Brave GAA Covid-19 survivor urges people ‘not to give ball back’ to the virus

A double-lung transplant patient who spent 66 days in hospital in the biggest fight of his life against Covid-19 is urging people to wear face masks again as the country rides the fifth wave of the virus.

Although thankful to be alive, the Delta variant has left David Crosby needing dialysis three times a week for acute renal failure.

The marathon runner and former Meath GAA player is now asking people 'not to give the ball back' to Covid-19 and keep control of the match by staying vigilant and mindful of others.

Tens of thousands of cases were reported in Ireland over the bank holiday weekend while the numbers in hospital continues to climb

"My progress is slow and I'm on dialysis three times a week but I'm here. Last August, it looked like I wouldn't be," said David who hails from Meath Hill but now lives in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan.

"No-one wants to go back to lockdown, no-one wants to go back to restrictions but we can't be complacent either.

"Covid-19 is still here and cases are rising. While most will get mild symptoms, we need to be mindful of the vulnerable, elderly and those with underlying conditions in society who still need to be protected.

"Wear your mask on public transport, in enclosed spaces and in supermarkets. It's only for short periods of time and it costs you nothing to do so but it could cost someone else their life.

"I'm a football man and Covid-19 had control of the match for too long. We got back possession of the ball - let's not give it away again."

The 46 year old who has run three marathons since his double lung transplant in 2016 could face another transplant if his kidneys fail to recover fully.

Last August, he spent 66 days in hospital and was placed in a medically induced coma as medics tried to save his life. He was told he may not survive and endured the 'hardest ever conversation' as he said a possible goodbye to his three children

"I can't recall it exactly but my family say I was very strong. In my brain, I remember thinking that this was going to be the most important conversation to have with them. It could be their most important memory of my life for them, how they would remember their dad."

"It was the hardest conversation I have ever had."

David survived but as well as suffering renal failure and fatigue from long Covid, he also had to relearn how to walk and talk.

"I've always promised my kids that I'd keep fighting until my last breath and I will. You don't get here with all that's thrown at you if you sit in the corner - you have to come out fighting.

"I was double vaccinated when I got Covid-19 and I firmly believe that if I wasn't , I wouldn't be here today.

"People should keep fighting against this virus. Get the jab and wear a mask and let's get control again of the numbers."