Leeds United star O'Kane escapes injury after car crash

Leeds United footballer Eunan O'Kane escaped injury after being involved in a crash on his way to meet up with the Republic of Ireland squad this weekend.
Eunan O'KaneEunan O'Kane
Eunan O'Kane

The 26-year-old was with Brighton & Hove Albion footballer Shane Duffy at the time of the collision on Sunday en route to a training camp.

The Irish FA later tweeted: “We can confirm Shane Duffy and Eunan O’Kane were in a minor car crash en route to the Republic of Ireland training camp today.

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“The two players have now reported safely to the team hotel in Dublin.”

Model Laura Lacole and footballer Eunan O'Kane outside the High Court in Belfast. Pic: PA WireModel Laura Lacole and footballer Eunan O'Kane outside the High Court in Belfast. Pic: PA Wire
Model Laura Lacole and footballer Eunan O'Kane outside the High Court in Belfast. Pic: PA Wire

It was later confirmed that both players had been passed fit and would train with Martin O’Neill’s squad this morning.

The pair were due to fly out to the United States with the rest of the squad ahead of Ireland’s friendly against Mexico in New Jersey.

O’Kane, who was born in Northern Ireland, has made 24 league appearance for Leeds United since singing from Bournemouth last summer.

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Last week, he and his model fiancée Laura Lacole were told they must wait to find out whether they would get legal recognition of their looming humanist wedding in their home country.

Model Laura Lacole and footballer Eunan O'Kane outside the High Court in Belfast. Pic: PA WireModel Laura Lacole and footballer Eunan O'Kane outside the High Court in Belfast. Pic: PA Wire
Model Laura Lacole and footballer Eunan O'Kane outside the High Court in Belfast. Pic: PA Wire

Mr Justice Colton reserved judgement at the end of a day-long hearing at Belfast High Court on Friday, but promised to make a decision as soon as possible.

Under current law in Northern Ireland, Ms Lacole and Mr O’Kane’s planned humanist wedding in Ballymena’s luxury Galgorm Resort on June 22 will not be recognised in law. For such recognition they would need to have a separate civil ceremony.

A lawyer for the couple told the court they were being denied the same rights afforded to religious people.