Dunderry triathlon hero raises over €5k for Acquired Brain Injury Ireland charity

Dunderry man Killian Minogue says he is thrilled with completing a TRY-Atholon in aid of Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.

Killian, who suffered catastrophic injuries including a brain injury, breaking his sacrum and pelvis in March 2015, after he was struck by a van completed the event of a 20km on a stationary bike, rowing 10km on a rowing machine and swimming 500 metres in the pool in less than three and a half hours.

“I was wrecked coming to the end," he said. “When I got to the swimming which was last I was nearly doing one length at a time because I was swimming using just my arms because I don’t have the co-ordination to kick my legs in the water."

It was tough but I got through it. Neil Heffernan my trainer and friend was swimming with me for support so that really helped.

Acquired Brain Injury Ireland are an organisation that proved invaluable for Killian when he was discharged from hospital.

“They provided me with occupational therapy and lots of further rehabilitation. Not only does my brain injury affects how I walk, there are a lot of cognitive issues as well.

“I have no memory prior to 2015. The charity gave me the tools to help me with concentration and attention skills free of charge. I want to raise funds so people who find themselves in a similar situation as me will be able to get the same help that I got from Acquired Brain Injury Ireland.”

He also managed to raise well over double the amount he had set to raise for the charity.

“We set an original target of €2,000 but we’re over €5,000 now. It’s great and I’d like to thank everyone for their support.”

Killian’s feat was only the beginning of a busy day of sport for the Minogue family that Saturday. His sister Aoife also had a leading role in the Meath camogie team’s win over Kerry later that evening.

“We got down for the last 20 minutes of Aoife’s game and she scored 2-3 in that time. It was fantastic.”