A TIPPERARY GAA supporter has spoken about the positive impact of his relationship with the county’s senior football squad.
Kevin Hanly is a 22-year-old Tipperary ‘superfan’ who has autism and dyslexia. He rarely misses a Tipperary senior football game and, after struggling earlier in life, he is flourishing after overcoming some major obstacles.
“Growing up with autism and dyslexia I found life, learning and school very hard,” says Hanly.
“I found it hard, so for others to understand me was even harder. There was pressure trying to fit in, in life and school. At times, I felt isolated, different and self-conscious.
“When I went to the Tipp games, I just became a different person because I found fellow supporters with the same interests as me. The social aspect was huge and it got me out of my shell.
Hanly quickly formed a close bond with the Premier stars and he’s been there every step of their journey in recent years.
His love for Tipperary football has given him more confidence in social settings and he’s had a number of media appearances and speaking engagements thanks to his growing profile.
“In the last number of years, I have become good friends with the Tipp players especially the footballers. Any matches coming up I all ways wish them good luck and might give them a bit of advice too.
“They just see me as one of the lads – not Kevin with a disability.
“I have a lot in common with them. In my life people put me down and equally with Tipp footballers, people didn’t give them a chance. Now look at us. What I have learned over the years from those guys is to have a ‘never give up attitude.’ Even against all the odds we can succeed.”
Peter Acheson, who captained the Premier to the All-Ireland semi-final last year, recalls his first encounter with Hanley. He has witnessed him make extrordinary progress over the years.
”I saw Kevin long before I met him. I noticed a guy at every game and some training sessions, which is unheard of for Tipperary footballers.
“The supporters we have are the best you’ll ever meet and Kev tops the pile by a long way. He became part of the team due to his great support and I feel it’s helped him grow in a big way.
“I have no idea how autism may affect one’s life and I could only guess how hard it may be for someone, but Kevin has overcome it and it’s great to see him doing so well.
“We’re very proud of him and I’m sure there’s great things to come from this kid in the near future. We will be backing him all the way.”
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