NOT for the first time in his young life, popular Killarney teenager Ian O’Connell took centre stage on Friday night when he was accorded a civic reception by Kerry County Council.
The award was presented by Mayor of Kerry, Cllr Niall Kelleher, in recognition of the 18-year-old’s bravery and the inspiration he has provided for his peers.
The citation read that Ian was being officially honoured for showing strength bravery and determination in the face of insurmountable odds.
The 18-year-old, a Leaving Certificate student at St Brendan’s College, received a warm ovation at the packed awards ceremony in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney.
Ian has adopted a remarkably positive approach to life, despite being paralysed from the shoulders down in a fall from his bicycle.
Picture: Valerie O’Sullivan
He has been described as a real-life hero and an outstanding inspiration after adopting a motto that if he can’t stand up, he’ll stand out.
Presenting the award to Ian, Mayor Kelleher said following his dreadful accident, at the age of 16, Ian decided that tears wouldn’t get him back on the road to recovery but a positive attitude would.
“He was told he would never come off a ventilator but he came off it 80 days later.
“Ian has been determined to spread a positive message to other young people through social media, stressing that life is short and encouraging them to do what they can while they can. His message has resonated far and wide,” the mayor stated.
Mayor Kelleher added that Ian has certainly stood out and he has done himself and his family proud.
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