Cillian Dunne, from Kilbarron in Co. Tipperary, Ireland was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus [a build-up of fluid on the brain]. His condition manifested in scoliosis, paraplegia and dislocated hips, but rather than hold Cillian back it served as motivation. In 2012 he had his first taste of wheelchair racing, and a love affair was born.

Such is the progress he has made in recent years that the feeling from those in the know is that Cillian is now on the cusp of major international achievements at Senior level in his discipline. Having been number one in Ireland since 2018 and the current holder of three junior World titles Cillian is now poised to make a real mark on the World Senior stage. A group of friends, neighbours and supporters have now come together to ensure the inspirational athlete is given every opportunity to achieve his personal best.

Obviously Cillian needs the very best equipment to compete on the world stage but he also needs to regularly attend coaching and competitive events abroad. He is now attempting to gain the qualification standard for the world para-athletic championship finals in Paris in 2023 and the Paris Paralympics in 2024 in both the 400m and 800m events. This will involve travelling to events in France, Germany, Portugal, Italy and Switzerland between up to the end of July of 2023. Having access to the services of a UK based, world-class coach he will also be required to travel across the Irish Sea every three weeks.

This campaign is to raise some funds to make sure Cillian has every opportunity to achieve his personal best. We also want to show our friend, neighbour and all-round inspirational sportsman that we support him in a real way in his heroic endeavours.

To follow Cillian’s progress and to keep up to date with the forthcoming fundraising events look for Team Cillian on Facebook.