Relief for Simon as McNamara sets out on road to recovery
STORM Ciara delayed Simon Donnelly’s efforts to reach the bedside of Jackie McNamara but he’s pleased to report his close friend is on the mend after being struck down by a bleed on the brain.
Donnelly was enjoying a break on the Isle of Arran when news filtered through of 46-year-old McNamara’s collapse at home in York three weeks ago.
With the ferries off, Donnelly survived an anxious wait before the weather calmed and he was able to reach his former Celtic team-mate at hospital in Hull.
‘It wasn’t great being stuck on Arran but thankfully I had Wifi, so I was kept up to date,’ he recalled. ‘Obviously my natural reaction was to want to go but I couldn’t.
‘We got off the island on the Wednesday and I went down with Jordan Moore to see him. He was in good form.’
Moore’s presence in the car was significant. A player under McNamara and Donnelly at Dundee United, Moore underwent treatment for skin cancer and remains grateful to the management duo for their support.
Although Moore’s career would ultimately peter out, he recovered from his illness sufficiently to go on and play in the League of Ireland with Limerick.
McNamara now faces his own lengthy period of convalescence.
‘When I heard the news it was just such a shock,’ continued Donnelly. ‘He’s been through a lot but he’s making positive inroads. It will take him time and a lot of rest.
‘The family have been overwhelmed by the support he’s had and I’ve found that too. I’ve been down to see him twice and he was bright.
‘It’s going to take patience from everybody, particularly Jackie, because I know what he’s like.
‘He’ll want to recover tomorrow but he has to take his time with it.’