Irish Rugby Captain Answers Irish Wheelchair Associations Call for Support

Irish Rugby Women’s prop and captain, Fiona Coghlan recently visited the headquarters of Irish Wheelchair Association to assist with a fundraising initiative and to learn more about the services the Association provides from the Resource and Outreach Centre located in her native Clontarf.

During this year’s RBS 6 Nations Rugby Tournament, the IWA had been selling tickets for two official Ireland and Leinster rugby shirts, signed by each team, respectively. The Association raised vital funds to help maintain the level of services provided to people with physical disabilities living in North Dublin.

Fiona Coghlan kindly drew the winning tickets from hundreds of tickets purchased by rugby fans and supporters of Irish Wheelchair Association alike.

The Irish Rugby Women’s captain was taken on a short tour of the facilities in Clontarf, including a quick visit to the gym and sports hall, where many athletes including the Irish Wheelchair Rugby Team regularly train.

Service Coordinator, Declan Hamilton introduced Fiona to members of the Association who attend the Resource and Outreach Centre on a weekly basis.

About IWA: Irish Wheelchair Association operates a network of Resource and Outreach Centres throughout Ireland. Over 2000 people with disabilities attend centres each week. The range of programmes offered by the service includes: arts and crafts, cookery, music and drama, gardening, sports, day trips, and holidays.

Increasingly, this service also offers access to community physiotherapy services and educational programmes such as computer skills, FETAC Certificate courses and Supported Employment programmes.

Pictured below: Irish Women's Rugby Captain, Fiona Coghlan and with Ciara Staunton, Irish Wheelchair Rugby Team Mid Pointer.