Country musician Lisa McHugh’s drummer Simon Sheerin remains in hospital with two spinal fractures following a serious road traffic collision in Clogher in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Mr. Sheerin, 30, from Westmeath, was travelling back to Enniskillen from a Lisa McHugh gig in Dundalk, with guitarist Daniel Martin, when their Mercedes was involved in a collision with an Audi A4.
Police attended the scene in the early hours of Sunday morning along with other emergency services.
Inspector Gavin Sterling said: “Two people [were] taken to hospital for treatment, one of whom is described as having serious injuries.
“Anyone who saw anything in the early hours of the morning involving a Black Mercedes and Black Audi A4 should contact police on the non-emergency police number 101, quoting reference 215 of 23/04/17. Alternatively, if you would prefer to provide information without giving your details, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Lisa McHugh explained that she was travelling home from Dundalk on a different route than her band mates, with her parents and her Tour Manager Cathal Fee when she received a call from Mr. Martin.
“Daniel rang me just after the accident had happened and was very shook up and in shock,” said Ms. McHugh. “I was 40 minutes away from them at the time of the call so of course it was a very long and worrying time, not knowing what I was going to find when I arrived there. 
“When I arrived there were a lot of emergency services and people who had stopped to help when they came across the accident. The cars were in a very bad way which was a big shock.
“Thankfully Daniel had no major injuries and was able to walk around despite being in shock.
“Simon wasn’t as lucky. He was in a stretcher, braced up with lots of paramedics around him so I immediately went with him in the ambulance and stayed with him then for the duration.”
Mr. Sheerin was taken to Craigavon Area Hospital and Mr. Martin was taken to the South West Acute Hospital.
Ms. McHugh reported that “Daniel has naturally very shook up as a result of the accident and a few bruises but thankfully has no major injuries.”
She added: “Simon has fractured his spine in two places, has broken his ribs, bruised his lung and has some cuts and bruises. He has to wear a body brace for the foreseeable to support his back and will require lots of rest and intensive physio for many months ahead to recover fully.”
She concluded: “As unlucky as they both were, they are also incredibly lucky to be alive and that’s the main thing!”
Messages wishing Mr. Sheerin a speedy recovery have been posted on the Lisa McHugh facebook page and on The Sheerin Family Band facebook page.