Derry and Slaughtneil star Chrissy McKaigue has shared a heart-warming letter on social media from a friend of a Donegal GAA stalwart who passed away last year.

Dr Charles McManus decided to arrange a charity football match for his late friend Pat Shovelin - a member of the Donegal minor, U21 and senior football backroom teams in recent years - who died in October.

The two men picked an All Star XV from outside their native county to play Donegal's 2012 All-Ireland winning side after Dr McManus had suggested to the terminally ill Shovelin to "get busy living".

The letter, which McKaigue says hit him with "a sense of perspective", was shared on his Twitter account last night and read in part:

"I write to inform you, that you made the team.

"I know it's not a county final medal, a provincial medal or a Celtic cross. I know it's not an All Star or a team of the century award.

"However, I can assure you that such was the esteem, respect and absolute love the people of Donegal had for Pat Shovelin, that your place on the team, for me and many more, is amongst the highest of accolades.

"Perhaps, at some time of your life, on or off the field, when things are not going to plan and you need a pick up, that you can draw inspiration and confidence from his letter and realise that a great man, a man you never met, thought you were the best in your position to face his beloved Donegal."

Every so often in life you get hit with a sense of perspective! I received this letter today and I think it sums up how unique the GAA and its members are. #GAA pic.twitter.com/WVWDlwFYbT

- Chrissy McKaigue (@CKaigue) February 21, 2018

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