Mayo rower prepares to make mark at Paris Paralympics
by Sean Molloy
A strong Achill presence will be felt at the Paralympics in Paris this weekend as Tiarnán O’Donnell prepares to make his mark on the world stage.
Having recently transitioned from a decorated career in wheelchair basketball to para rowing, Tiarnán, the son of Neasa Fahy from Achill Sound and grandson of Kathleen and the late Brendan Fahy—both esteemed teachers at Tonragee National School—has proven that determination and resilience can overcome the greatest of challenges.
Graduating with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Limerick (UL) this week, Tiarnán has already made a name for himself in Irish sport.
His journey, however, hasn’t been without its trials.
Diagnosed at the age of five with a rare malformation in his right leg, Tiarnán faced countless surgeries throughout his childhood.
In his teenage years, his condition deteriorated, leading to a re-diagnosis of a rare tumour called Fibro-Adipose Vascular Anomaly.
Despite undergoing a risky procedure to remove part of the tumour, Tiarnán suffered severe nerve damage, leaving his leg paralysed and in constant pain.
Faced with unimaginable hardship during his Leaving Cert year, he bravely decided to have his leg amputated in 2018.
This marked a turning point in his life, as Tiarnán moved from crutches to walking in just three months after the procedure.
Though he was ill during his Leaving Cert, Tiarnán’s academic ambitions remained steadfast.
Determined to study Mechanical Engineering at UL, he first attended TUS and topped his class, earning his place at UL the following year.
His persistence paid off, not just academically, but also athletically, as he continued to excel in wheelchair basketball, leading Ireland’s Under-23 team to a European Bronze in Finland.
Tiarnán’s pivot from basketball to rowing came after world champion rower Katie O’Brien encouraged him to try the sport.
After securing his degree, he immediately committed himself to rowing, moving to the National Rowing Centre in Cork to train alongside some of Ireland’s best.
He has already won a national title in rowing for UL and represented Ireland in an international regatta, further fueling his drive to compete in Paris.
In a curious coincidence, Tonragee National School, where Tiarnán's grandparents taught, is connected to yet another Paralympian from Achill.
Conall McNamara, who won silver in the 400 metres at the Athens Games in 2004, is also linked to the school through his mother, Mary T. McNamara, who served as principal there.
As he prepares for the Paralympics, Tiarnán credits his strong work ethic to his parents, who have been his biggest supporters throughout his journey.
His mother, Neasa Fahy O’Donnell, a Senior Executive Sports Manager at UL, reflects on how far Tiarnán has come:
“We are so thrilled for him. To think that five years ago he was just 13 days post-amputation, and today he’s about to compete in the Paralympics—it’s all down to his grit and determination. We are buzzing and so proud of him.”
The Fahy family’s connection to Achill remains strong, with Tiarnán’s achievements bringing immense pride to the community.
As he takes on the world’s best in Paris, there will be plenty of local support cheering him on.
His aunt Aideen, who owns Le Petit Irish Pub in Beauvais, has turned her establishment into the headquarters for Tiarnán’s family and friends, ensuring that a little piece of Achill will be right there in France with him.
At this time, we also remember another Achill Olympian, Mary Henry, who won two Olympic Golds with her horse Torres at the Special Olympics in Beijing.
Sadly, Mary passed away earlier this year, but her legacy, like that of Conall McNamara, continues to inspire athletes like Tiarnán.
Tiarnán’s schedule in Paris is set, with the heats for the Mixed Double Sculls taking place on Friday.
Should he not qualify directly, he’ll have another chance on Saturday, with the A and B Finals scheduled for Sunday, September 1.