Conor’s Magnificent Seven

(JJ Hurley)

For Ballinhassig’s Conor Coughlan, it is seven consecutive titles in League Cups and National Cups as part of the Rebel Wheelers.

Born with a condition that affects his bones and joints, medically referred to as Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia Congenita, it has not prevented him from pursuing his goals and dreams.

At the age of 12, Conor had to abandon his dream of playing hurling, something he found difficult to accept at the time.

However, he has remained very close with the lads in the club and has even encouraged two of Ballinhassig’s Premier Intermediate hurlers, Brian Lynch and Charlie Grainger, to join him on the court.

Taking part in wheelchair basketball does not necessarily mean a player has no use of their legs, but every member of the Rebel Wheelers team faces their own challenges.

Conor has recently completed an MA in Business Management at the University of Limerick, having previously earned an undergraduate degree in Sport and Exercise Science.

He is now hoping to secure a professional contract in the sport from September, with Italy or Spain emerging as his preferred destinations.

In addition to his success in League Cups and National Cups, Conor has also collected six consecutive league titles with Cork’s Rebel Wheelers.

He has represented Ireland at international level, where the national team narrowly lost to Sweden by four points in their bid to reach the next tier of the international circuit.

A key influence on Conor’s development has been the introduction of Richard Sargeant, whose experience with the English national team has had a significant impact on his game.

As a minority sport, wheelchair basketball relies heavily on fundraising, and the ongoing lack of government funding continues to hamper its growth.

Conor holds the greatest respect for those involved with the Rebel Wheelers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the team has the necessary resources.

Joining Conor on the team is Ballygarvan’s Paul Ryan, who Conor credits with introducing him to the sport.

He is also indebted to his parents, Con and Mary, who encouraged him to challenge himself and are a source of great support.

Con previously coached Conor at both local and national level but has since decided to take a step back, with the likelihood of returning to his roots with Ballinhassig GAA in the future.

For Conor, the Rebel Wheelers are a hugely important organisation, providing an opportunity to meet and connect with other people with disabilities, something he says has helped him enormously.

While progress continues to be made, there are still situations where people with disabilities may be treated with unintended pity.

Conor stands as a powerful example that having an impediment does not make a person any different, and that encouragement, rather than sympathy, is what helps individuals achieve the goals they set for themselves.

Conor Coughlan with his parents Mary and Con celebrating his success with the Rebel Wheelers