Sailing has recently mushroomed as a real and workable opportunity for people with disabilities to actively participate in sport. The three Cork athletes who represent Ireland in the Sonar Class this September in Beijing are proud ambassadors for similar people nationwide who are getting out there to spread their wings and overcome barriers.
Irish Disabled Sailing Champion Paul McCarthy lost the use of his legs in a motorcycle accident in 1991. Armed with an unquenchable spirit and determined to find a new sporting interest, he got involved in Sailing in 1994, having been introduced by a friend.
It was not long before his new addiction found him racing at top level events including the European Sonar Championships in 1997, the World’s in 1998 and 1999 (in which he came 8th, qualifying him for the Sydney Paralympics) and 2001.
In 2002, he formed his own team and went on to skipper his own boat in Five World Championships, a myriad of Olympic Class regattas and the International Federation of Disabled Sailing (IFDS) Worlds in Perth in January 2006. Paul’s sportsmanship was acknowledged at the highest level with the International Fair Play Committee award in 2004 for towing his own boat for the benefit of an opposing team-mate, from Kinsale to Athens, a journey which took some five days, in order to ensure his opponent (whose boat was irreversibly damaged) could race.
Paul Ryan and Richard Whealey complete this talented trio Paul Ryan “Rhino”, demonstrated his courage and energy in similar terms following his own motorcycle accident in 1987. While he entertained a GAA administrative role thereafter for a period, it was not long before he too found his passion on the high seas.
Richard Whealey, a paraplegic since 1983 following an industrial accident, completes the line up. Having participated for a number of years in wheelchair basketball, Richard decided to sample sailing and has since never looked back.
All three athletes hold down full time careers, demanding training and racing scheduling to fall to early mornings, evenings and weekends. A comprehensive team of physiotherapists, nutritionists, fitness instructors, physiologists, coaches and tacticians have come onboard to ensure that the Irish entry is one to be reckoned with, despite competing against generally fully-funded teams. In this regard, financial support is vital to securing a medal for Ireland at the Beijing games.
A number of tables are still available for an exciting event in support of this extraordinary Cork team. On Friday, June 13th 2008, the Rochestown Park Hotel in Cork will open its doors to 450 sporting enthusiasts from all walks of life to meet the athletes and show their support. A drinks reception at 1200hrs will be followed by lunch at 1300hrs, which will be hosted by RTE’s own maritime enthusiast, Derek Davis. It promises to be an afternoon to remember.
For all who wish to support Paul, “Rhino” and Richard, tickets are available from Eddie O’Connell at 087 2584332. Tables of 10 are on sale for €1,000 each to include a drinks reception, a three-course meal & wine.
