Friends supporting former Mayo sports star in his recovery

A former Mayo soccer star is winning his battle to recover from a major health setback - and he is truly inspired by the support of his family, friends and community.

Father-of-two Declan Smyth, who starred for Straide & Foxford United for over two decades and performed with distinction for his county on many occasions, fell seriously ill after playing in a Masters League match at Milebush Park 11 months ago.

Since then he has been undergoing intensive rehabilitation in hospitals in Galway and Dublin.

In 2015, Declan, along with one of his best friends, Michael Costello, registered to take part in the Dublin City Marathon. Unfortunately they never got to fulfil their wish.

Now a group consisting of team mates, neighbours and friends will attempt to realise Declan's desire to run the famous 26-mile event next month in the capital.

In doing so they want to show their support and solidarity for Declan on his road to recovery and to raise some money for Dec's Recovery Fund, to which the public has been generous to date.

The 12-strong group consists of Kevin Sheerin, Michael Costello, Brendan Mulloy, John Byrne, Sarah Byrne, Pat Reid, Wayne Howley, Linda Jordan, Brian Joyce, Michael Prendergast, John Browne and Andy Neary.

Kevin Sheerin told The Connaught Telegraph: "Declan is one of the good guys. A gentleman both on and off the field of play, honest, hard-working, full of humour and, above all, one of the best friends you could ever have.

"It is wonderful to report that he is making steady progress in his recovery but he still needs all the support he can get. We will be circulating sponsorship cards in Foxford, Straide, Swinford, Ballyvary, Castlebar and other areas on the lead-up to the run on Sunday, October 28.

"Our local community, as well as the soccer and sporting fraternity in general across Mayo, has been very generous to date and it would mean so much to all of us to complete this challenge for Declan."