“I have had a strong interest in sport since I was young. It’s always been a part of my life whether I’m watching or playing. The first sport I played was Boccia when I was in secondary school. I used to love watching other children play and I decided to give it a go. Boccia has been a part of my life ever since. It’s a game, like boule or bocce, where you bowl a ball as close as possible to a white marker ball from a seated position. Boccia is a lot harder than it looks but great fun too. It's opened a lot of doors for me as it’s allowed me to meet, compete, and make friends with people across the country. I have had the opportunity to captain a few teams throughout the years and challenge people of all abilities. Enable Ireland has had tournaments between different adult service hubs which is an excellent chance to meet others with disabilities. We also play the workers at Dell every winter and summer, so I’ve had the chance to compete against people without disabilities too. I was proud to be awarded “Player of the Tournament” the last time we played. The trophy was presented to me by ex-Munster forward and Ireland rugby legend, John Hayes. Most recently, I did a trial run at the University of Limerick as part of the Paralympics and I will be competing there in the Munster Championship this October too. 

Back in 2017, I was at UL, watching the Powerchair Soccer World Cup when someone came over and asked if I’d like to try it. Although I was unsure at first, I changed my mind quickly and low and behold I decided to give it a go! It’s a completely different ball game to Boccia and a lot more physical but you get wonderful energy from it. You are tied into a powerchair, and you have a foot guard to push the ball along with so you can pass and score. I trained with the team in Templemore and I really enjoyed it - even though I got driven into the wall a few times! Unfortunately, the clubs I was playing with finished, but I’m keen to play again if I ever get the chance.

But I’m never not doing anything, I’m always up to something. My most recent sports adventure is Wheelchair Hurling which I’ve been playing since last August. I was inspired to join the Munster Wheelchair Hurling Club after watching a competition at the Mary Immaculate College in Limerick.  Being 28, I’m kind of oldish to start playing hurling but sure look! I strongly believe you can achieve anything you put your mind to. At the moment, I’m training with the junior team while I build my strength, speed, and skills. There’s a lot to do as you have to hold the hurl, push your sports chair, and hit the ball all at the same time. After my first training session, I felt dead, it was so physical. But I love it! It’s going to be a long road to get to the level I want to be at but like any sport you have to work at it. I’ve started going to the gym as often as I can with my key worker and I am building up my strength and speed.

In June, I was thrilled to play my first competition with the Munster Wheelchair Hurling Club. I was thrown from pillar to post but you get back up and keep going. My nerves were shattered after the game but we won and I was really happy with my performance. It is my goal to get into the Senior Team, gain more experience and keep improving myself. Of course, I’d like to win some medals in hurling and reach an All-Ireland final too!

Sport has played a key role in my life. I’m glad to be able to do it and know I can do it. It gives me more determination to keep going and reach my goals. If you’re thinking about playing sport or any other activity, just go and try it – give it a go! If you don’t try it you’ll never know. Also, be patient with yourself and give it time. The more time you spend on it, the more you might like it. Most importantly, always believe in yourself.”