When former Westmeath footballer Derek Heavin suffered a horrific knee injury while playing for the Lake County in the Leinster SFC in 2010, it looked as if his career was over.

Indeed, in the aftermath of that game against Louth, the long serving defender was advised to give up the game for good and so he did, opting to coach his own club Castledaly in 2011 and taking over as manager a year later, but on Sunday he will take to the field as a player in a County SFC final.

Castledaly's story mirrors Heavin's return from injury as just last year, they had to beat Athlone in a relegation final to ensure their senior status for another year.

And now they are just sixty minutes away from winning their second Flanagan Cup as they prepare to take on St Loman's in Sunday's decider.

Heavin is delighted to be back playing, but he admitted to the Westmeath Independent that it has been a long road to recovery.

"I did a lot of work in rehab and it's great after all that work and training to get back into a final with these guys. It is unbelievable for myself personally, and it's great for the panel, and there's a great buzz in the area.

"The truth was the injury I got meant reconstructive surgery - my knee had to be rebuilt. It was a long road. I did exactly what I was told by physios and the surgeon. I kept working at it, did a lot of cycling and gym work and rebuilt it again. And touch wood I've had no issues in the championship so far."

To make it an even more special day for the Heavin family, Derek's son Daniel will line out for Rosemount/Castledaly against The Downs in the county minor football championship final.

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