Duffy just thankful to be alive

28 May 2010 13:57
Everton defender Shane Duffy on Friday gave his first interview since he came within seconds of death during a training game last week.[LNB] The 18-year-old was left fighting for his life last Friday evening after a freak accident during a Republic of Ireland training match in Malahide.[LNB]But he left Dublin's Mater Hospital on Friday afternoon after making a rapid recovery following emergency surgery, and admitted he was simply glad to be alive.[LNB]Speaking outside the hospital, he said: "This time last week, I thought I wouldn't be here, so I have to realise I am here and I have to look at the bigger picture.[LNB]"I am just here to thank all the medical staff who saved my life. [surgeon] Gerry McEntee, [Ireland team doctor] Alan Byrne and [Ireland team surgeon Professor] John O'Byrne saved my life.[LNB]"I just want to thank everyone in this hospital for everything they have done. They saved my life.[LNB]"This time last week, I was in there having an operation and it was a scary time. I just have to thank everyone.[LNB]"It's been a crazy time, a crazy week."[LNB]Duffy was hurt in a seemingly innocuous collision with Irish Amateur team keeper Adrian Walsh, and collapsed in agony on the pitch at Malahide United's Gannon Park home.[LNB]Dr Byrne and Professor O'Byrne, who was among the spectators, quickly realised the damage was serious and rushed the defender to hospital, where it was discovered 3.6 litres of blood - around two-thirds of his total supply - had leaked into his abdomen from his ruptured hepatic artery.[LNB]That led to a sudden and dramatic fall in his blood pressure which might have proved fatal had A&E staff not managed to stabilise him.[LNB]Duffy said: "I really didn't know what had happened, it was a blur. I woke up on Friday night with the operation done, but my mum and dad were telling me that I had nearly died last night. It was crazy.[LNB]"But everyone in there was top-class, and I can't thank the FAI enough, the nurses and the staff.[LNB]"Alan and John were the first two to get to me and realise how serious it was.[LNB]"I am so happy to be alive now."[LNB]Duffy has been inundated by messages of support from his Everton team-mates, and was visited in hospital by the Ireland squad and later, manager Giovanni Trapattoni and skipper Robbie Keane.[LNB]He said: "I was speechless. When they walked in, I didn't know because I was still sleeping. But when I saw the manager and Robbie there...[LNB]"Robbie is a top lad - all the lads were top, to be fair. The day before, they all came, about 14 of them, and I couldn't ask for any more of them.[LNB]"All the [Everton] lads have been in touch. Everyone has been so supportive - I can't get over how much people care about it."[LNB]Duffy now faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but hopes to return to action within five months.[LNB]He said: "I am getting there now. The pain has gone a bit, it's easing off and hopefully over the next couple of months, I can recover well and get back playing.[LNB]"Hopefully, in four to five months, I will be back playing. I will take it easy, just not rush it back."[LNB]Duffy was philosophical after his near-death experience, and attached no blame to Walsh over the incident which might have proved so costly.[LNB]He said: "It happens in football - it's not like he meant to do it. It was just one of those things that happen."

Source: Team_Talk