SPOKE OUT€4.00 · Winter 2015

Lifestyle magazine published by the irish Wheelchair Association

SPORTING SPIRITParalympic hopefuls join Keith Duffy to launch Angels Campaign

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MOTORING59 Car buyer New vehicles of interest to

people with disabilities

NEWS63 IWA shortlisted for Q Mark

Award IWA shortlisted at National Q

Mark Awards 201565 Fundraising news Fundraising initiatives around the

country66 Jack Kerrigan documentary

launch Launch of radio documentary67 Regional news IWA events around the country

REGULARS70 Crossword Crossword No 30 by Gordius70 Letters Letters to the editor71 Small ads Sell on items or pick up a

bargain72 The Back Page interview Q & A with Frankie Lundy

INTROS5 CEO’s message… Message from IWA CEO Kathleen

McLoughlin7 In this issue… A taste of the stories ahead

COVER STORY9 Sporting spirit Athletes join Keith Duffy to launch

Angels Campaign

PRODUCTS15 Not just for Christmas Gift ideas from Kiara Lynch

FEATURES19 A quiet strength Rower Karol Doherty and girlfriend Nia

Loughlin on their love of outdoor sport

INDEPENDENT LIVING25 House warming AmyKellyonthebenefitsofEnergy

Action’s home upgrade scheme

TRAVEL29 Budapest Christmas Markets Kiara Lynch visits one of Northern

Europe’s famous Christmas Markets

Contents32 Holidaying at home Accessible holiday

accommodation in Ireland34 All aboard! Caleb Lane’s guide to holidaying

on a cruise ship

EDUCATION & CAREERS38 Taking the next step James Cawley on CAO forms and

adjusting to college life

LEGAL41 Fairer compensation How proposed legislation could

impact on compensation

LIVING45 Festive feasting Kevin Dundon shares favourite

seasonal recipes49 Bring nature indoors Seasonal gardening advice

SPORT53 Feel the power Limerick para-powerlifter Nicola

Dore

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Editor’s intro

Welcome to the Winter issue. As 2015 draws to a close, we prepare to usher in a

Parlaympic year! We wish all the Irish athletes currently competing for a place at Rio 2016 good luck!

Three outstanding athletes, handcyclist Declan Slevin (who features on our cover), swimmer James Scully and wheelchair rugby player Amy Fitzpatrick, recently joined Boyzone’s Keith Duffy to launch IWA’s Angels Campaign. Declan and James both have their sights set on Rio.

Another Parlaympic prospect in this issue is Karol Doherty from Co Donegal. The only Irish rower attempting to qualify, Karol has no greater supporter than his girlfriend Nia Loughlin. On p19-23, Karol and Nia talk about their shared passion for outdoor sport.

We also meet Limerick para-powerlifter Nicola Dore (p53-54), who has relished the challenge of entering what was once considered a man’s world.

Enjoy the issue, and a very Happy Christmas from everyone in the SpokeOut production team!

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MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS...

Kiara LynchKiara Lynch has been trying to get as much fresh air as possible despite the worsening weather, even volunteering to bring her niece and nephews trick

or treatin’ (they reckon she only did it for her share of the jellies!). Travel-lover Kiara is also researching ideas for a big holiday next year. After a rather wet short break in Budapest, Kiara says she doesn’t care where she goes next, as long as it’s warm and wheelchair accessible!

Gina LuGina Lu is a singer and songwriter, born and raised in Limerick City. She has a BSc in Music Technology & Production, a Degree in Audio & Video Production

from LIT, and has done work experience in Lyric FM. She auditioned for X-Factor in 2010 and has been taking part in Limerick’s Got Talent every year since 2010 (reaching the finals this year). She is also a proud member of ‘Walk In My Shoes’ radio, a pop-up radio station based in St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, and is currently working on her first album.

Caleb LaneCaleb Lane is 23-years-old and lives in Co Cork with his mum, dad and two brothers. When he was five he was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular

Dystrophy but he says it has not limited his life. Music is Caleb’s greatest passion and he has written and recorded two CDs. Poetry is another way in which he expresses himself. Caleb also loves to travel, and has taken several cruises around the world over the past few years.

Anita MatthewsAnita Matthews is IWA’s Communications & Public Relations Coordinator, and recently organised the launch for IWA’s annual Angels

Campaign. She says it’s always a pleasure to work with Angels Ambassador Keith Duffy, and this year it was also great to meet three outstanding athletes.

SUBSCRIBE NOWPlease send your name, the name of your organisation (if applicable), address and telephone number, with a cheque or postal order for €15.00 (payable to IWA) to: SpokeOut subscriptions, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3

Spokeout on CD anD tapeSpokeOut is now available on both CD and tape. Please contact Colette Molloy on 01 818 6485 or colette.molloy@iwa.ie

EdItORJoanna Marsden

EdItORal aSSIStaNCEKiara LynchColette Molloy anita MatthewsMairead FarquharsonSusan Dennehy

REGIONal NEWSColette Molloy

dESIGN CONCEptDiarmuid o’Connor

dESIGNLayla Hogan

advERtISEmENt dESIGNColm Geoghegan

COvER phOtOMaxwell photography

dIStRIBUtIONShanahan Direct Marketing Ltd

EdItORIal ENqUIRIES tO:the editor, Spokeout, Irish Wheelchair association. Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3.tel: (00 353) 1 818 6455email: joanna.marsden@iwa.ie

advERtISING ENqUIRIES tO:philip McGaley, tower Media Ltd, tel: 087 266 6568 / 01 2011052email: philip@towermedia.ie

the copyright rests with IWa and no material may be reproduced without the permission of IWa. the views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent the views of IWa.

Spokeout is distributed quarterly by post to approx 20,000 IWa members and to Government bodies and other disability interest groups.

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IntroductIon

Kathleen McLoughlin, CEO of IWA, reflects on the past year and wishes all members a Happy Christmas

As 2015 draws to a close I look back on a year when despite significant challenges on occasion, IWA continued to respond to the needs of our members across Ireland every day. For the second year in a row we have managed to break-even financially and that puts us in a secure position to plan for the future.

My own time in IWA will of course be drawing to an end in mid-2016, but I hope that your new CEO will bring fresh energy and vitality, while at the same time valuing all that is precious to the Association’s history and ethos. It’s important that we remain adaptable yet ambitious, commercially-minded but above all focused on meeting the very human needs of our members. For me, there is no better measure of success than when individual members tell me how the services we are

providing have enriched their lives.

This is the time of year when staff, volunteers and members take the opportunity to celebrate together, reflecting on their achievements both as individuals and as groups. It is also a time for enjoying family and the friendships that are so important to many of us (myself included). Most of us will have had ups and downs over the past year, but the support we lend each other is valuable beyond words.

If any of you are new to IWA, or perhaps have lost touch with your local centre, I encourage you to make contact, so you can become part of your local IWA community in 2016.

Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and looking forward to another positive and productive year next year!

CEO’s messageKathleen

McLoughlin

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Spokeout 7

IntroductIon

“I love to win,” says Karol doherty. “I don’t like to be

mediocre at anything in life! But I’m not a sore loser. I don’t

give up if I don’t win. Being an athlete is about effort.” Karol

is from carndonagh, in the Inishowen peninsula in co

donegal, and is the only Irish rower attempting to qualify

for the rio Paralympics. on p19-23 Karol and his girlfriend

nia Loughlin talk about his tough outdoors training regime,

which involves braving cold and wet day after day!

SpokeOut’s Kiara Lynch loves to discover new cities, and

on p29-30 she writes about her seasonal trip to the

famous christmas Markets in Budapest. “the recently

refurbished city centre was very accessible, and we

spent the rest of the day walking/wheeling around,

hopping in and out of the many relaxed cafes. While

our umbrellas dried off, we ate yummy spicy sausage

sandwiches, and drank hot chocolate & wine.”

on p25-26, dubliner Amy Kelly talks about the Energy

Action programme that has enabled her to upgrade the energy efficiency of her apartment. “one of the great things about the programme is that it’s quick and not

too disruptive,” says Amy. “that’s vital because moving

out for a few days is just not an option for me. Where would I go? And besides, I like my routine!”

In this issue...

In our ‘backpage’ interview on p72, Susan dennehy catches up with musician Frankie Lundy. Ennis-based Frankie featured on the cover of our Autumn 2013 edition (see the SpokeOut archive on www.iwa.ie). Frankie was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease

in 2010 and he recently became the first person to benefit from an intensive treatment programme with a multi-disciplinary team at dublin’s Bloomfield Hospital. now he wants to spread the word to others with the condition.

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Three Irish elite athletes joined Keith Duffy in November to launch the 2015 Angels Campaign on behalf of IWA. Anita Matthews was at the launch, which took place in The Marker Hotel, Dublin

Sporting spirit

Phot

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Angels Ambassador Keith Duffy with wheelchair rugby player Amy Fitzpatrick

COVER STORY

10

IWA was joined by its official ambassador, Boyzone and television star Keith Duffy, and three outstanding athletes to celebrate the launch of the Association’s national ‘Angels’ fundraising campaign. The event also

provided an opportunity to celebrate the individual sporting achievements of these Irish sports stars. Paralympic swimmer James Scully, handcyclist Declan Slevin and wheelchair rugby player Amy Fitzpatrick each began their sporting careers with the Irish Wheelchair Association through local clubs or sporting initiatives.

With less than a year to go until the start of the Paralympic Games, IWA was delighted to add three new Angel Pins to its collection: a ‘Swimming Angel’, a ‘Rugby Player Angel’, and a ‘Handcyclist Angel’. Volunteers also sold the ‘Learner Driver Angel’ Pin and the Angels Car Air Freshener which had been launched at IWA’s Motoring Rally in September.

Speaking about the Angels Campaign, Kathleen McLoughlin, CEO of IWA, explained: “Angels is the Association’s only national fundraising campaign and each November hundreds of volunteers assist us with

selling Angels products nationwide to raise vital funds for the range of services, supports and sports programmes that IWA provides to people with disabilities in towns and communities throughout Ireland.”

She continued, “The sports theme to the new Angels celebrates the fact we are about to enter a Paralympic Year. IWA is the national governing body for wheelchair sport in Ireland and we provide a range of sporting opportunities for participation at all levels, from juvenile right up to elite level. IWA works with groups, sports clubs and local communities, with parents and families, creating opportunities to change people’s lives while also changing perceptions and altering attitudes.”

Paralympic swimmer James Scully competed at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, finishing a close fifth in the 200m freestyle final and is one to watch for on the starting blocks next September. He was delighted to see the inclusion of a new Swimming Angel Pin as part of this year’s campaign, “I have been a member of the Association since I was a child and was always very active within IWA-Sport throughout school. It was during this time that the

The IWA Angels Team pictured outside The Marker Hotel with official Angels Ambassador Keith Duffy, DPDs Kevin Reilly, and the three athlete ambassadors for 2015 and their families

COVER STORY

11Spokeout

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more AbouT hANdcycLiST decLAN SLeviNDeclan Slevin, is from Moate, Co Westmeath, where he lives with his wife and three children. He is a member of IWA and became a wheelchair user following a work-

related accident in 2004. He first became involved with IWA during his

rehabilitation in the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dun Laoighaire. Declan was encouraged to become involved in wheelchair basketball by the medical team in the NRH and following his discharge from the hospital went on to set up his own local wheelchair basketball club, the ‘Shannonside Stealers’ who are now based in The Marist College, Athlone, County Westmeath. Declan remains as player/coach with the Shannonside Stealers and has seen his team through many competitions in the National Wheelchair Basketball League.

In 2012 Declan started handcycling after being asked to compete in the National Invacare League. He developed a love for the sport and from there went on to compete both nationally and internationally. Handcycling is a form of adaptive cycling that enables athletes of all abilities to ride a ‘bike’ using the upper body. Handcycling is also one of the newest competitions at the Paralympic Games, where it made its first appearance in Athens, Greece, in 2004. Qualification has evolved with the sport, with medical and functional criteria being included to even the playing field.

Since he took up the sport just over three years ago Declan has paved an extremely impressive track record. Declan competes in the H3 Handcycling category and has followed in his club-mate Mark Rohan’s (Paralympic medallist) winning ways in claiming the National Handcycling Championship title. Most recently he has broken the national record for the 16 km competition at a time of 26 minutes and 58 seconds. Training daily with his local Rosemount Cycling Club, Declan is well on his way to qualifying to be selected for the Rio Paralympic Games 2016.

Declan has supported IWA with its fundraising efforts for a number of years by participating in the annual Dublin to Galway Cycle which raises funds for the Association’s Youth and Sports services.

Association first encouraged and supported me to get involved in swimming. As I pursued a professional career, the Association later assisted me with learning to drive from one of their dedicated driving tuition centres.”

Handcyclist Declan Slevin is the current Irish record holder and has been clocking up speeds which could see him viable for selection for the Paralympic Games in Rio. Declan is heavily involved with sport at local and community level and when I spoke to him he emphasised the importance of IWA’s Day Centres, Sports Clubs and teams in communities throughout Ireland. “Each week I am involved in training and coaching a local basketball team that competes in the National Irish Basketball League. Sport is an integral part of the community and of IWA, and members are encouraged to get involved at a level of their choice.”

Wheelchair Rugby Player Amy Fitzpatrick also partnered with Keith Duffy as part of this year’s Angels Ambassador team. Speaking at the event Amy said: “It is a great opportunity to be involved in the Angels Campaign 2015 and not only to hopefully raise the profile of the Association and the range of services it provides to people with disabilities, but also to inform and educate people about wheelchair sports. The Irish Wheelchair Rugby National Squad are a small group of players who come from all over the country. Despite being small, the team has recently had some major successes and currently rank 6th in Europe.”

She added, “It is important that the public get behind athletes and our Paralympic qualifying bids. The Irish Wheelchair Rugby team are currently striving to qualify for the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016 and will be the first Irish team to represent the country in Wheelchair Rugby if successful.”

Irish Wheelchair Association would like to thank DPD Ireland, the official sponsors of the Angels Campaign, and ALDI Ireland for their assistance with national collection days.

“Paralympic swimmer James Scully, handcyclist Declan Slevin

and wheelchair rugby player Amy Fitzpatrick each began their sporting careers with the Irish

Wheelchair Association through local clubs or sporting initiatives”

1212

Keith Duffy proudly unveils the new sports Angels Pins: a Handcycling Angel, a Wheelchair Rugby Angel and a Swimming Angel

Kevin O’Reilly, Corporate Sales Manager DPD Ireland, celebrated the launch of the 2015 campaign with Keith Duffy and DPD Driver Adrian Hiney, who works from the DPD Athlone Depot. Each year DPD Ireland delivers the Angels stock to locations nationwide as a special contribution to IWA

more AbouT PArALymPic Swimmer JAmeS ScuLLyJames Scully is 22 and from Ratoath, Co Meath. He has just completed a degree in Politics at the National University of Ireland, Maynooth. He has been

a member of IWA since he was a young child and was very active within IWA-Sport throughout his childhood. It was during his time with IWA that he first became involved in swimming, eventually leading to an extremely successful career at elite level.

James began his swimming career in 2006 under the guidance of Paralympics Ireland performance director and triple Paralympic medallist Dave Malone in the National Aquatic Centre (NAC) swim club. James competed at the London 2012 Paralympic Games with distinction, swimming a personal best of 2.53:03 to finish a close fifth in his 200m freestyle final.

Prior to that, James claimed an impressive fourth-place finish in the 2010 World Championships in Eindhoven. In 2011, James continued his progress with another fourth place in the 200m Freestyle at the IPC European Championships, missing out on bronze by a hand touch. His efforts were recognised when he won Swim Ireland’s “2011 Disability Swimmer of the Year Award”.

James reached a major championship podium for the first time ever at the 2013 IPC Swimming World championships in Montreal, claiming bronze in the 200m freestyle. He followed this up last summer with two bronze medals in the 100m and 200m Freestyle at the 2014 IPC European Championships in Eindhoven.

He trains seven days a week at the National Aquatic Centre in Blanchardstown and is currently competing at international competitions to secure his place for Rio 2016.

James travels to and from college and training in an adapted car after successfully completing driving lessons with the IWA Driving Tuition Service in Navan. He is currently studying for a Diploma in Project Management in IBAT and is hoping to enrol in a Masters Degree after Rio.

“IWA is the national governing body for wheelchair sport in

Ireland and we provide a range of sporting opportunities for

participation at all levels”

COVER STORY

13Spokeout 13

Handcyclist Declan Slevin, Paralympic swimmer James Scully, and wheelchair rugby player Amy Fitzpatrick with

Angels Ambassador Keith Duffy at the launch

more AbouT wheeLchAir ruGby PLAyer Amy FiTzPATrickAmy Fitzpatrick is 32 years old and from Clonshaugh, Dublin 17. She is a member of IWA and became a wheelchair user following a

diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy in 2011. Muscular Dystrophy is a hereditary condition marked

by progressive weakening and wasting of the muscles, but in Amy’s case it was a spontaneous mutation in the gene, with symptoms only presenting in her late teens.

Always a keen athlete, she participated in sport all through school, earning medals and trophies for basketball, badminton and volleyball. An active soccer player and fan, she was very keen to remain fit following her diagnosis and decided to become involved with IWA-Sport. She attempted many sports including rowing and table tennis, but the fast-paced, action-packed nature and physical impact of wheelchair rugby caught her attention.

Amy joined the Gaelic Warriors, who compete in the national league alongside the Laois Lions, Ulster

Barbarians and Munster Wheelchair Rugby. The Irish Wheelchair Rugby National Squad have a small but dedicated group of players (male and female) and staff who come from all over the country. Despite being small, the team has done well throughout the years, currently ranking 6th in Europe. The team is striving to qualify for the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016 and, if successful, will be the first Irish team to represent the country in wheelchair rugby.

Since its introduction, wheelchair rugby has grown to become an international sport, with teams now competing from around the globe. Despite its recent formation, Irish wheelchair rugby can boast significant achievements, both in mobilising athletes with a physical disability and winning honours for Ireland. The Irish team went from 23rd in the world rankings (March 2015) to 11th in the world rankings as of September 2015.

The Gaelic Warriors train at IWA’s Headquarters in Clontarf every Wednesday evening and compete at a number of national and international events throughout the year.

If you are interested in learning more about wheelchair rugby, call 01 8186400.

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Not just for ChristmasA really good gift will be enjoyed long after the festive season. Kiara Lynch recommends some products she has personally tried and tested, and explains why, as a full time wheelchair user, she finds them so invaluable

forever comfySitting comfortably everywhere is vital to me – and not just in my wheelchair. This foam and gel supportive seat cushion uses a gel core to give more comfort and support while you sit. Surrounded by two layers of high-density foam, it distributes your weight evenly to alleviate pressure points and to reduce impact on muscles and joints. Available at approx. €24 excl. p&p from JML (041 978 0001 www.jmldirect.com).

Nuby fliP-itI regularly accidently knock my drink over and it takes me a bit longer to pick it up so the ‘no spill’ feature on this is so handy! This drinker encourages you to drink upright instead of tipping the beaker up. The easy-to-hold base ensures a firm grip. It has a soft silicone straw featuring ‘touch flo’ technology which activates as soon as you put the straw into your mouth. It also means the straw doesn’t leak even if the drinker falls over, so the drink never spills out. The flip lid means it easy to bring in a bag or car and the straw is kept clean.Available at approx. €5 excl. p&p from a range of suppliers, including Tesco (www.tesco.ie), Ebay (www.ebay.ie) and Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk).

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fastfitI love cuddling my dog but I could definitely live without dog hair constantly clinging to me as it’s difficult and time-consuming to change my clothes.These sticky rollers help you get rid of the hair, fluff and lint that clings to your clothes and fabrics. The roller is made with a super sticky gel that picks-up waste but leaves no residue, and it never loses stickiness – just rinse under the tap to reuse. You get two rollers – the large sticky roller and the portable sticky roller, which is ideal for smartening up clothes on the go.Available at approx. €8 excl. p&p from JML (041 978 0001 www.jmldirect.com).

Progressive 6-iN-1 multi oPeNerThis does the things I find most difficult in the kitchen. I use it every day. This device can remove hard-to-grasp safety seals, opens metal bottle caps, can ring pulls, and stubborn jar lids or bottle tops. It also features an enclosed blade which allows it to cleanly slice open tightly sealed bags.Available at approx. €13.50 excl. p&p from a range of suppliers, including Anvil Home (01 286 2814 www.anvil.ie) and Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk).

liviNg made easy PackAs a fulltime wheelchair user, living with a degenerative nerve disorder, achieving something small on my own can mean the difference between a good or bad day. Coming to terms with a disability and needing help with everyday life is very difficult. This pack contains a collapsible walking cane for help standing up/walking, a folding reacher for help picking things up, a shoe horn for help putting on your shoes, and a reading page magnifier for help reading the newspaper.

Available at approx. €30 excl. p&p from Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop (01 818 6453 www.wheelchairsolutions.ie).

foot Warmer & massagerNo matter what trousers and socks I wear, as a full time wheelchair user, I have poor leg circulation and every evening my feet are always cold! This cosy product gently warms your feet, providing soothing heat and a stimulating massage to help you unwind. It features an easy-to-use remote control, allowing you to choose between two warmth settings and two massage settings. Available at approx. €36 excl. p&p from JML (041 978 0001 www.jmldirect.com).

17

banner

Spokeout

PRODUCTS

reader’s favourite productMichael McMullen from Finglas, Co Dublin tells us the most helpful aid he has is his Wheelchair Mac. “I’m a full time wheelchair user so the fact it’s handy to carry around in my wheelchair bag is a big positive. I also fundraise for IWA at church collections and, given our weather, it’s a necessity that it dries out pretty quickly following a shower! It has a hood and an elasticated bottom which fits under the footplates of my wheelchair so it keeps me warm and dry from the wind and the rain. I bought it from Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop in May of this year, and it’s great value for €35. Unfortunately it got a lot of use this summer!”

Do you have an aid you just couldn’t live without? Tell us about it! Email kiara.lynch.work@gmail.com. Tell us what it is, why you find it useful and send us a photo of yourself with it!These are just ideas! SpokeOut does not endorse any specific products or suppliers. We advise readers to shop around and, if appropriate, check with an OT to ensure a product is suitable for an individual’s needs.

iNcredible oveN gloveI can get burnt even while taking a hot dish from the

microwave, and as I use my hands to push, it can take a long time to heal. This oven glove offers you more

protection than conventional oven gloves – it’s heat resistant up to 350°C, fits

either hand, one size fits all, and is machine washable. As

it’s shaped like a real glove, it gives you more control and helps you to avoid

drops and spills.Available at approx. €18 excl.

p&p from JML (041 978 0001 www.jmldirect.com).

sculPtured cushioNEven a simple cushion can make a car journey or sitting in an armchair so much easier. This cushion can be used two different ways – there is nodular foam on one side or just flip it over if you prefer a flat cushion. It’s designed to give cushioned comfort to the whole seating area, and the special cut out allows the tail bone to virtually ‘float in mid-air’ ensuring comfort and relief. It comes with a tartan cover. Available at approx. €35 excl. p&p from Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop (01 818 6453 www.wheelchairsolutions.ie).

A Wheelchair Mac is available at approx. €35 excl. p&p from a range of suppliers, including Irish Wheelchair Association’s Wheelchair Solutions shop (01 818 6453 www.wheelchairsolutions.ie) and Amazon (www.amazon.co.uk).

Michael McMullen, IWA member, who recently purchased

a handy Wheelchair Mac from IWA’s

Wheelchair Solutions shop

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Spokeout 19

Feature

A quiet strengthKarol Doherty from Carndonagh, Co Donegal, is an accomplished marathon athlete and the only Irish rower attempting to qualify for the Rio Paralympics. Karol and his girlfriend Nia Loughlin tell Joanna Marsden about their shared passion for sport and the outdoors, and how they motivate and encourage each other

Karol & Nia won’t let the winter weather stop them

from enjoying the outdoors

Phot

os b

y Br

ian

McD

aid

20

“I love to win. I don’t like to be mediocre at anything in life. But I’m not a sore loser. I don’t

give up if I don’t get win. Being an athlete is about effort”

good factor, because you can see yourself improving as your times get better.”

He admits, “I love to win. I don’t like to be mediocre at anything in life. But I’m not a sore loser. I don’t give up if I don’t win. Being an athlete is about effort.”

Karol has since done six Belfast Marathons. He has also participated in the Dublin Marathon five times, winning in 2009 in 1.26 hr. “That was probably the highlight of my career to date.”

In 2008 he bought a handcycle and by 2010 he was competing at the World Handcycle Championships. He also started rowing competitively, joining the City of Derry Boating Club. There he met club coach Declan Doherty, who has become a key figure in developing Karol’s rowing career. “Declan is incredibly committed. He comes straight from work three evenings a week and puts all his free time into supporting me.”

It was also through the City of Derry Boating Club that Karol met Nia, who joined in January 2013. Nia, a social worker from

Whatever the season, whatever the weather, Karol Doherty and Nia Loughlin take their favourite walk from Buncrana to Stragill Beach at least once a week. “We’ve been

out when the hail is beating off our faces,” says Nia. “But it’s especially lovely in spring, when there are wee birds everywhere.”

Karol says, “The walk is about 12 km and it’s very hilly. I love the sense of freedom and the fresh air. When I’ve experienced periods of ill health, getting well enough to do that walk has been a big focus for me.”

“There were times when I had to push him,” says Nia, “But now he’s healthy and very fit, so he pushes himself very fast and I run beside him.”

Karol, who is from Carndonagh in the Inishowen Peninsula, Co Donegal, became a wheelchair user as the result of a car accident in 2004. Before his accident, he had been an excellent cross-country runner, and he began to look for alternative sports when he was in the National Rehabilitation Hospital. “I started swimming first, and then the Sports Therapist got me to try wheelchair racing. I was immediately impressed. About a year after my injury, I flew over to London to buy a second-hand racing chair from a retired English athlete.”

In 2007, Karol participated in his first marathon in Belfast and he has never looked back. “I love getting fresh air and exercise, feeling healthy. And competition gives you that feel

Karol putting on his gloves in preparation for a marathon

21Spokeout

Feature

Derry City, explains, “I had a really intense job at the time and no social life. I felt I wasn’t really looking after myself and I wanted to slow down and do something I enjoyed.”

Karol and Nia had an instant connection, but Nia says, “It was a small club, so we didn’t want anyone to know at the beginning. We were ‘secret dating’ for about six months!”

Karol and Nia started rowing together, and Karol encouraged her to start running as well. Nia recalls one 5km race. “Karol finished in 18 minutes, and I was about ten minutes behind. About a kilometre from the end, I looked ahead and I could see him coming back. He’d gone to the finish line, turned around, and was coming back to motivate me!”

In turn, Nia always tries to support Karol, particularly when he has experienced health set backs. Karol says, “In early 2013 I had to travel to Dublin for surgery, and even though we’d only been going out a few months Nia drove all the way from Derry to Tallaght to collect me.”

Complications following the operation left Karol unwell and unable to return to sport, “I had a long period of incapacity and nurses had to come out every day. It was hard to have to deal with that so early on in our relationship.”

Nia says, “Karol had rowed for Ireland at the 2010 Championships in New Zealand, and with the 2015 World Rowing Championships getting nearer, he was under pressure to make decisions about where he was going with his rowing, but there was such uncertainty about his health. Karol & Nia

Karol competing in a recent 10k race in Lifford, Co Donegal

22

He was so determined to get up, to get out into the fresh air.”She adds, “I couldn’t be prouder of him. In the face of life’s

disappointments and setbacks, he is passionate and grateful for what he has. He may have felt like giving up but he never showed it. I just think he’s the best person. If all human beings were like him, the world would be a better place. I have to say these things because Karol is very private about the things he goes through, and he will never sell himself.”

Thankfully a second operation improved Karol’s health, and by early 2015 he was back training. In August 2015, Karol, Nia and trainer Declan, travelled to the World Rowing Championships in Aiguebelette, France. Karol says, “This was my first competitive rowing race representing Ireland in five years, and we learned so much from the event itself and from the other competitors.” Karol came 16th out of 34, ranking him 16th in the world. “I was happy with that result.”

Since then, Karol has continued an intensive training regime, which includes three rowing sessions a week on the fast-flowing River Foyle, plus indoor rowing and skill-building sessions. He uses local events such as the Castleconnell Regatta to gain competition practice. He and Nia have also done several triathlons, starting with the ‘Tryatri’ in Letterkenny, which comprises a 400m (16 lap) swim, 13k cycle, and a 3k run. “Although rowing is my passion, I still love handcycling and wheelchair racing.”

The day I meet Karol and Nia, they are on a day trip to Dublin to look for a new car. “We spend a lot of time driving around between competitions and training events,” says

Karol. “Sometimes people don’t realise the extra effort that goes with a para athlete. So much effort goes into set-up and organisation. If I’m going to a triathlon, I have to bring my hand-cycle, my helmet, my racing chair, my puncture repair kit, my swimming gear.”

Karol is the only Irish rower attempting to qualify for the Rio Paralympics, “My aim is to qualify for the ‘AS Men’s Single’ section as a para-rower,” he explains. “I won’t know whether I’m successful until the May 2016 National Adaptive Rowing Championships in Varese, Italy. It’s going to be right to the wire for Rio.”

“I’m very nervous,” admits Nia. “The last-minute nature also makes it very hard to fundraise to support Karol’s trip to Rio. We can’t fundraise for a ‘what if’ scenario, so we’ve decided to fundraise for a new a boat because that goes beyond Rio.”

Karol and Nia are also raising funds to improve the wheelchair accessibility of City of Derry Boating Club, partly for Karol’s sake but also because they want to make it easier for other wheelchair users to try rowing. “Competing as a single rower is a lonely sport,” says Karol. “We’d love to see more people get involved.”

Karol enjoys interacting with the children at City of Derry Boating Club. “The kids at our club all look up to me and that’s a responsibility. Now they all want handcycles for Christmas!”

Nia adds, “Karol’s a real inspiration to the younger rowers. Although he is very self-contained as a person, he does

Karol & Nia near Karol’s home in Carndonagh

23Spokeout

Feature

“Karol finished in 18 minutes, and I was about ten minutes behind.

about a kilometre from the end, I looked ahead and I could see him

coming back. He’d gone to the finish line, turned around, and was

coming back to motivate me!”

Karol before the start of a recent 10k race in Lifford

project his excitement and determination on to others, including me.”

She continues, “He’s so physically tough. He has to be. Rowing is a brutal, all-weather sport. It requires a great physical endurance. We’ve watched people come and go from the club. They join up and a few months later they can’t face it anymore. Being constantly wet is hard!

“But the positives of spending time in the water are also huge. Last week, we were on the River Foyle together, rowing into the City and towards the mouth of the river. We went under the Foyle Bridge and around us there were seals, herons, ducks and swans. Then further on we went under the Peace Bridge and suddenly the hustle and bustle of the city was around us. Seeing the world from a rowing boat is always fascinating.”

For further information see www.rowingireland.ie

Karol competing in the 2015 World rowing Championships in aiguebelette, France

FORMER KERRY GAA LEGEND ‘SIGNS’ FOR FLOGAS LPGFormer Kerry football star Darragh Ó Sé recently signed up to Flogas, converting his family’s home heating system from oil to Flogas LPG.

Darragh’s 10-year-old oil boiler had become inefficient and expensive due to high running costs, so he started looking around for alternatives. “I heard about the benefits of LPG as an alternative fuel to oil and knew of several Kerry homes that had made the transition,” says Darragh.

After a free home visit and energy survey with Flogas, Darragh got a new 24kw LPG boiler installed – meaning a cleaner burning fuel, longer boiler lifespan, lower carbon tax and increased efficiency.

Darragh now has a fuel supply that is secure and safe from theft and he received his first 1,200 litres free of charge.

Flogas has also partnered with National Energy Assessors (NEA), who assisted in Darragh’s application for the SEAI grant

of up to €700 for the installation of his new boiler. “I can’t believe how quickly the water heats up. We now have unlimited amounts of hot water for showers and switching from electric cooking to gas cooking is great,” says Darragh.

As an energy solutions specialist, Flogas can design and implement a complete turnkey solution for your home so why

not avail of a no-obligation free survey from ourselves or our network of Flogas-approved and RGII/Gas Safe registered installers nationwide? We’ll analyse your existing energy costs and outline the benefits and savings you’ll enjoy by converting to Flogas LPG. Contact Flogas at 1800 320 342 email gas@flogas.ie, website www.flogas.ie

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Spokeout 25

independent living

House warmingAmy Kelly lives in the Carmel Fallon apartment complex on IWA’s Clontarf campus. She tells Joanna Marsden about her experiences of adjusting to independent living, and explains how an Energy Action upgrade scheme has helped make her home more comfortable and cosy

Amy Kelly outside her home in Clontarf

26

“One of the great things about the programme is that it’s quick

and not too disruptive,” says Amy. “that’s vital because moving out

for a few days is just not an option for me. Where would i go? And

besides, i like my routine!”

Six years ago Amy Kelly decided it was time to try living independently. “Living on my own was something I’d always wanted to do. Until then I was living part-time in the family home and part-time in

residential care.”Amy remembers the emotions she felt moving into her first

independent home in the Leo Close Apartments on IWA’s Clontarf campus. “After a few days the excitement wore off and I realised it wasn’t at all what I’d expected. I was on my own for long parts of the day for the first time in my life, and at first I hated it!”

Relying on a PA was also hard for Amy. “I’d never had a PA before and I just didn’t know what to expect from the relationship. I have 103 hours of support a week and it felt really strange.”

Despite the challenges of living independently, Amy stuck with it. “I’d say it took about two years before I really started to enjoy it. Then I began to realise that there were good

An energy Action worker insulating walls

aspects to spending time on my own, and to being able to come and go at the times I wanted.”

In 2013, Amy got the opportunity to move into a slightly larger apartment in the Carmel Fallon building on the same campus. From her bay window, she now overlooks the IWA administration building and the pretty Jack Kerrigan Garden. She jokes that it’s an excellent vantage point to “watch all the IWA staff and members who pass by each day.”

Like all residents of the Carmel Fallon Apartments, Amy recently benefited from an energy upgrade programme provided by charity Energy Action. This programme of works included pumping the walls with insulation, replacing all old light bulbs with energy efficient models, and installing a new energy-efficient boiler. The hope is that residents will now use less energy, saving both money and natural resources.

“One of the great things about the programme is that it’s quick and not too disruptive,” says Amy. “That’s vital because moving out for a few days is just not an option for me. Where would I go? And besides, I like my routine!”

When Amy shows me around her apartment in late November, Dublin is experiencing the first spell of really cold weather this winter. “I haven’t had a bill yet, but I’m hoping that my bills are going to be a lot lower than last year,” says Amy. “I like to be comfortable and cosy when I wake up in the morning, so I want to programme the controls to make sure the apartment is warm at the right times.” She shows me the new thermostatic controls, which have a large easy-to-operate control wheel, as well as a remote control system activated through Amy’s smartphone. “It’s all very fancy, but I think I might need to get them back to give me another tutorial in how to use it!” she jokes.

More about energy action irelandCharles Roarty, ceo of energy action, explains more about the charity and the programmes it offers

Energy Action is a registered charity that has been working to alleviate fuel poverty for over 25 years, providing free insulation in the homes of older and disadvantaged people. By increasing the energy efficiency of dwellings, fuel costs can be reduced and atmospheric pollution decreased.

This service is delivered by formerly long-term unemployed people, trained by us to certification standards in insulation, energy advice, BER, health and safety. This provides them with ecologically sound employment opportunities. Some 92% of participants in this Department of Social Protection funded Community Employment programme obtained full-time employment in 2015.

Our service is free and includes draught proofing, attic insulation, energy advice, attic and cavity wall insulation to recipients of Fuel Allowances, Family Income Supplements and Job Seekers with young children. To date Energy Action has insulated 32,600 homes.

Our recent Fuel Poverty Conference discussed the impact of fuel poverty on health. A pilot project in 2016 will focus on delivering energy efficiency improvements to those with acute health problems linked to the poor energy efficiency of their dwelling. To find out more about Energy Action, visit: www.energyaction.ie

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Dan DooleyFORD CentreA tradition of customer care

Vehicles Adapted for the disabledWe are a main Ford Dealership based in Munster.We have been in business for over 50 years and

pride ourselves on providing top quality service andfully safety inspected cars.

If you would like to test drive any of our Newor Used Cars please feel free to contact us.

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Spokeout 29

Travel

Budapest Christmas marketsTravelling and shopping are two of Kiara Lynch’s favourite pastimes, so she persuaded husband Nick to accompany her on a seasonal weekend to Budapest to experience one of Northern Europe’s famous Christmas Markets

Kiara enjoying a cup of warm apple cider at the Markets

30

“We spent the rest of the day walking/wheeling around,

hopping in and out of the many relaxed cafes. While

our umbrellas dried off, we ate yummy spicy sausage

sandwiches, and drank hot chocolate & wine”

At the beginning of December we arrived at Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport. We were greeted by cold and rain, but it didn’t dampen our spirits as we were determined to

explore as much as we could over our three days.We stayed at Mercure Budapest City Center Hotel,

which was a few minutes’ walk from the city centre and the Christmas Markets, and it was immediately clear that the access was excellent and the staff were very helpful.

Keen to discover more about Budapest, we were up and about early on our first morning. We were disappointed to find the city’s main mode of public transport, the tram, was inaccessible. Undeterred, we took a boat trip down the River Danube instead, which was beautiful but rather cold and wet. The recently refurbished city centre was very accessible, and we spent the rest of the day walking/wheeling around, hopping in and out of the many relaxed cafes. While our umbrellas dried off, we ate yummy spicy sausage sandwiches, and drank hot chocolate & wine.

longford girl Kiara managed to find a little piece of longford in Budapest!

Kiara and Nick at the Christmas Markets in Budapest

That evening we hit the Christmas Markets. I’d already thought to myself, “They probably won’t live up to the hype, and it’s cold and wet so people won’t even be out.” I’ve never been so wrong! The market was a hive of activity. As we wandered through the stalls, having fun looking at creative and imaginative toys, woodwork pieces and porcelain, we were inundated by gorgeous cooking smells. We drew nearer to the source of the aromas, discovering at the centre of the stalls an area with an amazing selection of foods and drinks. After a good bit of tasting, I can confirm my personal favourite was the warm apple cider!

The next day, we took the funicular to Castle Hill and enjoyed breath-taking panoramic views of Budapest, while at the same time cursing the seemingly endless cobble stones that surrounded us up there! We spent the afternoon on a hop-on hop-off accessible tourist bus around the city, ending our afternoon with a glass of wine and a steaming hot bowl of Hungarian ‘goulash’. That night, we got a bird’s eye view of ‘Pest’ as we went on a 60-metre high Ferris Wheel called ‘Óriáskerék’. The views of the city lights were beautiful in themselves, but with the colourful Christmas Market lights shining brightly it was truly magical.

Heading home, a checked-in bag is a necessity – ours was literally bulging with unusual trinkets and presents, ready to delight family and friends in the weeks ahead!

Kiara and Nick booked their hotel through www.mercure.com

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32

Holidaying at homeWhat could be more comforting than a chilly but sunny day spent exploring, followed by a relaxing meal by the fire? Kiara Lynch finds two ideal bases for a revitalising winter get-away

TRAVEL

FIND OUT MORE: Although IWA does its best to ensure the information provided is accurate, we always advise you to contact the accommodation provider directly before booking to ensure facilities meet your requirements.

HOIST HIRE: In the east, JS Dobbs, Baldoyle, Dublin 13. Tel: 01 839 1071. Web: www.jsdobbs.ie.In the north/north-west, Evolution Healthcare, Co Tyrone. Tel: +44 28 8772 7855. Web: www.evolutionhealthcare.co.uk.

In the south, O’Flynn Medical, Cork. Tel: 029 217 99. Web: www.oflynnmedical.comPORTABLE HOIST PURCHASE/HIRE: Ardoo Portable Hoists (nationwide service), Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Tel: 01 897 6223. Web: www.ardoohoists.com.SOMEWHERE TO RECOMMEND? If you have visited a good hotel, or perhaps are a hotel owner interested

in having your hotel featured, email: kiara.lynch.work@gmail.com

The Killeshin hoTelPortlaoise, Co Laois, Tel: 057 863 1200Web: www.thekilleshin.comThe Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise is a luxury four star hotel which reopened its doors in 2007 after being completely rebuilt. The 87 bedrooms are contemporary in style, and it’s located at the edge of Portlaoise town, a half kilometre from the M7, N7 and N8 – a great location to explore the East Coast and Midlands. The grounds are wheelchair accessible, and there is a fully equipped leisure centre with swimming pool and hoist, along with disabled changing facilities. The bar and restaurant are also wheelchair accessible. The main entrance is flat, and there is one designated parking space outside reception and four more in the multi-story car park. There are five wheelchair accessible bedrooms on three floors, 10-40 metres from the reception and lifts. Each accessible room has an interconnecting bedroom and low pile carpet. Each en-suite has a standard toilet with surrounding grab-rails, and a roll-in shower with a fixed shower seat and surrounding grab-rails. Portlaoise is serviced by a train from Dublin, and the hotel is a ten-minute drive from the station.

The inn aT DromolanDNewmarket on Fergus, Co Clare, Tel: 061 368 161Web: www.theinnatdromoland.ieThe Inn at Dromoland is located in the beautiful Co Clare countryside on the Dromoland Castle Estate. Situated on 450 acres of wooded countryside, the hotel features a fully equipped Health and Fitness Club, an indoor swimming pool, Shannigan’s Gastro Pub, along with 130 newly refurbished bedrooms, many of which offer views over the Estate and the glorious Shannon Estuary. The main entrance has steps and a ramped entrance, and there are two designated parking spaces directly in front of reception. There are two newly renovated wheelchair accessible bedrooms, located on the ground and second floor, with the ground floor room situated 100 metres from reception and the second floor room 30 metres from the lifts. Each accessible room has low pile carpet, and each en-suite has a standard toilet with surrounding grab-rails, and a roll-in shower with a fixed shower seat and surrounding grab-rails. The bar, restaurant and hotel grounds are fully wheelchair accessible. The hotel is a ten-minute drive from Ennis Train and Bus Station.

It gave me the confi dence to go out and work again.If you’ve had an accident, long-term illness, or have a disability and have extra support needs, one of over 70 National Learning Network training programmes will give you the confi dence and skills to open up new opportunities for employment and fulfi lment. Eligibility criteria apply.

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Search | NLN Courses

4899 NLN Confidence A4 ad Spokeout.indd 1 23/11/2015 12:43

34

All aboard!At just 22 years of age, Caleb Lane has already seen much of the world, without encountering many of the stresses associated with travelling as a wheelchair user. Here’s Caleb’s guide to holidaying on a cruise ship

Over the past few years I have had the privilege of travelling the world. I’ve been to several Caribbean countries, seen many cities in the Mediterranean, travelled to many places along

the Baltic Sea and have even been as far as Russia. When people hear this, they sometimes wonder how this is possible for a 22-year-old wheelchair user from Co Cork. Well, the answer is it’s all thanks to those floating cities called cruise ships!

My purpose in writing this article is to encourage other IWA members to explore this wonderful mode of travel. I have experienced many wondrous moments aboard these ships, meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. Below you will find information on how to book a cruise, how to find out which ships are suitable for you, how to ensure you get value for money, and what to expect on the ship. Most importantly, I hope to convince you that it’s possible to see the world on four wheels!

HOw tO find a cruiseThe best place to find any cruise is on the internet. There are

many websites to choose from e.g, www.cruise1st.ie, www.cruisedeals.co.uk and www.cruiseparadise.ie. For me personally, the website I found most helpful was www.vacationstogo.com. This is an amazing website which gives you access to all the best deals. You simply set up an account and then find a deal that suits you. If you find it difficult, you can use a travel agent, but these days the best deals are usually found online.

selecting a dateIf you want to go on a sun-worshipper cruise, then you should go between the summer months (June-August) but be willing to pay that little bit extra. The cheapest time of the year to go is off-season. For those who can, I would recommend going May or September. The weather is still warm and you save a little bit of money.

cHOOsing a destinatiOn/regiOnThis really depends on your level of disability and whether you can fly or not. If you are able to fly and don’t have a lot of equipment, choosing a region is a lot easier as you can fly to

Caleb and his brother Luke in front of Royal Caribbean’s ‘Anthem of the Seas’ in Malaga, Spain

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TRAveL

All aboard!

the embarkation port where the cruise starts. For those of us that cannot fly and have a lot of equipment, our options are limited, especially living in Ireland. The two main options are Southampton, which mainly serves the Med, or Harwich which will take you up and around the Baltic sea.

Picking a cruise lineThere are many cruise lines to choose from but a lot of these I would not recommend for accessibility. I do not know this first hand but have heard from other wheelchair users how awful some cruise ships can be. In my experience, the best cruise line for accessibility is Royal Caribbean International. This is the only cruise line I have travelled with and I find them very accommodating. Their ships are among the biggest in the world and therefore offer huge scope for the wheelchair user. There are also a lot of on-board activities, with many theatre productions. Their jam-packed itinerary will keep you entertained for the duration of your trip. Another positive is the excellent customer service this cruise line provides. They were always very helpful and assisted us where possible. Another company that my parents have used is Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), which holds a similar standard to Royal Caribbean International but is a little bit more informal.

cHOOsing a sHiPIn my opinion the best cruise ships are within Royal Caribbean fleet. There are three classes of ships that are very good. The ‘Adventure’ class has six ships of similar layout but ranging in size. These ships are more family and sport-orientated, but still offer a lot for someone like me. The next class of ship is the ‘Oasis’ class, which comprises two ships that are the biggest in the world. The third and newest class is the ‘Quantum’ class, which are truly like floating resorts. Unfortunately both the Oasis and the Quantum ships can only be reached by plane as the departure points for both are in America, but there are more ships coming down the line which hopefully will be doing trips closer to home soon.

HOw i dO itSince many people reading this article will be in a similar situation to myself in being unable to fly, I want to give you a sense of the journey I have to undertake to get myself aboard one of these cruise ships. Firstly, when I search for a cruise I look a year in advance. The reason is that a lot of the wheelchair cabins are booked up early. After booking the cruise, I proceed to book the 9pm ferry from Rosslare to Pembroke with Irish Ferries for the night before. Before we leave for the ferry we pack all my equipment into the van. My advice is to make a checklist of everything you need and as you are loading up the van tick off each item. This way you will ensure nothing is forgotten. When the ferry arrives at 12 midnight into Pembroke we proceed to drive five hours through the night to Southampton, where we wait until 11 am to board the ship. When you arrive at the cruise terminal you will be greeted by baggage handlers who will drop your luggage off at your room leaving you time to explore

Royal Caribbean’s ship ‘Anthem of the Seas’ docked in ville France on the French Riviera

the ship. If you did not get enough stickers delivered to you beforehand for your baggage details, you can request more at the cruise terminal. I would also advise you to clearly mark your belongings to avoid a mix up.

Caleb’s Cruise tips1. Make the Most of CustoMer serviCe In my experience customer service desks are very helpful, especially the American companies such as Royal Caribbean. Occasionally you might have to persist.2. plan or pre-book exCursions Before going on the cruise you should research the ports being used. Sometimes the ships are docked quite a distance from the town and a bus is provided, so make sure to check accessibility. Some ports are too shallow to dock in, so smaller boats ferry people to and from the ship. In my experience it is very difficult to manoeuvre onto these ships, but I have managed on occasion. When you get to the city or town, most of the tour buses are accessible and for a few euro you can travel to all the sites. For a first time cruiser, it is easier to avail of the pre-planned accessible tours. 3. book your dining table When booking your cruise you will be asked what size table you would like. Some can be shared with up to 12 people, but I like to eat with just the company of my family so I request a smaller table. You might not be able to avail of this on the first night as it will be busy, but I advise going to the restaurant early to let the staff know your preference. If you would like any more information or help booking your cruise, feel free to email me at: caleblane0@gmail.com

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Taking The next stepTaking the leap from the familiarity of secondary school to the many unknowns of college can be a daunting experience. Student James Cawley, who is currently studying for his Masters in Education at Maynooth University, talks to Kiara Lynch about his experience of adjusting to college life, and offers some tips for prospective students on filling out CAO forms and accessing support services

James Cawley grew up in a rural village in Co Longford. As the youngest of nine children, it was a busy household. James has ‘arthrogryposis’, which means some of his joints don’t move as much as normal and

may even get stuck in one position. He was diagnosed at an early age and began using a wheelchair when he was three and a half years old. The unwavering support of his family and friends helped him to become an independent, confident young man. “Going to college was simply the next step. All my friends were going, and the idea that I wouldn’t, or couldn’t, go on to college was never considered.”

It was James’ secondary school guidance counsellor who told him about the Disability Access Route to Education

(DARE), a third level alternative admissions scheme for school-leavers whose disabilities have had a negative impact on their second level education. DARE offers those school leavers reduced points places. “DARE is a great scheme,” says James, who before moving on to his Masters, undertook a BA in Geography and Business. “I got my initial place on my Arts Degree here at Maynooth University through DARE. However, I would definitely advise students who are going to use the scheme to start looking into it as early as possible. They require lots of paperwork, reports and proof of disability from various different officials.”

James choose to study for an BA in Geography and Business because he felt it would be a good route to fulfilling

James receiving his MAP (Maynooth Access Programme) Ambassador Award from President of Maynooth University, Professor Philip Nolan. Photo by Keith Arkins

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EdUcAtioN & cArEErs

his dream of becoming a secondary school teacher. “I had so much help and encouragement from my teachers throughout the years. They were such a big positive influence on me. I felt like I could have that positive influence on other student’s lives, by letting them see there is nothing in life you can’t get past, and there is always a way to move forward in life.”

A key factor for James in choosing to study at Maynooth University was its close proximity to Longford on the train line, but after spending over four years there, he also believes it to be a truly progressive college. “The campus is continually being updated and expanded, and wheelchair access is always thought about and included. The town has also grown with the college, so a lot of the pubs, clubs and restaurants are in new buildings which are wheelchair accessible.”

James adds that Maynooth’s disability services are also constantly growing. He has a great working relationship with the university’s disability team. “I have a full-time day PA which is funded by Maynooth University’s disability services. They also arranged for me live independently in accessible on-campus accommodation. During my Arts Degree I used a dictaphone to take notes and my PA took notes for me. I have also been encouraged to use technology since starting here at Maynooth. I’ve tried not to become too dependent on these supports though, because I’m very aware that when I leave college I’m not going to have as much support. In general, I’m trying to be more independent and take my own notes.”

As part of his Masters, James spends three days a week teaching geography and business at a secondary school, St Joseph’s College in Lucan, and two days a week attending lectures on-campus at Maynooth University. “I was very nervous when I first started. All I envisaged were barriers. But when I started teaching I relaxed. Once the students realised I was like any other teacher, and they’d still be disciplined and get homework, they just took it in their stride!”

James’s school friends all went to different colleges, meaning that when James started at Maynooth, not only did he have the usual concerns a new student with a disability has – he also didn’t know a soul. “I was worried I wouldn’t make friends so I threw myself into college life, joining societies and chatting to people on my course. Within a few weeks of starting the term my social calendar was fit to burst!”

James was proud to receive the ‘MAP (Maynooth Access Programme) Ambassador Award’ earlier this year from the university. “I felt a great sense of achievement, especially because of the many obstacles I face. I think this was a way of acknowledging I didn’t let them hinder my academic and social interactions!” The award is given to those whom contribute to the university through mentoring current students, acting as a role model, appearing on MAP promotional videos, and supporting the work of the MAP outreach programme in linked schools. James was delighted to participate in this programme. “I’ve been supported through my life, so I felt I could give someone back by

engaging in this programme.”

James’ advice to any perspective college student is: “Believe in your choice to study what interests you. There is so much support available to help you achieve your goal. When choosing a college, prioritise what’s important for you – such as travel, wheelchair access, accommodation and even the campus size. Be willing to advocate for yourself, and talk to your college’s disability team, because no-one can help you to overcome a problem if you don’t tell anyone there is a problem.”

Overall James feels college has had a hugely beneficial effect on his life. “My development over the past four years has been mind-blowing. I have developed personally, academically and socially. Having a severe physical disability, at times I thought I would not be able to keep up with the workload or even attend college, but now I do all of that and more, including living independently.”

More about DareTo find out more about DARE, visit: www.accesscollege.ie

You can also contact the CAO Helpdesk with questions on completing a DARE application. Click on the ‘Contact Us’ button at www.cao.ie or Tel: 091 509 800.

DARE also organises Application Advice Clinics each year. Application Advice Clinics provide an opportunity for you or your parent(s)/guardian(s) to drop in to meet with a member of the DARE team to discuss your application. The clinics will take place in a number of venues nationwide on Saturday 16th January 2016. Details on venues and times are available on the ‘Events’ page of the DARE section on www.accesscollege.ie.

All participating colleges have a staff member who can advise you on how to apply to DARE. If you wish to speak to someone about your DARE application, contact any member of the DARE team. For a full list of names of DARE staff, their contact details and corresponding colleges go to the ‘Contact Us’ page of the DARE section on www.accesscollege.ie.

other useful contactsMaynooth University: www.maynoothuniversity.ieThe Arthrogryposis Association of Ireland: www.arthrogryposis.morsolutions.ie

James relaxing with his dog Penny at his home in Longford

When I left school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. I started with a day service, but I soon knew it wasn’t for me, and I was looking for something that would give me more opportunity to get a job.

I moved to the National Learning Network (NLN) training centre in Tallaght, Dublin. I started a computers

course, but again it wasn’t for me, so I got talking to the tutor on the NLN ‘Access’ course. Immediately, I knew it was the right fit for me and I enrolled! Access is a really varied course that gives you the opportunity to try loads of things. I worked with my tutor for 15 months, and I got huge support.

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The main thing it did for me was build my confidence and get me ready for the next stage: applying to the Transition Course in Pearse College where I am studying now.

NLN was perfect for me. The physical accessibility was A1 and they went out of their way to support me; when I was ill they worked around hospital appointments. I got a great work experience placement in the control room in the Luas, and now I know what I want to do: work in control room security. I’m on my way!

I would say to anyone thinking of going into training or education: go for it, it might well lead towards your next big step!For more check out www.nln.ie.

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Making the right moveAfter enjoying training and support at the National Learning Network, Dylan Nelson now knows what he wants to do with his life

Spokeout

Ralph McMahon of McMahon Goldrick Solicitors explores how recently proposed legislation could impact on compensation for those who have suffered a ‘catastrophic injury’

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In May this year, a proposed new bill, The Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill 2015, was published. If enacted, this new legislation would fundamentally change the approach to compensation payments for ‘catastrophic

injuries’, with the ultimate aim of establishing a fairer system.

Under the current system of compensation for personal injuries in Ireland, the claimant is awarded a lump sum. This lump sum consists of compensation for pain and suffering (general damages) and compensation for out-of-pocket expenses (special damages). A very significant part of the large awards is made up of the out-of-pocket expenses up to the date of the case being heard and into the future. The

Fairer compensation

LegaL

The new legislation recognises that when a person has experienced a ‘catastrophic injury’ they may require lifelong care and assistance

maximum compensation that a Plaintiff can be awarded for pain and suffering is €450,000.00.

For those who have suffered catastrophic injuries, there is almost universal agreement that the lump sum approach is completely unsatisfactory. Judges led the way in being vocal about the inappropriateness of the lump sum approach. This in turn led to the setting up of a working group in 2010 chaired by Justice John Quirke. In its detailed report to the Government the group commented as follows:

“The ‘lump sum’ approach dictates that there is no recourse for a Plaintiff who exhausts his fund by exceeding his life expectancy. Ongoing advances in medical science

42

are likely to further skew (adversely for the injured victim) a system for predicting life expectancy which is already radically flawed. The one virtual certainty about a lump sum award to pay for future care is that the wrong amount will be awarded. This is inescapable.”

Other issues such as a further deterioration in a Plaintiff’s health and uncertainties associated with the social welfare system, the rate of return one might get on the investment of the lump sum, and the cost of future care/appliance costs, all supported the idea of the lump system being flawed and in the words of the working group “ inadequate and inappropriate”.

The Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill 2015, if and when enacted into law, seeks to remedy this inappropriateness.

Under the proposed legislation a Periodic Payment Order could be made by the Court when awarding compensation to an individual who has suffered a catastrophic injury. A Periodic Payment Order is an annual payment to the Plaintiff, index-linked for the lifetime of the Plaintiff. It can be adjusted by the Court on a subsequent date should the Plaintiff’s circumstances change. A catastrophic injury is defined in the draft legislation as a “severe injury, involving serious impairment, the direct and approximate cause of which requires the Plaintiff to receive life-long permanent care and assistance”.

The Court therefore will have discretion to award these Periodic Payment Orders for future medical treatment, care, appliances and assistive technology. The Court could make such orders even if it is not what the Plaintiff desires. A Periodic Payment Order could also be made for earnings but only if both the Plaintiff and the Defendant consented to such an order being made.

The draft legislation has been published and submissions have been invited from interested groups before proceeding to the next stage. (The Bill is available for inspection at www.oireachtas.ie.)

If enacted, the draft legislation would remove huge uncertainty for Plaintiffs who have suffered catastrophic injuries about being undercompensated.

Draft legislation proposes that the Court will have discretion to award Periodic Payment Orders for future medical treatment, care, appliances and assistive technology

Key steps In HIgH Court personal Injury lItIgatIon InCludIng CatastropHIC Injury Casesl The injured party consults with a legal advisor.l Legal advisor writes to the Defendant and the

insurance company.l Legal advisor arranges an inspection of the locus

of accident by engineer.l Legal advisor takes up medical report/s. This

process is ongoing throughout the duration of the case.

l Legal advisor completes Injuries Board application and lodges with Injuries Board.

l Injuries Board will not deal with case if the Defendant does not fully admit liability or if it thinks it is too complicated to deal with within the timeframe allocated by legislation.

l Injuries Board releases case and sends official authorisation for the injured party to proceed through the Courts in the traditional way.

l Court paperwork is drafted by injured party’s legal advisors.

l Court Proceedings are issued and served on the insurance company’s legal advisors.

l There is an exchange of paperwork between the legal advisors.

l The injured party’s advisor prepares the case by briefing experts to ensure that everything is done to win the case and also to build up the value of the compensation being claimed. It is not unusual to have upwards of 20 experts in a catastrophic injury case.

l The injured party’s advisor sets the case down for hearing when the case is ready and all of the expert reports are exchanged between the advisors.

l The case is called on for a hearing date. l The injured party’s legal team is assembled fully.

There will be at least two barristers, one of which will be a Senior Counsel. There may be a second Senior Counsel.

l The injured party’s advisors present the case to the Court and call all of the relevant witnesses including expert witnesses unless the case settles.

l The Defendant’s advisors can cross examine and challenge those witnesses called by the Plaintiff.

l The Defendant’s advisors call their witnesses.l The injured party’s advisors can cross-examine

and challenge those witnesses.l If the case has not settled, the Judge makes

a decision after hearing Submissions from the parties based on the evidence heard.

l The decision can be appealed by either party to the Court of Appeal. The decision of the Court of Appeal is binding.

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Spokeout

LIVING

FestiveFeastingKevin Dundon’s straight-forward, easy-to-prepare seasonal recipes are designed to reduce stress so you can focus on what’s really important – spending time with family and friends!

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Kevin’s Whole Glazed hamPork, ham and bacon are undoubtedly the most traditional of all foods in Ireland. Ham is pork that has been cured and sometimes smoked to give it a lively, mildly spiced taste. True ham starts out as the hind leg, which is then either wet- or dry-cured. Ham for me is always a winner when entertaining. Not only can you enjoy slices of glazed ham for supper, but the leftovers make great sandwiches, or an ideal family lunch of carbonara.

Whole ham on the bone (approx 7 ½ lb/3.5kg)4 tablespoons Irish Mist50g brown sugar4 tablespoons Apricot PreserveCloves

Firstly soak the ham in some cold water for a couple of hours.

Put into a pot, cover with water and bring to the boil.Allow to simmer for about 2 hours, then turn off the heat

allowing the meat to cool in the cooking liquor.Remove the ham from the cooking liquor and using a

sharp knife remove the rind leaving an even layer of fat. Score diamond shaped lines into the fat and stud the cloves into the layer of fat and put onto a baking tray.

To make the glaze mix the sugar, apricot preserve and Irish Mist together until well combined. Spread this over the cloves studded ham

Loosely cover with tin foil and bake in the oven at 150ºC/300ºF/Gas Mark 2 for about an hour. Remove the tin foil at this stage and turn up the heat and return to the oven for an additional 20 minutes of cooking.

Rest the meat for 30 minutes out of the oven before slicing.

I prefer to cook my ham by placing in a pot and bringing it to the boil then simmering for 2-2 ½ hrs before

putting into the oven to bake for the final hour, but if you prefer to bake your ham from the start here are my recommendations:

After allowing the ham to soak in water for at least 2-4 hours, pat dry and place ham fat side up on a rack in a shallow baking pan and add a little water under rack. Cover with foil and bake for the following times, but remember to remove the foil for the last half hour.

8/10 lb. around 3 1/2 hours10/12 lb. around 3 1/2 to 4 hours12/15 lb around 4 to 4½ hours15/18 lb around 4½ to 5 hours18/22 lb. around 5 to 6 hours22/24 lb around 6 to 6½ hours

Kevin Dundon’s BacK to Basics Kevin’s book Kevin Dundon’s Back to Basics: Your Essential Step-by-Step Cookbook is out now. It includes some fantastic recipes, hints and tips.

46

apple & Cloves TarT TaTin

Caramelised Apple Tart Tatin is one of the easiest desserts to make, especially if using premade shop bought puff pastry (if you do make sure it’s a butter based pastry!). The aromas as this cooks will have you and your guests waiting eagerly for it to cool sufficiently to eat! Serve with a big dollop of fresh cream, or some ice-cream – delicious!

Serves 4

1 sheet of puff pastry 30cm x 30cm100 g soft brown sugar 1 lemon, juice100 g butter4 pinch ground cloves4 dessert apples – peeled & cored100 ml clotted cream, to serve

Select four individual sized ovenproof frying pans approx 10 cm diameter.

Cut 4 pastry discs to fit the top of each pan.Preheat the oven to 200ºC/400ºF/Gas Mark 6.In each pan gently melt the sugar with

the lemon juice until the mixture begins to caramelise to a golden blond colour and all the sugar has been dissolved. Remove from the heat and add the butter. Combine the butter with the caramel to create a smooth sauce. Add a pinch of ground cloves in each frying pan.

Meanwhile, cut the apples into 2-3 mm wedges and lay overlapping in the pan.

When the apple mixture has cooled slightly fit the disc of puff pastry onto the top of the apples and tuck into the edge of the pan. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes until the pastry is golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.

Invert the pan onto a plate to reveal a glorious pastry case laden with caramelised apples. Serve immediately with clotted cream.

47Spokeout

LIVING

ChoColaTe Chip CooKies for sanTaMy youngest two children, Sophie and Tom, like to prepare homemade cookies for Santa, and I like to have a batch or two in an airtight container, as they make a lovely snack with a well deserved cuppa. The beauty of this recipe is you can vary the recipe as much as you like. Sometimes I like to add is some mixed spice and dried fruit for a varied alternative.

6oz/175g softened butter6oz/175g light brown sugar½ teaspoon vanilla extract3 eggs12oz/350g plain flourPinch salt1 rounded teaspoon baking powder4oz/110g mixed chocolate chips4oz/110g mixed nuts (pistachio, walnuts, shelled hazelnuts, pine nuts, etc)

Cream the butter and sugar with the vanilla extract for 4-5 minutes in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy.

Add in the eggs and beat for a few minutes.Sieve the flour with the baking powder and

the salt.In a separate bowl add the mixed nuts and

the chocolate chips.Add the sifted flour mixture to the butter and

egg mixture and beat slowly until the mixture comes together.

Add in the chocolate chips and mixed nuts and beat until combined.

Break some of the dough into small balls and place on a lined baking tray

Bake for 12-15 minutes in a preheated oven (180ºC/350ºF/Gas Mark 4)

Allow to cool down and serve.

TIP: This mixture freezes quite successfully. To freeze it I tend to roll it into long thick coils and then you can cut the mixture easier.

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Spokeout

SpokeOut’s gardening expert Helen Rock offers some inspiration to those seeking to bring nature into their homes in the darkest season

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The celebration of Christmas in deepest midwinter is our way of keeping the darkness at bay. When the light is at its lowest we celebrate with gifts, decorations and the most delicious food and drink

possible. But the final touch that really makes a house beautiful at Christmas is when we bring in the beautiful greenery and with it the freshness of the great nature outdoors.

It’s good fun to fill unexpected places around the house with bowls and pots of scented bulbs brought into flower early for Christmas. And pots of bulbs – such as small narcissi, hyacinths, snowdrops, lily of the valley – can all be forced for Christmas flowering and make lovely presents to give or receive. Outside, there is the hardy winter Jasmine to be cut: a budded branch of this easygoing though scentless shrub in a vase of water will slowly open over the next fortnight.

Besides the traditional holly, ivy and tree, there are the fragrant winter-flowering Viburnums, shrubs you should consider growing to enhance your garden and house. There are few plants so waxy and sweet smelling as these Viburnums. A small vase of the flowers in a room has been described as “stronger and sweeter than a visit to a Paris scent shop”.

The earliest of them to flower is Viburnum fragrans, often by the end of September in my sheltered Dublin garden but early November in many other places. It will then continue to flower throughout the winter and is quite capable of scenting out the whole garden too. It’s very hardy and easy to grow, given some sun and a strong nourishing soil. The flower buds start off pink then open to a pure white.

Flowering later is Viburnum carlesii, with even waxier and sweeter flowers, borne in larger clusters and red in bud, though these also open to a pure white. It is a more compact grower than V. fragrans, but you won’t have it in time for Christmas and in a severe winter it might not flower until April. In which case, you can bring it into the house in celebration of the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

While a house or work space adorned with cut flowers and foliage is a lovely uplifting thing, actual living house plants do even more for us than that, by ensuring a safer, healthier environment for humans and other domesticated

Bring nature indoors

LIVING

A Christmas flower arrangement with hyacinths

50

animals. The most ordinary of house plants work extraordinarily hard at reducing fungus, dust mites, noise levels, bad odours and pollution of all sorts. They can even absorb airborne bacteria, which is rather heroic.

There are many lovely indoor plants on sale at this time of year. Less fortunately, many of the house plants we are offered now – in particular those bred specially for the Christmas market – are dying by the time they reach supermarkets, garden centres and other retail outlets, having already been through a series of sudden and stressful shocks.

This is because many are grown and cosseted in huge heated glasshouses under tightly controlled conditions and get their first big shock when shifted out into the cold for transportation. If, for example, a tropical plant that has been reared this way is on display outside a shop in a freezing cold wind, then you should not buy it, no matter how sorry you might feel for its predicament.

The best survivors among the seasonal flowering plants are probably potted chrysanthemums. They are hardy,

smell good (to me) and some of them can even be planted outside in spring to take their chances in the garden, though this is not always successful. It’s best to buy them in bud, when they are showing just a little colour, rather than in full flower, as they will last longer and adapt better. Keep the compost cool and moist, but not sopping wet. It is absolutely true that more houseplants die of overwatering than from any other single cause, so be warned.

Also abundant at this season are potted azaleas, rhododendrons by another name. The fact that these are happiest growing in a cool woodland setting outdoors should give you some idea of how to treat them in the house. Keep them cool but in a humid, semi-shaded and moist place and they should flower for several months to come.

It’s best to buy a big azalea specimen that has had time to adjust to life in a pot; one with fat, closed flower buds and juicy leaves that show no sign of dropping when you touch them. Keep the compost moist to the touch. In my house, the front hall is the best place for them. Treated

Potted hyacinths can be forced to flower at Christmas if you can’t wait for January

LIVING

Spokeout 51

WhAt’s oNNB. All events listed in this issue take place at the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, unless otherwise indicated. Generally, the gardens are accessible with wide, all-weather paths, though there are flights of steps in two places. Please ask at the visitor centre or the security lodge on arrival, where explanatory maps are available free of charge. The only place that is still out of reach for chair users is the rose garden but the OPW say they will correct this as soon as possible. The library and the

visitor centre both have lifts for accessing the upper floors.Sun 13th December, from 1.30pm: ‘Celebrating Christmas at Glasnevin’. Includes an all-day Christmas market and free visits to Santy and his helpers in their hideaway in the gardens. Adm free but you need to collect a ticket at the visitor centre to visit Santa.Sat 9 January, 2.30pm, guided walk: ‘Conifers’. Glasnevin has an extensive collection of conifers from all over the world, ranging from native yew trees to the giant redwoods of North America.

A learning experience, led by head guide Glynn Anderson. Meet in the visitor centre. Free of charge.Thurs 14 January, 8.00pm, lecture: ‘A View from the Palm House’ by Matthew Jebb, director of the Gardens, who is an entertaining speaker. A wide ranging talk about Greek education, plant evolution, the 1801 Act of Union, St Patrick’s flag, Dublin’s two names, Viking agriculture, alien invasive plants and climate change. Organised by the IGPS. Adm free.Sun 14th February, 2.30pm, guided tour: Valentine’s Day –

Budding Romance. A bracing walk in the gardens observing the first fragrant shoots of spring and a voyage around the exotic blooms in the wonderful glasshouses. Free.From Sat 27th February: Exhibition of Bonsai, from the extensive collection of Andrew Murray. You are invited to watch the miniature bonsai plants, including maples and cherries, bursting back into leaf as spring advances. Daily in the Teak House.

well, a potted azalea will reward you well. Give it rainwater to drink, with some diluted tea added from time to time, but never, ever give it alkaline water from the tap.

As with garden or outdoor plants, the trick with houseplants is to make them feel comfortable and at home. This means understanding their natural history and how they live in their wild habitats. So if a plant hails from a tropical rainforest, then a warm, steamy kitchen could become its home from home. A south-facing window could compare to an Arizona desert, a gloomy hallway could host ferns and other specimens of undergrowth, a brightly lit landing could be home to happy orchids and the bathroom could become a misty and atmospheric fernery.

Garden WorkIt’s not too late to plant tulips for the spring, providing they are still firm and haven’t gone mouldy. If planting them in pots or window boxes, make sure that they have the right sort of compost, that is, one that is medium rich and drains freely, such as a clay-based John Innes No. 2.

If using ordinary garden soil or a lighter compost, make sure to incorporate plenty of fine horticultural grit to improve drainage. While bulbs are wonderfully obliging and undemanding, most of them will just rot away if waterlogged for any length of time. Plant them at least twice their own depth, preferably three times. That way you will get stronger, straighter stems that won’t fall over in a stiff breeze.

For The birdsThe following trees and shrubs are recommended for attracting birds to your garden, providing them with berries and other food and with safe nesting sites. They are Cotoneaster (a favourite with blackbirds); Pyracantha; Ivy (the common wild form, for berries, shelter and a

“the most ordinary of house plants work extraordinarily hard at reducing fungus, dust mites, noise levels, bad odours and

pollution of all sorts. they can even absorb airborne bacteria,

which is rather heroic”

host of luscious insect food); Honeysuckle (for warblers, thrushes and shy bullfinches); the native Holly; Mountain Ash (Sorbus aucuparia, the wild variety with red berries, which are the main food for the rare waxwing bird); Hawthorn (for redwings, blackbirds and nesting); and Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris), for blackcaps, thrushes and delicious crab apple jelly.

Azaleas should be fed with rainwater, or diluted tea from time to time

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Spokeout

IWA Youth Media Group member Gina Lu recently met up with Limerick para-powerlifter Nicola Dore to find out more about Nicola’s recent competition successes, her rigorous training regime, and her hopes for Rio 2016

53

Twenty-seven-year-old Nicola Dore from Kilcornan in County Limerick is no stranger to a challenge and the new venture she is about to embark on is the perfect example. She is in the middle of

training in the hope of qualifying for the Paralympics 2016, which will take place in Rio.

Her para-powerlifting journey started in February this year. She began by telling me, “Paul Ryan, Munster Sports Development Officer with IWA, encouraged me to try it out. I gave it a go and never looked back. I had my first competition on 16th August 2015 and came home with a Personal Best. I also got my first para-powerlifting medal which I’m quite happy with.”

Nicola adds, “I’ve been in to fitness since I was seventeen. My mother and aunt encouraged me to get in to the gym. I had been in the gym for about eight years before I made the change to train from home.”

When I asked her what the procedure was for her training, I was blown away by her response. “The sport involves lying on a ‘Para-bench’ which caters for all degrees of disability. They strap you down for stability and you lift a ‘Para Bar’ by lowering to the chest and pressing back up until arms lock out with weights attached at both ends.”

Nicola’s training is targeted at a number of specific upcoming competitions, and ultimately at Rio 2016. “I’m on a programme at the moment to train for the Europeans in Hungary. It was a massive achievement for me to be selected for the Irish Squad. There is also a lot of weight training and cardio as well. For a competition you do three lifts. The amount that you lift depends on your body weight. To qualify for Rio, I’d have to lift around 70kg. I lifted 60kg in the championships in Ardee. I also recently competed in my first away competition in Stoke Mandeville on 17th October at the BWAD Open Bench Championships, where I received a certificate for coming first in my weight category. It was a very thrilling experience to represent Ireland and a very proud moment for me. I also competed in the first Irish Nationals in Cork a week later and came home with two new Personal Bests and my second medal.”

Fortunately Nicola has excellent local facilities and support. “I train about four times a week. I’m training in my local gym, Coral Askeaton Pool and Leisure Centre, under the guidance of Declan Nash who has been an amazing

Feel the power

Sport

Nicola Dore

Nicola acknowledges that para-powerlifting is a male-dominated sport. “I signed up because I saw it as another challenge and I’m a person who loves a challenge”

coach from day one – very encouraging and supportive. James O’Connell and Roy Guerin are two others who have been on this journey with me from the very beginning and it is great to work alongside them. They have taught me so much. Ken Hurley is the head coach over the entire team. He is very supportive and believes in me and that I can go all the way.”

54

Nicola acknowledges that para-powerlifting is a male-dominated sport. “I signed up because I saw it as another challenge and I’m a person who loves a challenge. I’ve never let my disability hold me back. I had been told that there were currently no women on the Irish Team and wanted to prove that it’s not just a sport for men.”

Nicola’s determination to succeed pervades all aspects of her life. She is a graduate of Limerick Institution of Technology where she studied E-Office Administration Systems for three years, and she is now doing an internship at Limerick Genealogy, which she really enjoys because as she puts it, “I love history”.

Nicola had no wheelchair in primary school, so she used crutches to play sports. “I used to go in goals and play soccer with the boys. I used to go on my knees and play basketball.” Nicola has always been determined. If she could give other wheelchair users any advice, it would be,

Her end goal is to make history by becoming the first

Irish female para-powerlifter to make it to rio 2016 and fly the flag for Limerick and Ireland. She goes on to say, “I took up

the sport because I want to be an ambassador for women and to fulfil my childhood dream of

representing my country on the paralympic stage”

Nicola with her coach Declan Nash

Nicola in Hungary

“If you have a dream, just follow it. Life is short. I believe anything is possible if you put your mind to it.”

Para-powerlifting is not her only sporting passion. Back in 2008 she took up wheelchair basketball and currently plays with IWA. In 2011, she took up track racing and since then has competed in the Limerick Women’s Mini Marathon four times and the Great Limerick Run three times, raising money for the Irish Cancer Society and the IWA. She has tried out wheelchair rugby and hurling, and she captained the Boccia team in 2011 when they won the CPSI Boccia League Championship in Ballinteer.

Nicola has been an active member of IWA since 2007. She has helped with the Angel campaign, and she did a bit of work experience with IWA. “They also helped me with driving. I really appreciate all the help IWA has given me.”

Her end goal is to make history by becoming the first Irish female para-powerlifter to make it to Rio 2016 and fly the flag for Limerick and Ireland. She goes on to say, “I took up the sport because I want to be an ambassador for women and to fulfil my childhood dream of representing my country on the Paralympic stage.”

Nicola is fundraising to enable her to compete internationally (see www.gofundme.com/nicoladore). She also has a Facebook page where people can follow her progress which is called ‘Nicola Dore Para Powerlifter’ and a website www.nicoladore.com.

UpdaTe as we go To pressNicola did three (58kg, 62kg and 65kg) lifts in Hungary in late November. Unfortunately judges failed all three due to technical faults. She’s disappointed but is still aiming for the next step as she has two more chances (Dubai and Malaysia) to get to Rio. She says she’s keeping her head held high, knowing she gave it her all. “I may be down but I’m not out! Experiences like this can either make you or break you.” Nicola also says that the Kelly Clarkson song, ‘What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger’ was playing during one of her lifts, which she found very inspirational and kept her going!

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59Spokeout

MOTORING

CAR BUYER IWA member and motor enthusiast Tom Caulfield reviews three new models, with an eye to performance, efficiency, aesthetics, safety and wheelchair accessibility

Subaru XV CroSSoVerThe options for the Subaru XV Crossover are a 148bhp 2.0 Diesel and a 148bhp 2.0 litre petrol. I would have to recommend the diesel as it is strong and smooth right through the rev range, and although the 2.0 litre is reasonably quick, it’s primarily in the higher rev range that it performs.

All versions are four-wheel drive so they grip well when cornering but the ride quality however is not that smooth. The diesel is very quiet, but as the petrol needs to be revved harder to get going, it is less so.

Inside the Subaru, the elevated driving position gives the driver an excellent view of the road ahead but rear visibility is not as good. There is plenty of legroom but headroom could be better in the rear, and the boot is quite small.

Interior quality is a bit of a mixed bag, but the company has a pretty good name for reliability so it should hold up over time.

Safety is a very positive feature for this model. The Subaru XV Crossover performed very well on the NCAP safety tests scoring the full five stars, thanks to its seven airbags and it also has stability control as standard across the range.

All XVs come with alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, a reversing camera, xenon headlights, Bluetooth and automatic lights and wipers. Top of the range SE Premium models also have leather seats and sat-nav.

Prices for the Subaru XV Crossover start at €32,295 putting it in direct competition with the likes of the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1.

Subaru XV Crossover

60

Honda Hr-V

Honda Hr-VThe New Honda HR-V arrived in Ireland this October, offering a unique proposition to the SUV segment with the styling of a coupe, the robustness of an SUV and the versatility of an MPV.

The engine options available are a 1.5 petrol or a 1.6 diesel. The Diesel does feel a bit limp at the lower range but is a bit more punchy once it gets going. The petrol could really benefit from being turbocharged but it is smooth especially when teamed with the automatic transmission.

Although its not the quickest the suspension setup is quite firm, this makes the HR-V feel reasonably sporty and the steering is very responsive. There is however still too much body-roll and the downside to the stiff suspension is that on bumpy roads you’re in for a pretty rough ride.

Neither the petrol nor the diesel could be described as quiet and the auto does tend to hold high revs even in moderate acceleration. Wind noise isn’t too bad, but tyre noise is a bit of an issue on rough surfaces.

When you sit behind the wheel, the first thing you’ll notice is that the HR-V is much lower than most SUV’s making it feel more like a hatchback – so if what you like about an SUV is the increased visibility offered by an elevated driving position then the HR-V may not be the one for you.

The seats are comfortable and both they and the steering wheel are adjustable enough for most to find their ideal driving position.

Interior space is quite ample with both front and rear legroom pretty good. Three adults in the back will be pretty snug though, especially if they are tall.

In the entry level you’ll get climate control and automatic lights, cruise control and audio controls on the steering wheel. Upgrade to the SE and you also get front and rear parking sensors, a touchscreen control system, an upgraded stereo and automatic wipers.

Top end EX models offer leather upholstery, rear view camera and a panoramic sunroof.

The price range starts at €23,995 for the 1.5 i-VTEC SE Petrol to €32,895 for the 1.6 i-DTEC EX Diesel.

61Spokeout

MOTORING

Ford Kuga

Ford KugaThere is a choice of four engines with the Kuga. The 148bhp 2.0-litre diesel can be had in front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive form, while the 177bhp version is four-wheel drive only. The 1.5 petrol comes in a 148bhp manual transmission or 180bhp automatic transmission.

An automatic gearbox is also an optional extra on both diesel models, which is convenient for those who can only drive an automatic.

The Kuga is more than happy soaking up speed bumps and such. The steering is responsive and nicely weighted; while there is a little bit of body roll it is not really much of an issue in normal driving. Overall, the Kuga isn’t the sharpest-handling SUV, but it’s relaxing and confidence-inspiring nonetheless.

The 2.0 diesel is very refined and although the noise obviously increases when you put your foot down it never

becomes intrusive. Wind noise is no more noticeable than most SUV’s in its class however tyre noise at motorway speeds is quite loud.

Inside the Kuga is a very comfortable place to be with the low set seat and adjustable steering wheel allowing any driver find their position. The controls are also well positioned and easy to use.

Both legroom and headroom are generous although a slightly bigger boot would be nice.

When it comes to equipment I would recommend an entry-level Zetec model, which comes with air-con, cruise control, a digital radio, Bluetooth, USB socket, 17-inch alloy wheels and a heated windscreen. The Titanium gets you an upgraded infotainment system, part-leather seats, dual-zone climate control and automatic lights and wipers, although it’s a shame that rear parking sensors aren’t standard.

Prices for the Kuga start from €28,595.

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Wishing all my constituents a HappyChristmas & a Prosperous New Year

51. Finian is only answerable to you the citizen and

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3. Independent T.D.s are credible alternative topolitical party neglect.

4. Finian came up through the voluntary andcommunity sector. He worked as a voluntary fulltime worker withthe Simon Community, a former soup runner for the homeless,Board member of the Northside Centre for the unemployed inCoolock and is a former chairperson of the Dublin Branch ofDowns Syndrome Ireland. Active Citizenship at its best.

5. The Irish Times described “Finian McGrath is a strong contenderhave for the best of the Independents. He is a person of integrityand is a most committed worker”.

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IWA neWs

IWA shortlisted for Q MArk AWArdIWA was recently shortlisted for a prestigious award at the National Q Mark Awards 2015. Mary Smyth, IWA Director of Quality & Standards, speaks to Anita Matthews about IWA’s recent nomination

Presented by the Excellence Ireland Quality Association (EIQA), the Q Mark Awards celebrate businesses and organisations that consistently create new operating benchmarks.

IWA began the process of certification for Q Mark Level 2 following on from the success of achieving The Q Mark for Quality Management Systems Level 1 in early 2014 and also winning the award for ‘Best Not-For-Profit Company in Ireland’ at last year’s National Q Mark Awards.

Earlier this year, Mary Smyth, IWA Director of Quality and Standards, alongside the IWA Quality Management Team and Internal Auditors, began to prepare for the Q Mark assurance audit once again.

Mary says, “Focus on quality has always been embedded in IWA’s operations. As an organisation IWA has to listen to what our members need and want and make sure that we are providing it. This is where Q Mark comes in. They not only ensure that we are working towards continuous improvement, but receiving positive feedback from them makes the Association fully confident that we are on the right track.”

She continues, “IWA is delighted to be successful in our efforts to achieve the Q Mark in Quality Management Systems with a focus on the Assisted Living Services in 2015. Right now we are at Level 2 and we are extremely proud to be recognised by EIQA for our excellence in standards and quality. Our plan is to reach Level 3 the highest standard awarded by Q Mark in 2016. We are also planning for more of IWA’s services to enter the audit process and prepare for Q Mark accreditation. It’s all about continuous improvement and reaching even higher standards. The journey is ongoing! Achieving this recognition has boosted staff and service user morale because everyone takes pride in the service they provide in partnership with our service users.”

The National Q Mark Awards ceremony took place in late September. The night celebrates the success of businesses from all over Ireland across a range of sectors. All companies that are audited are considered to compete for a National Q Mark Award. However, only businesses that have achieved

The IWA team are presented with their certificate at the national Q Mark Awards: Pictured are (l– r) Anne Lowry, IWA Medication Management Project Manager; soraid Mcentee, Q Mark; sue Cogan HR Project Manager; Mary smyth, IWA Director of Quality & standards, Policy & Member supports; Claire Crehan Dowdall, IWA national Development Officer

the highest scores at audit are shortlisted in their relevant category.

IWA was shortlisted as finalists in the ‘Pursuit of Excellence Award’. The Q Mark judging panel includes experts from the areas of food safety, employment law, academia, business and quality sectors. Mary explained, “Q Mark has allowed us to be measured against the best industry standards around. IWA is already planning for next year with IWA’s Resource and Outreach Centre joining the Assisted Living Services for Q Mark accreditation.”

To help the Association gain valuable feedback and information, please contact the Customer Care Department in relation to any compliments, comments or complaints you may have about the services you receive. Tel: 01 818 6485. Email: customercare@iwa.ie

Mobility Scooter PermitTo travel on Dublin Bus with your mobility scooter you must have a permit. This is because some mobility scooters are too big to fit on Dublin Bus buses.

To find out if your scooter is the correct size, contact our travel assistant, who will check your scooter to see if it will fit on to the bus. They will also give you some helpful tips on bus travel.

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00761 Mobility Scooter Advert.indd 1 10/03/2015 10:02

Spokeout 65

Each month Irish Wheelchair Association holds our ‘Friends of IWA Monthly Draw’. From as little as €12.50 a month you can be in with a chance to win fantastic cash prizes while supporting people with physical disabilities in communities throughout Ireland. To find out how you can get involved visit www.iwa.ie/friends.

Fundraising news

There are many ways that you can support Irish Wheelchair Association to raise funds or make a donation this Christmas. Recently, Mark ‘Manus’ Harrington organised a sponsored head shave which took place in the Community Hall in Allihies, Beara,

Co Cork. Mark has raised almost €5,000 for the Association.

If you would like to make a donation this Christmas or for some great fundraising ideas, information and advice please visit www.iwa.ie/donate

Mark Harrington, before the sponsored head shave which took place in late October

Sponsored head shave

Congratulations to our latest winners!

August Super Draw winner€10,000 Claire Fitzgerald, Co Dublin

September 2015 winners1st Prize €2,000 Maureen O’Gorman, Co Kildare2nd Prize €1,500 Sonas Tuesday Group (2), Co Dublin 3rd Prize €500 Gavin & Cormac McLoughlin, Co Dublin

October 2015 winners1st Prize €2,000 Kathleen Quinn, Co Westmeath2nd Prize €1,500 Patrick G Ralph, Co Louth3rd Prize €500 Olive Halpenny, Co Dublin

Mark Harrington, following his head shave which successfully raised €5000

Friends oF iWA

Be brave and creative in fundraising for your local IWA this Christmas!

66

Jack Kerrigan documentary launch

IWA recently hosted an event to celebrate the first broadcast of ‘A Boy From The North West – The Jack Kerrigan Story’, a 50-minute radio documentary about one of its founder members.

Jack’s memoirs, brought to life in the documentary by the actor Mikel Murfi, are a poignant account of what it was like to be a wheelchair user in Ireland in the 50s & 60s. The documentary also contains previously unheard footage of the first Paralympic Games in Rome in 1960, as well as a powerful interview with Jack’s Paralympics teammate Oliver Murphy.

Oliver and his wife Joan joined Jack’s wife Rosemary at the launch, along with other participants in the documentary, including Brede Murphy, a retired rehabilitation nurse, and Bernie Grant, sister of Fr Leo Close (captain of the 1960 team).

Written & researched by Joanna Marsden and produced by Susan Dennehy, the documentary was funded by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland and first broadcast on Newstalk 106-108fm on 3rd October.

A new radio documentary about one of the members of Ireland’s first Paralympic team was recently launched at the National Gallery of Ireland with the support of IWA, Newstalk and the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland

How to listen‘A Boy From The North West – The Jack Kerrigan Story’ can be podcast from www.newstalk.ie/documentaryonnewstalk. It will also be broadcast on LMFM on New Year’s Day at 11am.

Back (left to right): Francesca Lalor, Series Producer Documentary on Newstalk; Susan Dennehy, Producer; Brendan Close, brother of Fr Leo; Bernie Grant, sister of Fr Leo; Joanna Marsden, Writer & Researcher. Front: Brede Murphy, retired nurse; Oliver Murphy, Paralympian & IWA founder; and Rosemary Kerrigan

Left to right: Francesca Lalor, Series Producer Documentary on Newstalk; Ciarán Kissane, Senior Manager at the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland; Joanna Marsden, Writer & Researcher; Susan Dennehy, Producer

Oliver Murphy with his wife Joan and documentary-makers Susan Dennehy and Joanna Marsden

Oliver Murphy and Rosemary Kerrigan, who have remained great friends

67Spokeout

REGIONAL NEWS

Members of IWA Ardee are participating in Paverpol sculpture workshops, hosted by Emma Bell and Evelyn Neary. This form of sculpture involves building the frame of a statue with wire and filling it out with tinfoil.

Evelyn and Emma are willing to host one-day workshops in other IWA centres. For further information, contact IWA Ardee on 041 685 3046.

Ardee members David Melvin, Amanda McElroy, Joe Duff, Teddy Pepper, Ger Lynch and James Flynn with their creations

Paverpol sculpture

Clane members visit the ÁrasMembers of the Clane Centre were invited to take a tour of Áras an Uachtaráin on Tuesday 19th August. Though the President was not there on the day, all forty members who had travelled to see his home received a very warm and gracious reception. The two-hour visit included listening to Presidential tales and history relating to the house.

Clonakilty visit to Dublin

Clonakility members Jackie Maguire, Patsy O’Donovan, Annie Tanner, Michelle Hourihane, Elaine Connolly and Harry Bennett

There was glorious sunshine at this year’s Angling Competition, organised by Cuisle Holiday Centre Donamon, Co Roscommon. Eric Molloy from Dublin was this year’s winner, followed closely by John O’Connor (Cork) and Paddy Keogh (Dublin) in second and third place.

The competition is an annual event in Cuisle’s calendar, organised by experienced angler Bill Cassidy with the help of staff at Cuisle. Trophies for the competition were kindly sponsored by John O’Connor and consisted of bronzed sculptures of angling interest.

Perch and bream were the main fish caught, and all were safely returned to the water after being caught.

The competition is a wonderful example of what we can achieve regardless of ability, and it also highlights that Ireland’s midlands are more accessible than many would think. Indeed recent upgrades to the amenities at Stoneham’s Lough have made the lake accessible for people with mobility difficulties.

To find out more about angling at Cuisle, phone 090 666 2277 or visit www.cuisle.ie

Cuisle 2015 angling ComPetition By eamon Hayden

Francis Hanley, Toivo Villau and John O’Connor with angling instructor Bill Cassidy

Back: Bernie Hughes, Eric Molloy, Eamon Hayden, Bill CassidyFront: John O’Connor and Paddy Keogh

A group of service users and staff from the Clonakilty centre enjoyed a break in Dublin during September. En route they visited the Kildare Stud and Japanese Gardens before checking in at the Clayton Hotel. Up bright and early on the second day they did the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, visiting desitinations including Kilmainham Jail, Guinness Brewery and Trinity College – followed by an afternoon River Liffey Boat trip.

68

John Doherty, Seamus McGrory, Daniel McBrearty and Christopher McBrearty at The Aviva Stadium

County Donegal may not have a rail network but that has certainly never stopped local members from getting out and about! Over the summer months service users at IWA day centres travelled far and wide in pursuit of their many interests, identified through individual service plans and group consultations.

Outings included the IWA AGM and Conference, Dublin; Ireland v Scotland match, Dublin; The Balmoral Show in Belfast; an Inland Waterways weekend, including overnights in Cuisle and Lough Derg; the Ploughing Championships, Laois; Doagh Famine Village in nearby Doagh Island; and an inter-county boccia tournament in Sligo.

Canoing on Gartan Lake

Donegal ‘personal goals’

Nadine Wilkin tries her hand at Archery in Gartan Outdoor Centre

Ron Parke, Frank Kelly and John Black check out the cattle at the Balmoral Show

By Mary McGrenra

69Spokeout

REGIONAL NEWS

sunshine Club adventureOn Sunday 6th September the IWA Sunshine Club in Athlone set out on a well organised fun adventure family day at Portlick Scout Campsite. The campsite consists of four acres of grassland on the eastern shores of Lough Ree, and is located 5km from the picturesque village of Glasson and 14km from Athlone town.

The aim of the adventure day was to play in the fresh air while enjoying some fun for the whole family. The day brought parents and family members of children with disabilities together in team working challenges. Over the course of the day everyone was involved in a wide range of activities such as archery, kayaking, zip-line, fusel football and gladiators. Activities were suitable for all age groups and abilities.

The Portlick campsite is an amazing place and is supervised by former scout leader John Butler with the assistance of his friendly and professional team. The day was not just enjoyable, it was challenging, rewarding, imaginative and fun. The Sunshine Club is planning on turning

this into an annual event. A big thank you to all the staff and volunteers, family members who helped out on the day.

Back: Ken Lee, Kathleen Brady, Maureen Lee and Dermot HughesFront: Emma Brady and Shauna Wallace

Ryan Minnagh with his dad Rory

Members along with their families, IWA staff and volunteers enjoying foosball

By Peggy Dowling

7070

CrosswordTo be in with a chance of winning one of two €50 ‘One4all’ gift tokens, send your completed crossword, including your name and address, to: SpokeOut Crossword, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Draw will take place on Friday 22nd Jan 2016.

No 30 by Gordius

Across1. Do they flock to places of

ill-repute? (5,5) 6. Launder, perform

ablutions. (4) 10. Sticky to the touch. (5) 11. Relocate a big turtle - the

one that makes such a mess. (6,3)

12. Racehorse riders. (7) 15. Thighbone. (5) 17. Musical instrument. (4)18. Precipitation. (4) 19. It’s used to make poitín -

even now. (5)21. As sold by a communist

butcher? (3,4) 23. Follow on from. (5) 24. Type of sword. (4) 25. Fragrant powder. (4) 26. Subsequently. (5) 28. Famous college of the Ivy

League. (7) 33. Earringed soldier? (9)

34. Cook in an oven. (5) 35. Spin a coin. (4) 36. Methuselah,

Nebuchadnezzar or Jeroboam, for example - one can sure hold one’s liquor! (4,6)

Down1. Each of the two. (4)2. Small fish sometimes used

as pizza toppings. (9) 3. Inuit canoe. (5)4. Berried bush associated

with Christmas. (5) 5. Dines. (4)7. In which to keep photos. (5) 8. One gambles big-time by using the wheelchair at

altitude. (4,6) 9. City on the Lagan. (7) 13. Use part of the teaset for

convenience. (4) 14. Hot macs conceal the

tummy. (7)16. Does this give one the

go-ahead to putt after dark? (5,5)

20. Momentous, significant. (9) 21. Military withdrawal. (7) 22. Attest that there’s an avenue

to the right. (4) 27. Sycamores, for example. (5) 29. Consent, concur. (5) 30. Six have a right go at this star

sign! (5) 31. Car by Issigonis or skirt by

Quant. (4) 32. Eye infection. (4)

CrOssWOrD sOluTIOns AnD WInners fOr AuTumn 2015Across: 1. Notary public 7. Hue 9. Twig 10. Animal 11. Arts 14. Leads 15. Elegy 16. Zero 18. Dealt 21. Pitch 22. Erica 23. Sleep 24. Need 25. Mimic 26. Shave 29. Late 33. Starve 34. Alps 36. Gin 37. Aladdin’s CaveDown: 1. New 2. Toga 3. Reap 4. Prize 5. Bland 6. Char 8. Ease of access 9. Three-pin plug 12. Kettle 13. Myths 14. Ladle 17. Enigma 18. Ample 19. Terms 27. Hated 28. Verdi 30. Tuna 31. Mess 32. Cava 35. Piewinners: S McCracken, Bruckless, Co Donegal; G Coyle, Portrane, Co Dublin

REGULARS

your views Got something to say? Write to us at SpokeOut, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3

Top marks to wexford County Council for the Beach wheelchair initiative

Dear editorWhen I travel to the UK I am always struck by the creative accessibility solutions available for those in wheelchairs and with limited mobility. I have spent hours cruising around the Tate Modern on a free mobility scooter, scooted (a bit precariously when near a Water Jump!) at Three Day Eventing thanks to “Event Mobility” and explored woodland gardens on a Tramper All Terrain Mobility Scooter thanks to “Living Options, Devon”. None of those experiences would have been possible otherwise, as walking has been limited to the coffee shop and possibly a short walk on the flat.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if other parts of our beautiful country became accessible through schemes such as the above. How about a Tramper Scooter for Fota and the National Parks as a starting point? Yours, etc.

Aoibheann Kennedy

Facilities and Sta� Highly quali� ed sta� and the highest standards in customer service.

RestaurantEnjoy mouth-watering food at Cuisle’s onsite restaurant.

Wheelchair TransportationNationwide pickups and day trips with our fully accessible buses.

Nightly EntertainmentCuisle has a licenced bar with nightly entertainment.

Gym (Indoor or Outdoor) & JacuzziStay � t while on holiday or you can unwind in the sauna or jacuzzi.

Thirty-Four Bedrooms34 en-suite bedrooms make Cuisle the ideal place for large groups or individuals.

Treat yourself to a break at Cuisle Holiday Centre

Cuisle Holiday Centre, Donamon, Co. Roscommon

Tel: 090 666 2277 Email: cuisle@iwa.ie

www.cuisle.com

Located on the beautiful grounds of Donamon Castle in Co. Roscommon, our specialist holiday centre o� ers a unique combination of facilities.

B&B and 4 course dinner

The views expressed on this page do not necessarily represent the views of IWA

Small adsIf you have an item for sale or wanted, a holiday contact or a personal advert, please send approx. 25 words to Small ads, SpokeOut, IWA, Blackheath Drive, Clontarf, Dublin 3. Small ads are free-of-charge to members. Adverts for accessible holiday accommodation and services are €20.00 (cheques or postal orders payable to IWA Ltd)

FOR SALECars and accessories

2009 PEugEOt PARtnER HORizOn 1.4 PEtROLSeats five or converts to take a wheelchair passenger and two seats. Electric winch conversion (worth over €2,000) for easy access. Two owners from new; 36,000 genuine miles; NCT to October 2017; ideal taxi car. €8,600. Tel: 086 366 7145 (Westmeath)

2007 FiAt DObLO 1.3Low floor, four seats, wheelchair ramp. Low mileage, NCT to July 2017. €5,995. Tel: 086 877 0362 (Dublin)

2005 PEugEOt PARtnERSeats three plus wheelchair, lowered floor, ramp with hand ratcheting winch. New battery and tyres, immaculate condition. Full NCT and taxed. 19,183 miles. €4,200, offers. Tel: 086 100 7984 (Dublin)

SiStEmA 2000 wHEELCHAiR LiFtExcellent condition. €2,500 ono for quick sale. Tel: 087 239 6986 (Mayo)

SwivEL CAR SEAtGreat condition, best offer. Tel: 087 282 1515 (Dublin)

SwivEL SEAtAllows easy access for disabled/impaired passenger. €750 ono. Tel: 087 224 9247 (Meath)

wheelchairs, scooters, adaptive equipment and clothing

ALuminium RAmPAs new. Folds up, ideal for access to house or transport. 7’ long, 29” wide. Cost €600, best offer. Can deliver in Dublin area. Tel: 087 655 4032 (Dublin)

PROFiLing bEDSingle size. Perfect condition. Purchased 16 months ago from Munster Medical Supplies for €1,200. Sell for €475. Bed no longer suitable due to home adaptations. Tel: 087 914 0120 (Cork)

JOHn PREStOn nEtti 4uCED wHEELCHAiRExcellent condition. 20” wide. Cost €1,500, sell €700 ono. Tel: 086 088 5255 (Westmeath)

invACARE ACtiOn 2 ng wHEELCHAiRBlack and silver in colour. Cost €280, best offer secures. Tel: 086 259 3566 (Dublin) PORtAbLE wHEELCHAiR RAmPFolds in half, easy to carry for transport in car. Only used for a few months. Cost €600, best offer accepted. Tel: 087 998 0919 (Dublin)

PLAtinum StAiRLiFtNever used, excellent condition, less than two years old. Best offer secures. Tel: 086 150 8615 (Dublin)

RASCAL mObiLity SCOOtERPerfect condition. 4mph. €500 ono. Tel: 087 957 3332 (Waterford)

StAnnAH StAiRLiFtStraight left-side wall. €850. Tel: 086 877 0362 (Dublin)

CAREFLEx HyDROFLEx 430 wHEELCHAiRTilt in space, soft profiled headrest. Never used. Cost €3,300, best offer secures. Tel: 087 671 1540 (Wicklow)

EnigmA SPiRit SELF-PROPELLED wHEELCHAiRRecently purchased, brand new, perfect condition. Sell for €700 ono. Tel: 087 770 5761 (Dublin)

ibiS muLtiFunCtiOnAL COmFORt wHEELCHAiRIBIS express 40 cm passive backrest spec, headrest flexible, academy twin inco cover. Bought in August 2015. Cost €2,058, sell €1,250. Tel: 086 3752613 (Dublin)

wAntEDmObiLity SCOOtER 8mph, 26” width. Perfect condition. Tel: 087 957 3332

REGULARS

CAREER OPPORtunitiES in iwAInterested in working with the Irish Wheelchair Association?If so, make sure to regularly visit our website (www.iwa.ie) for the latest vacancies.IWA is an equal opportunities employer.

Spokeout 71

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RegulaRs

The BACK PAGE interview

Two years ago, musician Frankie Lundy was still coming to terms with his diagnosis of Huntingdon’s Disease, but hopeful that greater awareness, advances in research and the introduction of dedicated services would improve life for people living with the condition. Susan Dennehy caught up with Frankie to find out how he has been getting on

How Have you been since we spoke to you in autumn 2013? I’m still very positive about my situation and cope as best I can with the day-to-day tasks and challenges of living with Huntington’s Disease (HD). I do walk with the aid of a walking stick all the time now, but often I don’t notice changes in my condition the way my carers and doctors do so I really value their guidance and support.

wHat Has been your involvement witH researcH into tHe treatment of HD? I have signed up to take part in a research programme in Beaumont Hospital where they are investigating the

causes of Huntington’s as well as researching the family backgrounds of people with HD.

you recently availeD of some intensive tHerapy. can you tell us more about tHat?I underwent a specialist, sixteen-week, in-patient programme for the treatment of Huntington’s at Bloomfield Hospital in Dublin. The programme consists of specialised assessments conducted by an interdisciplinary team led by a Consultant Neuropsychiatrist. The clinical team includes, among others, a Neuropsychologist, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Dietician and Speech & Language Therapist.

wHat aspect of tHat treatment was most useful?The physiotherapy sessions were really useful as well as the neuropsychology and memory tests. I enjoyed the tasks they set for me. I found them very beneficial and incorporated them in to everyday life.

How DiD you manage to access tHat service? My doctor in the day hospital in Ennis and my Neuropsychologist in Limerick Hospital were both very influential in helping me to obtain this service.

was it costly?I was very fortunate to be the first person to be awarded funding from the HSE to take part in this programme. I think it cost approximately €45,000 and it was funded in full.

in aDvocating for people witH HD, wHat is your most important message? There is always hope. With so much research and so many new treatments coming online all over the world, the key message is ‘never give up’.

wHicH of your personality traits Has most HelpeD you cope? I would say my stubbornness, my love of life, and also the will to go on, not just for myself but also, for my family and friends. Frankie lundy – a fighter!

DONAL MURTAGH MOBILITY LTD Moate Buu�:n�ss Park

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles & Conversion Specialists Clara Road, Moate

Co. Westmeath www.dmmobility.ie 087 - 3994500

Now Taking Orders For New & Pre-Owned Vehicles For 2016

Donal Murtagh is one of the leading suppliers and converters of mobility vehicles in Ireland. OM Mobility aim to deliver 100% customer satisfaction to all of our clients. As part of this commitment ***WE HAVE MOVED*** to a new state of the art facility in Moate, Co. Westmeath, just 2 minutes off the M6 motorway at junction 6 Moate right in the heart of Ireland. Our new 7,000 square foot premises allows our customers to view cars indoors and if you need to wait we have newly decorated warm, relaxing waiting areas with free Wi-FI and TV.

We supply all types of wheelchair accessible &

disabled driver vehicles and adaptations

• HAND CONTROLS

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

to all our customers

New and pre-owned accessible

cars now available for immediate

delivery, all trade-ins welcome

@NSAI NSAI approved workshop and converters

For the best deals and trusted service in all your mobility needs. Find us on-line www.dmmobility.ie or call 087 8400403 I 09064 81050 Email donal@dmmobility.ie

dunnesstores.com

Make it magical.