Limerick Wheelchair Hurling

The first ever Limerick Wheelchair Hurling Session which took place in Old Christian’s GAA Club on the evening of September 15th last. This is an initiative run with Munster/Limerick GAA (Pat Culhane, Hurling Development Administrator, Limerick city) in conjunction with Limerick City Sports Partnership (Liam McDonough, Sports Inclusion Development Officer ). The idea for this initiative came from the meeting of GAA personnel with Liam at the Special Olympics All-Ireland Finals which took place recently on the week of June 9th – 13th at the University of Limerick. The finals featured 1,900 Special Olympics athletes from the island of Ireland and for the first time the GAA was invited to demonstrate the skills of Hurling and Camogie. Tony Watene (GAA National Inclusion Officer) brought a group together consisting of Paudie Butler (National Hurling Coordinator), Noel Hartigan (Limerick Games Manager), Pat Culhane (Hurling Development Administrator), Adrian O’Sullivan (Games Development Administrator) and Clare Camogie player Carol O’Leary on the day to provide excellent coaching inputs to the athletes. From there Liam and Pat set about putting together a plan to target wheelchair users in the limerick city and greater limerick area.

A great evening was had by all at the first session. There was enthusiasm in abundance there with everybody practicing the basic skill of striking the ball. This was followed by Pat going through the rules of the game, followed by a very competitive match that was played in a positive spirit. Everybody seemed to have a great fun and were anxious when enquiring when the next session will be. It expected that numbers will increase over the coming weeks! GAA National Inclusion Officer, Tony Watene said, “I’m delighted that this positive initiative has got off to a flying start and can see it going from strength to strength. Limerick GAA has been doing sterling work on the Inclusion front this year. Whether they’re working with new or existing communities or with people with a Disability, I know they’re in good hands.” Many thanks should be given to Old Chriatian’s GAA club and their team of FÁS staff for making their facilities available.

The Limerick Wheelchair hurling team will be training on Thursday evenings in Old Christian’s GAA indoor hall from 7-8pm on September 23rd, 30th, October 7th and have a game on Saturday 16th October. ALL wheelchair users, family and friends are welcome! Anybody who would like to give it a go or maybe volunteer to help with the coaching or organising should contact

Liam McDonough (Limerick Sorts Inclusion Development Officer) – Mobile: 0871798199 or Email: lmcdonough@limerickcitysports.ie

Pat Culhane (Hurling Development Administrator) – Mobile 0863096-856 or Email: pat.culhane.munster@gaa.ie