Firefighter plays in Scottish Cup hours after helping Glasgow helicopter crash victims
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Firefighter Frank McKeown played in a fourth-round Scottish Cup tie for Stranraer on Saturday despite having worked at the scene of the horrific helicopter crash in Glasgow overnight.
The 27-year-old was among a group of over 100 firefighters working through the night at the Clutha pub after a police helicopter crashed into the busy pub in Glasgow city centre.
He told BBC Sport: "Obviously it was a bit of different build-up to a game. Last night was a bit traumatic - an hour (of sleep) is what I got."
Eight people are now confirmed to have died - including the two police officers and civilian pilot on board the helicopter.
A minute's silence was observed before all Scottish Cup matches on Saturday as a mark of respect to those involved in the tragedy.
"I took a wee moment to reflect on last night to be honest," McKeown told BBC Scotland after Saturday's match.
"Obviously, thoughts go out to friends and relatives and stuff. I suppose it does put things into perspective - it's only a game of football, you know.
"I feel OK just now. Busy last night and an hour's sleep, which is not like me because I like my sleep.
"It took me a wee while to get into the game but I was glad I played. Basically just a bit of adrenaline and stuff got me through the game thankfully."
He added: "There was no danger that I was going to not play," he added.
"I wanted, obviously, to help the boys out and get through to the last 16 of the cup.
"We've had a really good season so far and I think we were probably lucky to stay in the cup today. I thought Clyde were the better team."
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| Scottish Fire and Rescue services attend the scene following the helicopter crash at the Clutha Bar Photo: @Janney_h |
The 27-year-old was among a group of over 100 firefighters working through the night at the Clutha pub after a police helicopter crashed into the busy pub in Glasgow city centre.
Last night just sinking in#Surreal#thoughts&prayerswith families#Now to Clyde FC in the @WillHillScotCup last 32#appreciatelifeslittlethings
— Frank mckeown (@FrankoBaresi86) November 30, 2013He told BBC Sport: "Obviously it was a bit of different build-up to a game. Last night was a bit traumatic - an hour (of sleep) is what I got."
Eight people are now confirmed to have died - including the two police officers and civilian pilot on board the helicopter.
A minute's silence was observed before all Scottish Cup matches on Saturday as a mark of respect to those involved in the tragedy.
"I took a wee moment to reflect on last night to be honest," McKeown told BBC Scotland after Saturday's match.
"Obviously, thoughts go out to friends and relatives and stuff. I suppose it does put things into perspective - it's only a game of football, you know.
"I feel OK just now. Busy last night and an hour's sleep, which is not like me because I like my sleep.
"It took me a wee while to get into the game but I was glad I played. Basically just a bit of adrenaline and stuff got me through the game thankfully."
He added: "There was no danger that I was going to not play," he added.
"I wanted, obviously, to help the boys out and get through to the last 16 of the cup.
"We've had a really good season so far and I think we were probably lucky to stay in the cup today. I thought Clyde were the better team."
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