Good-will cards flooded in from many of his past and present foes on the playing field, including the entire Tipperary team. Deane underwent surgery at the Bons Secours hospital in Cork in November and the possibility of chemotherapy was raised.
Many good-will messages arrived from Deane's former and current opponents on the sports field, including the entire Tipperary squad. Deane underwent surgery at the Bons Secours hospital in Cork in November, and it was suggested that he might receive chemotherapy.