Father of injured player praises Quins’ fans

The father of a Cookstown player who suffered a serious head injury while playing in Cork on Saturday has praised the efforts of Cork Harlequins supporters in coming to his son’s assistance.

Greg Allen was taken to Cork University Hospital after being hit in the side of the head with the ball during the Irish Senior Cup clash at Farmer’s Cross. The Tyrone man was prone on the turf for around 10 minutes but was conscious throughout.

“On behalf of myself and Greg I would like to convey our sincere and heartfelt thanks to many Cork Harlequins (supporters), in particular Wes Bateman and Sarah Jones who looked after him pitchside until the paramedics arrived,” said Les Allen.

“Also, to Quins centre-back John Hobbs, who really looked after us. He is a true friend. As much as I love this game, a hockey result doesn’t matter when you see your son in distress.

“But, as usual, the unique hockey family we are all part of on this island came together to look after a few of their own. Greg stayed overnight in hospital — he still can’t eat solids and the headaches are still there.”

Players and supporters alike expressed their support on social media and welcomed the news Allen is set to return to hockey in around a month’s time.

Cork Harlequins defender Dan Hobbs said: “Delighted to hear Greg will be ok! Results really don’t matter when you see someone seriously injured in a game, Here’s to a speedy recovery!”

The incident sparked bad memories for Cookstown, whose former captain Godfrey Irwin missed almost a year of hockey after suffering a fractured skull.

Irwin was hit by a drag-flick from one of the world’s most renowned set-piece specialists, Amsterdam’s Taeke Taekema, in the EuroHockey League in October 2011.

Irwin was back in Cookstown colours against Quins on Saturday sporting a Petr Cech-style scrum cap, and admits his days of defending the goal-line at short corners are long gone.

“I’ll be the first man to get to the halfway line when a corner is awarded against us — no more defensive corners for me,” said Irwin.