Simple pleasures sustain McConigley

All Paddy McConigley can recall was the pain. Searing. Raging. Blinding? Yes, sadly. The most excruciating experience he has ever endured.

So bad was it, he vomited a few times afterwards. But worse was to come. A blood clot formed in his right retina, one that has never disintegrated.

It’s almost six years since that ill-fated Donegal team bonding trip to a paintball centre in Milford. Brian McIver had taken the panel out for the day as they prepared for their third round qualifier against Monaghan.