Monaghan coach: Football has helped 'escape pain' of Brendan Óg Duffy's death

Monaghan Gaelic Football coach David McCague says the sport has helped the players 'escape the hurt and shock' after the tragic death of Brendan Óg Duffy.

The county's under-20 captain was killed in a car crash on July 17, hours after leading them to a semi-final win over Donegal.

It happened just one day before the senior footballers beat Armagh in dramatic fashion to secure their place in the Ulster Senior final.

McCague says focusing on sport is helping the players to handle Brendan's death.

"When we’ve been on the field together it has been a form of therapy in some respect where people can put their mind to something they enjoy and take great satisfaction out of, rather than the hurt and the pain since we lost Brendan Óg," he said.

“They are very mature and focused individuals. I suppose the great thing about sport is that in really tough times, it is a form of escapism. Training sessions and games give you an opportunity to escape from the hurt and the shock."

Monaghan are taking on Tyrone in Saturday's Ulster Senior Football Championship Final at Croke Park. It's the first time the final has been held outside of the province since 2008.