Mobility Rehab for Leonard Copley

Leonard Copley



Leonard had a long and distinguished career as a front row forward (hooker) for Young Munster. Leonard demonstrated his leadership qualities throughout the juvenile years and on into adult teams. Culminating in the pinnacle of his playing career, when as captain, he led Young Munster to victory in the1983/84 Muster Junior Challenge Cup in a sold-out Thomond Park. Winning the Munster Seconds League that same year. After his playing career Leonard continued his contribution to the sport as a coach. Once again replicating his success coaching a Young Muster team to win the1999 Junior Cup. Throughout his rugby career, as both a player, captain and a coach Leonard exemplified the values of Irish Rugby.

“I was part of the Young Munster Junior cup team, coached by Leonard Coapley , that won the 1999 Munster Junior Cup. To this day it counts as one of my enjoyable years as a rugby player, professional or amateur. This was in large part down to Leonard who was so much more than a coach to the team. He was a friend, a mentor and an advisor. He remained all these to me as i passed from the amateur to the professional ranks. His advice and friendship has been a tremendous asset to me throughout the ups and downs of my professional career with Munster, Ireland and the Lions . I am delighted to help in any way i can to ensure Leonard receives the vital treatment he requires.”   ~  Paul O’Connell

 

Leonard suffered a spinal injury as a result of an accident in January 2016. Immediately following the injury, Leonard was paralyzed from the neck down. Leonard suffers from an incomplete spinal cord injury. This type of injury responds well to physiotherapy and within seven months Leonard had regained some mobility. Leonard credits the techniques and tools used by the National Rehabilitation Hospital with his remarkable progress. His progress has stalled without these treatments. Unfortunately these treatments are not available through the public system in the Limerick area. The First Step Therapy Centre in Patrickswell, Co. Limerick utilises the Locomat Device which had been so important in Leonard's improvement. He is keen to resume his therapy but will need to fund this treatment privately.