Fermanagh captain Marty McGrath bravely played in this year's championship, despite being diagnosed with testicular cancer in June. The 2004 All-Star midfielder, who twice underwent heart surgery in 2006 and missed most of last season after being struck on the head by a digger in accident at his home, found out he had cancer on June 21, but bravely played out the remainder of the championship. He played in the drawn and replayed Ulster final against Armagh, and also lined out in the Erne County's All-Ireland qualifier defeat to Kildare at Croke Park. The midfielder underwent a successful operation in Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital in mid-August, but will have to go for check-ups every three months to make sure the cancer does not return. The St. Joseph's, Ederney clubman, who turned 27 last Thursday, kept the news of his cancer a closely-guarded secret as Fermanagh progressed to their first Ulster final in 26 years. Remarkably, McGrath's form never dipped during his ordeal and he is hoping to make the Ireland squad for next month's International Rules series in Australia, having played in a trial match at Croke Park last Friday. Cork hurler Joe Deane and Mayo footballer Ronan McGarrity are among the high-profile players who have made a full recovery from testicular cancer and returned to play at top level in recent years. Tweet

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