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Former Derry City footballer almost severs finger after freak accident on training pitch

Kevin McHugh recovers in Galway hospital.
Kevin McHugh recovers in Galway hospital. Kevin McHugh recovers in Galway hospital.

FORMER Derry City striker Kevin McHugh drove himself to hospital in a desperate bid to save his finger which he almost severed in a freak accident.

The Finn Harps captain was hosting a coaching session in Co Donegal when his wedding ring got caught in a fence.

The sports star said he had been chasing after a stray football when the accident happened.

The 36 year-old then tweeted a graphic picture of his injury on his way to Letterkenny University Hospital on Wednesday with the caption: "Think that's my season over."

Mr McHugh added that he may have suffered "too much damage" to save his finger.

He was moved to Galway hospital later on Wednesday where he was expected to undergo surgery yesterday.

The footballer, who once had a trial with Aston Villa, played for the Candystripes from 2006 to 2008 before returning to his native Finn Harps via Linfield.

In a Tweet sending their best wishes, Finn Harps’ football club said: “Best wishes to our club captain Kevin McHugh who will be on route (sic) to Galway hospital by ambulance to treat a very nasty injury following an accident today.”

Kevin McHugh in action during his time with Derry City. Picture Margaret McLaughlin.
Kevin McHugh in action during his time with Derry City. Picture Margaret McLaughlin. Kevin McHugh in action during his time with Derry City. Picture Margaret McLaughlin.