“I was quite young when I started. I remember seeing a poster in Enable Ireland for a club called Rebel Wheelers. Then I went to a Sports Ability Open Day and Rebel Wheelers were there. I got talking to them and I decided to try the club. I absolutely loved it!

Rebel Wheelers have a Saturday morning club for younger people with physical disabilities.  You can try many different sports at the club. I wanted to try everything they offered. I did wheelchair basketball, rugby, soccer, GAA, hockey, and athletics. As well as boccia, triathlon, and the climbing wall. The club was fantastic and I got to meet lots of people from the community too.

My passion for running started there and then I joined Junior Parkrun in Cobh with my younger sister, Nell. It was here that I learnt about Ballymore Cobh Athletics Club from some of the Parkrun volunteers. Nell and I didn’t think twice about joining! At Ballymore Cobh AC I got to try even more athletics. Sprinting is the best and the 100m and 200m are my favourite events. I’m very competitive with myself. I love to beat my PBs! I enjoy doing other athletics as well, like discus and javelin. The only event I won’t do is the long jump. Jumping sounds like a nightmare to me!

I’ve also had the opportunity to compete in both mainstream and para competitions. In 2023, I got to take part in my first international competition. I was chosen by the IWA (Irish Wheelchair Association) to compete and represent Ireland at the AA National Junior Para Athletics Championships in Coventry, England. I went with my mum, dad, and Nell and we had an amazing time. It was exciting to be there with so many athletes who had different levels of ability. Competing in a professional championship felt like a step-up and it was great to compete against people I didn’t know. Plus, I won gold medals in all three events for my disability classification - the Para 100m, shot put, and discus! I was lucky enough to be chosen again in 2024 where I entered the 100m, 200m, and discus.

Being part of an athletics club is a brilliant social experience. I have made many friends from Cork and all over the country through competing. At the same time, it is good to have some healthy competition and someone to chase! I work hard at athletics and I’m proud to have set an Irish record in the 60m indoor at the Track and Field Live event.

My family is extremely sporty, it’s a huge part of our lives. I wouldn’t know life without it! Sport has brought out a lot of good in me and it’s sometimes a good distraction. If I’m not taking part in sports, I’m watching it. There’s nothing I wouldn’t watch. I’ve been glued to the Olympics this year. I am lucky enough to have tickets to the Paralympics in Paris too and I am super excited to be attending!

It's my dream to compete in the Paralympics one day but I recognise that it’s going to be a difficult journey. However, I am going to keep training, working hard, and see what happens. My advice to anyone thinking about doing athletics or other sports is to keep going! It is an excellent pathway, and you’ll get a lot out of it. Even if you don’t want to be competitive, you’ll get enjoyment, health, and friends.”