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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
World
Shaun Keenan & Anita McSorley

Popular GAA player in induced coma in Los Angeles after being hit by a car

A popular GAA player from Co Derry is in an induced coma in the United States after being hit by a car.

Patrick Brennan suffered serious injuries in the crash and has already undergone several life-saving surgeries.

He is in intensive care in a Californian hospital and his family has rushed to be by his side.

READ MORE: Irish pub in Cyprus gutted after suspected arson attack as Cork man arrested

The Derry native, who previously lived and worked in Australia, had recently made a life for himself in Los Angeles and was playing Gaelic Football for the L.A. Cougars, Belfast Live reports.

He was enjoying a weekend away when he was involved in the collision and had to be transported to Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar, California. A GoFundMe page and a JustGiving Page have been to help with medical expenses has so far raised almost €60,000 to help the family.

In a statement, a spokesperson said: "After several life-saving surgeries by the medical team at Inland Valley Medical Center, today, he remains in a coma with more surgeries ahead, a threat of brain damage, and no matter what way you look at it, a very long road to recovery.

"Besides being a star full-forward, Paddy never hesitates to volunteer his time with less experienced players, helping coaches and recently joined our club board.

"In just one season, Paddy made several close friends across the club and is a core member of our community. We will are committed to doing all we can to support him and his family through this tough time," the spokesperson added.

"Paddy is well supported by many but the true impact of that support can, unfortunately, depend on finances (especially when dealing with the US health system).

"In coordination with the below supporters of Paddy, we are publishing this fundraiser as a central place for all of Paddy's global communities, friends, colleagues and teammates to come and contribute to supporting Paddy's recovery and his family."

Pictures of Patrick Brennan from the GoFundMe page (gofundme)

They said: "All raised funds will be transferred by the club to Paddy and his family to support his recovery and enable them to support him as much as possible on the ground here in CA.

"Examples of fund use can include paying medical bills, covering a cooked meal for him or his parents after a long (and inevitably sometimes stressful) day at the hospital and enabling his tight-knit family to travel here and manage their general living costs as they attempt to be with him as much as possible.

"Times like these show the strength of community. Aside from expat GAA, Paddy has several circles of friends and communities he has so positively impacted who have also become a key part of the team pitching in to help."

READ MORE: Tributes paid to Irishman killed in UK crash as family remember 'beautiful soul' who 'brought joy everywhere'

READ MORE: Kind-hearted strangers raise thousands to support family of mum who dropped dead at Carlow wedding

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