Kevin McCloy remains stable in hospital

Kevin McCloy, the former Derry football captain, remained stable yesterday in Altnagelvin Hospital. Although the family do not intend to issue updates on his condition and have asked for their privacy to be respected there was confirmation in the county that the statement issued yesterday morning still held last night.

According to that statement: “Kevin was taken ill on Wednesday evening 13th August at Owenbeg GAA grounds. He received attention from the emergency services at the scene and was transferred to hospital where he is stable and currently undergoing assessment.

“Kevin’s wife and family are very grateful to those who are caring for Kevin and to all who have offered good wishes and prayers for Kevin. At this time they request that their privacy be respected.”

Immediate intervention

The incident took place just 10 minutes into the county championship between Lavey and Magherafelt. There was immediate intervention. Derry championship matches are attended by paramedics and an ambulance and the Owenbeg complex has three defibrillators on site and one of these was used to treat the player.

McCloy, who is captain of Lavey, led Derry to the 2008 national league Division One title won after beating All-Ireland champions Kerry in the final, and also won an All Star in 2007 at full back.

An accomplished dual player, he first represented Derry in hurling and played wing forward on the team that in 2000 won the county’s first Ulster title in 92 years, scoring one point in the defeat of champions Antrim and going on to play Offaly in the All-Ireland quarter-final in Croke Park.

He concentrated on football when called up to the senior panel in 2001 and made his championship debut at full back against Antrim.

Derry chair John Keenan issued a statement sympathising with the player and his family. "The thoughts of Derry GAA, its clubs and players are with Kevin McCloy, his family and all at Lavey GAA. We would like to praise the players, match officials and stewards, and the medical teams of both clubs at Owenbeg for their swift actions in attending Kevin.

“In particular, I wish to commend the efforts of the doctors and paramedics present at the ground, and the swift response of the paramedics from Altnagelvin Hospital.”

McCloy’s club Lavey echoed those sentiments.

“On behalf of the club officers, management, players and supporters of Lavey GAA, we would like to express our best wishes to our senior football club captain, Kevin McCloy, his wife and family. They are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time.”