Fr Canny does not rule out resuming football career

Waterside Parish Priest Father Michael Canny, who is in his 50s, suffered the terrible leg injury playing football with parishioners.

The cleric sustained a Quadricep rupture of the left knee last Thursday while playing a game of football in Gobnascale.

Recalling the moment it happened the popular cleric said: “Once I went down I knew I couldn’t continue. I recognised that it was a serious enough injury.”

Fr Canny attended Accident and Emergency at Altnagelvin hospital where he received treatment before being admitted to Ward Eight for in-patient care. He was discharged on Monday.

Commenting on his ability to continue his ministry he said: “I can get around OK I am mobile enough but I can’t drive. Obviously I will be on a restricted programme but I celebrated 10am Mass this morning (Tuesday) and I coped well.”

The football fanatic is in full leg plaster cast from ankle to hip. He is also in his early 50’s but has not ruled out a return to the beautiful game.

“There will be a lot of physiotherapy and rehab needed. I am determined to get back to full fitness. I aim to be fit by March but nothing is definite. I love playing football and I am not ready to retire just yet.”

The keen Liverpool supporter also had a message for his parishioners. “Just to reassure those in the Glendermott Parish that I am still in the job and still able to go about my ministry.”