Shane Duffy, a man of the people.
On just his second ever international appearance, on his home debut with his country, the Derry native was named man of the match as Ireland saw off Switzerland 1-0.
He could be forgiven for holding some sentimental value in the number 29 jersey that might have helped book his ticket to Euro 2016.
But there are some things more important than sentiment so Duffy, the good guy that he is, donated his kit to Donegal Hospice to help them raise funds.
The palliative care service in Letterkenny – where Shane’s dad Brian hails from – were paid a surprise visit by the Blackburn star’s family who brought the Ireland jersey – signed by all the team – and presented it to local man Martin Orr in the Hospice.
Picture via Martin Orr Facebook.
The gesture, naturally, went down a storm.
“Just had an unexpected visit from my friend Brian Duffy, father of Irish international football star, Shane Duffy presenting me with Shane’s Ireland top from the recent Switzerland match,” Orr wrote on his Facebook page.
“It’s autographed by the entire team. It will be used to raise funds at the upcoming football rematch in August in my brother Patrick’s memory in aid of Donegal Hospice. He [Brian] also handed my a big juicy €50 note towards my San Quentin CD in aid of Suicide Awareness/Pieta House.
“Thank you so much Brian and Shane. I so hope you make it to France.”
Fair play, Shane.
