From Oakleafers Matchday Programme
Following a horrific knee injury three years ago, Derry's new u21 football captain has been on a journey to inspire.
It's hard to describe just how resilient the human spirit can be. Often it's easier just to give examples. Consider then, Brian Óg McGilligan.
A young man on the launching pad of an adult career in Gaelic football in the summer of 2011, McGilligan suffered a horrific knee injury in a minor club championship game.
Having made his senior club championship debut at eighteen years of age just the week before, and having played midfield for Derry minors three months previous, McGilligan had the GAA world at his feet.
However, as he lay in a post operation hospital bed, thoughts of Gaelic games were temporarily pushed to one side as the extent of the injuries became clear. Complete kneecap reconstruction is potentially life quality affecting stuff.
"The consultant had told him not to have too much hope of playing again," explains Derry GAA chairperson John Keenan.
"I visited him in the Royal that summer and he told me he'd be happy enough to be able to walk un-assisted again as a first step. However, you could see the positive attitude the lad had even at that low point for him. It's served him well since.
"He would later receive all the assistance which was possible but it was clear that he was intent on taking full responsibility for his own injury and his recovery. He's a mature young lad and a fantastic role model to any young athlete, or indeed any person."
A dual star with club, county and school, the St Patrick's Maghera pupil went on to join the student body of St Mary's University College the following year.
Having just got back onto his feet, McGilligan tried out for the university fresher's football team under Paddy Tally, just as the Tyrone man joined Brian McIver and Paddy Crozier in the newly appointed Derry senior football setup.
"He just broke down," Crozier explains.
"It was hardly surprising but when Brian [McGilligan] senior phoned me to see if there was anything we could do to help, I was very keen to see what could be done."
Integrated into McIver's set-up, and with Paddy Crozier as u21 manager, Brian Óg had full access to Derry's medical team to assist his rehabilation.
"The medical people worked tirelessly with him. It was a long, lonely road for him but he did absolutely everything that was asked, and to the last letter of instruction. Great credit must go to Maria McCullough, Ann [Boylan] and Conan [Loughrey] and Dr Paul John McCormack. Along with Anthony Begley, who began to add the strength once the rehab work was underway, they got him back on track again."
With a tough encounter ahead of them in the Ulster U21 championship against Cavan, Crozier was in no doubt who he wanted to lead the team as captain, and why.
"Listen, for that lad to be even playing club football, never mind county football is a massive achievement for him. He has led by example and typifies the single-minded determination, which is necessary to succeed at this level. That's why he is captain.
"Our job is to give every young footballer who has the desire and ability to play at inter-county level every assistance to achieve their potential. With a bit of luck he has a long and successful career ahead of him," concludes Crozier.
In what is an inspirational story of resolve and determination, every supporter of Derry GAA will rejoice at the news of McGilligan's full recovery, and share Paddy Crozier's hopes for the future.
Welcome back Brian Óg.
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