Thousands raised for 'kind-hearted' GAA player who suffered 'life-changing' injuries during match

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A fundraising campaign has been launched to support a young GAA player who was left with 'life-changing' injuries following an accidental collision during a club game earlier this year.

Brian O'Connor was representing Cork GAA club Liscarroll Churchtown Gaels during a Junior A Football Championship game in September when an accidental clash with another player left him with 'devastating injuries', including a ruptured bowel and significant abdominal trauma.

Brian underwent an emergency eight-hour surgery at Cork University Hospital the following day and the young man had to undergo a second surgery one week later on his pancreas, as he spent almost two weeks in ICU fighting bravely to recover.

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After six 'gruelling' weeks in hospital, Brian was discharged from CUH and was allowed to return home under clinical care. SInce being discharged, Brian has had to make weekly visits to the Mercy Hospital Cork as he continues his long road to recovery.

Brian is a fourth-year apprentice electrician but due to the injuries he suffered in the match he will be unable to work for at least six months.

The lost wages coupled with Brian's ongoing medical expenses has placed a financial burden on the O'Connor family and Liscarroll Churchtown Gaels has now launched a GoFundMe page in the hopes of helping to cover the costs.

A message shared on the GoFundMe page by Liscarroll Churchtown Gaels Club Chairperson John Killeen stated: "We, the Liscarroll Churchtown Gaels community, are rallying together to support Brian and his loved ones. This GoFundMe page is our way of giving back to someone who has given so much to our club and the sport he loves. Brian has always been a dedicated teammate, a fierce competitor, and a kind-hearted friend.

"Now, he needs our help. Every donation, no matter the size, will make a meaningful difference in helping Brian and his family navigate this difficult period."

The GoFundMe page, which was launched on Monday (December 30), hoped to raise €7,500 to help the O'Connor family, and the fundraiser has already surpassed it's target, having raised €10,200 in less than 24 hours.

Speaking to CorkBeo, Mr Killeen praised Brian for his constant support for the club during this challenging period of his life.

The Club Chairperson recalled the night Brian showed up at a match a few days after being discharged from the CUH to cheer on his teammates from the sidelines and said the whole club is glad to see Brian making progress with his recovery.

“Brian has shown great support to us. He was down on the sidelines as a spectator not long after he was discharged from the CUH, and he’s continued his involvement with the club since his injury, which is great to see," he said.

“Week in and week out, he’s actively helping, whether it’s taking care of paperwork or coaching the juvenile players during winter training.

“We put the fundraiser together to help out Brian and make up for the wages he’s lost out on as a result of his injury. As a club, we wish him all the best.”

If you'd like to donate to the fundraiser, you can do so on the GoFundMe page here.

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