Stricken Gaelic footballer Mark McGovern has arrived home after a marathon 18-day journey from San Francisco to his native Fermanagh.
McGovern, who was left in a coma after being struck by another player in an off-the-ball incident last June, had to travel by land and sea because he is not yet allowed to fly.
The 23-year-old reached his home in Belcoo on Monday night and his first words were forgiveness for the player who had put his life in danger.
"It will be hard to get back to my normal life. I am hoping to start in rehab next week in Belfast or possibly a private clinic," McGovern, who will not be allowed play football ever again, told reporters.
"I forgive him. I do believe he never meant to put me in the shape he put me in," McGovern said of his assailant.
The Irish Independent reported that McGovern was now looking forward to meeting his friends, particularly his teammates from the local Belcoo O'Rahilly's club.
His family and friends, meanwhile, will be turning their attention to the huge medical bill for what was likely life-saving treatment in San Francisco. The bill is in excess of $1 million. A special website has been set up to raise money for his treatment at www.support4mark
mcgovern.com.
McGovern was playing for the Ulster GAA Club against the local Celts side when he was hit. He flew to San Francisco on a JI Visa in part to play football for the summer and was in the city for just a week when the incident took place on June 25.
McGovern had earlier lined out for the Fermanagh senior side in this year's Dr. McKenna Cup.
