Four League of Ireland players have swapped their football boots for power wheelchairs in support of one of Wexford FC’s flagship community foundation initiatives.
The first division club said it was a “brilliant day” as their powerchair team took on first team stars Mikie Rowe, Kaylem Harnett, Ryan Butler and Alex Norval for a special game supported by the foundation’s community partners.
“It was a fantastic celebration of inclusion, community and the shared love of football, bringing different parts of the Wexford FC family together,” the club said and it thanked everyone who took part and made it so special.
The powerchair football team has been aided by the Wexford FC community foundation which was established last year.
The not-for-profit foundation is helping Wexford FC to significantly expand its outreach into the community across three specific areas: football in the community, youth and grassroots development, and education and personal development through football.
“This means a lot to be involved in for Wexford Credit Union and to be a partner with Wexford FC, and to witness this powerchair football tonight is amazing,” said Wexford Credit Union CEO Martin Donovan
“The skill level that some of the players have shown is incredible. It was great to see some of the first team players try it out in the chair tonight. And they often say try walking a mile in my shoes, so Mikie Rowe and co may have thought it would be an easy game of football, but I think they have a new appreciation for it tonight.”
Mikie Rowe is Wexford FC’s star man having appeared 100 times for the club. Last year he scored 23 goals in all competitions earning him a place in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year and receiving a nomination for PFAI First Division Player of the Year.
Noting that his team were down 12 nil by half time, he described it as “by far the most difficult sport I have ever attempted.”
Among his opposition on the night was Finn O’Reilly. Before the opportunity to join this team came along, he was playing wheelchair basketball, but that didn’t work out because of his muscular dystrophy condition.
“Ever since playing this game with the motorised wheelchair, it has just been lifechanging to be honest.”
Finn’s sentiments were echoed by parent Siobhán Briscoe, who said it changed her son Cathal’s life, that he was not just defined by his disability but rather his ability.