Derry City footballer James McClean and his family had a lucky escape after a fire broke out at their Derry home
James and Erin McClean(Image: Instagram/ Erin McClean)
Footballer James McClean and his loved ones narrowly avoided disaster when flames erupted at their newly acquired Derry residence. The midfield star, who rejoined Derry City just last month, is in the process of settling back home with his wife and their youngsters.
The 36-year-old kicked off his professional career with the Candystripes before heading to Sunderland over 15 years ago. Since then, he’s carved out an impressive career, racking up more than 100 caps for the Republic of Ireland and playing in excess of 700 games throughout England’s football leagues.
However, a blaze broke out at their property, and on Friday, January 30, his wife Erin McClean revealed they were fortunate the situation “wasn’t worse”.
It’s believed the boiler at their new residence ignited, though emergency crews managed to contain it swiftly.
Taking to social media, Erin wrote: “What a day! Our boiler in our new house caught fire, and we are so lucky it wasn’t worse. Thank God for the fire brigade for arriving so quickly and making sure it was safe to return. Very thankful. When it rains, it pours”, reports Belfast Live.
The mum-of-four previously admitted the “hardest part of leaving England” was watching her children bid farewell to their football mates and pals.
Documenting the family’s relocation with her online audience, Mrs McClean described Sunday as an “emotional day” for everyone. She posted a picture of their lad, Junior, clutching a signed football kit from Crewe Academy in Cheshire, calling the gesture a “lovely touch” as the family prepares to relocate to Northern Ireland.
“A real emotional one today,” she penned. “This has to be the hardest part of leaving England. Junior is heartbroken and he will miss everyone so much.”
The midfielder marked his return to Irish football on Saturday night, featuring for Derry City in their Presidents Cup victory over Shamrock Rovers, setting up Darragh Markey’s decisive goal as Derry clinched a 1-0 win.
After his involvement in Markey’s winner, McClean opted to celebrate directly in front of the Shamrock Rovers fans, and whilst he’d been subjected to verbal stick throughout the encounter, he made certain to dish it back to the Hoops faithful stationed behind the goal.
After the final whistle, the Ireland international took to social media to slam the Shamrock Rovers supporters, alleging they had branded him an “orange b*****d” during his return to the League of Ireland.
“Getting called an “orange b*****d” from your fellow countrymen… stay class,” McClean posted on Instagram stories.