Devine never watched All-Ireland final
August 19, 2009

Tyrone keeper John Devine
Injured Tyrone goalkeeper John Devine has revealed that he didn't watch last year's All-Ireland final owing to the death of his father.
The Errigal Ciaran clubman was forced to withdraw from the team the day before the Red Hands' victory over Kerry after his dad, also John, passed away and still hasn't seen a video of the game in full.
"I didn't see the final," he told the Irish Daily Star.
"I had definitely all faith in the boys that day, and huge belief, and I don't think I ever doubted them. The timing of things - it wouldn't have been realistic for me to watch it."
Devine returned to action with his club a few weeks later, and admits that football "was definitely a release".
He added: "There's no getting away from it, it was a difficult time and a very strange time.
"It just put things in perspective. Things like that happen to everyone. It was just the timing once again that made it disappointing. Personally, it was a very sad time, even away from football.
"You speak to a lot of people who give good advice, and share their memories and experiences."
A dislocated shoulder sustained the week before the All-Ireland quarter-final win over Kerry means it is unlikely that Devine will play any further part in Tyrone's Sam Maguire defence, with Pascal McConnell once again deputising in his absence.
Most Read Stories