FROM THE BRINK TO THE RINK
Young Conor ready to roll for UK
An East Kilbride youngster who survived heart surgery as a baby is on the biggest roll of his life as he prepares to compete in a US hockey tournament.
Ten-year-old Conor Gilroy will make history next week when he captains his team in the United States Roller Hockey Championships in Indiana – a first for a British team. The sporting achievement is particularly poignant for the reigning East Kilbride Sports Council’s U12 Boys Sports Personality of the Year as it comes on the 10th anniversary of his heart surgery.
Brave Conor had to undergo a gruelling keyhole operation at just eight months old when doctors discovered he had a hole in his heart.
In order to plug the hole in his aorta he had a cardiac catheterisation – an intricate procedure which his anxious parents Julie-Ann and Nicholas feared he may not survive.
It was a made even more traumatic when Conor was forced to undergo further heart surgery when the plug fell out after the keyhole procedure.
However, the little fighter fought back to become one of the UK’s top roller hockey players and will now play for the UK Young Guns U10s and U12s team in the US championships.
A mum has told how her brave son’s fighting spirit brought him from the brink to rink as the hockey star prepares to make history in USA roller hockey.
Conor Gilroy, who turns 11 this Friday, is set to play in the United States roller hockey championships – the sport’s biggest tournament in America.
This is the first time a team from outside the US have been invited to take part.
However, the tremendous sporting achievement is all the more special for the Mossneuk Primary pupil as this year marks the 10th anniversary of Conor’s heart surgery.
At just eight months old, doctors made the harrowing discovery that Conor had a hole in his heart and the tot had to undergo a gruelling keyhole operation in Yorkhill Hospital to plug the tear in his aorta.
It was an extremely anxious time for his mum Julie-Ann and dad Nicholas who were terrified he wouldn’t make it through the surgery, but their brave boy battled back from the brink to make a full recovery.
Now, the Gardenhall kid is one of the UK’s top roller hockey players and is the only Scot in his age group to be selected to play in the US championships.
His parents believe the fighting spirit Conor showed as a baby has helped him excel throughout his young life.
Former ice skater Julie-Ann (36), who is also mum to Jordan (12), said: “When we look at the photos of Conor all tubed up in intensive care, it’s hard to believe how far he’s come.
“Conor is always on the go and would play sports 24 hours a day if we let him.
“Trampolining, football, tennis, gymnastics... you name it, he’s done it – not bad for a child who had to go through a serious operation at such a young age.
“We are very proud parents. Conor has worked hard to get to where he is today. He has a great attitude on and off the pad.
“Conor also plays ice hockey and tennis. It’s not easy for any kid to find the balance between training, school work and still finding time to enjoy socialising with friends. It’s Conor’s choice though, and we support him in any way we can. “There’s no stopping him.” Conor will play in the UK Young Guns U10s and U12s team in the US championships in Fort Wayne, Indiana, next week.
The youngster, who has also landed the honour of being the U10s team captain, told the News: “Playing in America will be a dream come true.
“I can’t believe I have been given this chance.
“I would love to play for Team GB one day so I have to keep working really hard.
“Thank you very much everyone who has helped me. I am really grateful to you all.”
Julie-Ann added: “It’s a tremendous achievement for Conor. He has been putting everything into training.”
Conor started playing hockey aged seven and is 10s team captain of EK Eagles. He also plays for Scotland and has just earned the title of East Kilbride Sports Council U12 Boys Sports Personality of the Year for the second year running.
Conor was also awarded the club’s 10s and 12s Players Player of the Year and Coaches Player of the Year.
The trip to America is selffunded so Conor is raising cash to help towards the costs.
He set up an online fundraising page, completed a bag-packing challenge and held a family fun quiz night and raffle.
Due to the overwhelming kindness of his family and friends, Conor managed to surpass his target and has selflessly decided to donate the £750 proceeds of his raffle to the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity as a thank you to the doctors and nurses who saved his life.”
To make a donation to Conor’s fund visit www.gofundme.com/ ConorG