In 2016, my life changed completely.

I was diagnosed with spinal cancer and left paralysed. At the time, my daughter Chloe was just two years old, and my wife Orla was eight months pregnant with our second daughter, Sophie.

What followed was the toughest period of our lives. I spent ten months in Beaumont Hospital undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, followed by five months in rehabilitation learning how to live again with paralysis. Physically it was demanding, but emotionally and mentally it was overwhelming for all of us.

The most saddening aspect is that I should be still walking. I should not be paralysed!

The HSE (Health Service Executive), Ireland’s Health Service Governing Body admitted such in a Medical Negligence case in December 2020, four years after I became paralysed.

Before August 2016, I was a PGA Professional. Golf was not just my career — it was my identity. When I became paralysed, I truly believed that part of my life was over.

In 2019, I was introduced to a Paragolfer — a specialised machine that allows people with disabilities to stand and play golf. That moment gave me something I thought I had lost forever: purpose.

Thanks to the incredible support of Tramore Golf Club, funds were raised to help me get one, and I began rebuilding my game from scratch.

Since then, I’ve gone on to compete internationally, representing Ireland on the world stage. In 2024, I had the honour of playing in the European Team Championships, helping Ireland to a 4th place finish.

Last year, I finished 3rd in both the USDGA Championship in Florida and the G4D Open in England, two of the three Major Championships of the year.

In October last year after two years of runners up and third place finishes I won my first tournament, The South African G4D Open Nett at The Wanderers Club in Johannesburg.

My goal now is to become World No.1 and win major titles.

To do that, I need to compete regularly on the international tour — but the costs involved are significant, especially with the added logistics that come with my disability.

That’s why I’m asking for your support.

Every contribution, no matter how small, will go directly towards:

• Travel and accommodation for international tournaments

• Entry fees and competition costs

• Equipment and maintenance

• Ongoing training and performance support

Your support is not just helping me play golf — it’s helping me continue rebuilding my life, represent my country, and chase a dream that once felt impossible.

Thank you for being part of this journey.

Ian