Cork Paralympian to launch memoir

One of North Cork’s most famous sons, and one of its most successful sportsmen, will launch his autobiography at a special event tomorrow evening.

Here For A Reason tells the life story of Paralympic champion and artist Tom Leahy.

Many years in the making, the book tells the compelling story of Mr Leahy’s upbringing, his entry into the world of elite Paralympic sport, and his many successes representing Ireland across the globe.

Ballyhooly man Leahy is one of the most decorated Irish Paralympians of all time and is the joint record-holder for consecutive appearances at Paralympic Games by an Irish athlete, having competed at eight games in a row from 1984 to 2012, winning a total of eight medals, including three gold.

Here For A Reason is co-authored by his friend Emmett Coffey and sets out to describe many aspects of Mr Leahy’s life story, from his painful separation from his family in early childhood, to the many challenges and difficulties he faced growing up with cerebral palsy.

Mr Leahy is also an accomplished artist and since retiring from competitive sport he has committed himself full-time to his painting. The book delves into how he fell in love with painting at a young age and looks at the inspiration behind his work.

Mr Leahy is now looking forward to bringing his life story to the world and said he was extremely proud to be able to launch Here For A Reason in his home village.

“There was only one place I could launch this book —Ballyhooly,” he said.

“The people of Ballyhooly have always supported me and were always the first to acknowledge and celebrate my sporting successes.

“I have lived here for almost all of my life and am proud to be from here. It will be great to see family, friends and neighbours on the night.”

• Here For A Reason, the life story of Tom Leahy, will be launched tomorrow, December 5, in Ballyhooly Community Centre at 7pm. All are welcome.