INSPIRATIONAL Killarney teenager Ian O’Connell and Elma Walsh – whose late son Donal captured the hearts of the nation during his remarkably brave battle with cancer – will share a stage at an annual public talk organised by the Diocese of Kerry.
St Brendan’s College student Ian (18) was left paralysed from the shoulders down after being thrown from his bicycle in Killarney National Park August 2017.
But he is determined to get on with his life in a positive frame of mind, demonstrating remarkable strength in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds and adopting ‘If you can’t stand up, stand out’ as his personal mantra.
Elma Walsh and her husband, Fionnbar, established the Donal Walsh #Livelife Foundation to raise funds for charitable causes following the death of their teenage son in May 2013. Throughout his illness, Donal, was passionate about promoting positivity, living life to its fullest and encouraging young people to never contemplate suicide.
The establishment of the foundation in the 16-year-old’s memory has been one of the real legacies of his life and his message.
Every January the public talk is held in Killarney to coincide with the diocesan assembly and previous guest speakers have included Cardinal Seán Brady, Bishop of Cloyne Billy Crean, Mary Immaculate College lecturer Dr Patricia Kieran, Bishop of Limerick Brenda Leahy and author and journalist Mary Kenny.
This year, in a break from the usual format, it will take the form of a conversation on the theme of Faith in the face of life’s challenges and the event will be held in the ballroom of the Gleneagle Hotel at 8.00pm on Wednesday, January 8.
Other guests joining in the conversation on the night will be author and cancer survivor Anne Alcock and Institute of Technology Tralee chaplain Fr Donal O’Connor and the chairperson will be Radio Kerry presenter Deirdre Walsh.
Admission to the event is free of charge and everybody is welcome.
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