Republic of Ireland international James McClean is joined pitchside by his brother Patrick McClean, David McDaid and Pat Fenlon after they signed the Book of Condolences for the late Derry City player Ryan McBride. Photo: Noel Browne.
Republic of Ireland and West Bromich Albion star James McClean after losing close friends Ryan McBride and Martin McGuinness. The Derry native then went onto produce a Man of the Match performance in Ireland’s scoreless draw with Wales at the Aviva Stadium on Friday.
McClean travelled to Waterford on Saturday afternoon along with his wife Erin and young daughter to watch his brother Patrick captain Waterford FC to victory over Wexford FC where he was introduced to the crowd at half-time in the game.
He stood in for countless selfies, pictures and signed a Book of Condolence for his friend Ryan McBride pitchside after the game where he was joined by Waterford FC Director of Football Pat Fenlon, his brother Patrick and fellow Derry man David McDaid.
TOUGH WEEK
Reflecting on the past week and his performance against Wales, McClean said, “It has been well publicised that it has been a tough week for the town of Derry and a very tough week for myself personally
“I played with Ryan at Derry City and obviously got to know him off the field as well and Martin who was a huge figure in Derry. I got to know him really well in the last few years and I had a very good relationship with him.
“In the space of two days, for those two to pass away was very tough, but I tried to put all my emotion into my performance and hopefully I did the two lads proud. The lads have rallied around me, the manager as well. They let me go up to Derry on Tuesday and say my goodbyes, so I felt tha I owed them a performance. Hopefully I did that.” McClean also got a standing ovation at the RSC when he was introduced to the crowd on Saturday last.
BLUES TRIBUTE
Waterford FC defender Shane O’Connor has paid tribute to Ryan McBride on behalf of the club. Speaking on Ryan’s passing, he said, “I want to send our condolences to Ryan’s family, to Derry City Football Club and to all that knew him. It’s awful to see and we’re all sharing the grief that they are going through.
“I came in contact with Ryan a couple of times, when I was up there and going to sign, and I think that everything that people have been speaking about him is 100% true. He was honest as the day is long and he would go through a brick wall for you.
“I remember doing a boxing session with him once while I was up in Derry and I’m telling you that the chap was as fit as a fiddle. It’s an awful shame that we lose someone so young and especially a professional footballer plying a trade like we’re all trying to do. We’re all part of a football family and this is a devastating blow to everyone, including all of us here at Waterford FC, ” said Shane O’Connor.
