Liam Coyle surprised at reaction after he speaks about depression
Former Derry City star Liam Coyle has said he was surprised at the reaction to his recent admission that he had suffered from depression.
The ex-Brandywell player spoke publicly for the first time earlier this month about how he was affected by depression after being told in his early 20s that his career was over because of a serious injury.
However, he said his life was shattered after he was told the extent of his injury.
On Friday, he spoke in front of a large audience at St Columba’s church at Long Tower in Derry about his period of depression.
Coyle said he never spoke to anyone about his feelings as he said depression wasn't something that was spoken about.
"When I did speak about it two weeks ago I thought people had known about it and it was nothing new but obviously not.
"I have to say that since then the amount of messages and well wishes I have got from people just saying to me that it's really helped them come to terms with what they're dealing with in their own lives."
Coyle shared the stage at the Long Tower event with Kilkenny woman Angela Hayes who spoke movingly about losing her husband and son to suicide.
Liam and Angela are pictured above with Angela’s son, Alan, and Bishop of Derry, Dr Donal McKeown.
For a full report of the event at Long Tower church see tomorrow’s Derry News.