Former Westmeath defender John Egan has revealed that he received a few kind words from his idol Séamus Coleman leading up to a kidney transplant he underwent recently.
Having been diagnosed with IGA Nephropathy 15 years ago, Egan's procedure took place on Monday and, thankfully, went well.
Egan had kept his condition under control for a number of years, playing for both Athlone and Westmeath during this period before hanging up his boots three years ago.
On Monday this week I received a lifesaving kidney from my friend and father-in-law Ollie. Both myself, Ollie and the kidney are all doing well. Thanks to everyone who has reached out over the last few years and shown support. I really appreciate it. #KidneyTransplant #ThankYou pic.twitter.com/yOgoxWG87H
— John Egan (@JohnEgan1111) November 10, 2021
In the lead up to his operation, Egan, who himself is a life-long Everton fan, got a message from Republic of Ireland captain Coleman last Saturday wishing him well as he prepared to go under the knife.
The classy touch from the Donegal man can be viewed in the tweet below:
TweetGot this message from my favourite person on earth last Saturday. Didn’t think I could love him any more. Buzzing with @McMickanCharlie for sorting xx @Everton pic.twitter.com/cJ8UtHScXu
— John Egan (@JohnEgan1111) November 12, 2021