The family of a Galway hurling fan who has been in a coma since a freak accident on the eve of the All-Ireland Final have spoken of their gratitude to all who have helped them through the last three difficult months.
Jason McGann from Carra, Bullaun, Loughrea, remains unconscious in St James’ Hospital after he was pulled from the Grand Canal in the early hours of Sunday, September 3.
The 23-year-old, who plays junior hurling with Sarsfields, had travelled with friends to Dublin on the Saturday for Galway’s All-Ireland senior and minor hurling finals at Croke Park.
But Jason fell into the canal near Portobello as he made his way back to his hotel after he’d been socialising in the city on Saturday night.
A couple who were sheltering from the rain nearby, heard a splash, and came to his assistance.
His family – father Dermot and mother Tina, along with his younger brothers and sister, Keith, Ian and Chloe – have maintained a bedside vigil at the hospital ever since.
And back at home, the community came together to help them by organizing a fundraising dance held in Ward’s of Ballyfa that was packed to the rafters.
The Galway senior and minor hurlers also played their part – and brought the Liam McCarthy and Irish Press Cups with them on the night.
Now the family want to thank all who helped them by raising money towards Jason’s recovery.
“The support on the night was overwhelming and we will be forever grateful of that,” they said in a statement.
And the McGanns were particularly keen to also thank those who have helped them maintain their bedside vigil.
“Two people that we would be lost without since Jason’s accident is Mattie Coen and his daughter Claire who have allowed us to stay with them in their home in Dublin, we are so thankful for their hospitality and good hearts.
“We wish to thank the doctors, nurses, HCAs and all of the staff at St. James Hospital in Dublin for their continued and outstanding care of Jason since his accident,” they added.
The family also expressed their gratitude to all of Jason’s friends and family friends and neighbours who visit Jason in hospital.
“The continued support means a lot. We hope in the near future, with all the care and prayers he’s receiving there will be a good result in time,” they added.
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