Paddy Gallen

"As a result of that event it opened lots of doors. Doors that led me to places like Norway on a tandem and running the Dublin and Belfast marathons."

The Story

In 1967 Paddy was blinded when he was just 16 years of age. In those days there was little support or help for Paddy to adjust to his new circumstances. After a period of months, when he was practically house bound, his father came up with a simple strategy which changed Paddy's life and led him to becoming independent once more.

The story continues...

Paddy left school in 1971 and threw himself into sport: skiing, walking, running and cycling. He "always went out to win" and indeed he did, winning numerous medals, and shields.

Paddy completed the gruelling 22 mile Mourne Wall Walk in 1981 - he thinks he might be the only blind person to have done so.

In 1988 The Princess Royal presented Paddy with the 'Torch Trophy First Trust Award' - for his contribution to sport.

Paddy is also a member of Armagh Cycling Club. One of the highlights of his sporting life was in 1986 when he represented Ireland in the World Tandem Championships in France, which was televised by French TV.

His Guide dog (see gallery picture) is called Unwin. Unwin is Paddy's 4th guide dog.

In this short video Paddy gives us a condensed history of his remarkable sporting career...

Watch Broadband Video

Watch Narrowband Video

Comments

Use this form to send your comments on this story.