EXPERIENCED GALWAY MIDFIELDER Paul Conroy has opened up about the devastating injury he sustained in their Super 8s opener, and confirmed that he actually broke both of his legs.
It was confirmed shortly after the Tribesmen’s 1-13 to 1-10 win over Kerry in Croke Park that St James’ star Conroy suffered a horror double leg-break in the first half.
And following surgery on the season-ending injury on his left leg at the Mater Hospital in Dublin, it was discovered that he also had a hairline fracture in his right leg.
“It’s as well it could be at this stage,” he told Galway Bay FM yesterday.
“My left leg, I got a fracture in my left tibia and fibula and there’s also a hairline fracture in my right fibula.
“The right leg isn’t too bad but it’s the left leg really that I needed the surgery on and that’s the one that will take the most time to heal.”
He explained: “On the Wednesday or Thursday, I started trying to go out on crutches with the physio.
“I could feel pain up the side of my right leg and an x-ray showed that it was a hairline fracture. To be honest, the right leg isn’t overly bad. I can still put weight on it and use the crutches, it’s great to be able to do that at least.”
The 29-year-old recalled the moment itself, as he went down following an accidental collision with Kenmare Shamrocks youngster Seán O’Shea.
There was a lengthy delay to play, leaving players, management and fans alike concerned around the ground before Conroy was taken off the field via ambulance truck after receiving treatment from the medical team.
“When it happened, I looked down and knew straight away that there was a lump sticking out in an area where it shouldn’t have been,” he said.
“I tried to get up and I couldn’t. I knew then something wasn’t right.
“It’s just about trying to keep calm in them situations. I was in the Mater Hospital by the time the ball was thrown in for the second half, that shows you how quick they move.
Conroy added: “The recovery has started already.
“The initial couple of days, it’s more mentally challenging more than anything. You just have to accept that you are not going to be playing any more this year. I accepted that fairly early and I’m just keen to get on with what I can do and control now.
He still manages a smile.. Speedy recovery bro @PaulC225 no doubt you'll be back stronger! #gaillimhabú pic.twitter.com/maELoiho2i
— Damien Comer (@DamoComer) July 15, 2018
“I can control my mindset and keep a positive mind.”
He also spoke of the support he’s received from far and wide over the past few weeks, thanking well-wishers for their kind words.
“The amount of messages I would have got over the last couple of weeks. Obviously, you have your family and friends who would always look after you and send you nice messages and things like that.
“But players and managers from other counties have been getting onto me and wishing me well, which is great.
“You wouldn’t think it would help but it does. It’d give you that sense of care, it’s great to see. It’s one massively positive aspect of the GAA.”
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