A smiling Ruairi O’Neill has thanked wellwishers for their support with a thumbs-up gesture from his hospital bed.
In a picture taken inside the Royal Victoria Hospital, the 18-year-old is seen beaming after wakening from a coma.
The brave teenager – an Armagh county minor player – was a member of the victorious Crossmaglen Rangers side who collected the U21 county title with a win over Silverbridge at the Athletic Grounds just 12 days ago.
He was admitted to hospital earlier this week with meningitis.
His family have maintained a bedside vigil ever since while his club and local community have rallied around.
Nightly prayer vigils have been held praying for Ruiari’s recovery.
This afternoon Crossmaglen Rangers confirmed via social media that he was “out of danger” and being moved from the intensive care unit.
A smiling Ruairi – obviously weak and drained – posed for the photograph in his team jersey with the words ‘I’m back’ and two hashtags – paying tribute to his own Crossmaglen Rangers family and the power of prayer.
Great news that the young cub ruairi o Neill of @crossrangers is now conscious????keep fighting young man we are all behind you.#13club pic.twitter.com/o2yMtlC4aj
— Conor.mortimer (@Conmort) December 21, 2016
