Oisin Merritt has been included in the Irish Cerebral Palsy squad for the IFCPF World Championships in Argentina next month.
Paul Breen has selected Merritt, of Ballybofey United, in his panel for the trip to San Luis in central Argentina.
Ireland will take on Spain, Canada and Brazil in the Championships and ‘Miracle Man’ Merritt (pictured above by Joe Boland, North West News Pix) is included in the Boys in Green’s squad.
Three years ago, while he was a 19-year-old on the books of Finn Harps, he fell 20 feet from a balcony and slipped into a coma.
Merritt, who is a lifelong Harps fan, was dubbed ‘The Miracle Man’ by doctors at Son Espases Hospital in Palma and his family were told to ‘say goodbye’ as his injuries appeared too severe.
But on July 8th, he woke and whispered: ‘How’s Brazil getting on?’
Brazil were playing Germany in a World Cup semi-final and Oisin had backed Brazil to win the tournament earlier in the summer.
He spent a month in an induced coma and he suffered two brain haemorrhages, one of which was so severe surgeons removed part of the skull to allow the swelling to ease.
His injuries list is a terrifying read: A broken skull; a broken bone at the top of his neck; five breaks in his jaw; a broken cheekbone; a ruptured spleen; and he’s been left permanently deaf in his left ear.
Earlier this year, he met with Consultant Neurosurgeon Donncha O’Brien from Beaumont Hospital for his annual check-up and was given the news he thought he’d never hear – he could make a sporting comeback.
Now, he’s set to make his dream come true.
“The opportunity not only to play football again, but represent my country at events like the World Championships and possibly the Paralympics is brilliant.” said Merritt.
“For something so positive to come from an accident like mine is unbelievable. I have played for a few high level clubs and the standard these guys are at are right up there with the best, I’m delighted to be involved with in high level of football again.”