WARNING GRAPHIC CONTENT
ANYONE who has played their heart out on a sports field has feared one day being on the receiving end of a grizzly war wound.
From torn-off fingers to skull-exposed foreheads, Irish sportspeople certainly prove those sorts of worries aren’t just paranoia.
Here are seven particularly gruesome Irish sports injuries:
Kevin Doyle’s ankle
Irish footballing international Kevin Doyle required urgent surgery on his ankle earlier this year after a 1-0 win against Switzerland, in which he was on the receiving end of a skin-splitting tackle.
thanks for all the messages,could have been worse,bit of surgery going on now and be back very soon pic.twitter.com/UhM2TDC6Oh
— Kevin Doyle (@KevinDoyle1983) March 25, 2016
Kevin McHugh’s finger
League of Ireland footballer Kevin McHugh was taking part in a training session in Donegal earlier this month when his wedding ring was caught in a fence. His finger was permanently severed, but the Finn Harps striker nevertheless managed to drive himself to the emergency room. Hero.
Think that's my season over... pic.twitter.com/P6N6RIKbsn
— Kevin McHugh #10 (@KevinMcHugh10) October 5, 2016
David McGregor’s ear
Former Ireland U20 hooker David McGregor was competing in an exhibition Rugby match in Scotland last year when he badly injured his ear. Not for the faint of heart.
Pleasure to play against the @Barbarian_FC this eve at goldie. Didn't finish how I would have liked. #WarWounds pic.twitter.com/We6lR1Isso
— Davy McGregor (@davy_mcgregor) April 21, 2015
Barry Lynch’s forehead
In 2013, Kilmainham GAA footballer Barry Lynch was stretchered off during a game with Drumbaragh after a clash of heads with his own brother. Apart from a nice scar, Lynch came away with no lasting damage – somehow.
Here's a pic of the injury sustained by Barry Lynch last night..DO NOT OPEN IF YOU ARE SQUIMISH seriously pic.twitter.com/oGa5X70GLC
— Fergal Lynch (@truefergallynch) October 17, 2013
James McClean’s leg
Only the other week, West Brom and Republic of Ireland footballer James McClean sustained a particularly nasty gash to his leg during a game against Liverpool. He was forced off after 65 minutes of play and needed several stitches to stop the bleeding. Owch.
A photo posted by Jimmymac_11 (@jimmymac_11) on
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Carl McHugh’s face
Former Bradford City and Republic of Ireland youth defender Carl McHugh was only minutes into his Motherwell debut when a clash of heads ended his day early back in August. McHugh is expected to be out for the entire season.
Thuggish tactics from @OfficialKillie players today ,wish Carl Mchugh a speedy recovery pic.twitter.com/TS2uw7AuQL
— Garry Mclellan (@garrymfc2011) August 6, 2016
Warren Casserly’s forehead
Westmeath’s hurlers may have claimed victory over their Kilkenny opponents back in May, but one of their stars didn’t come away unscathed. Warren Casserly’s scar no doubt serves as a constant reminder of his side’s Leinster U21 Championship triumph.
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