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Football

25th Mar 2017

When the spotlight was shone on him, James McClean made sure to remember what’s really important

Epitome of class

Ben Kiely

James McClean’s been through a lot this week, but he’s handled everything with nothing but class.

His performance in the 0-0 draw against Wales in the Aviva on Friday night earned him the Man of the Match award, but he refused to take centre stage during his post-match interview on RTE.

The attitude he displayed while speaking to Tony O’Donoghue continued with his post-match message on Instagram.

In a week where he attended the burial of his friends Ryan McBride and Martin McGuinness, his thoughts were on the families of the deceased.

In a game where he was the stand-out player on the pitch, he dedicated the award he received to MCBride and McGuinness.

Despite the disappointment of the result, not getting his name on the scoresheet and the disgusting fouls that have been dominating the headlines, McClean still will look back fondly on the part of the game he got to share with his daughter.

Finally, the fallen captain wasn’t forgotten. He closed off with some words of encouragement for Seamus Coleman, when he needs the positivity the most.

“In whats been an emotional week for not only myself and Derry but more importantly the families of martin and ryan, that ends tonight with more mix emotions of this afternoon, was great to take my daughter out, was nice receive man of the match which i want to dedicate to the two great men we lost this week, would of been a nice way to end the week with a win or a goal but it wasn’t to be… like to wish my buddy seamie coleman a rapid recovery, devastated for you bud, but knowing the man you are you’ll come stronger.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSCmMvPAGlE/?taken-by=jimmymac_11&hl=en

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