Dundalk Summer Series of Darts, Wk4: Ray and Davey at the double to win Ralph/Gore Family Cup
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
14 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Man told he would never cycle again to take on Tour de Munster bike challenge
A Limerick man who was told he would never be able to cycle again is taking on the Tour de Munster bike challenge to raise funds for charity. Conor O'Dea went from cycling competitively to being paralysed from the neck down after an accident seven years ago. But tomorrow, he will begin the 640km bike tour around the counties of Munster. Sport has always been an important part of Mr O'Dea's life. He had been a Gaelic footballer in his youth and took up triathlons in later life. In August 2018, while training for a triathlon event, he was involved in an accident. "I ended up having an impact off the back of a van headfirst, and I was thrown out onto the side of the road. I was whisked away to the local hospital, and I was unconscious for three days," he said. Mr O'Dea had a spinal cord injury and at first had no movement in his body below his neck. While in University Hospital Limerick, some tiny movements returned, and he was transferred to the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dublin. Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, he said he was determined to focus on gradual improvement. "I made a conscious decision that I just was going to think positive and not dwell in any negativity. There's no point in looking backwards, there's nothing to be gained from it, and there's no point in looking too far forward either, because the further you look into the future, the more negativity." Over time, more movement returned to both his upper and lower body. "It's all about little incrementals, and I'm happy with the incrementals. That's all that matters. That's how I survive." A triathlon friend contacted him to suggest he could get a custom-built trike adapted to his needs. With the help of a local bike shop and charities, the idea became reality. "The first time I got the trike, and I went out my front gate there and turned down, I could feel the wind in my face. And that was a real sign of wow, ok, you're back on the bike." "I never thought I'd get this feeling again. I'm not an emotional fish, but that was close to it. It was incredible." Mr O'Dea said it has been easy to stay positive with the "amazing" support of his family, friends and carers. Tomorrow, he will begin the 640km Tour de Munster bike challenge. The four-day event raises funds for Down Syndrome Ireland. Joining him on the tour this year will be his care team, headed by Paula O'Keeffe, Bluebird Care Limerick, who first met Mr O'Dea at the National Rehabilitation Hospital. "Conor is definitely unique. Conor was very positive, which I suppose is the most prominent thing," she said. "When I did meet him first, he did say I am going to walk again. So I said ok, let's try that. And it's just been loads of different milestones Conor has met and surpassed. So it's great to be part of that." Ms O'Keeffe had not cycled a bike in 15 years, but after meeting Mr O'Dea, she signed up for her first triathlon. "He said if you do the triathlon, I'll go and see you coming in on the finish line. Now I had to learn to swim before we did it, so that was a bit of a challenge. But I said, look, if Conor can do what he can do, I can definitely manage to learn." While dealing with his spinal injury, Mr O'Dea has inspired people to take up challenges and has raised significant funds for charities. But he wears those achievements lightly. "I do get told that by people that I am inspirational, but I don't see it as inspirational," he said. "As far as I'm concerned, I haven't changed. I'm the same Conor before the accident as after the accident. I'm still training, I'm just doing different training." "I won't say it's no big deal, but that's the way I look at it. Now, if people want to take inspiration from that, perfect. But I don't look at myself in that light at all."
The 42
2 days ago
- The 42
Ireland and Shamrock Rovers teenage star Ralph signs for Sheffield United
IRELAND UNDERAGE INTERNATIONAL Joy Ralph has signed for Sheffield United. The 19-year-old striker makes the move from Shamrock Rovers, joining the WSL 2 outfit on a one-year deal, with an option for a further year, for an undisclosed fee. Ralph, one of the brightest young talents in the Women's Premier Division, starred for DLR Waves before linking up with Rovers midway through the 2023 season. Advertisement The Dubliner scored 23 goals in 53 appearances for the Hoops across years; was nominated for Young Player of the Year and named in the PFA Ireland Women's Premier Division Team of the Year in 2024. 'I'm absolutely buzzing,' U19 international Ralph said upon signing her first professional contract. 'From being a young child I've always wanted to play professionally in England and to get this opportunity, I'm really, really grateful for it.' "It's been a bit hectic but I wouldn't want to have it any other way. Getting the tour of Bramall Lane, it's unbelievable, it's just breathtaking when you first walk in and I'm absolutely buzzing to step onto the pitch..." Joy Ralph on moving to the Blades 🎙️ — Sheffield United Women (@sufc_women) August 5, 2025 Head coach Ash Thompson added: 'We've been monitoring Joy closely for some time now and really pleased to have been able to get the deal done ahead of the new season. 'She's a tenacious and exciting young forward who has been a proven goal scorer in Ireland for a number of seasons now, and we only see her adding more competition and quality to our attacking options.' Rovers confirmed the move in a statement of their own. 'Everyone at the Club would like to thank Joy for her contribution to Shamrock Rovers over the past 24 months and wish her all the very best with the move to the UK.' It's the latest significant loss for the Hoops following the departures of Ruesha Littlejohn and Katie Keane last month. Keane's move to Leicester City was confirmed by the WSL club last night. Stephanie Zambra is in interim charge after Collie O'Neill recently stepped down.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
Wicklow man to honour late grandmother by riding in Cancer Trials Ireland fundraiser
Cian Fenelon will be taking part in the Pat Smullen Charity Race at the Curragh on August 30, which will raise funds for Cancer Trials Ireland, the leading cancer research trials organisation in Ireland. In 2023, Cian was selected to ride in the charity race at the Punchestown Festival, and managed to raise €1,830 for the Punchestown Kidney Research Fund, having set himself a fundraising target of €1,500. Now, all his focus is on the upcoming charity race. He said: 'Cancer is a battle that many of us know all too well. It has personally touched my life through the struggles of my family and friends. Losing my grandmother Lylah Gaskin to cancer in 2020, and witnessing loved ones battle as opened my eyes to how devastating this disease is. 'That's why I've decided to participate in the Pat Smullen charity race, an event dedicated to supporting Cancer Trials Ireland. Cancer Trials Ireland plays a crucial role in pioneering new cancer treatments and trials that offer hope to countless individuals and families facing this disease. The race is held in memory of the late Pat Smullen, a brilliant jockey and pioneer for cancer research.' With more than 24,000 people diagnosed with cancer each year in Ireland, Cancer Trials Ireland is dedicated to finding new ways to prevent, find and treat cancer. It currently has more than 110 trials open and is recruiting new patients and has succeeded in offering research options to over 9000 patients across Ireland in the last fifteen years. As part of his efforts, Cian has established an idonate page and has set himself a fundraising target of €3,000. Cian added: 'Taking part in this race is a true honour, and I am grateful to Pat Smullen's daughter Hannah, and the entire Smullen family for organising such a meaningful day. "By donating to this cause, you are supporting Cancer Trials Ireland's critical mission of advancing research and trials that have the potential to save lives. Your generosity will directly contribute to innovative cancer care, offering new possibilities to those who need it most. 'Every euro donated not only honours Pat Smullen's memory but also moves us closer to a world where cancer is no longer a threat.'
