition did not deteriorate yesterday.

Ballinderry chairman Stephen McGeehan, who has known Aaron since he was a boy, described him as an “outstanding player”. He said the sudden illness came as a shock for the rural community.

“We are just hoping and praying that the skill and determination he demonstrates as a player will stand him in good stead,” he said.

Ballinderry player Conleith Gilligan said his team-mate is “such a popular player”.

“We just can’t believe the speed at which his illness escalated and are hoping that he pulls through,” he said.

In March this year Carmel and Eugene’s niece Jenna Coney (25) died suddenly.

The young Ardboe woman suffered from severe epilepsy.