The GAA Social: Niall Devlin opens up on anguish of losing brother Caolan in crash

A week after Caolan’s funeral, Niall starred in Tyrone’s crucial win over Monaghan.

The victory meant the Red Hands preserved their Division One status as Monaghan were relegated.

Devlin admits the week leading up to the game was a rollercaoster of emotions, expressing his apprehension as he returned to training the Tuesday after Caolan was buried.

“I said to my dad, if I get a full week’s training I want to play. Driving up the road to training, I had never been as scared driving, because of the road and seeing all that had happened.”

He explained how the game in Healy Park was an emotional occasion, especially with the minute’s silence involving the team and full backroom staff before the match.

“When I heard there was going to be one [a minute’s silence] and everyone was going to be lined up, I thought that was a really nice touch and when we lined up it hit me, and I wanted that minute to be over,” he conceded.

“The togetherness at the time for my family, they would be proud, and Caolan would be even prouder.

“The 70 minutes was tough, by the end of it I was wrecked. It was a special night, one I’ll always remember, having my whole family on the pitch after, and credit to the Monaghan players who came up and offered their condolences.”