Vigil for deaf boy hit by car
A DEAF teenager is fighting for life after being hit by a car as he tried to flee from a dog.
Shane McPhilomey, 14, ran into the path of the vehicle just a few hundred yards from his home in Main Street, Drumquin, on Wednesday evening.
He is being treated for a serious head injury in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where his condition is described as critical.
His twin brother Finbar has been at his bedside along with his father John and eight other brothers and sisters.
His mother Anne died from a heart attack in 2003.
His aunt Caron McLaughlin said Shane, a passionate football fan, had been on his way to watch a match.
"He was terrified of dogs and just ran out into the road," she said.
His older brother Fintan, 16, and cousin Conaill saw the incident and both were left traumatised, she said.
"Shane is so special, everyone looks out for him," she said.
She described him as an affectionate, loving child who has a sense of mischievous humour.
Shane a pupil at Arvalee school in Omagh, was taken to the Erne Hospital to be stabilised before being transferred to Belfast.
In another tragic twist, his eldest sister Suzie was already at the hospital's maternity unit where she had given birth to a son.
Mrs McLaughlin said while the family was waiting for news on Shane and hoping for his recovery their thoughts were also with the driver of the car.
"The family bear him no ill will.
"He wasn't going fast and he stayed with Shane until the ambulance had left," she said.
"The driver could not be faulted. Shane just ran out in front of him when he saw the dog. He is really scared of them.
"It's just a waiting game and please God, he will pull through.
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Sunday 12 February 2012
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