‘Miracle’ as Mark takes big step

FERMANAGH’S Mark McGovern has defied the odds by walking just weeks after awakening from a coma.

There were fears the 23-year-old from Belcoo would never walk again after suffering a devastating brain injury during a San Francisco SFC match in June. He began therapy just six weeks ago after spending five weeks in a coma and his physical therapist Loren Hollander — who is attached to California’s Laguna Honda Hospital — has described his recovery as a “miracle”.

“In my 20 years working at this I don’t think I have ever seen a recovery quite like Mark’s,” she said.

“I push people very hard and he really wanted to be pushed. He’s a strong spirit but I never thought we would be doing what we are doing by this stage. There is still a long road ahead for him to make a full recovery. It’s not going to be easy for him.”

McGovern suffered severe head injuries during his first game in the United States with the Ulster San Francisco GAA team. During the game against the Celts, he suffered a traumatic injury in an off-the-ball incident that is under investigation by police.

Mark’s sisters Grace (25), Helen (28) and Connie (30) along with his parents Danny and Josie and his girlfriend of three years, Jessica Turley (21), travelled to the States to be by his side.

The GAA’s central office had given approval for collections to take place in and around Croke Park for the All-Ireland hurling and football finals to help pay for Mark’s medical costs.