I received this today, and I know some people were asking about this. I hope people won't be annoyed if we make it a sticky for a month or so...
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Mark McGovern is a 22 year old Fermanagh GAA player from the Belcoo O'Rahilly's club. On Monday 20th June Mark arrived in San Francisco to spend the summer playing football for the Ulster Club in San Francisco. In his first game on Saturday 25th June Mark suffered a serious head injury; he remains in a coma in a critical but stable condition in San Francisco General Hospital. Mark's family arrived in San Francisco on Monday 27th June and they remain at his bedside.
Mark's Family, the Ulster Club in San Francisco and his home club of Belcoo O'Rahilly's wish to express their appreciation for the support shown by so many over the past few weeks. We ask that you continue to keep Mark and his family in your thoughts and prayers over the coming months.
https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/markmcgovernsupportfund
Thanks
Was very glad to see collections being made at the Ulster final, everyone would agree that this is a very worthy cause and if it was one of their own club players they would all reel in and support.
Things like this rowing in to help one of your own is what makes the GAA great in my opinion.
Hope the lad makes a full recovery.
Anyone from the republic make a donation on this yet? I can't get past the UK Postcode field, even though I put in a manual address. It won't allow me leave it blank, put in NA or 00000 which is my usual response on those fields?
I recommend you just make up one from Belfast like BT1 6JS which is the Northern Bank.
Quote from: AZOffaly on July 21, 2011, 10:03:15 AM
Anyone from the republic make a donation on this yet? I can't get past the UK Postcode field, even though I put in a manual address. It won't allow me leave it blank, put in NA or 00000 which is my usual response on those fields?
Hi, this has been raised and they are looking into it as we speak. Should know something later today.
You can donation via PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_flow&SESSION=A3dMgwd7j3GfvW7VOVReb5kdbPqts9-B-OUm4LXiCiqK_pTLTCLnAmJZDFO&dispatch=5885d80a13c0db1f8e263663d3faee8deaa77efc63a6eb429928d42bdf5d9d2c) now.
Link does not work for me Ziggy.
Can we post a cheque?
Try this
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=markmcgovernfund%40gmail%2ecom&lc=US&item_name=Mark%20Mc%20Govern%20Fund¤cy_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3abtn_donateCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted
Quote from: Uladhsf on July 24, 2011, 10:13:24 PM
Try this
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=markmcgovernfund%40gmail%2ecom&lc=US&item_name=Mark%20Mc%20Govern%20Fund¤cy_code=USD&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF%3abtn_donateCC_LG%2egif%3aNonHosted
Yeah; this link works alright.
Good luck to Mark and his family.
Great and apposite article by Brolly this week in the Gaelic Life.
Quote from: Fear ón Srath Bán on July 29, 2011, 12:34:37 AM
Great and apposite article by Brolly this week in the Gaelic Life.
Was indeed.
Very sad to read this, but very encouraging too.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-14348152
Fermanagh Herald reporting this morning that Mark woke from his coma at the weekend and although he has not yet spoken he is aware of his surroundings.
A Fermanagh GAA player who was seriously injured in a match in San Francisco has woken from over a month in a coma.
Mark McGovern, from Belcoo, was hurt in an off-the-ball incident in a game in June.
The 20-year-old's parents and three sisters have maintained a vigil at his hospital bedside for the last five weeks.
His sister Helen said Mark has made "small steps, but the right steps".
"We are delighted that he has opened his eyes and been able to communicate," she said.
"He hasn't been able to talk yet, however, he can whisper slowly and we can lip read if he wants something.
"It's small steps but certainly the right steps and we are happy. We hope he makes a full recovery."
But the team treating Mark has warned the McGovern family that he still has a long way to go.
"The doctors have said to be patient and even at this stage we do not know what brain injury Mark has and how it will affect him," said Helen.
"We think that his memory seems to be okay, but the doctors can not give any definite answers as to how he will be in the long term and what long term affects he may have.
"Mark does like us being there with him, he's never been left on his own. The doctors and nurses have been very nice at the hospital.
"They have allowed one of us to stay overnight with Mark each night since he has become more alert. We don't want him to be alone."
That's great news. Hopefully he keeps making progress.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-for-Mark/194854980575558?sk=wall (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Justice-for-Mark/194854980575558?sk=wall)
http://www.derryjournal.com/community/columnists/brolly_s_bites_wall_of_silence_shames_our_great_association_1_2912668
great stuff from brolly here
a decent peice by brolly, just a pity he couldnt get his facts straight when mentioning certain clubs involved in 'atrocious incidents'
I certainly agree with the sentiment of the piece, but it does nothing for the credibily of it that he has incriminated certain clubs in the wrong.
http://www.independent.ie/national-news/gaa-us-attack-victim-now-faces-11m-medical-bill-2848320.html
An inter-county GAA footballer who was left in a coma following an alleged assault during a match in San Francisco is facing medical bills of more than $1.1m (€770,000).
Mark McGovern (22), from Belcoo, Co Fermanagh, was reportedly struck by a rival player during a match in the American city in June and has only recently regained consciousness.
However, police investigating the incident have been unable to find a witness.
The McGovern family is now facing significant medical bills for his treatment and ongoing rehabilitation which is costing almost $4,000 (€2,800) a day.
Mark suffered a severe brain injury from a blow to the head and the damage was so severe that doctors initially believed a blunt instrument had been used.
Speaking from San Francisco last night, his sister Grace said the family were disappointed nobody had come forward with information but their immediate priority was Mark's recovery.
"We have no feelings anymore for that side of things but obviously we are not happy that someone couldn't come forward because we know someone definitely saw it," she said. "I'm sad for these people -- that someone was so badly hurt and they couldn't come forward."
Mark came out of the coma in San Francisco General Hospital in stages over the last two weeks.He first began signalling to those around him and eventually whispering to his girlfriend Jessica (21).
His parents Danny and Josie, and siblings Helen (29), Connie (30) and Grace (25), have been in San Francisco since he was hospitalised seven weeks ago.
"He is flying in comparison to what he was. He is walking by himself and talking although his voice is like someone with a sore throat," said Grace, who had to postpone her wedding due to her brother's condition.
"He is fully aware of what happened and that he was in a coma. At the start he asked one of his friends (what happened) and he just said it was a tackle but he is now being more inquisitive and he knows it was an attack."
Mark is currently undergoing speech, occupational and physical therapy.
The family is eager to thank everyone who has helped them and those who wish to contribute to Mark's fund can visit www.support4markmcgovern. com.
With costs now running at around €770,000, fundraising events are being planned by the Irish community in San Francisco.
Mark is to remain at the Laguna Honda Rehabilitation Centre to continue his recovery
Irish Examiner might be worth a look tomorrow.
From their Twitter account: In tomorrow's @examinersport @JohnWRiordan reveals the reaction to the 96-week ban handed down in relation to the assault of Mark Mc Govern
So, does this mean a player has been identified? Great news if so.
Quote from: RedandGreenSniper on August 16, 2011, 12:50:11 AM
Irish Examiner might be worth a look tomorrow.
From their Twitter account: In tomorrow's @examinersport @JohnWRiordan reveals the reaction to the 96-week ban handed down in relation to the assault of Mark Mc Govern
So, does this mean a player has been identified? Great news if so.
Patrick Power.
http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/45373/ (http://www.sportsnewsireland.com/gaa/45373/)
Outrage at 96 week ban for McCovern assault
SportsNewsIRELAND, 16 August 2011
Ulster San Francisco club chairman Joe Duffy has hit out at the 96-week ban imposed on Patrick Power for his assault of Mark Mc Govern in June.
Fermanagh born Mc Govern was knocked unconscious following the attack in a San Francisco senior championship game and had been in a coma until two weeks ago.
However, Eamonn Gormley, who chaired the San Francisco Competitions Control Committee, defended the punishment they handed down, believing that it was the correct move under the circumstances.
"Both clubs co-operated fully and we were fully satisfied about the investigation. It was the maximum penalty and we believe that it was a fair outcome."
Joe Duffy remains unhappy with the ban however, believing that it was not consistent with other GAA suspensions.
"It doesn't seem fair," Duffy told the Irish Examiner.
"There have been a couple of cases where an official has been injured in games and it's led to life bans. Mark has a brain injury, we don't know the long-term consequences, he nearly died and yet they only give this guy a ban of less than two years. It makes no sense to me.
"There's no equity. Mark's medical bills are over a million dollars and that's no exaggeration. His family are over from Ireland. The whole thing has been awful.
"At the end of the day, Mark is improving. We can be grateful for that."
The GAA is set to provide insurance cover for all players who travel from Ireland to play gaelic games for clubs in the United States.
This follows the case of Fermanagh footballer Mark McGovern who has been left facing medical bills of over $1m after sustaining serious head injuries during a game in San Francisco in June.
"We will have to take responsibility here," said GAA director general Paraic Duffy.
"We can't let that happen again."
Mr Duffy added:"What we hope to achieve is that in future any player going to play on a sanction in the States as Mark did will be covered by insurance from the GAA here."
The GAA director general added that the decision to extend the GAA's insurance scheme to Croke Park was as "a direct result of Mark McGovern's injury".
"With medical costs being so high in the US, it is an issue that we just can't ignore.
"It took the Mark McGovern case to sadly draw our attention to this."
Doctors say McGovern has made a "remarkable" recovery from his injuries.
He is out of hospital but is undergoing rehabilitation in California.
His goal is to get back to his original state of health and fitness and return home to Northern Ireland as soon as he is physically able to although he will not be able to play gaelic games again.
He had to learn how to walk and talk again but after intensive therapy medical experts said his progress had been remarkable and predict he will make a full recovery.
Mr McGovern's parents and three sisters maintained a vigil at his hospital bedside during the five-week period he was in a coma.
A lot of fundraising efforts have helped the family to cope with Mark's medical and rehabilitation costs in the US, which have exceeded $1m
That is good news, especially if it is retrospectively applied in the Mark McGovern case.
Any legal eagles here have an opinion on whether this may have been forced upon them? For example US authorities wouldn't take too kindly to an organisation bringing in emigrants and leaving them unsupported with unpaid bills.
Quote from: muppet on October 17, 2011, 11:04:47 AM
That is good news, especially if it is retrospectively applied in the Mark McGovern case.
Any legal eagles here have an opinion on whether this may have been forced upon them? For example US authorities wouldn't take too kindly to an organisation bringing in emigrants and leaving them unsupported with unpaid bills.
They were always going to cover most of the balance on the qt.
Don't believe it was forced due to any legalities, more to do with the fact that a loophole has been exposed in the worst possible way and they recognise it has to be changed.
He's on his way back with his family. It's going to be a long trip by land and sea because he can't fly.
Surprised no-one has this up yet. Great to see him back...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-15548761
he Fermanagh Gaelic footballer left brain damaged after being attacked on the pitch in San Francisco has returned home.
It took Mark McGovern 18 days to travel home by land and sea because he is not allowed to fly.
He arrived home to Belcoo late on Monday night.
The 23-year-old was left in a coma after an off-the-ball incident during a match in the US in June.
The Fermanagh man had only been in the city five days when he was injured in the game between the Ulster Club and the San Francisco Celts
His family were told he might not live because his injuries were so severe.
However, Mark has made an incredible recovery with the help of doctors and physiotherapists in San Francisco.
The first leg of his 5,000 mile journey was from the west coast to New York by train, then a 10-day boat journey to Southampton.
Next, a long drive to Holyhead and another boat to Dublin and up to Belcoo and home.
Getting home again after so long was a great relief to Mark.
"It's amazing to get through the front gates of the house, to get to the front door and not be assisted by anyone," he said.
"There's no place like home.
"It'll be hard to get my normal life back, obviously, very hard. The only goal I've set is to become a single handicapper playing golf.
"That's my first thought. I know I can't play football anymore so it's given me time to concentrate on golf. It'll be golf every day now - weather depending!"
Mark being interviewed in RTE radio now. Great to hear it.
I heard Shannon Gaels over the river in Co Cavan also raised a pile for the fund.
Well done all and well done Mark.
I heard that there is a cycle in aid of this fund on the 14th of April, does anyone have any info on it
Mark McGovern is to appear on The Late Late Show this Friday.
Quote from: hassletravel on March 09, 2012, 09:36:58 PM
I heard that there is a cycle in aid of this fund on the 14th of April, does anyone have any info on it
http://www.lakelandcc.co.uk/cycling-589.html
Not sure if the Examiner makes it to Fermanagh but might be of interest to some people and don't know if it made it onto the board before. Article starts six paragraghs in at 'In the blink of an eye' for those who get lost.
http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/kfqlidgbgbgb/rss2/
Great to see him on the Late Late.
A really good interview shame about turbidy asking the questions. Great to see Mark and his recovery, hopefully he is on the road to a full recovery. Made a good point about a life ban attacking officals maybe it's time to look at protecting players in the same way?
It's embarrassing just how little Tubridy knows about GAA. Delighted to see Mark is okay now. Can only imagine the frustration he has felt. A credit to the GAA. I hope he gets well looked after.
Quote from: Doiregael2 on March 30, 2012, 11:24:33 PM
Made a good point about a life ban attacking officals maybe it's time to look at protecting players in the same way?
Maximum for attacking an official is 96 weeks IIRC.
Paraic Duffy was on the other day floating the possibility of a life ban for anyone who causes death or serious injury in an off-the-ball incident, which I think would be sensible. Official Guide didn't have it before, I don't think anyone foresaw an incident like this.
Mark is back playing. He's working in Croke Park. There was a programme on about him last week. Great to see him back.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/gaelic-games/26737988
Great to see him doing so well but I hope he is getting the best available medical advice on this.
He's had a long road to get to this point and while I completely understand he wants to get back playing, there are more important things in life than football.
I know if I was marking him I'd give him the run of the field before I'd put in a hard tackle on him.
Not often a Meath man pulls out.
'Coma man' - ffs
Fair play to him on a remarkable recovery. Would echo the reservations above and hope he is taking medical advice at every stage.
It worries me a bit when he says "I know that I need to do some more training sessions to see if I am able to take a few hits.", but I presume he means from an aerobic fitness point of view.
On a side note, this comment from the doc confused me:
One of McGovern's doctors in San Francisco told McGovern that he had been "97.5% dead".
Is this something that can be measured? It's a very exact percentage. Or is it just something the doctor has pulled from his arse?