The GAA's central office has given approval for collections to take place in and around Croke Park for the All-Ireland hurling and football finals to help pay for the medical costs of Fermanagh footballer Mark McGovern.

An estimated 82,000 fans will pack GAA headquarters this Sunday to watch the third consecutive All-Ireland SHC decider between Tipperary and Kilkenny, while a sell-out crowd is also anticipated for the football showdown between Dublin and Kerry on September 18.

The news comes as a huge boost to the ongoing work being done to help raise funds to assist the medical costs for the family of the 22-year-old Belcoo man, who was put in a coma following an off-the-ball incident during his debut match in San Francisco back in June. While he is now said to be walking, with assistance and talking, the road to recovery is set to be a long one for Mark as his medical bills continue to soar.

Fermanagh PRO Deirdre Donnelly told The Irish News: "The bills for the hospital, and for the extensive assistance Mark is receiving every day at the rehabilitation centre, are extremely expensive.

"A few weeks ago the bills were well over $1 million. The medical costs are heavily kicking in now at the rehabilitation centre, estimated at $7,000 each day, and the support the family is receiving is very much appreciated.

"Mark's club Belcoo is working hard to help in every way it can and will continue to do work. The generosity of people, not only in Fermanagh, not only throughout Ireland, but from all over the world, all the good wishes Mark has received, has been tremendous. There is support from the GAA at all levels and that support, at home and much further afield, is being given financially, which is so important, and in so many other ways.

"We know that it is very much appreciated by Mark's family. They are with him in America and will not be coming home until Mark is coming home with them. He is making progress everyday." Tweet

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