Emotional homecoming for injured Ian

IAN O’Connell, the 16-year-old who suffered life-changing injuries when he fell off his bike in Killarney National Park last August, will return home to Killarney this weekend for the first time since his accident.

Ian, who suffered neck and spinal injuries, has been undergoing intensive treatment in the National Rehabilitation Centre in Dublin and has won huge praise for his positive attitude.

This weekend Ian will visit some of his former teammates at the Spa GAA Club, where he has been named honorary captain of the Minor team for the coming year.

“I know that he still keeps in touch with so many of the lads from the team; he is their captain,” said Club PRO Deirdre O’Sullivan Darcy. “He’s such a special kid. His attitude has been so positive, he’s just focusing on looking forward to the future and focusing on what he can do, instead of what he can’t do.”

In what is sure to be an emotional visit home, Ian is looking forward to spending time with family and friends before returning to Dublin again next Monday to continue his treatment.

Ian O’Connell