SPORTING STARS FROM around the country have thrown their support behind Charleville hurler Dessie Fitzgerald, as he bids to walk properly again.
Notable hurlers like Cork’s Cathal Naughton and Limerick’s Shane Dowling, Cork footballer Colm O’Neill and Munster legend Paul O’Connell have all tweeted their support for Fitzgerald in the past two days.
In October 2011, Fitzgerald suffered an injury during a club game and was diagnosed with central spinal cord syndrome. He was told he may never have movement or feeling below his shoulders again.
Due to get married to his fiancée Sarah before his injury, Fitzgerald and his wife-to-be refused to postpone the wedding and used it as a goal of sorts to try and walk for some parts of the big day.
Fitzgerald admits during the video that he became slightly depressed following the wedding as he wasn’t able to carry out everyday tasks to his usual ability. He now has a son and is firmly focused on getting back on his feet and trying to be the best father he can possibly be.
After spending ten months in the National Rehabilitation Hospital he is now able to walk with the aid of crutches and has limited use of his hands.
There will be a banquet in the Park Hotel in Charleville on the weekend of 17 July, with other events taking place throughout that weekend, and all proceeds will go to the Dessie Fitzgerald Injury Fund.
You can also follow the example of former Cork hurler Pat Mulcahy, who like dozens of others, has donated to the injury fund on the official website www.dessiefitzgerald.com.