Wigan star donates £2000 to help bring body home

James McClean playing with Sunderland. He now stars for Wigan

The remains of Patrick Friel (23), who died suddenly in the US were brought home after an “unbelievable” response from people in the city.

Mr Friel, who was laid to rest yesterday (Sunday) had gone to the United States to make a better life for himself, said his family, before he tragically took ill.

Patrick Friel passed away on Tuesday in New York. Initially it had been thought it could take more than a week to make arrangements to have him brought home but such was the widespread support that the family were able to bring him home earlier than expected.

Although the football star has not made public details of his donation, the Sentinel understands that as well as the £2000, James McClean also sent over a Wigan shirt.

Such was the public response that money left over will be used to build a school in Patrick’s name in India, his father Damien told BBC Radio Foyle today.

It is not the first time the Creggan man has shown generosity after making his move across the channel from Derry City.

He also sent across a Sunderland shirt signed by himself and his team-mates to help raise funds in memory of Andrew Allen, the 24-year-old Waterside man murdered in Buncrana by dissident republicans.