Inspiring story of hurler who lost both legs and almost his life now headed for European Championships

A man who had no other option but to survive.

This is the very definition of unbreakable.

Keith Connolly’s story is truly inspirational.

The Galway man was involved in a car accident that threatened his life back in October 2011 but he’s never been beaten.

A hurler with Ballinderreen, Connolly had his life turned upside down when he lost one of his legs completely and the other from below the knee at the age of just 26.

Not even four years have passed though and he’s already an Irish international. Today, he jets off to Lisbon to partake in the European Wheelchair Basketaball Championships.

The Ireland side begin their competition on Monday in Portugal with a very real chance of taking honours in the Division Three category. They play seven games in five days next week but Keith Connolly will enjoy every second of it.

His amazing story was captured brilliantly by Colin Coen who’s also headed for Lisbon with the squad.

This really is a man who deserves the very best. Thank you, Keith, for showing us that the mind and spirit is stronger than the body.

And good luck to the whole Irish team.