Cork's Jade Flynn-Hurley and John McCarthy selected for Irish Wheelchair rugby squad for the European Championships

IWA Sport governed Rebel Wheelers Multi-Sport Club players Jade Flynn-Hurley and Paralympian John McCarthy have been officially named as part of the Irish Wheelchair Rugby national squad.

They’ll compete at the 2025 WWR European Championship Division C in Skien, Norway, from October 8th to 12th. 

The selection is a testament to their dedication in the sport and marks a return to the country where Jade’s international career began.

Flynn-Hurley’s journey started at a Rebel Wheelers summer camp in 2013, where a demonstration of the sport sparked an immediate interest. A year later, she joined her local club, and as she says, "the rest is history".

For her, the sport provided more than just competition; it offered a community. She said: "It gave me a sense of belonging. The first hobby I found where I don't stand out because I'm different. 

"Instead, I'm surrounded by people who share the same experiences of living with a disability."

A seasoned international, Flynn-Hurley feels "very lucky and honoured to wear the green jersey". 

Her selection for this year's tournament was met with delight, seeing it as proof that her "hard work at the gym sessions, outside of training camp has paid off". 

The competition will be particularly special, as her international debut for Ireland was in Norway in 2022.

John McCarthy then has been a cornerstone of the sport for over 25 years. 

His journey began following a diving accident in his local town in 1992, which resulted in a C6-C7 spinal cord injury. 

Finding Wheelchair Rugby early in his life post-injury, the sport became a transformative force.

"Wheelchair Rugby came into my life quite early in my disability," McCarthy said. 

"It's been a sport where you learn a lot from your teammates, from anyone around that's got similar functional abilities... It's meant a lot. 

"I've travelled the world, I've played against teams all over the world, and it's just been a learning experience from day one right up to now."

Having been part of the initial group that established Wheelchair Rugby in Ireland, his career is filled with highlights. 

He cites qualifying for the World Championships in Australia in 2018 as a particularly proud moment, an achievement he once thought unattainable for the Irish team.

As an amateur organisation, Irish Wheelchair Rugby relies on community support to compete internationally. 

Each player on the squad is tasked with raising approximately €2,000 to cover essential expenses, including flights, accommodation, and competition fees. 

Flynn Hurley credits her parents as her biggest supporters, who were crucial in getting her to training and matches when she started.

McCarthy makes a direct appeal for support.

"We are competing in the European Championships, Division C in Norway this year and we could do with all of the support to help us get there... So support the Wheels in Green with anything you can afford."

The team is now reaching out to the wider Irish community to help them on their journey to Norway.

To support Jade Flynn-Hurley and John McCarthy’s journey to the European Championships, donations can be made through the official fundraising page https://www.idonate.ie/event/IrishWheelchairRugby-EuropeanCCompetitions